M5 Match Report

With something of a scratch side and a few of our youngsters about two foot shorter than most of the opposition, it seemed as if we might be in for a harrowing afternoon. However, strengthened by Johns Rice and Scott plus the welcome addition of Henry Scott, we started well and attacked Edgbaston with vigour. Daniel Bridges had some good runs into their D and after a couple of good shots on goal from Tony Dwyer and John Rice, Tony managed to slot home to put Sils in the lead. We managed to nullify Edge's attacks for the rest of the half, particularly when defending five successive short corners. However, they got a goal back from open play when they managed to evade our defence and wrong-foot Ben Rice in goal.

After the break, Edgbaston's greater squad strength began to tell and most of the game see-sawed between their 25 and our goal line. Nevertheless, there was some great defending from John Scott and Charlie Russell and some nice touches from Sam Teal to take the ball up the right. In spite of John Rice's best efforts, we weren't able to give Daniel the service he needed to take on the Edge defence. Mackenzie Hill, Tom Smith and William Maidment all made good contributions but Edgbaston's larger squad, greater experience and strength on the ball meant our attacks were mostly frustrated. Edgbaston had several attacks as we began to tire and we were fortunate that Ben made two or three great saves. A couple of Edge's shots on goal went just wide but, in a melee in our D just before the final whistle, they managed to slot the winner through a crowd of players.

A very encouraging performance by our youngsters in their first adult game. Dave Higgins' comments in the 4ths report make good reading. If we follow his advice in the 5ths, we will surely develop into a side that will hold its own in the brave new world of Central League SE2.