Winning run comes to an end.

University Birmingham 4’s were the latest side to visit Coptn Heath in a Warwickshire Division 1 encounter. This was always expected to be Sils toughest encounter of the season and a good gauge as to how far the side had come in rebuilding.
Birmingham were soon into their stride with passing the ball from side to side and playing a fast paced high pressing game backed up with a squad of 5 rolling subs used frequently to replenish flagging stamina. Much of the early part of the game was played in the centre area with neither side making inroads against hard working defences and it wasn’t until the 20th minute when Joanne Brett in the Sils goal was forced into a great double save but Birmingham were the quickest to react forcing the ball home. Not to be deflated Sils were soon on the attack and a flowing move just evaded Miriam O’Malley as she charged into the D Sils were now playing some of the best hockey for many a season with the whole team acting as a unit and supporting each other at every opportunity. Birmingham attacks were being met by the midfield and any loose ends cleared by the hard working defence. Each side was probing the opposing defences and Brett was called on again in the 32nd minute to clear from two onrushing forwards who had split the defence.
Right on half time the Sils defence was breached and Brett was once again called on to make a double save before the forward slipped the ball to the far post for a tap in.
Half time allowed the tram to re-evaluate and within 3 minutes of the re-start Naomi Ennis strolled through two defenders before slipping the ball to Tamara Majevadia to score at the far post for her first goal for the senior side. Sils were coming more into the game and had more of the possession but couldn’t quite find the killer pass needed to close the game further. The deciding moment came in the 52nd minute Sils were caught on a counter attack and a sharp strike from just inside the D reached the back of the net. Five minutes later it was game over as the ball was deflected into the net from a defensive stick wrong footing the whole of the defence and Brett in goal. Although Sils valiantly attempted to close the deficit the game ran out with no further scoring.
Although defeated the Ladies came up against a very well organised side who perhaps if they had met later in the season it might have been a different story. But not to be too down heartened the side is playing better than ever and chances are being created.

MOM: Ali Leake who seemed to cover all areas of the pitch, in defensive battles, linking with the forwards and covering defenders when drawn forward.