HOCKEY: SOLIHULL Blossomfield remain in the hunt for promotion after defeating Ludlow in their latest West Midlands Premier League fixture.
Following troublesome results in recent weeks, Blossomfield regained their grip on a possible promotion hunt with a solid all round performance.
The game was played cautiously at the start with both teams wary of the threat posed by leaving gaps in defence.
A few open play chances that would otherwise been put away went begging and by half time the score remained goalless.
The second half began in a more secured manner.
Though retaining the upper hand, Solihull struggled to find that much needed goal that would break the deadlock.
As the game ticked on, it was looking like a frustrating away trip to the borderlands was on the cards.
But 15 minutes from time, Tom Bates – who had worked tirelessly all match – was rewarded with some intricate team play that saw him beat a resistant Ludlow keeper and score a much deserved match winning goal.
Solihull remained resolute in the final minutes and closed the game with yet another clean sheet.
<b>Ladies
Blossomfield 6-1 Olton
</b>
Elsewhere the Ladies team were also in winning form as they beat local rivals Olton 2.
Despite a late afternoon start and the game finishing under floodlights at Olton, Blossomfield were the brighter of the two teams in this fixture.
Blossomfield played patient hockey at the start and were rewarded when Ellen Bleumer scored from the D to gift the visiting side the early advantage.
Their lead was soon doubled when Louise Davies intercepted a pass on the half way line and drove half the length of the pitch using her pace and strength before slotting clinically passed the Olton keeper.
The hosts came out stronger in the second half, and Blossomfield struggled to get hold of the ball initially.
Olton were unlucky not to get one back when a great shot was plucked out of the air defender Laura Dickson.
This changed the momentum of the game.
Soon after four goals were put past Olton. Sam Yarnold bagged a brace while Lucinder Dawson and Nicky Horton were also on the scoresheet as Blossomfield dominated.
Olton did pull a goal back at the end as the game finished 6-1.
