With a Spencer + Guests (from here known as ‘London’) squad pretty much as listed in the preview posting last month we welcomed the LaxAllStars to London to show them how we roll in the UK and the joys of our summer climate.
The youthful LaxAllStars team and their two player coaches looked the business and dominated the first 5 minutes of play with fast paced lacrosse, which seemed to take the older and more experienced London squad a little by surprise. All that was missing was finding the back of the net.
London got into their game with two rapid fire goals from Spencer’s William Walker that started the ball rolling followed by one from Blues and England star Matt Bagley. A superb team goal finished by Spencer Smith pulled one back for the LaxAllStars.
Then the heavens opened with short bursts of heavy rain, followed by wind, the odd moment of sunshine, then rain again – i.e. typical UK summertime weather.
The more experienced London team started to play to their strengths, using more physical power and presence to win the midfield battle and game know-how to pull the well drilled Americans out of shape to set-up good percentage inside shooting chances.
The London lead grew during the 2nd and 3rd quarter but the LaxAllStars never tired and if not for excellent goalkeeping by Eamon Poller in the 1st half and Conrad Olson in the 2nd, they could of doubled, or more, their goal tally. At the other end the LaxAllStars goalie was also playing extremely well – as were their entire team.
London’s 3rd quarter 5-0 return effectively sealed the game. LaxAllStars’ Jake Noble scored their 4th goal late in the game to make the final score 14-4 to the host team.
Two quick mentions to Spencer players who are not with us for coming season. Conrad Olson is moving to Vancouver while Bill Fisher (exam results permitting) is heading up to Manchester University to play lacrosse and study for a geography degree. Both players will be missed by the 1st team.
Many thanks to Jon Harrop who travelled to London to referee the game, plus the Spencer volunteers of Rob Gooch (assistant referee), Luke Zaparaniuk (CBO) and Peter Compton (pitch preparation). Behind every enjoyable lacrosse game are volunteers without whom these events won’t happen.
Quarter Scores: 3-1 / 6-3 / 11-3 / 14-4
London Scorers: #3 Steve McDermott (4 goals), #9 William Walker (2), #37 Dave Cluney (2), #17 Matt Birkett (2), #11 Dave Howie (1), #20 Rob Clarke (1), Matt Bagley (1) & #8 Pete Ross (1)
LaxAllStars Scorers: #88 Spencer Smith (3 goals) & #21 Jake Noble (1)