Men vs LSE - 7/11/2020+1 (H)
BLWP 1- 21 LSE
Well, this was quite a game we don't plan to talk about. We came here a few strong men down but our hopes high. LSE had been tough opponents before, but they were a beatable side. A knock to confidence had been quickly hit us when a message came up on the boys chat, a positive lateral flow from our King's pit attack Alex. After a quick team rearrange by Liam and myself gave us a new starting 7 to meet them in the pool.
The first half, we swam well, we played well, but it wasn't enough. An unfortunate couple of plays by Liam had seen him get 2 kickouts in the first quarter so he had to play more passively and carefully. LSE found ways to exploit our rigid structure and sink 11 past us in this half. We came together at the quarter breaks and talked through how to counter this attack. Mark in goal may or may not have been our wisest decision but the unfortunate absence of our own Water Aid, it was our best shot. While he stopped many, his inexperience with fakes and other fancy shots was unfortunate for our score line. James had fought off many double markings on him as well, playing for the foul and doing an incredible job on the wing. Maxwell kept the left wing on lockdown giving Lappy room in the pit attack to attempt to sink them in the net. First half over, we haven't yet scored.
We collect ourselves at half time, look to how we should change our plays. When we are on the attack, look for them dropping a man at our goal for the counter. When that happens we have more space on the attack, and should use it from our drills on Thursday evening. Giving the freshers more time in the pool we have our best quarter yet. Only allowing 3 past us and scoring our one goal, the game set looked to change. After Mark shouting to LSE if they can count the numbers of players in the pool, we play well and play strong. After one of their players on the side decided he should catch the ball that was still in play, we get the penalty. Cole our LA man took the shot and got us the first goal, setting LSE back and denying them the clean sheet they were looking to. Noah in our pit defence was giving their players a tough time not allowing him any space to play at all making them work very hard to attempt to score. Harry and Mack on the wings made them think twice about double marking Lappy as they gave LSE something to worry about. Our own MMA fighter Ethan played with his concussion, using his strength to give their fast and speedy winger a difficult time keeping up with their attack.
While this was a devastating defeat, I could not be more proud of our boys. We played hard and we played well even without some strong players and we kept our heads up at the end of it.
Goal Scorers: Cole
Player of the match: Cole for scoring a penalty!