Men's Blues make emphatic start

02/10/2010

Cambridge won 13-0

Cambridge University Lacrosse Club pulled out an emphatic win in their preseason friendly on Saturday against the top team in Slovenia. This was the third annual international friendly to be held at Queen’s Pitches and Cambridge continued its winning streak with the best result so far, and a fantastic start to the season.

Despite the dramatic final score, the outset of the match suggested a more even affair and Cambridge were able to break down the Slovenian defence just twice in the first quarter. The scoring was led first by Captain Duncan Barrigan with a hard shot to the top corner. He was soon followed by Vice-Captain Carl Tilbury, returning to the Cambridge team after a year playing for MIT, and a more than welcome addition to last years Varsity winning squad.

The second quarter saw Cambridge really find their rhythm with some great periods of possession for the home team and a defence who remained comfortable throughout the game. This season also sees the return of defender Jordan Kemp whose massive presence on the field will be invaluable to an already strong Cambridge defence. With five more goals before half time, Cambridge found themselves 7-0 up and now firmly in control of the game.

The third and fourth quarters were much the same, with an impenetrable defence able to hold off any hopes of a Ljubljana goal and the Cambridge attack taking their time to form some great team goals. The transition play in particular was outstanding, given the long summer break, and there is a lot of potential here for the Cambridge team to take apart even the most experienced defences in the league. However, it wasn’t all good news as experienced attack man Ian Ralby took a big hit in the third quarter and ended up in A&E. He remains a crucial member of the squad and it is hoped that he will make a swift recovery by the new year. By the end of the game, new recruit Rob Day finished as top scorer with 4 goals, followed by Barrigan and Tilbury (both 3 goals) and Cambridge ran out as clear winners.

By Sam Spurrell