Edg edge it……… (just!)

The tough start to the second half of the season continued with a journey to table topping Edgbaston made all the more harder without Ruth, Jess, Ella, Libby, and Lily. Panic wasn’t quite on the cards but there was an air of apprehension and the weather wasn’t exactly helping either.

But as usual team Sils just got on with the job in hand irrespective of who they were up against. Now Edgbaston have a solid spine of large adults and surplus University students to take on all the running required but Sils started positively enough although it was manly Edgbaston making the early plays with the defence seemingly under constant pressure although coping well and everyone contributing to the team effort. Forays into the opposition half were few and far between as Edg looked to exert their power and pressure into some early goals having won easily in the first encounter but this team has come along way since then with a new philosophy of not giving in and getting rolled over anymore.

The midfield developed into a mix of crashing stick tackles, obstruction and general physical contact with white shirts darting in and out of the play as the ball was moved around at pace to willing recipients making themselves available as Edgbaston continued their onslaught. But as they approached the Sils 25 they were met with a resolute defence marshalled by Claire Robinson who was making tackle after tackle to thwart the attacks. Many got through but these were either swept away by the hard working defenders or competently dealt with by Jo in goal who was busy putting in another impressive showing. By now the Edg coach and bench were getting somewhat frantic as everything they tried didn’t have any effect and passes were starting to go awry with the Sils midfield eagerly picking them off to advance into the opposition half finding their forwards who were working hard to create some space. Whilst it was still level scores there was a beginning of hope that Sils might be able to manufacture some sort of smash and grab win. But the attacks couldn’t be kept at bay forever and it did take an exceptional strike to break the deadlock as an Edg forward managed to find the sweet spot on her stick as an absolute rocket of a shot hurtled into the top corner of the net from just inside the D, probably the goal of her career. Sils did manage to trade short corners but nothing came of them and equally any Edg gained were dealt with competently. Bodies were being placed on the line and after another Edg attack Kate Huntington slumped to the floor after being pole axed by a stick to the head but undeterred she was soon back on the pitch to battle on.

The second half continued in much the same vain with Edg having the upper hand but finding difficulty getting through the Sils midfield and defence with Sils having a few attacks of their own although not overly working the goalie but shots were got away and chances were created so not all bad. But Edg hit the post twice a bit more frantic defending and with 6 minutes to go the decisive moment came with the Sils defence stretched and overrun Edg clinched the match with their second goal.

The game took it’s toll and the injuries mounted with Kate, Lauren, Tammy, and Annabel all picking up various knocks along the way a good team performance and hopefully things will get easier as the season progresses.

MoM: Claire Robinson for another solid performance standing up well to the onslaught and making tackle after tackle as the forwards were kept at bay.
DoD: When you wear football instead of hockey shin pads and then get smashed by the ball on the side of the leg is there any sympathy, not in this team so today the award is picked up by Lauren Hobday.