Hi Hockey Fans,

The Bracknell B52s took to the road with the team minibus for the
international away game at Cardiff Arena. I think a few beers had already gone
down before the bus had got onto the M4. This was the 1st encounter for both teams
so we were eagerly awaiting the game (especially as it was an 8pm faceoff). Bracknell
bringing 3 lines and at full strength for this clash.About 3 hrs did the trick with an odd stop
enroute (though the coach had troubles finding the services exit). Getting to the rink in good time
we had a quick drink then time to get our heads in the game. With the long warmup finished it was pucks
in and down to business………

The game started with a goal inside the 1st minute for the Bracknell B52s, and 3 more goals to follow. With a 4 goal
lead things were looking good and a bit one sided. The Eagles still working hard and beginning to grow in confidence were
now getting more shots on Paul (munce) Munson in the B52s goal.The game suddenly not going in favour of the B52s with
Cardiff snatching back 2 quick goals (Sam Hayman) score now 4 – 2. Bracknell still forcing the play were to find 2 more goals and
again Cardiff were equal to the task. Final score at the end of the 1st period being 6 – 4. This was not going to be the easy game
Bracknell thought it might be.

The 2nd period saw both teams now playing some good hockey with the pace of the game picking up and the game looking a closer challenge
with scoring chances falling to both teams. The B52s just started to get their positional play working again and creating some good chances saw
this period finish with 8 more goals to the Eagles reply of 2. Score now 14 – 6 to the B52s. The highlight of the 2nd period being the penalty shot which was awarded to Bracknell. Nigel O’Keefe stepping up for his 1st penalty shoot for the team. With the crowd on the edge of their seats O’Keefe
confidently skated from centre ice for the 1 on 1 and found the top corner of the net to score his 1st goal for the team. Things now looking good for Bracknell ,but no lack of effort from Cardiff Eagles who were always looking for that scoring chance and they did not allow Bracknell to sit back and
enjoy the lead.

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