WARWICK WHITEWASH GAMBOLLING GLOUCESTER

30/01/08

Gloucester 2 @ 20 Warwick Men’s Lacrosse

Warwick continued their winning ways with a convivial encounter with Gloucester at home on the 30th of January.  The away fixture earlier in the season had seen Warwick face an under strength Gloucester and comfortably overcome them.  However with the ability to call on the talents of the Cougars there was always the possibility of a tight game.  As it was a jocular Gloucester team was soundly beaten by a strong Warwick side although much gaiety was had by all.

Recently Warwick have reversed their practice of starting slowly and once again expeditiously capitalised on their training and skill to notch up a lead of 4 goals to nil in the opening five minutes.  This was attained by excellent work from Warwick midfield.  Notably Michael North (5,1) had some excellent outside shots.  Alex Twiss (0,2) dazzled both his team mates and opposition, equally with his choice of attire (full body lycra suit), and spasming dodges that tore through the visitors defence.  Special mention must go to James Aris (2,1) who bought plaudits from Gloucester’s keeper with a beautiful rising underarm from an angled position that slammed into the far top corner.  This and some good play making from Duncan Trenholme (3, 1) ensured that Warwick’s attack was not totally anonymous beside their sterling midfield line-up.

The second half of the first quarter saw Warwick’s defence tested and proved unassailable.  The game continued much in the same vein.  Warwick rarely looked troubled thanks to excellent facing from Michael North (4 from 4) and Sebastian Croft (7, 1) both of whom cam away from the game with a 100% facing record (18 from 18)!  Croft in particular shone through taking the vast majority of faces and making excellent runs to open up fast break situations and convert his winning ways to goals all on his own.  This reinforces the strong held belief amongst members of the club that have girly hair makes you a better player.  After consulting the rules Captain Aris is considering swapping in Laura Bignell for more established members of the defence and getting Aimee McGrory on face.

Being in such control Warwick ensued that some of its newer recruits received adequate game time in preparation for taking on a bigger role next year.  Judging by what was witnessed the club will be in sound hands.  Matt Fowler was unlucky not to come away with anything from a goal mouth scramble and Simon Robinson (0, 1) continued his points accumulation with an assist and was infelicitous in his attempt to come away with even more.

In the second half Warwick continued to dominate thanks to their strong facing ability.  Bob Ainley (1, 0) concluded an excellent drive around goal, beating three people, to discharge a shot past the keeper into the top left corner.  The highlight of the half was a unparalleled feed across crease from Toby Dodson (1, 1) to Aaron Fox (1, 1) who having struggled on face (0 from 1) was able to unleash a textbook shot past the flailing keeper.  This only served to remind everyone of Dodson’s empresarial ability as an all round player despite his usual reticence to feed anyone but himself.

Forays by Gloucester into Warwick’s half were met by a strong defence and some excellent one on one saves by Jason Nazareth (0.600), after he had come on for the stalwart Thomas Riddlestone (1.000) at half time.  Some late lapses of concentration allowed Gloucester to steal 2 goals in the last quarter after Warwick lost their only face of the day.  However this did little to dampen Warwick’s spirits as they celebrated a well deserved victory and looked forward to continuing their campaign for the league title.

Warwick 20 v 2 Gloucester

Goals:
Croft (7,1)
North (5,1)
Trenholme (3,1)
Aris (2,1)
Dodson (1,1)
Fox (1,1)
Twiss (0,2)
Ainley (1,0)
Robinson (0,1)

Saves:
Nazareth 3 (0.600)
Riddlestone 2 (1.000)

Current Record: (8-2)