After a promising end to 2017 there were high hopes that the boys would hit the ground running in 2018. Facing an older squad today it was going to be a good test and so it proved.

The first quarter though had the feel of a testimonial game as both sides in possession passed the ball around, the defence looked to keep their shape and shots were at a premium. It was Sheffield however who picked up the pace and a direct run created space for them to get a shot on goal which Ned was unable to stop hitting the back of the net. This was swiftly followed by a 2nd in similar fashion and the look on Rick's face summed up the general feeling of "when are we going to start competing!" A few words of encouragement from the sidelines and Will was involved in a move that saw Sam pull 1 back as we ended the qtr 2-1 down.

The 2nd qtr saw us compete much better physically with Sheffield and defensively we really upped our intensity - some great body work in midfield from all the boys with George winning battles that he really had no right to do. When Sheffield got through, the defence led superbly once again by Joe, were playing very well with Joey and Alex both having very good games today. In attack we were struggling to open them up and their close man marking meant we weren't going to break them down without being a bit more inventive. Eventually though, our efforts were rewarded and a George feed led to Jamie calmly slotting home to level the score before we showed a glimpse of the flowing lacrosse we are capable of as Sam finished off a great move to end the half 3-2 up.

Qtr 3 is where we really upped our game and within a couple of minutes George had scored 2 with the 2nd coming from good pressure as they were trying to clear their lines. The pattern of the game now was that we were going toe to toe with them in midfield with Eddie, Oli and Will all fighting for and winning loose possession. Our attack were now finding more space and a Sam thunderbolt shot extended our lead. After a frustrating game, due to being closely marked, Tom went wandering further down the pitch, on coaches orders, and this clearly worked as he scored the next 4 goals, 2 in qtr 3, as we ended it 8-2 up.

The confidence in attack was now increasing and Josh and Jamie were not only spraying quick accurate passes around but also winning many 50:50s and we increasingly turned over and dominated possession. Tom's 2 goals in qtr 4 were followed by our final one as a long Tom pass found Sam who slammed home for a final score of 11-2.

A really good test today against a side who pushed us all the way. In the end the scoreline was due to more clincial finishing and the defence keeping their shape and winning individual battles. More of the same next week please!

Goals: Sam (4), Tom (4), George (2) and Jamie

Not really one MOM today - many contenders with Joe superbly leading the defence, Sam and Tom clinical finishing and George who once again put in a superb defensive effort in midfield.

Match Report: Austin Brady