C Team vs Oxford Vikings 2-10

This was a steep learning curve for a much-changed C team, who played their first game in Division 2 against one of the division’s favourites. Goalie Dave Smith was arguably made to work harder in this game then he did in the entire 2005-2006 season, making some excellent saves before eventually and understandably succumbing to exhaustion midway through the 3rd, where he was replaced by Neil Curtis. Despite the early barrage and few goals against, Nottingham settled and pulled a goal back to make it 3-1, which rejuvenated the side and made it anyone’s game. Taking and throwing a few hits was alien to this new team (apart from the odd hit during training) but the entire team fought hard and let the opposition know they weren’t going to lie down even as the Oxford goals began to creep in. With some more vigilant refereeing, less dodgy bounces and unlucky deflections and a bit more stamina (myself included), the score line would not have looked as bad, and the stellar effort by all the boys would have been more evident.

Great effort lads!

Chris McHugh