Back from the Ice Hockey; Giants extinguish Flames with overtime winner...

In a game low on goals but high on chances, it was Belfast Giants who retained the Challenge Cup after a 2-1 overtime win.

Each team's netminder won man of the match, which shows that there were definitely plenty of chances, but it was only a power-play goal a piece in the 2nd period to get the red light on.

Belfast tucked one away early in the period through Dwyer with only 11 seconds to go on the penalty.

Guildford fired in the equaliser late in the period with a great first-timer from Crooks.

Despite an exchange of penalties in the 3rd, neither power-play generated a score so 1-1 at full time and sudden death overtime.

Finally it was a Flames mistake just short of 10 mins into the 4th period which gave Smotherman the easiest opportunity if the evening and sent the Giants home with the silverwhere.

Tough on Guildford who had played the better hockey and had chances to win themselves but their fans, outnumbering Belfast by 4 to 1, still gave them a standing ovation.

Great evening out, I'd recommend it to anyone.

Added bonus, didn't have to pay to get into Wales... tolls finished!

Posted By: Worthing Yellow, Mar 11, 00:22:13