St Albans over 45s team banished their disappointment of losing in last year's final and put in a scintillating performance in Nottingham, running out 4-0 winners against Bristol-based Redlands.

The team started very positively, quickly gaining the upper hand, scoring through an 8th minute short corner from Ann Marie Davenport.

They kept up the pressure but had to withstand some forays from Redlands who were kept at bay by some resilient defending, with Miche Bloch having an outstanding game at sweeper. It wasn’t until the final play of the first half that St Albans doubled their advantage. An adapted short corner found Sian Ireland on the right post to make the score 2-0.

St Albans started the second half showing a more structured approach and their resolve was rewarded in the 40th minute when Lou Jackman was fouled in front of goal, resulting in a penalty stroke being awarded. Sarah Embrey calmly slotted the ball away. Three minutes later the game was put to rest when Jenny Birch finished off a fine attacking move to make it 4-0.

Squad

Dawn Forshaw, Michele Bloch, Emma Turner, Aly Lord, Liz Morgan, Sarah Embrey, Helen Waddell, Sara Robinson, Ann Marie Davenport, Jenny Birch, Liz Cleverly, Helen Anton (capt), Sian Ireland, Lou Jackman, Sue Hicks, Angela Byrne.

Coach and Manager: Donna Pringle and Clare Mulvaney.

Photo courtesy of Chris Hobson