The last game before Christmas and we were expecting another tough game against Sheffield. However, illness had depleted their side and they were only just able to field 10 players - whereas, MC Lax was at full strength.

The game started with MC winning the face and within a few minutes Joe slotted home the first goal. MC enjoyed most of the early possession and it wasn’t long before Josh scored to make it 2 nil.

Any Sheffield attacks were stopped by the MC defence and Cameron (in goal) was rarely troubled.

The midis were now controlling the game and starting to hit the front men with decent passes. Jon got on the end of a great pass which split the Sheffield defence, he moved away from his marker but the shot flew over the bar. MC should have converted more of its time with the ball into goals but the quarter ended 2.0.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern with 3 goals being scored. The first was a real peach which started from the face-off …… Miles secured the ball again, broke through and passed to Cameron who picked out Jonathan on the crease ….. goal. Josh netted his second and Elliot then scored a well-worked goal ….. although Borat claimed all the credit on the side-line for calling the play ! Half-time 5.0

Isaac took over in goal and soon had to make a couple of saves to keep Sheffield at bay. However, a half saved shot which then ricocheted off his boot and the upright resulted in Sheffield’s first and only goal.

Although Jon went on to score 3 goals in the quarter and Josh added another to his tally to secure his hat trick …….and Cameron scored what can only be described as a pure-cheek, back-flick of a goal ….. the supporters were now paying more attention to their mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls . The third quarter ended 10:1

Miles, who along with Alex and Joe was winning most of the face-offs, somehow destroyed one of his boots, which meant he had to swap with Isaac in goal. The quarter started well, with another great assist from Elliot which was netted by Jon.

Unlike the last game against Ashton, when too many players tried to score individual goals, the team continued to play good passing lacrosse and the result was 6 goals in the last quarter – including another for Joe and one for Isaac.

Throughout the game, the MC defence managed to snuff out the Sheffield attacks with some strong stick and body checks. The distribution from the long-poles was efficient and they rarely wasted their hard-won ground balls.

The game finished 16:1 Goals for Josh (4), Joe (2), Elliot, Jonathan (6), Cameron (2), Isaac

At the end, the coaches commended the defending, movement and overall level of ability in the team but, as before, the team needs to improve its handling skills if it is to challenge the best teams in the league.

Played 10, lost 2 …… won 8 Merry Christmas