HEATH GIRLS DELIVER SHIELD!

Going into the final round of matches in the Girls League at Aston Powerleague, Abbey, Short Heath, Rosary and Timberley, were all in with a shout of the title and so the scene was set on another deliciously sunny, spring afternoon.

Short Heath began as favourites though, knowing that victories against Court Farm, and olds rivals, Paget, would secure them the crown and they began in spritely fashion defeating Court Farm, 5-0. That result meant that only Abbey or Rosary could pip Short Heath to the title but nonetheless, Timberley were deserved 2-0 winners against Rosary which guaranteed them a third-place finish if Rosary then beat Abbey in a match for runners-up spot. That Rosary defeat also meant that Short Heath were champions.

The runners-up shoot-out between Rosary and Abbey was a tight affair but Rosary's early 2-0 lead was enough despite a spirited effort from Abbey who did pull a goal back to set up a nervy last few minutes for the Rosarians.

Short Heath's final game was against familiar foes, Paget but Heath ran out comfortable 3-0 wins to ensure they went unbeaten in their eleven games having only dropped points to Rosary in a 2-2 draw a fortnight ago.

There were three other competitive games played with Colebourne gaining a respectable fifth place finish following a 2-1 win over Court Farm and a 1-1 draw with Paget. Lea Forest enjoyed a 2-1 win also against former champions, Paget which saw the Ridley Road side complete their season in eighth place, five points adrift of Paget in seventh.

So congratulations to Short Heath on an unbeaten season and they have set the standard for the rest of the league to follow and this will be tested when we meet for the girls tournament in July.