WARWICK REACH THE FINAL OF THE WEST-MIDLANDS CUP WITH VICTORY OVER RIVALS LOUGHBOROUGH

05/12/07

Loughborough 8 @ 10 Warwick Men’s

Playing for a second time in as many weeks, Warwick hosted Loughborough, looking to avenge the 10-5 league defeat. Out in attendance was arguably the biggest home support seen for a lacrosse game at the university, despite torrential rain and the occasional lightning.

The opening exchanges were somewhat cagey, not surprisingly given the magnitude of the fixture. Warwick kept true to their tradition of being notoriously slow starters. Despite sharing the possession in the first quarter, Warwick lacked the cutting edge while on attack and was denied by an in-form Loughborough keeper. This failure to capitalise on possession was punished as Loughborough opened up a 4-0 lead by the end of the quarter.

The signs were ominous and a repeat of the league result was likely, without a drastic change. Whatever was spoken by captain James Aris at quarter time clearly had a major impact. Seb Croft (0,4) with an ever dominant performace at the face off, started the ball rolling, assisting on the scores of Alex Twiss (2,1) and Nick Scullion (1,0). Warwick, enjoying possession up top with the comfortable handling of their midfielders, pulled within one score as Mike North (0,2) found James Aris (2,1) at crease, burying his first of the game. Loughborough would only add one tally of their own, as the Warwick defense and keeper Thomas Riddlestone (14 saves) started to play to their own high standards, growing in confidence after a poor start. Warwick very much won this quarter and was now clearly pumped up.

Indiscipline started to creep into the Loughborough game and coupled with Seb Croft winning the majority of the faces, 17 for 22 (0.773), Warwick was able to control possession in the third quarter. Alex Twiss feed James Aris for his second of the game. Aaron Fox (2,0) got in on the act with a trademark goal, cutting through and finishing off an assist from Mike North. After winning yet another face, Seb Croft found Duncan Trenholme (1,1) who finished with a rocket of a shot. Toby Dodson (2,0) managed to get on the score sheet, following a textbook fast break, which left him with seemingly acres of space and time. Loughborough were held again to only one score, by a Warwick defence and keeper Thomas Riddlestone, growing in confidence after the poor start. Score 7-6 in Warwick’s favour.

Loughborough pressure was expected for the final quarter. However, with Seb Croft still winning the majority of faces, Warwick pulled ahead. Another goal from Aaron Fox and Alex Twiss also adding his second of the game, with a brilliant individual effort, after beating a couple of defenders, gave Warwick some breathing space. Following sound defence, Warwick midfielders pushed through transition, passing off to Duncan Trenholme, who found Toby Dodson again with time and space, rounding off a swift move. Loughborough made things interesting with two scores of their own to pull the score within two. However, the lead was not to get smaller as a determined Warwick defence and keeper Thomas Riddlestone kept things tight at the back while the attack kept possession well at the other end. Final score 10-8.

Warwick will be enjoying this victory, getting revenge for the league loss. Warwick will now face local rivals Birmingham or Southampton in the final of the West-Midlands Cup.

Warwick 10 v 8 Loughborough

Goals:
Croft (0,4)
Twiss (2,1)
Aris (2,1)
North (0,2)
Trenholme (1,1)
Dodson (2,0)
Fox (2,0)
Scullion (1,0)

Saves:
Riddlestone 14 (0.636)

Current Record: (6-2)