After already defeating Sheffield Hallam twice this season, the University of Sheffield women’s lacrosse team were clear favourites ahead of their Varsity clash.

Still, they had to be wary of a potential upset, but in bad weather on a pitch in poor condition they put in a professional performance to take a valuable Varsity point.Before the game started a minute’s applause was impeccably observed to commemorate Holly Willis, a University of Sheffield women’s lacrosse player, who recently passed away.

When the action began it took Sheffield less than a minute to go ahead. Lucy Bradbury scored following a strong run by Kim Meadowcroft.

Hallam equalised soon after but straight from the draw the ball was passed to a wide-open Imogen Lyons who duly put Sheffield back in front. However, ten minutes in it was Hallam who led 3-2 after scoring two goals from free positions in quick succession.

Sheffield were level soon after a time-out with Meadowcroft scoring and moments later it was 4-3 when Olivia Jenson scored following more strong running, this time from Georgie Matthews. It became 5-3 when Lyons stole the ball off the Hallam goalkeeper and scored into an empty net.

It was a frenetic, end to end first fifteen minutes and Hallam were giving Sheffield a tough game as they reduced the deficit to just one.

Sheffield widened the gap towards the end of the first half with Bradbury scoring twice and Matthews getting on the scoresheet to make it 8-4.

Hallam scored either side of a Meadowcroft goal with half-time approaching making it 9-6 at the break. Right on the whistle a Hallam player was sin-binned after striking Bradbury on the head with her stick.

The frenzied scoring calmed down after half-time as Sheffield defended well to keep Hallam at bay whilst the Hallam goalkeeper made numerous saves to stop the score line widening further. Still, Meadowcroft completed her hat-trick and Bradbury scored another making the score 11-6.

Even though Hallam grabbed a consolation, Sheffield were always in control and it was ultimately a deserved victory.

Early in the game Hallam gave Sheffield a couple of scares but once Sheffield went a couple of goals ahead they never looked in danger of losing.

Speaking after the game club captain Lucy Bradbury said: “To win feels amazing but even though we expected a difficult game it was a lot closer than we thought it would be. It was scrappy but we came through.”

Team captain Imogen Lyons added: “It’s been a difficult couple of weeks but we’ve pulled through as a team and we’re over the moon with our win.”

University of Sheffield Women’s Lacrosse squad: 1. Katie Shakeshaft, 5. Emily Brinnand, 7. Lucy Bradbury, 9. Imogen Lyons (c), 11. Camilla Chilvers, 13. Georgie Matthews, 17. Kim Meadowcroft, 19. Katie Allam, 21. Sophie Billingham, 23. Anna McGeorge, 25. Annabel Burton, 27. Olivia Jenson, 29. Jessica Twigg, 31. Sophie Frazier-Hafter, 33. Laura Grassick, 35. Lavinia Morris

After some questionable organisation from the hosts York, having to change in a store cupboard, having to search for our own pitch and being asked to get our own goals, we were ready to get our BUCS final underway. Half an hour later our still without a referee Durham stepped up and provided a replacement ref just so we could actually start playing. With organisation against us we knew we had to bring a clean, fast game which is exactly what we did.
Sheffield started very strongly with a string of fantastic goals from Lyons, Meadowcroft and Matthews. Durham picked up their game fighting back to try and increase the score but were no match for the stunning goal saves of Howard, a last minute hero to step into the position, who showed great skill and confidence. Sheffield defence showed fantastic continuity and communication which resulted in many goals fed straight up the pitch including excellent shots from Bradbury. Overall Sheffield aimed to come out fighting and this is exactly what was seen, even in the disorganisation and the blazing heat it was evident that Sheffield had come to take home medals and that’s exactly what we did. Congratulations Sheffield!

On March 16th the Sheffield University Women’s Lacrosse team travelled to defend their position at the top of the BUCS league against Leeds Metropolitan University. Having won all their previous BUCS fixtures, the girls were quietly confident but knew that they had a fight on their hands with this skilled and determined team who had secured a win against Sheffield in a recent 8-a-side tournament in Durham. The game did not start out as planned with Sheffield conceding the first goal from a fast break from the centre draw. However Leeds Met did not retain the lead for long, as Sheffield followed with two goals, scored from a patient and well rehearsed settle around the goal which subsequently led the Leeds defence to call a time-out. Being behind by one goal at the first time out, the Leeds players walked out as a different team and very much focused on pushing their attack forward in the next twenty minutes and scored a further 4 goals before half time. When the half time whistle blew the score was 5:4 in Leeds’s favour; Sheffield had much to lose and everything to gain.

After half time both teams stepped out onto the pitch: emotions running high and both ready to take the win. Two goals from each side in close succession gave each team a glimpse of victory but Leeds still remained in the lead. Calling a half time, Sheffield knew they had to pull up their socks if they were going to come out victorious against this evidently strong opponent. Communication in the defence improved vastly and on numerous occasions perseverance in the defence on the goalie clears meant possession was taken straight back. Through a mixture of beautiful passes up through the midfield and some energetic cuts in the fan during the settles, Sheffield valiantly took the lead again with goals coming thick and fast. Communication in defence was effective and the attack saw some brilliant stick skills and perfectly placed shots. A combination of all these improvements led to Sheffield closing in on Leeds and then taking the lead for the final whistle, with a score of 11-8: a brilliant display of determination and skill resulting in a deserving win for the unbeaten Sheffield side to place the girls in Black and Gold as the winners of the BUCS league!

Bitch of the pitch: Kim Meadowcroft
Dick of the day: Olivia Jensen

On a hot and sunny Wednesday afternoon both Sheffield lacrosse teams headed to Abbeydale in search of victory. At the Abbeydale sand pit, Uni sought to defend their winning streak and Hallam strived to gain at least half of our score (an ambition that was obvvioooussslllyyyyyyy unattainable).
The match, although gruelling, remained one sided. Even one man down, when star player and infamous time keeper Ginger Jensen received a yellow card for the controversial shooting space rule, the goals still came thick and fast from chilled out Lyons and passive aggressive Meadowcroft.
There were times in the game when Hallam’s sneaky fast breaks from mid-field seemed too much for Uni, lulled into a false sense of security and clearly struggling with the absence of veteran Bradbury on the defence wing. However, a stirring half time talk from Lyons raised the spirits of the team further and reminded her passengers of Petra that we would be walking home if we didn’t win.
Despite the fast breaks made due to momentary lapses in concentration, the team continued to look strong and fearless throughout the game having matched every Hallam goal with at least two from Uni. The communication in defence improved with Morris’ calls of encouragement and then anger echoing across the fields of Abbeydale. The gritty determination of the defence, vocally led by Morris and Allam, meant that any sticky situations that arose were quickly shut down by Jack Sparrow Billingham, Brinnand and Chilvers.
Uni to remain strong in all areas of the pitch allowing for beautifully created goals to be scored by Timmy Blower, Laid Back Lyons, Matthews, Jensen, McGeorge and Shake-SHAFT. All in all it was a fantastic performance from everyone from Morris in goal to Grassick in deep attack.
The game demonstrated Uni’s steely determination which has enabled us to consistently sing our song; ‘WE ARE TOPPAAAA THE LEAAAGUEEEEE’.
See you at Varisty Hallam... bring your tissues.

 
Goals
Olivia Jenson 1
Katie Allam 1
Camilla Chilvers 1
Katie Shakeshaft 2
Georgie Matthews 2
Kim Meadowcroft 5
Imogen Lyons 6

Dick of the Day – Camilla Chilvers
Bitch of the Pitch- Imogen Lyons

When we began our journey to our neighbouring city Manchester, none of us were aware of the horrendous traffic that awaited us, which not even the party bus could avoid! Many games of Harry Potter quidditch games were held and a motivating film watched (Bend it like Beckham) but unfortunately none of these things could stop me needing a wee. So the party bus which was at a standstill anyway, had to wait while I ran into an old pub and beg them to use their toilet. After that we were well on our way and arrived a little (45 minutes) late to Manchester Uni playing fields.

We started the game strongly, with a beautiful goal from Livvy, then straight after that another goal from me. 2-0 what could go wrong? Well nothing we had two more goals from Georgie then 2 from Shakey. Manchester feeling the pressure started fighting back, but the defence pushed up and Lavinea  saved all their shots at goal. Manchester still not scored a single goal, we fought back and Kim battled her way through the Manchester defence and scored 5 lovely goals, and Katie our point defence shoots and scores too. However Imogen, the bitch of the pitch, stole an almighty 6 goals bringing the score to 18-0. After the final whistle we were able to sing our chant once again “we are top of the league, we are top of the league!”

This week’s match against Keele was a clear display of how the Sheffield Womens Lacrosse team have really settled into playing as a unit. Despite horrendous pitch conditions, mud to ankle depth causing many a slip sliding fall (including a stunning wipe out from one of the refs!) and some drama with broken strings, Sheffield really pulled it together. Although Keele gave us a good fight, particularly in the first half, ours girls were connecting fully through the pitch with some fantastic passes utilising the entire width to allow smooth set ups for accurate goals. Sheffield defence were solid and there were some technical goals saved by Morris. Overall the match was a brilliant display of how well the team can pull it together under frustrating conditions to reveal a score that truly gave the Sheffield skills justice. Well done!

This top of the table clash promised to be one of the toughest fixtures in the BUCS season for the girls in black and gold. The sun was shining on a well groomed Norton field, pulling crowds in from all over the country to witness what was sure to be a nail biting affair. With an intense preparation including one of the most professional warm ups Lavinea has ever encountered it was obvious Sheffield Uni were ready to battle.

After final worlds of wisdom and a shout that made the fields of Norton rumble the girls marched onto the field eager to draw first blood. Jensen provided the first for Sheffield straight from the draw demonstrating Sheffield's intentions for the afternoon. This was followed by a clinical finish from Shakeshaft under pressure. 2 - 0 Shefffield. Durham had to dig deep and shake off this poor start they showed athleticism to catch out Sheffield's defense to score there first goal. Both teams then exchanged goals with Sheffields third of the game from Meadowcroft . After a collection of breathtaking saves from Morris, solid defending from Chilvers and Brinnand, Durham managed to penetrate the Sheffield defense. However keeping their cool the girls from Sheffield finished the half with a nerve settling goal from captain Lyons leading by example. Half time 4 - 4, everything to play for, game on!

Who knows what was said at half time but the South Yorkshire girls ran back out onto the pitch looking like a different team. Disciplined and focused they were making sure nothing got in their way on route to victory. The first of the afternoon from Matthews opened the second half. Sheffield continued to pressure the Durham goal with two more goals from Lyons, another from Meadowcroft and a superb break from defense allowed veteran Bradbury to add to the Sheffield tally. Durham explored many options but were shut down by a powerful Sheffield defense. This defense was responsible for some exemplary transition from Chilvers creating something from nothing and allowing Sheffield to extend their lead. Durham did not give up and even decided their best method of defense was violence blinding Sheffield #9. Lyons was down. This allowed Durham to get back into the game and made some good plays to create goals. The score became level at 10 a piece with only a matter of minutes remaining. Sheffield remembered all those hours of sweat and hard work put in on the Goodwin astroturf and took any idea of a Durham victory away. An excellent finish hitting the bottom corner from McGeorge sealed the Sheffield victory and chants echoed from the Sheffield support 'We are top of the league say we are top of the league'. 

A tremendous display of courage and perseverance paid off. "Very proud of my girls, wish my right eye would wake up though" said Cyclops Lyons reflecting on the winning performance. Next up for Sheffield Uni  first team is a cup fixture vs. Keele check in next week to see how the team get on......................

Bitch of the Pitch - Camilla Chilvers 
Dick of the Day - Lucy Bradbury

Goals
I Lyons- 4
G Matthews - 2
O Jenson - 2
K Meadowcroft - 2
K Shakeshaft - 2
A McGeorge - 1
L Bradbury - 1

Despite being in the middle of the exam period and many of us being unable to play, last Wednesday the women’s team managed to secure another win against Leeds University, who had previously been our toughest opponents when we faced them in Leeds. Playing at home, we managed to win convincingly by 14 goals to 6. Although we maintained the lead at all times, there was a slight lack of focus in the first half. At the half time whistle we were only 3 goals ahead and it was clear that the game could have gone either way. However in the second half we gave everything we had to increase the goal margin and the end result was more than deserved. Goals were scored by Imogen Lyons, Kim Meadowcroft, Lucy Bradbury, Jessica Twigg, Olivia Jensen and Becky Reilly. 

Bitch of the pitch: Olivia Jensen
Dick of the Day- Kim Meadowcroft

Bitch of the Pitch - Lucy Bradbury
Dick(s) of the Day - Imogen Lyons and Kim Meadowcroft

Once again battling against the fiercely cold conditions, this Wednesday the girls secured a brilliant win against Manchester University. Despite a shaky start to the first half of the match allowing Manchester a few fast breaks, we maintained a convincing lead throughout, pulling together in the second half to achieve the end result of a 24-7 win. The second half saw a distinct improvement in defensive communication and offensive settles around the goal.  Goals came thick and fast: Imogen Lyons scoring 10, Kim Meadowcroft with 7, Georgie Matthews with 4, Olivia Jensen with 2 and Anna McGeorge with 1 goal. At the other end, Lavinea Morris bravely took up the position of goalie again making some spectacular saves! Big thanks go to Katie Shakeshaft for umpiring the match!

Bitch of the Pitch - Kim
Dick of the Day - Georgie

On Wednesday 17th November, Sheffield women's lacrosse team braved the bitterly cold and wet winter conditions to play one of the most important matches in the BUCS championship this season. Despite the awful weather the team was in high spirits and regardless of the pressure of the competition, with both teams playing in their home city, Sheffield University managed to secure a firm 20-10 win. Sheffield University started fiercly; with goals from Kim Meadowcroft, Imogen Lyons, Georgie Matthews and Olivia Jensen within the first few minutes. A slight lack of focus towards the end of the first half and beginning of the second allowed Hallam the opportunity to some fast breaks. However Sheffield University's focus did not shift and the team played well together regardless of some members playing out of position. Previous areas of concern such as tackling were much improved. All in all the the game was enjoyable and fast paced, with much being owed to our goal keepers Katie Allam and Lavinea Morris!

Match report to come...