Lax Ladies Storm Into BUCS Final

The Lacrosse Ladies took on Bristol in their BUCS semi-finals last week, knowing their opponents would be out for revenge. With three internationals on their team, a win was always going to be a tough ask.

The first ten minutes saw Cambridge’s best start this season.  Goals from Laura Plant, Alana Livesey and Anna Pugh allowing the Light Blues to storm into a 4-1 lead.

After a Bristol time out they came back fighting and put two in the back of the net to make it 4-3.  Another Cambridge goal came when Alice Bush made a fast break off the draw and it looked like the Blues were back on top. However, Bristol fought hard and showed the class everyone knew they were capable of to draw it back to 5-5 at half time.

Having regrouped during the interval, Cambridge came out fighting but the start of the second half was closely contested, with goals at both ends. With eight minutes to go Cambridge found themselves two goals down. But the blues showed composure and demonstrated the standard of lacrosse they will need on Saturday if they are to beat Oxford. Two extremely well set up goals from captain Livesey and Dani Allard in the last few minutes made it 9-9 at full time.

A tense period of extra-time followed. Feeling that the momentum had switched in their favour, Cambridge believed they could win it, but Bristol definitely hadn’t given up. Early in the second half of extra-time Livesey struck with a spectacular goal to put the Light Blues 10-9 up.

Cambridge managed to hold onto the ball in attack, aided by the sending-off of the Bristol goalkeeper, and hung on for the victory that will send them into the BUCS final against Birmingham on the 15^th March.

They now turn their attention to The Other Place, with the Lacrosse Varsity fixtures on Saturday 25^th February in Oxford.  The Kingfishers kick things off at 11.45am before the Blues battle it out at 2.30pm at Oxford University Parks.

There are still spaces on the supporters’ bus, email [email protected] to secure your spot.