| Solihull Blossomfield Mixed team are currently celebrating having successfully qualified for the quarter finals of the England hockey national championships! The glorious sun last weekend brought joy to many but as the nation basked in the unseasonably high temperatures the men and women of Solihull Blossomfield Hockey Club faced a challenging trip to southern Oxfordshire and a match against a determined opposition also looking to make history and reach the last 8 of a national knockout tournament. Mixed hockey is a fanatsic discipline within the sport of field hockey combining social and team skills in an enjoyable and exciting sport! And has been an integral part of the Blossomfield Hockey for many years having won the tournament in 2007 and this season has proved another fruitful campaign having successfully qualified for the latter stages of the competition early this year. The match against Wallingford Hockey Club started as a nervous affair with both teams trying to play free flowing hockey whilst always concious of the prize that awaited the winners and of the disappointment for the losers. |
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| Early exchanges saw chances for both teams but it was a blossomfield defensive lapse that allowed Wallingford to take and early lead which was to last until half time. An inspirational team talk paid dividends and Blossomfield came out for the restart with confidence and conviction and were rewarded with the equaliser within only five minutes! With the opposition rocking blossomfield further pushed their advantage and dominance by adding a second to take the lead and take control of the tie. Wallingford however were not ready to roll over and against the flow of a play a quick break left the blossomfield goal exposed and scores tied at 2 all with ten minutes left. The equaliser did not serve to dissuade the blossomfield team whose belief was unshaken and within 5 minutes of extra time Blossomfield scored again to re take the lead, a period of possession play and hard work in the searing temperatures saw blossomfield close out the tie and take their place in the quarter finals of the national competition. Wallingford were a gracious team in defeat and as with all mixed hockey games a good dinner and drink was shared by all players post match. The draw for the quarter finals was made this week and following the euphoria of victory the teams attention has now been focussed on the task that lies ahead with a home tie against north east opposition in the form of Sunderland for a place in the semi finals and last 4! The tie will played at Old Sils sports club, Warwick Road at 1.00pm on Sunday 16th May. All spectators are welcomed to come along and support Solihull and the local area as your mixed hockey teams battles for national champion status again. There has never been a better time to pick up or partake in hockey currently with subsidised membership, success on the pitch, great facilities and a fantastic social atmosphere The Blossmfield club welcomes all newcomers young or old and the mixed hockey team is just one of the sports on offer! |
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Hockey Section - Mixed Plate