Final Score - Oxford 7 : Bristol 4

Saturday 29th August 2009

The first of two challenge games, between the Oxford City Stars senior ice hockey team and the recently formed Bristol Pitbulls, was played at Bristol ice rink on Saturday.

This was the first chance for the Oxford fans to see the team, for the forthcoming season, assembled by new head coach Simon Anderson. It was also a good opportunity for a competitive workout, before the season starts in earnest.

The team and the new players in particular, did not disappoint. All made impressive debuts in the Oxford strip and worked well with the players who have been re-signed.

The first period was fairly even and saw Bristol, who possess a number of very experienced players together with some youth, take a one nil advantage, via a power-play goal as Oxford took a series of minor penalties. The score was tied at one all at the end of the period.

With five minutes gone in the second period, Bristol restored their lead with a goal from the experienced Mike Smith. They then extended the lead to three one.

A time out was called by the Oxford bench and it seemed to do the trick, as Oxford then replied with three unanswered goals. New signing Joe Boot scoring the first and assisting with the other two.

The friendly nature of the fixture seemed to be lost in the second period as it became evident that both teams coveted the win. A number of "niggly" challenges culminated in Bristol 's player coach (last year's Oxford player coach), loosing a tooth in an altercation with Oxford 's tenacious utility player Andy Cox. Insult was added to injury when Richie Hargreaves was then given a ten minute misconduct penalty!

The third period began with the score at four three to Oxford . Bristol then equalized, but then Oxford , who were playing with some well founded confidence, scored three further unanswered goals.

The game ended seven four to the Stars, ending a good competitive workout for both sides. New signing Shannon Taylor secured a deserved Man of the Match award.