Josh Batch leads the Devils past the Blaze

The Rivalry between the Cardiff Devils and Coventry Blaze renewed itself tonight as the Blaze welcomed their South Wales rivals to the Skydome.

Coventry got off to a dream start, scoring early. It took just 2.56 for Ryan Ginand to net his 28th of the season for the Blaze, giving them a 1 - 0 lead.

Midway through the first, Shea Guthrie also beat Phil Cook to give Coventry a 2 - 0 advantage,just after the Devils returned to full strength after Mark Richardson was called for a double-minor high sticking call.

The Blaze ended the first period with the two goal lead in tact, heavily outshooting the Devils by 12 - 5.

The Devils weren't out, despite a shakey opening 20 minutes they started the second very strong.

Like the Blaze in the first period, the Devils struck early, beating Mike Zacharias just 76 seconds in as Chris Blight netted his sixth of the year after missing the last two games.

Another quick one as young Brit Josh Batch grabbed his first of the year after some early season struggles. Just 11 seconds later and Batch was at it again. With just 2.26 played in the second period, the Devils had overturned the 2 - 0 deficit and led 3 - 2.

Cardiff continued to press, a much improved second period led to another goal, Andrew Lord scored shorthanded to open up a 2 goal lead with 30 minutes still to play.

Coventry were stunned by certainly not out, the talented Ryan Ginand pulled one back with his 29th of the year and second of the game, but they couldn't add another as they trailed 4 - 3 at the end of two periods.

Luke Piggott was on the attack early in the third, scoring at 3.39 with Ben Davies picking up the assist but they weren't to repeat their three goal scoring spree seen in the second period.

Instead it was the Blaze who scored next, a soft goal but a goal that pulled them back to within one with captain Ashley Tait getting on the board with 10 minutes to go.

However, despite the home crowd on their side the Blaze couldn't get another and when Josh Batch completed his hat-trick with less than 5 minutes to go, the game was over and the Devils won 6 - 4 over their rivals.

Cardiff Man of the Match - Josh Batch (3 goals, 1 fight)

Coventry Man of the Match - Ryan Ginand (2 goals)

Both teams will take to the ice again on Saturday night as the Devils welcome the Blaze to South Wales with the Devils slowly climbing up the table and only two points behind the Blaze going into Saturday nights contest.

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