Cambridge men undefeated after two matches

11/10/2008

Cambridge won 6-3

The Cambridge Men’s Blues Lacrosse team opened the season on Saturday October 4th with a 6-2 victory against the Walcountian Blues IIs. This past Saturday, October 11th, the men travelled to Buckhurst Hill in Essex to lodge a 6-3 victory there, as well. This year, the Blues are playing in both the South England Men’s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA) league and the British University and College Sport (BUCS) league. So far, both matches have been SEMLA contests, but this week begins BUCS competition with a match on Wednesday at Loughborough University. On account of the rigorous schedule, the CULC has expanded greatly, and is pleased to be developing a strong new crop of players.

The home opener on October 4th was a bright start for the team, having had limited opportunities to practice. Despite several players making their Cambridge debut, the team worked impressively well together on both ends of the field. After a goalless first quarter, Cambridge took the lead and maintained it for the remainder of the game. Former U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot, Todd Nichols contributed an impressive tally of 5 goals to the effort, with the final score coming from co-captain Ian Ralby. Ralby, also assisted two goals, with co-captain Phil Hall adding an assist as well. On the other end of the field, fresher standout goalie, Sam Spurrell recorded a remarkable 16 saves. Spurrell and Nichols shared the title of players of the match for Cambridge.

The game in Buckhurst Hill posed new challenges for the team. Men’s lacrosse, known as ‘the fastest game on two feet,’ requires a great deal of running and fitness. Consequently, midfielders are frequently subbing into and out of the game. With only two subs at the start, the team took a major hit when two players, fresher middie Carl Tilbury and attackman and leading scorer Todd Nichols both left the game with muscle injuries. Nichols managed to net a goal before his injury, brining his season total to six. Meanwhile team co-captain Phil Hall scored the first two goals of the match in rapid succession, giving Cambridge a lead it never relinquished. Attackman Edward Cassells also contributed a pair of goals, and long-time CULC member, Jotham Steed contributed the sixth goal. Sam Spurrell had another impressive game, giving the team a huge boost. Player of the match went to Richard Weeks in his debut with Cambridge Lacrosse. A relative newcomer to the sport, Richard has trained hard, and did and impressive job considering he couldn’t leave the field for most of the second half on account of the injuries to Nichols and Tilbury.

With an infusion of a lot of new talent, and some strong team spirit, this year promises to be successful for Cambridge Lacrosse. The next home game will be this Saturday, October 18th at 1pm at the Queens’ College Sports Ground off Barton Road. All are welcome to the match and to Wolfson College Bar for post-game food and drink.

By Ian Ralby