Defeat for UoB’s Women’s Lacrosse 3rd as they suffer unfortunate loss against Nottingham
After last week’s win the University of Birmingham side were looking at retaining their winning streak on home turf at Metchley 3G. Unfortunately for the Lions, Nottingham’s early goals helped them maintain a lead all the way through the match with the final score concluding at 14-3 to Nottingham.
Following Nottingham’s outstanding 42-2 win over Staffordshire University last week, the visitors were determined to win their second BUCS league game of the season. From the off, Nottingham dominated possession of the ball, forcing Birmingham to play defensively in an attempt to minimise their attempts on target.
The away team’s first goal came just after a minute of play. Their aggressive style of play helped them run the ball up to the Lions’ goal before placing a straight, up close shot past the goal tender. Within the first 10 minutes of the game, the visitors were up 3-0.
At the end of the first quarter, two consecutive goals were scored by Nottingham. The Lions’ goal keeper, Jessica Best, made a solid attempt to save the ball but was unsuccessful, making it 5-0 to the University of Nottingham.
The Lions did however find their straps in the second quarter as they set to up the pace. However, their confidence was quickly knocked as they conceded a goal within the first half of the second quarter. Following this they pushed to create more attempts on goal.
Nottingham’s goal tender proved a tough match for UoB’s attacking three as a few shots on target were quickly dealt with. In response to this attack Nottingham produced their 7th goal in a quick sprint down the wing and nicely placed into the back of the net.
Nottingham looked set to then retain their dominance by securing their 8th goal in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Only minutes after, following a scrap around the back of the net, the Lions bought home their first goal of the game. A key goal for both increasing UoB’s standing in the game to increasing the whole team’s confidence.
Unfortunately for the home side, Nottingham were quick to respond with yet another goal, increasing their lead to 9-1.
The Lions did not disappoint their growing crowd at Metchley 3G by producing a second goal straight down the line moments into the final quarter, making the score 9-2.
Once again Nottingham were eager to respond to the home team’s goals by securing their tenth goal crossed into the right-hand corner of the net. A highlight of the game though, comes from Birmingham’s continuity of effort and enthusiasm even coming into the final minutes of the game.
Nottingham’s attack pushed UoB’s defence to the limit leading to two more goals for the away team, creating a 12-2 lead for the league toppers.
Nottingham’s forward then ensured their victory with a quick succession of two goals for the visiters. Birmingham were quick to retaliate scoring a final goal in the closing minutes of the game, resulting in the final score line reading 14-3 to Nottingham.
Today’s loss places UoB third in the Midlands 2A league however as they head to play Staffordshire University for next week’s away game there is no doubt their consistent confidence and increasing creativity will be taken with them.
