Cambridge University Lacrosse Club

24/10/07

Final Score: London 1 - Cambridge Blues 12

On a bitterly cold October day, the Blues headed off down to London for their first away match of the season. Rather depleted in numbers and carrying a few injuries, there was some consternation among the players about the game, many of whom were involved in a spectacular late victory in this fixture last season. However, although the London team were superior in numbers (bringing a squad of 18 compared to only 13 Light Blues) this was the only department in which they excelled. Sorely missing the bright lights of last year’s squad, they simply couldn’t contain a Blues squad which seems to be oozing with quality. After a tenuous start in which the Cambridge side gave away possession far too easily, the Blues hit their stride with elegantly taken goals from George Rose and fresher Jackie Vullinghs. The far superior fitness of our squad meant that any early fears about exhaustion quickly faded away and the goals began to come thick and fast, including a first Blues goal from Emily Knight and some fantastic finishing from Kate Morland. Despite lacking a clear-cut centre this season, both Rosie Garvey and Lea Michaels showed they can play out of their comfort zones in this position, Garvey especially showing her ability to cover both ends of the pitch with almost no need to recover for breath! Despite the defence being largely unchallenged for most of the match, most threats were quickly and efficiently dealt with by Helen Leppard and Gen Gotla who shrugged off injury worries for this match. The attack grew in confidence throughout the match and by the end of the game, were happily holding possession and worked some lovely opportunities, all suggesting that this squad is developing fast. It will be interesting to see just what this team can accomplish against a more challenging side.

Lea Michaels

Blues Squad:
Alex Carnegie-Brown (C)
Gen Gotla
Helen Leppard
George Hurt
Clare Jefferys
Lea Michaels
Emily Knight
Rosie Garvey
Ellie Walshe
Jackie Vullinghs
Adele Fauvet
George Rose
Kate Morland