Mixed pull out the win over Northampton

21/11/2010

Cambridge won 13-9

Sunday’s match proved to be the Mixed team’s most evenly matched league game yet, with CUMLC proving that down does not mean out.

The game commenced with the teams neck-and-neck, each equalising as the other scored. Winning the draw seemed increasingly important as fast breaks gave Northampton the edge and Cambridge fell behind by several goals. Rushed play in Cambridge’s attack resulted in a few lucky goals but generally Northampton dominated possession. The first quarter was blown, and a distinctly tense mood descended onto the pitch.

Better spacing in attack and more dynamic cuts saw Cambridge trailing by only a few goals. Particular credit should go to wing attack Travis Winstanley whose movement on and off the ball was instrumental in moving playing towards Northampton’s goal. However, Northampton retained their grip on the scoreboard and seemed confident of a victory with proclamations of celebratory crates “when we win this”. Not so fast.

After re-grouping at half Cambridge came out in full force. A sequence of tight attacking plays left the Northampton defence confounded, and Cambridge fired several sweet shots into the back of the Northampton goal. Impressive play from the straight attacks, especially Fiona Latham, assisted the building points on Cambridge’s scoreboard. Cambridge’s defence stayed disciplined, with any fast breaks shut down and turned around. Such an impressive race back from behind allowed Cambridge to finish the third quarter 11-8 up.

The final quarter saw more of the saw of the same play as the third quarter. Great midfield movement and dynamism in attack allowed Cambridge to sneak another two cheeky goals past the Northampton goalie. Commendable play from the back resisted Northampton’s increased efforts to flip the scoreboard. The final minutes saw the ball held in Cambridge’s attack, safe from any threats to their goal.

Overall, a great game against really quite a charming team. Fantastic effort from CUMLC in pulling back from Saturday’s ecclesiastical damnation and a rather lack-lustre start to the match. Onward and upward- or specifically west. Next week we meet Oxford.

By Sally Mantell