WARWICK STORM PAST NORTHAMPTON WITH CONVINCING 28-0 WIN

30/01/08

Northampton 1st 0 @ 28 Warwick Women's 1st

Warwick came to the pitch unsure of what awaited them in their final BUSA Midlands Conference game against Northampton. Known for their disconcerting violence and hostility on the pitch, the Warwick players were still unprepared for the aggression of the Northampton girls. However, with Tish Bryan at centre, the ball was quickly moved into Warwick possession and the offense were set up to show them their attacking skills around the goal and bring the Warwick side up to an early lead.

The umpiring was tight on both sides, and Warwick struggled at times not to lower their game in frustration to the uncontrolled Northampton play. Precarious swipes were made on many occasions, particularly in the midfield attack with players Emily Maclennan and Naomi Whittaker obtaining advantage play, and Sophie Lovat even received a push to the ground by her defensive Northampton player in the fan area, giving her possession of the ball.

Despite Warwick’s valiant attempts to remain level headed, reaction was finally provoked in Jen Boscoe, who received a red card for a dangerous head check in the midfield, and had to remain on the sidelines for the rest of the game. Warwick defence saw little action with the ball rarely reaching the danger zone of ‘keeper Fran Charles (man of the match due to her heroic efforts against the cold and wind during a time of little movement!!!)

Some beautiful goals were put away by attack players Alice Williams, Nay Whittaker, Sophie Lovat and Emily Maclennan and by the end of the second half it was no longer unusual to see defensive players Charlie Lankston and Jess Hartley in possession around goal.

A sensational game was had by all players, with Warwick taking the win 28-0; close to 1 goal every 2 minutes, and an astounding effort by both attack and defence. A game that highlighted the teams strengths and took them to their triumphant win of the BUSA Midlands Conference 1A League, a win that consists of a successive 8 undefeated victories for the Warwick Women’s 1st lacrosse team, and deserves much commendation. This win spurs Warwick on for their next match, Oxford 1sts, in the BUSA Cup Knockouts. A tough, but winnable game that will hopefully see Warwick triumph once again.