League: Milton Keynes 13 – 10 Oxford University Iroquois

Milton Keynes continued their unbeaten East Division 3 league campaign with a 3 goal victory over the much improved Oxford University Iroquois team.

MK played Oxford in the opening league game back in October and won with ease 12-3. Today was a much different affair with some new faces wearing Oxford colours and those who played back in October showing the progression that’s possible after 5 months of action.

MK fielded one of their strongest squads of this season so far, especially going forward. A couple of defensive players were missing but the squad was ready for whatever Oxford brought to the game. The home team started strong, scoring two quick goals before Oxford replied. The students had improved in all areas of lacrosse since our first game. They were organised in defence, moved the ball well, and had an American attacker who was a threat dodging from up top. He scored half of the Oxford goals and it was a great experience for rookie MK defender Aaron Day, who loved the challenge.

Top scorers for MK, Carl-Peter Lian and Chris Webborn delivered as promised with 9 goals between them. The midfield put in another good display, winning ground balls and keeping pace with the students up and down the field. The MK defence was solid, especially man-of-the-match Kyle Pim whose timing for numerous takeaway checks was almost perfect.

There’s always room for improvement. Oxford scored a couple of well work goals, zipping the ball around and getting the MK defence out of shape to leave someone alone on a post to get the final pass and simple shot to score. At times MK offensively got a bit lost with players looking around wondering where to run plus the offence is still too reliant on the more experienced players. More practice is needed to understand the offensive shape of lacrosse and turn individual goals into team goals.

Quarter Scores: 2-0 / 8-4 / 9-6 / 13-10

MK Scorers:
Carl-Peter Lian 5
Chris Webborn 4
Richard Euerby 2
Jack Gambrill 1
Andy Kenyon 1