One the best performances from the 3’s this season, against fellow mid-table team EG ‘A’, with a small squad (no subs) mainly due to this re-arranged game scheduled for Easter Saturday. EG were also not over-run with players, running with two subs.

Up front, with a combined age over 150 years, Andy, Peter and Ian were the starting attack. At the back Colin in goal had the lanky trio of Rob, Toby and Bill for company. It was good to see Bill back in Spencer colours on his Easter break from university (drinking) up in Manchester. This left Mike, Jamie and young American student, Dan running midfield.

For three quarters, Spencer shut out EG with well organised defence and some good shot stopping from Colin. The shutout was blown early in the 4th via a neat drive, roll dodge and left handed shot by one of the EG middies.

Spencer were in control for large periods of the game. The midfield were the stars of the show with a massive work rate getting up and down the field and super transition play, especially from Jamie Weir. His improvement during his first season playing lacrosse has been remarkable. He was always first to ground balls, won them, protected the ball and ran with his head up, away from danger and is now looking the real deal in midfield.

Mike bagged two early goals, both from the crease with accurate top and bottom corner shots that gave the EG keeper little chance to save.

Spencer’s experienced attack trio moved the ball, if not themselves, well enough. A few low percentage feeds missed their target, gifting the ball back to EG, but at times, the passing was crisp and goal highlight was finished by Ian, thanks to a triple quick stick from Peter, through to Andy (where everyone around was certain he was going to shoot), through to Ian on the opposite post to score. Andy’s single goal was a nice left handed effort also.

Offensive player of the day was certainly Dan Murray who put his young legs to good work and drew all sorts of weird and wonderful personal fouls from the opposition. Some of the defending was more akin to a wrestling match but this did not phase Dan who shrugged it to one side as each EG defender took their minute in the penalty box and Spencer played man-up. Credit to Justin and Trigger as co-referees for fair and consistent calls during the game. We’ve seen many players lose composure following repeated personal fouls but not Dan and he capped a superb game with a great solo third goal, driving and dodging two EG middies from up top and slotting a shot into the bottom corner.

Spencer 3’s were;
Colin Byrne, Toby Rule, Rob Gooch, Bill Fisher, Michael Sheahan (2 goals), Dan Murray (3), Jamie Weir, Andrew Mottershead (1), Ian Ballantine (1) and Pete Compton