CHELMSFORD Chieftains were unable to match leaders Oxford City Stars as they fell to an 11-4 defeat on Sunday.

The Chieftains knew the size of the challenge in National Ice Hockey League South 2, and the Stars scored six first period goals.

Having failed to make the most of a powerplay, Chieftains were then undone by Oxford as Josh Florey, Dominic Hopkins, Josh Oliver, Theo Bundock and two for Kamil Kinkor put the hosts 6-0 up.

Chieftains called for a time out but were unable to get on the scoreboard in the first period.

Grant Bartlett shot wide when it looked easier to net at the start of the second period before James Ayling did get the visitors on the scoreboard, following some excellent work by Michal Ovarec.

Grant Bartlett did pull another goal back to prompt brief hopes of a comeback only for Michael Whillock to net for Oxford.

Florey scored his second following a mistake by goaltender Sonny Phillips, with the score 8-2 heading into the final phase.

Anthony Leone made it 8-3 but it was a bridge too far to gap. Florey completed an excellent ha-tricks with 15 minutes remaining, and Whillock took the total to 10 almost immediately from the restart.

Whillock rounded off his treble in the final nine minutes and although Grant Bartlett had the last laugh - making it 11-4 - it was an afternoon to forget in Oxford.

Chieftains’ next game is on Sunday against the Basingstoke Buffalo’s at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre. Face-off is at 6.30pm.