HOCKEY: SOLIHULL Blossomfield Ladies’ Over 35 Masters side progressed through to the semi-final of the National Shield after holding their nerve to beat Bretforton on penalty flicks.
Blossomfield started Saturday’s match strongly and created a number of early chances, while also enjoying greater possession than the visitors.
Denise Fountain combined with Nicky Horton but they were unable to find a way past the Bretforton keeper.
The visitors were strong on the counter attack and Jane Rice in the Bloss goal was kept busy throughout the game.
Bloss’s penetration continued in the second half and Kate Horsler was unlucky not to open the scoring before the hosts finally took the lead through a scorching Sara Webber strike.
Bretforton improved their possession and pushed forward with success towards the end of the second half, equalising through their continued pressure to set up penalty flicks.
After the first five flicks both teams were level at 4-4 and with tension mounting the penalty takers went into sudden death.
The goalkeepers came into their own and Jane Rice in the Bloss goal came out on top as she saved fours flicks while her opposite number could save only three.
Rice was voted player of the match for her exploits as Bloss won 7-6 to progress into the final four on March 12.
