AFTER three games the Scorpions are still looking for their first win, but they couldn't have had a harder start to the season having already played the big three teams.
Although Warwick were the latest team to win in Stoke, the home team can’t be too disappointed with the performance as they produced the closest game between the two clubs for two years.
In the end the pace and stamina of the reigning champions proved to be decisive as they pulled away in the second half. The Staffs defence couldn’t keep up with the speed of Warwick’s attack and in the third quarter their superior quality showed through.
The Scorpions had the better of the opening minutes as James Perkins and Kelly Stone both had opportunities, but neither were able to get a clear run through defence and so could only get a weak shot away, which was saved by the keeper.
Their punishment came almost immediately as Annie Swan finished off fine build up work from the Warwick attack, with Nick Scullion making the decisive pass.
The away team continued to press and were eager to build a lead, and Em Macleunan provided them with their second, as she made a fine run off the ball to lose her marker and got set free bearing down on goal. From there she made no mistake with the finish, giving keeper Stephen Jinks no chance.
Although Staffs were enjoying a good few attacks, they couldn’t get close to penetrating the strong Warwick defence and got caught on the break once again by Alice Williams. Their strong crease women caught the ball on the edge of the fan and made no mistake with her long range finish, hitting the far corner of the net.
The Scorpions finally got their reward for all their hard work as Perkins managed to find Elle Morrisson free just outside the fan and the little attacker ran towards goal and produced a strong finish to leave the keeper stranded.
The score was 3-1 after the first period but this was a close as Staffs got to closing the margin.
After the restart Warwick extended their advantage as Swan got her second, receiving the ball from the back line to score.
Staffs captain Carly Edwards reduced the deficit once again as she picked the ball up from the resulting draw and ran straight to goal, finishing well from the edge of the fan.
Warwick University then got two quick fire goals through Williams and Scullion who both found themselves free in the fan and gave Jinks no chance in goal.
Dimitri Chambers got his first of the game to keep Staffs in contention, running through a crowded fan and finished well.
This ensured that it was 6-3 at half time but with Staffs tiring as they tried to keep up with the Warwick attack they were unable to narrow the score margin.
After half time Warwick scored five goals without reply and the game was almost over as a contest.
However Staffs kept their heads and gained two goals back from the fast running Chambers who bagged his second consecutive hat-trick.
This just urged Warwick on and the away team went on to score five more goals, giving the score-line a more one-sided look than the game represented.
Staffordshire: Stephen Jinks, Thomas Jenkins, Dimitri Chambers, David Downs, David Grice, Berti Spain, Mimi Roch, Nicola Steadman, Carly Edwards, James Perkins, Laura Morrissey Jay Armstrong, James Anderson, Rich Christon, Marcus Howe, Jack Tew, Phil Tinkler, Elle Morrisson, Kelly Stone, Izzy Wilding.
Referee: Richard Owen
Man of the Match: Dimitri Chambers
Women of the Match: Carly Edwards