Colchester 6 – 15 Spencer 2’s

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Spencer 3’s 12 – 14 Welwyn 2’s

The Spencer 3’s played possibly their best lacrosse of the season and gave divisional champions, Welwyn 2’s, a real scare. Leading by three goals going into the 4th quarter, Spencer were looking good. But Welwyn are not unbeaten in the league by fluke. They know how to close out games as narrow wins against London Uni and Northampton earlier in the season prove.

Spencer stormed the first 5 minutes, scoring three quick goals with some slick ball movement and accurate shooting from inside the Welwyn defense by Rob and Gavin. Chris Jones, normally a D man, played attack for the second game running – and he may of found his natural position.

Also for much the 1st quarter, Spencer played with only 10 men with Andrew and Simon both running late. Once they entered the field, Spencer picked it up again and pulled out to a four goal lead at half-time. Andrew was in top form, scoring 5 goals, including some highlight reel solo efforts.

During the final quarter Welwyn turned the game in their favour through sheer determination. Some Spencer legs and minds were getting tired and Welwyn started winning the face-off and 50/50 ground balls. Once in the lead they played sensible lacrosse and denied Spencer the ball to see out the game. Well done to Welwyn who have one game left against Maidstone to try and finish the league season unbeaten.

Spencer 3’s league record of 5-3-6 will show they avoided relegation by either a single point or a single goal, it depends on the Epsom vs Maidstone game on Sat 2nd April. If Epsom lose, they go down, otherwise Northampton go down to join Hitchin ‘A’ in East Div 3 next season.

With the pre-season objective to avoid relegation achieved (by a whisker) we can say this season has been a success. Everyone who has played in the 3’s has contributed and above all, enjoyed their lacrosse, win or lose.

At the heart of the team were the ever-present Colin Byrne in goal, Toby Rule in defence, Brendan Callan as long stick middie and Gavin Park, who’s one of the best face-off players in the division and runs no-stop all game. Secondary mentions go to Rob Gooch in midfield, who’s experience negates his lack of raw speed, and Andrew Mottershead, another experienced player who’s eye for goal is better than ever.

Quarter Scores: 3-3 / 8-4 / 11-8 / 12-14

Spencer 3’s were;
Colin Byrne, Toby Rule, Brendan Callan, Mark Williams, Gavin Park (3 goals), Rob Gooch (1), Simon Vaughan (1), Rodney Yong-Set, Patrick Gorman, Chris Jones (1), Sam Horowitz and Andrew Mottershead (5)