Huntington hammers home the winner

With availability becoming less of an issue and the transformation of the side almost complete Sils took to the field against local rivals Solihull Blossomfields eager to kick start the second part of the season.

Sils started well keeping possession and making good inroads into Blossomfields half although were again caught on the break with their opponents forcing the first short corner of the match which was easily dealt with. As the play steadied down Sils started to gain some shape and the defence held firm against the probing opponents as they.

Ali Leeke was anchoring the centre of midfield well allowing both Ruth Dovey and Rebecca Leaning to push forward in an attempt to help the goal shy forwards. Plenty of chances were being made although the final pass was still evading a Sils stick allowing the opponents to counter attack at speed. The defence were however resolute and when breached Joanne Brett was closing down all the opportunities with speed off the line and good anticipation to smother any attacking play.

With Samantha Cooper back in the forward line there was a glimmer of hope that goals would come but as the threat increased Blossomfields decided to revert back to their usual tactic of chopping a few fingers to slow the impetus down as the half drew to a close.

The second half continued much in the same way as the first with Sils making the most of the attacking plays with Blossomfields counter attacking at speed as the Sils attacks wavered. Blossomfields had the greater number of sort corners but were unable to make them pay as the injections were run down and further Sils attacks created as the ball was blasted out of defence.

The Sils forwards were rolled on and off with great frequency in an attempt to freshen up the attack but although pace was continually injected and the wingers were getting to the bye line again the usual frustrations emerged as a decisive finish couldn’t be found. The Sils forwards continued to press well with new found vigour and it was only a matter of time before their persistence paid off. Although it was Blossomfields who suddenly found an extra gear and took the game to Sils who conceded a number of short corners in quick concession. With the defence at full stretch and bodies on the line there were tense moments as the shots rained in but Sils held firm and reacted well and managed to force a number of attacks to relieve the pressure.

With the game reaching a climax as it entered the last few minutes Sils were awarded a short corner and with Kate Huntington taking position at the top of the D the precision injection was stopped on cue and the Huntington “hammer” was unleashed as a howitzer of a shot smashed into the backboard before Blossomfields knew what had hit them. A fitting reward for the hard work that had been put in over the course of the game.

MoM: Joanne Brett, for good command of her area, speed off the line, and outstanding saves throughout the game.

DoD: Jai Resche, who needs socks anyways.