HOCKEY: IT WAS a winning start for Solihull Blossomfield Ladies on their return to action after they defeated Stone Ladies 4-2.
The hosts were sitting above Bloss in the league table and proved to be tough opposition but the visitors started strongly, moving the ball decisively and at pace.
The breakthrough came in open play via the pace and clinical finishing of Sam Yarnold. Jenny Parkes capitalised on some sublime Blossomfield passing and movement and was in exactly the right place to slot the ball over the line for Bloss’s second.
After the break Stone rallied and scored two quick goals to bring the match even, before Bloss regained their composure and dominance.
The ever consistent Amelia Thompson settled the Bloss nerves with a inch perfect, near side goal from open play and the game was well and truly over moments later when Alisha Lewis slotted home the fourth and final goal.
Solihull Blossomfield’s Ladies Masters side eased into the quarter finals of the Ladies Over 35’s Shield thanks to a 2-1 victory over Didsbury North.
The hosts dominated possession and a stunning display by the Didsbury North keeper kept the visitors in contention.
Against the run of play, the visitors scored first but Bloss equalised before the half time break via incisive passing from Denise Fountain, finished strongly by Julie Spence.
The second half mirrored the first with Bloss dominating both possession and territory and again the Didsbury North keeper thwarted may Bloss efforts.
But the breakthrough came with less than ten minutes remaining through Denise Fountains’ skill and determination to drive the ball over the line for a 2-1 victory.
Elsewhere, Solihull Blossomfield Badgers were the dominant team against Yardley Badgers but only had one goal to show for their efforts.
Yardley proved difficult to break down with an experienced back line and with an adult in goal keeping Bloss’ shots on targets out.
The second half continued in the same vein and with the back up of a solid defence, in particular excellent distribution from joint player of the match Samuel Willard, the Blossomfield midfield dominated again.
The pressure eventually paid off when Cameron Mowat found a way past the Yardley goalkeeper with a match winning strike. Oliver Horsler, in only his second match, shared joint player of the match demonstrating some excellent skills.
