THE step up to challenge Warwick University proved too much for a spirited mixed team as they lost 24-3 in the falling snow.
Despite the freezing temperatures the Scorpions took the lead early on as Dimitri Chambers finished off a powerful Staffs attack which involved two previous missed shots. The away team even kept the lead for the next five minutes but the defence finally broke as the Warwick midfield sped through the middle to finish off a fine move.
The first quarter remained even in terms of possession and chances, however the difference was Warwick managed to convert their efforts, whereas Staffs saw their shots sail over or into the goalkeepers net.
The first quarter ended 3-1 but at the start of the second quarter captain Carly Edwards injured her foot in a collision, and with no female subs available had to stay on the pitch for the duration, only managing to hop to the ball.
This made the task even harder and effectively a player up the home side converted numerous goals in quick succession and before half time the match was no longer a contest.Still a player down Staffordshire continued to struggle with the sheer pace of the Warwick attack went further goals down.
In the last quarter Staffs had a change of tactics which saw them pack the midfield area and from there possession was able to be kept and the last quarter was fairly even, with the difference again being the conversion of shots to goals ratio.
Despite the defeat the Scorpions are still in a strong position for third place, and the result means Warwick are now serious challengers for the midlands league title.
Staffordshire: Jay Armstrong, David Grice, Christopher Pike, Steven Jinks, Stephen Jinks, Mimi Roch, Laura Morrissey, Izzy Wilding, James Perkins, Dimitri Chambers, Nick Thursby, Marcus Howe, Carly Edwards (c), Kelly Stone, Elle Morrisson.
Man of the match: Dimitri Chambers
Women of the match: Carly Edwards