Bath march on in the Flags
Bath v Cardiff Harlequins A
Intermediate Flags first round
Location Recreation Ground, Bath
Final Score: Bath 21:6 Cardiff
In Lacrosse the knockout competitions are called “Flags” ; a historical name borne out of Victorian Lacrosse when, instead of having a crossbar the top of the posts were marked by a small flag so that the referee could see where a high shot crossed the line. The ceremonial flags played for are elaborate embroidered affairs. The intermediate flag being contested between Cardiff Harlequins and Bath is over 100 years old. Bath last had their name on the trophy in 2005, where they beat Spencer in overtime.
After the initial panic of not having a goal keeper half an hour before the game, Bath managed to field a reasonably strong side for the first round of the Flags, reddened faces rescued by reserve keeper Dan Weil, making it 4 players remaining in the team from the victorious 2005 side, the other players being Ken Murray, Simon Griffiths and Doug Mackay
The game was dominated at the face off with Captain Will Finlayson and Ken Murray gaining the lion’s share of possession, putting the visiting Welshmen under constant pressure.
Up front 16 year old Matt King continues to impress, adding 7 goals to his seasons tally (now 16) and taking Captains Man of the Match, justifying his early rise from the seconds this season. The midfield weighed in with 10 of the goals and 14 assists with Mackay bagging 4 goals.
Good movement, strong cuts and clinical finishing meant Cardiff stood no chance in this game, only one of the goals was unassisted, probably some sort of record for a Bath side.
Cardiff did not lie down and accept defeat, having plenty of goal scoring opportunities, but the defence of Chris Ready, Sam Scott and Alex Caton kept Dan Weils goal pretty safe.
All in all the best performance of the season for Bath, this might be the season for trophies.
Quarter Scores
1stquarter Bath 3:1 Cardiff
2ndquarter Bath 6:3 Cardiff
3rdquarter Bath 6:1 Cardiff
4thquarter Bath 6:1 Cardiff
Final Score Bath 21:6 Cardiff
Scorers Goals (Assists)
Ken Murray 1 (2)
Will Finlayson 2 (2)
Doug Mackay 4 (3)
Paddy Peacock 1 (2)
Mike Carey 1 (5)
Sam King 1
Lloyd Butler 2 (2)
Matt King 7 (1)
Simon Griffiths (1)
Tom Paton 2 (2)
Refees
Jon Harrop (Panel)
Miles Whittle (Panel)
