The Spencer 3’s came so close to pulling off a win against the promotion chasing Colchester team. This game was massive for both teams as being played for double points as the away fixture at Colchester was postponed due to the bad weather.
Colchester arrived short handed with 8 players. The start was delayed 15 minutes to allow their final car load to arrive, but they agreed to start at 2:15pm with 8. Spencer could not capitalise with their initial numerical advantage but did score early to settle any pre-game nerves. The remaining Colchester players arrived so it was back to 10 vs 10, with the score 1-1.
The game was close throughout with Colchester always just in the lead. The Spencer squad was strong in numbers with nearly all the school kids playing (only Ewan and Tommy missing), plus the usual set of older hands. It was without doubt the best performance from the 3’s this season, even in defeat. Colchester have some strong offensive players but today the Spencer defensive unit was solid, both by the middies and the long sticks. In attack we kept the ball for good periods and moved it well, keeping basic errors to a minimum. Being picky, our transition play was below par. Too often the ball was stripped from a Colchester player, but turned over in transition to attack. It was a case not taking the easy route up the field and making a low percentage pass.
Two goals each from attack men Nathan (#24)and Andy (#50), plus a great team goal finished by Erland (#14) accounted for Spencer’s five goals. With a few minutes left on the clock, Colchester were one up but Spencer had the ball three times in attack but could not find the equaliser.
A draw may not of been enough to avoid relegation, we needed the win. The loss means relegation is almost a certainty. Teams ahead of us just need to play their remaining games to get the losing points to keep us in the bottom two, even if we win our final two games away at Brighton and Welwyn 2’s.
The 3’s will look back at this season and think about the games that we lost during 5 or 10 minutes of weak play. The 5-7 defeat by Brighton before Christmas. The start of the 4th quarter at Oxford Uni where we leaked 5 quick goals. And today’s game.
On the plus side, heart of the squad who are all around 15 years old have improved so much this season and it would not be a surprise if some move up to the 2’s next season, which of course leaves room for the next crop of juniors to come into senior lacrosse with the 3rd team.