The Mellor Girls U15 team started the 2014-15 campaign with a loss against a tough Oxton side.

As always seems to be case on the opening day of a lacrosse season, the sun was shining making for a perfect scene with a pristine pitch and the Club's gleaming new goals.

Oxton started on the attack but the Mellor defence pressed hard and forced the first shot of the game high and wide. Mellor took the lead when Amy R rolled the crease from the right and slotted the ball home. Oxton replied instantly with a strong run straight down the middle 1-1.

Emily K then put the ball in the back of the net but the referee frustratingly ruled Oxton to be in shooting space and the Oxton keeper saved the resulting free shot. On a quick break, Mellor re-took the lead with a dart forward and finish from Miranda. 2-1.

Oxton were stung and started to take control of possession. A pass to a player right in front of the goal and a goal straight from the draw gave Oxton a 3-2 lead. Coach Jess called a time out so that Mellor could re-group and sort out their marking.

Oxton however remained in control and the defending was becoming increasing desperate. Amy in goal saved twice, (once from a free position with a quick move high and right), and tackles were flying in, particularly from a tenacious Emily N - although not always to the referee's liking.

The half finished 5-2 to Oxton.

After the break Mellor started brighter and scored with a great move. Sophie, working tirelessly all game, won the ball with a great check; Harley went on a pacey run down the right and then passes via Miranda and Amy R left Aoife with the chance for an improvised "shovel" finish after a dodge. 5-3.

Oxton continued to dominate but Mellor's defence had definitely upped their game. A long throw out by Amy and dummy runs from Matty and Anna put Aoife straight through on goal but the Oxton keeper saved. After being caught offside Mellor conceded again. The pressure on the Mellor goal mounted but the defence was now keeping its shape with Emily K dropping back to support, Mary fighting hard for the ball and Annabel and Patsy providing invaluable outlets and chasing down runners through midfield. On a break, Aoife's pass found Amy R who rifled home 6-4. Game on.

Oxton piled forward and after scoring only a tip over by Amy after the draw kept the score at 7-4. A good run from Mary set up a chance for Amy R but the shot went narrowly wide. A Miranda run and hooked finish made the score 7-5 but the game was slipping away. Oxton scoring twice late on to leave the final score 9-5.

A promising start and a much improved second half performance for what is a young but determined U15 Mellor side.