Hitchin demonstrated why they are unbeaten so far this league season through an impressive display with a small 11-man travelling squad. But until the 3rd quarter the game could of gone either way.

On a glorious sunny but crisp London afternoon, the game started brightly with each team trading early possession and goals. Hitchin’s main threat was sharp shooting midfield players who were causing Spencer headaches throughout the first half. Spencer on the other hand were finding the net from closer in and the half-time scoreline was 8-6 to Hitchin.

It was the first 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter that turned the game. Just as we had sorted out their midfield threat, their attack turned it on with some fast and skillful stuff and jumped to a 6 goal lead in quick time fashion. No excuses but it did not help losing face-off demon, Ant Broadhurst, to a hand injury and blow to the head. Then we lost attack man, Peter Sayia, to a foot injury.

With a lead to defend, Hitchin played sensible lacrosse to preserve their legs in midfield. Spencer, with the larger squad, were unable to force Hitchin to tire and as the game clock ticked on, Spencer goals seemed harder to come by.

At the end, some sloppy defending gave Hitchin a couple of easy goals to make the final score 18-9 but Spencer were upbeat about their performance. The attack made enough changes, especially early on. Grounds balls could be improved though, but there was plenty of fight from everyone. Both teams checked and hit hard but referee, Simon Peach, soon flagged the illegal stuff, but neither team really made the most of man-up situations.

Spencer were;
Colin Byrne, Alan Keeley (1 goal), Rob Gooch, Mike Goodman, Matt Blom, Craig Simkin, Will Walker, Ant Broadhurst, Greg Blackman (2), Mike Bayern, Ross Hudson, Nick Flew, Mark Davies (3), Joe Bayern (2), Stephen Greszczyszyn, Peter Sayia (1), Andrew Mottershead, Toby Thompson, Alex Lee