On a bitterly cold day at Metchley, a competitive and thoroughly enjoyable Last 16 of the BUCS Midlands Conference Cup game was won 7-3 by Birmingham Ladies Lacrosse third’s. It was something of a rarity as the opponents were our own fourth team making it the closest of local derbies.
Right from the off it was obvious that this was a game of meaning as those playing may have been friends off the pitch but on it, they were desperate to get one over their counterparts. Of course, the thirds were clear favourites and it was no surprise to anyone that they dominated the opening quarter, looking fitter and sharper than the fourths and they were rewarded with two early goals from their number 61 who dominated the midfield throughout. The fourths struggled to get out their own half in the opening 15 minutes as they were out-fought in midfield and it looked as if it may be a long afternoon for them.
However, in the second quarter the fourths briefly found some flair, creating a couple of good opportunities after some strong runs from midfield and got their reward by halving the deficit. The thirds quickly re-established their two goal lead though and added another for good measure to take a 4-1 half-time lead.
Felix Parkin
Featured image from previous match against Cambridge
