Rory leaves it late but Blockley reach semis (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Rory leaves it late but Blockley reach semis

THE first round of play-offs showed that the gap between the divisions in the Cotswold Floorball League isn't as wide as it was 12 months ago.

C Division qualifiers Shipston went down to an early goal from Rory Moss in their match against A Division Blockley.

Resolute defending kept it that way and allowed Harry Barnard to equalise. The match then seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out when Moss scored the winner with only 15 seconds left on the watch.

Blockley had to wait for their next opponents with St James expected to overcome an Ilmington side who had only just made it into the final rounds.

However, Ilmington have set up a club in their own village which produced the same players as before, but working together as a totally different team.

They gave nothing away as goals from George Woodall and George Matts saw them progress into the next round.

The quarter-final against Blockley was rather more difficult as both teams had their chances.

At one stage, two Ilmington players were in the sin-bin, but the other four still held out.

The deciding goal was a delicately lofted chip from Charlie Jones, direct from a long range free hit, that evaded the goalkeeper's outstretched arm.

Ilmington join holders Dormer House in the semi-finals, while Blockley's next challenge will come from next week's matches when Tredington, Guiting, St Catharine's and Stow bid for a semi-final place.

The losing quarter-finalists have a second chance to reach the semis when they play each other after half-term.