Bath Women in baptism of fire in opening tournament

 

This year, after a particularity successful unbeaten season in 2023/2024, Bath Women’s team have moved up to the Premiership in the South West Senior League. The first tournament of the season on 22nd September back at Westonbirt School was always going to be a step up in competition – and one the team would take on gladly.

 

 

Our first game of the day against Bristol’s 1st team ended in an 11-1 to Bristol, although the scoreline did not reflect the hard work and effort put into the match. The match was intense, and each new quarter improved immensely as our new team learned how to work together effectively to make ground against Bristol.

 

Defence was always going to be the key against Bombers 1 with their quick attacking drives and well-rehearsed set plays. Our defensive core held Bristol back well, and there were some excellent saves by Katie Little (GK). We worked on making the ball do the work throughout the midfield (essential to save precious energy in a particularly end-to-end match) and we held procession well in attack. Our goal was made by Chelsea Miller from a fantastic dodge into the fan.

 

 

Overall, we were strong off the draw and defended well, however, a few mistakes throughout the match meant that Bristol took the win. A valiant effort for the first match with new players in the team.

 

 

 

The second match of the day was against Cheltenham, known to be a particularly strong team in the league. It was evident that the team had grown stronger together and there were huge improvements already following the previous Bristol game.

 

We had a particularly strong first and second quarter, with our defence clued into Cheltenham’s tactics. Our communication was notably up, and we held off most attacks on goal, which undoubtedly rattled Cheltenham’s experience attacking players.

 

We had multiple shots on goal in attack with great teamwork from Victoria Westwood, Claire Fuller and Chelsea Miller. Towards the end of the match however (nearing 80 minutes of back-to-back lacrosse) legs were tiring, and the match began to lean in Cheltenham’s favour. The final score was 13-0 to Cheltenham but, again, not a score that reflects the match itself.

 

An excellent day all round and plenty of exciting lacrosse to come throughout the season. A big welcome to new faces in the team and here’s to the rest of the season.

 

Dates to remember