Five-goal Chambers gives mixed team narrow win in mud-bath thriller
The anticipated return of Dimitri Chambers in the outfield proved a big help as the mixed team came back from four goals down down at half-time to win 10-9 to take sole position of third place in the league table.
Before the match everyone prepared for the worst in terms of the weather, and they got it. It was constant heavy rain throughout this tight encounter which gradually made the pitch more like a bog.
Despite being behind by as high as four goals captain Marcus Howe is delighted with the comeback. "I am absolutely over the moon. We just seemed to realise what we were doing wrong as a team and come together to correct it."
The first half showed how much improved this Leicester side is as they created a commanding lead in the first and second quarters as they were 6-2 down.
This meant a drastic change in the line-up. So this meant the début of new goalie Amy Rattenbury and bringing Dimitri Chambers into the outfield for the first time since Varsity two years ago. From the very start of the second half Chambers was back to his usual goal-scoring and play-making self.
The flow from defence to attack got back to what Staffordshire are known for and before you knew it, it was a tied game with just one quarter to go.
It was a big help was the return of the men's captain in the outfield after being the goalkeeper for the last year and a half. "Having Dimi did help the guys in midfield that are currently still suffering from injuries but the women have really helped to support the guys through the injuries."
That momentum continued in the fourth quarter despite a mini Leicester fight-back. New keeper Rattenbury shone in this final quarter as she was putting in a suicidal performance that she is known for when playing for the hockey team also.
Every player were playing at their very best and once again we had another debut in the mixed team as Daniel Courtnage had his first outing in the outfield after being goalkeeper in their last game. "Daniel has certainly taken a serious attitude towards mixed as of late and so have so many others. The home games are getting even better turns outs every game. It is certainly making the final Varsity team a tough one to pick but all will be revealed sooner than you think."
With the season now coming to a close it looks like captain Howe will be trying to fit them all in by making them double-headers. The mixed team have six games but it is against three time twice over. So it is very likely the mixed team will only three matches left before Varsity. "The season closes at the end of February so I am looking to have a weeks extension to include one last double header. I love to play Lacrosse and would rather try to get some more games in before Varsity than not."