Oxford University v Bath
Cotswold League D1
Date: 13th October 2018
Final Score Oxford 4:12 Bath
PICTURES ON FACEBOOK
Bath off to winning start
On paper this was going to be a tough start to the season, on the last meeting between the two teams at the end of last season, Oxford came out comfortable winners (Past match report). That said, University lacrosse teams are by their very nature fluid, and the first teams tend to change from year to year with graduations etc
Bath started the game with only ten players as Alex George’s car was delayed in traffic, they arrived as the two teams were ready to face off, plus face man Alex Foster-Powell’s gloves were with Chris Mills in the delayed car. A quick decision by Captain Luke Wilmot put long pole Josh Yeoman in for the first face. Josh duly won the ball cleanly, went down to attack, missing the first shot of the game, Bath however recovered the ball and Yeoman, now on the crease, took a nice feed to score the opener.
Bath’s start to the game was excellent, the team maintained high pressure lacrosse with strong intent; controlling the ball in attack and working hard to create space; a great display of game management. The visitors never looked in danger apart from one short period when three players were simultaneously in the sin bin (one for a push in the back and two for slashes). Oxford attacked the three-man zone only to have the very first pass knocked down by Wilmot. Bath needed to keep the ball away from the home side, enter stage left the “Wilmot/Lane fake the ball show”. Mark Lane playing in goal for the first time in a year, provided the extra outfield player. Both players holding the ball and throwing multiple fakes with long pole and keepers stick, running the penalty clock down. In due course 3 defenders became 4 and Bath were able to see off the threat.
Lane returned in goal and made great saves throughout the game. His clears were the strongest part of his game. He made the correct choices between running out, slowing down the play to waste Bath’s penalties or passing to the players who got themselves free. Yeoman, Wilmot and Shaun Peacock worked well as a unit to stop the Oxford attacks. Yeoman, recently back from representing Wales at the World Championships in Israel showed his class, adding a long pole assist to his opening goal first winning face off. His communication and organisation in defence were excellent. Peacock slid effectively and cleared very well throughout.
At midfield, Alex Foster-Powell was outstanding and deservedly was named MVP for the day. Winning most of his face offs and scoring 4 goals. He worked well in both attack and defence and even “recognised” an Oxford set play, calling for Bath to switch to a zone defence in response, Bath made this move on two occasions to the frustration of Oxford.
The game also saw the return to Bath of James Smith, he looked like he had never left, good dodging from up top and tireless running were rewarded with 2 goals. Overall the whole midfield played very well, moving to create space and being smart with the ball. Chris Mills (2 goals) and Alex George (1 goal) reaping the rewards of their efforts. Jason He provided some much needed calmness and was very smart when he had possession of the ball, helping to dictate the speed of Bath’s attacks and James Runge did all the ugly things that normally go unsung, hitting the half way line when the Oxford keeper had the ball to slow or stop fast breaks, Runge chased every ball and battled hard when the ball hit the floor.
In attack the boys in red worked well with the midfield to control the game. They pressed Oxford’s defenders and goalkeeper on clears to regain and retain the ball high up the pitch. Craig Morey put in a physical display, putting in some good hits, in possession he worked well with Simon Griffiths at X to create chances. The Left-Hand duo of Lloyd Butler and Mike Carey both capitalised on this more balanced and constructive play, getting on the score card, both unlucky not to score more. Both also put the extra work in for the team, taking stints in midfield.
On paper Bath are meant to be the weak side in this new Cotswold Division that contains two Premiership teams in the shape of Bristol Bombers and Cardiff Harlequins. This display shows that, with the right games under their belt, Bath LC are no push over.
MVP: Alex Foster-Powell
Quarter Scores
1st quarter Oxford 0:5 Bath
Yeoman, Foster-Powell, Mills, Foster-Powell, Mills
2nd quarter Oxford 1:2 Bath
Foster-Powell, Smith
3rd quarter Oxford 1:2 Bath
Foster-Powell, Smith
4th quarter Oxford 2:3 Bath
Carey, George, Butler
Final Score Oxford 4:12 Bath
Scorers
Josh Yeoman 1
Alex Foster-Powell 4
Chris Mills 2
James Smith 2
Mike Carey 1
Alex George 1
Lloyd Butler 1
Referees
Oxford University