Shock Defeat As Birmingham Let Six Goal Lead Slip
Birmingham Women’s Lacrosse 2nds conceded 9 consecutive goals to lose after dominating the first half against Oxford 2nds.
This game of Lacrosse had goals from the off. Within ten seconds of play beginning, Birmingham’s star attacker Millie Fletcher had picked up the ball, run past the defence and smashed the ball into the Oxford net.
This quick Birmingham start continued, Fletcher scoring again, before setting up Molly Owen to put Birmingham 3-0 in the lead. Fletcher was at it again soon after, picking the ball up at halfway and dancing her way past challenges to slot home Birmingham’s fourth.
She and her team mates were sublime in the first half, scoring on a whim, and cutting out most of the Oxford attacks. As the teams came in for half time Birmingham were 7-2 up and in clear control of the game.
Amazingly, six of Birmingham’s goals were scored by Fletcher, the seventh having been tucked away by Owen.
The game seemed to be following it’s pattern after half time, Fletcher scoring again to put Birmingham 8-2 ahead.
This, however, would be the last of the Birmingham goals. Oxford found a new gear after the goal, quickly scoring three within 5 minutes.
The comeback seemed unlikely, considering Birmingham’s lead, but when Fletcher was forced off the field due to injury midway through the third quarter, the Oxford Girls seemed to recognise the Lions had lost their star.
Oxford continually brought the attack to Birmingham, who seemed to be able to do little to stop them. Goal after goal was scored with no answer. The Oxford comeback was unstoppable and the game finished 11-8 to the visitors.
This was truly a game of two halves. In the first half Birmingham attacked hard and quickly, the skill of Fletcher quickly leading to a substantial lead. However, I believe that in the second half, her removal from the game meant that both teams changed psychologically.
Birmingham deflated without their best player could do nothing to stop an Oxford side who seemed to know the Lion’s goal threat was minimised.
The Lacrosse 2nds will be disappointed with the result after leading by so much, but they will console themselves that they still top the league and look a strong candidate for promotion this season.
