Mixed Bosh Brighton

06/02/2011

Cambridge won 15-5

Cambridge chose a particularly blustery day to make their way down to Brighton at the weekend. The long trip was made decidedly more arduous by a certain detour of one of the cars and so CUMLC jumped into gear as soon as they made it to the pitch, anticipating a stunted warm-up. However the windy conditions caused one of the Brighton goals to break(!) meaning that by the time the pitch was ready CUMLC were rearing to go.

The Panthers sprung into action from the first whistle, quickly scoring the first goal. In retaliation to this the Cambridge team fired several fast bursts into the attack, however urgency meant that a series of shots were not on target. The Brighton goalie had considerable clears practice as a result. Towards the end of the quarter CUMLC pulled it together and executed a series of sharp passes which linked nicely into well-placed shots.

In the second quarter CUMLC continued to dominate. Rogue Brighton balls in the midfield were jeopardised by the high winds, and the Cambridge had the drive and hustle to scoop these up safely every time. Particular mention must go to Andy Wiggett and Howie Shribman, whose dominance in this zone kept the ball up in Cambridge attack.

The third quarter saw increased settling the attack play, with controlled passes allowing decisive cuts from some to translate into goals. The attack briskly racked up the score, whilst the majority of Brighton’s pushes into the Cambridge defence were shut down by sound communication and tight marking. Despite this, Brighton did manage a few well placed shots, reminding the Cambridge team that the fight wasn’t over.

Cambridge tallied a high score in the final quarter- including a goal for Brighton (congrats Tory Brown)- as CUMLC relaxed into the final few moments. A calm settle in attack proved immobilised the Panthers’ defence for a good few minutes, before a few quick bursts at goal built the Cambridge score higher.

Overall CUMLC showed huge improvement in pass connection and defensive work from last term, but should think carefully about structuring attack play more effectively. Next week CUMLC face Oxford for the last time before Varsity. Bring it.

By Sally Mantell