HOCKEY: SOLIHULL Blossomfield saw their hopes of finishing second take a big hit on Saturday after they lost 4-3 at home to Worcester Ladies.
The hosts, having secured six points last weekend, started slowly and the visitors dominated with their energy and determination. Worcester scored first through open play and the visitors were unable to up their game as they quickly fell 2-0.
Bloss rallied briefly and showed glimpses of their previous form, firstly through Carianne Robertson and secondly with the strength and pace of Louise Davis and they were lucky to go into half time all equal.
Worcester started strongly in the second half and scored two goals in quick succession to hold a two-goal advantage.
Bloss were awarded a penalty flick which was clinically dispatched by Denise Fountain but despite dominating the final ten minutes, they could not find another breakthrough as the game finished 4-3 to Worcester.
Bloss remain in third place, three points behind second with just three games remaining.
Solihull Blossomfield’s Over-35s also tasted defeat after losing 7-2 on the road at Barnes Ladies which sees their progress in the National Shield come to an end at the semi-final stage.
With Barnes having scored 22 goals in their last three games, it was always going to be tough for the Midlands team.
Barnes started strongly and their skill and pace outclassed Bloss with the hosts holding a 3-0 lead at the midway point.
Bloss gained periods of possession and Barnes found themselves in a game during the second half as Denise Fountain opened the Bloss scoring.
The visitors had strength and energy going forward with Nicky Horton and Margot Griffiths – who epitomised the resilience, determination and attitude of the Bloss ladies.
Barnes beautifully scored a quick treble before Bloss came back with a number of circle entries. Kate Digby found Denise Fountain in the D who superbly lobbed the Barnes keeper from an acute angle before Barnes wrapped up the scoring with the final goal.
