Blues bounce back!

Champions Blues bounced back from their heartbreak opening game defeat with a hard-fought victory at Hillcroft.

The triumph was an emphatic statement of intent from last season’s double winners but the 7-4 scoreline was testimony of a close encounter.

The other heavyweight contest was a cracker with the Hitchin and Hampstead locked at 6-6 going into the final five minutes before the visitors blasted in three rapid-fire goals to take the points.

Hotshots Spencer continue to blaze a trail with a 15-4 win over Welwyn while Reading notched 17 against Bristol Bombers who are still acclimatizing to life in the Premiership.

The other game in the West saw Cardiff enjoy a 10-4 victory over tourists Purely.

Hampstead and Spencer are now the only clubs with a 100% record and they collide next week in a mouthwatering match in Earlsfield. Something’s gotta change!

The Hillcroft-Blues match up was seen as a key indicator of how the champions were shaping up as they faced an in-form Hillcroft team at Haydons Road.

Both teams struggled to penetrate and hard-hitting defence dominated for long periods.

“It was a tough, scrappy game and one of those days when things didn’t quite click for us,” said Hillcroft’s Duncan Trenholme, who was the pick of the home team’s midfield. “The goal that took them to 5-3 after we hit the pipe was crucial.”

Blues skipper Howie added: “A hard game but we showed more of what we can do this week which was very pleasing after last week. They are a good, fit team so we hard to work hard all the way for the win.”

Hampstead proved they could dig in after trading blows with Hitchin in an end-to-end game. The score was 6-6 with five minutes to go but a triple strike gave the men in black the points.

Dave Wills was outstanding as a defensive middie for the Orange and Hampstead’s keeper kept them in it.

Cardiff made it a great sporting day for Wales with a 10-4 win over Purley. Chris Lee dominated the face-off to give Quins the platform to launch numerous attacks.

But James Richardson had to be in inspired form in goal to deny Purley who fought all the way and will be disappointed with their lack of return.

Spencer’s potent attack was in blistering form and took control against a youthful Welwyn, who are going through a rebuilding process.

Max Sandy and Rob Holmes both got four goals but skipper Liam McGreavy felt there was more. “We’ve set ourselves high standards this year and we could have performed better.

“Welwyn are a young team and will develop well through the season.”

The home side drew plaudits from spectators for their effort and skill levels, which promises a great future for Welwyn.

Reading turned on the heat against Bristol but the scoreline disguises the Bombers’ effort and true potential.

“We were nervy to start with and it was only 4-1 at half time. The pleasing aspects are that 12 of our goals were assisted and we had eight different scorers,” said Wildcats skipper Paul Milner. “Bristol created a lot of chances and our goalie Eliot Pugh was our man of the match which shows you they weren’t out of it.

“I’m sure they will bounce back from their tough start.”

Bristol captain Tom Hamey added: "We were a bit under strength in defence and that showed in the final quarter when Reading's attack really clicked. It was a shame because it was only 4-1 at half-time and we were in the game. Reading scored two quick goals after the break and started to pull away at the end of the third quarter so full credit to their performance. But we will be stronger in D this Saturday and are very positive about the next game."

Chris Landers, Rich Ramsbottom and Chris Murray all got hat-tricks for Reading.

Another great moment for lacrosse’s growing appeal in the South at Haydons Road as Hillcroft fielded an A-team wit 18 players against a 15-strong London University. The entire recreation ground was taken over by lacrosse and the games drew attention from park users. It has been a magnificent recruiting effort with each player tasked with bringing along a newbie or persuading a recent retiree back into action.

It made for a strange lacrosse fashion parade with styles –skin-tight to crop-top - from different eras on display.

Hillcroft go from strength to strength….how long before they become the next club with three teams?

Scores:

Premier

Bristol 1 – 17 Reading

Cardiff 10 -4 Purley

Hillcroft 4 – 7 Blues

Hitchin 6 - 9 Hampstead

Welwyn 4- 15 Spencer

East One:

Croydon 12 – 14 Blues 2

East Grinstead 17 - 1 Buckhurst Hil

Reading 2 13 – 7 Welwyn 2

Spencer 2 22 – 0 Cambridge University

East Two

Canterbury 5 – 14 Northampton

Hillcroft A 2 – 5 London University

Maidstone 7 – 2 Spencer 3

Oxford University 2 – 9 East Grinstead A

Royal Holloway 6 – 19 Reading 3

A tense battle at Haydons Road as the Champions took on a free-scoring Hillcroft.

Talisman Matt Bagley was in the States at a family wedding and the early honours went to the home team, piling on the pressure as the Blues defence struggled to find its feet.

But the barking orders of Andy Behles got the troops in order and Blues started to get into the game.

The tension of the occasion meant multiple turnovers and rushed scoring chances with no clear game pattern emerging.
It took an opportunistic solo goal from Pete Ross to break the deadlock in the closing minutes of the first quarter. He reacted fastest to an off-side infringement to blaze to the goal and slot home.

Dave Howie made it two but a slick passing move found Alex Twiss who scored with a crisp shot. Duncan Trenholme then leveled it.

Matt Birkett was in fine form again at the face but there was little to choose between the teams with Scott Stirling scoring for Blues and Kyle Zahrybelny for the home team but a goal-less third quarter made it anyone’s game at 4-3.

Zak Jordan was influential directing plays as Hillcroft worked tirelessly to break-down the Blues. Alex Garton’s intelligent feeds also created regular danger but Blues held firm and were lightning going forward through Tom Fewson, Howie and Birkett.

Up front, the movement of James Kidd was a constant menace and Tom Riddlestone for Hillcroft was probably the busier of the keepers.

The crucial play came as Zahrybelny hit the pipe after a well-worked move but Blues took it straight back up for Howie to net and create an effective two-goal moment. 4-4 would have made it very interesting.

Riddlestone did well to block two shots and keep the game alive but canny possession from the champs ran down the clock as Eoin Dunn and Kidd made the game safe with three minutes to go.

Hillcroft never stopped creating chances and got one back through James Aris in the dying seconds.

Danny Buckland at English Lacrosse