Cambridge University Lacrosse Club

14/11/07

Final Score: Cambridge Blues 16 - Bath 4

On what began as a crisp sunny winter’s afternoon, the Cambridge Blues lacrosse team took on the Bath University girls in their fifth match of the season, hoping to maintain their so far unchallenged series of victories. “Many men down” being the recurring theme of the year for Cambridge due to injury and illness, meant they only had one sub, but this handicap was noticeably lessened when Bath turned up with only fourteen players. Nevertheless, Bath still had one up on the Blues in numbers although it was going to be apparent that the Blues were up on them in most other areas.

The first five minutes of the match saw a goal scored by each side and the teams appeared evenly matched. However, when a clean interception led to a bounce shot by recent England U19 captain, Georgie Hurt, the weakness of the Bath goalkeeper was made apparent. Cambridge girls continued to shoot low and when the first time-out was called, 17 minutes in, the Blues, with the help of a hatrick by centre, Rosie Garvey, had increased the score to 7 – 1.

Despite a sense of deja-vu straight after the time-out, as Adele Fauvet neatly fed the ball to Garvey in the hole, who, although appearing well marked, scored again, the Bath team remained undeterred. After a remarkable goal from Blues player Kate Morland was disallowed due to a cross-over of the goal circle, Bath saw their chance and sent the ball up the pitch with an impressive succession of direct passes. Bath player number 32, clearly in a league of her own within her team, rolled the crease and threw the ball straight passed the goalie to the back of the net. However, as the half time whistle blew Cambridge were winning 9-2 and Bath were going to have to dig very deep for a come back.

As the second half progressed, the Bath team seemed to have found the new energy they needed. Again, number 32 scored and then proceeded to set up a perfect shot for her fellow team mate while the Blues appeared scrappy. Perhaps the lack of subs was paying off, especially when Emily Knight limped off the pitch after supposedly being “mowed down” by the opposition. However, the Cambridge team have never appeared to lack fight or determination, and hence they found their feet, setting up a balanced attack and practicing newly learned tactics with evident success. As the weather deteriorated, as did any hope of a Bath victory. Despite valiant attempts by number 32 and her team-mates, the solid Cambridge defence, namely Helen Leppard and Hurt, spurned the Bath attack and Cambridge continued to dominate the game right until the final whistle.

Once again, the Cambridge team had remained undefeated, with a final score of 16 - 4. Although upset by their defeat, the Bath captain was open with her compliments about the Blues’ teamwork and both sides were relieved that it had remained a clean game. It appeared that “new tactics and moments of brilliance” had won Cambridge the match, and Ellie Walshe, temporarily injured and so supporting from the sideline, said she was “gutted not to be a part of it”. This season has not only seen a steady, victorious Cambridge team, but one whose ability and solidarity continue to impress. As captain and coach, Alex Carnegie-Brown said, “the more I ask of this team, the more they continue to show me what they are capable of” and if this is how the season progresses there is no reason why the Cambridge Blues cannot dominate the BUSA league.

Gen Gotla

Blues squad:
Alex Carnegie-Brown (Captain)
Helen Leppard
Sam Mandel-Dallas
Clare Jeffries
Rosie Garvey (Vice-Captain)
Georgie Hurt
Lea Michaels
Emily Knight
Jackie Vullinghs
Anastasia Selezneva
Adele Fauvet
Kate Morland
Josie Baum