Mixed team harshly thrashed against a rampant Loughborough
It has been a while since this has happen, but the mixed team were soundly beaten by a bigger, faster Loughborough side 19-3 in a double-header which means this result is seen a two losses for Staffordshire.
In previous meetings Staffordshire usually gives the sporting university a close match and have even managed to draw against in last year's encounter in Stoke. But an under-strength mixed side were made to be punished for their lack of experience.
"The score was a shock because I really thought that this was the team that could give them a run for their money but it was just unfortunate that we were missing some players but we still played well" said captain Marcus Howe who made his return to skipper duties after being away for yesterday's match with Birmingham.
Today saw the début of men's defender Daniel Courtnage who started as goalkeeper. With a background of being an Ice Hockey goalie, Courtnage went back to his roots, sort of. But today's opponents was probably the wrong time to make your début in, as Loughborough were pounding in goal after goal. But as the game went on Courtnage did manage to pull off some big saves and showed that he has the potential of being the mixed teams future goalkeeper.
Today also saw the return of Rebecca Wilshire and ex-chairman Jack Tew who managed to get on the score sheet today. Captain Howe also managed to make sure that Loughborough didn't get away with a huge victory by scoring a few goals as well.
Despite being disappointed by this have loss, captain Howe was still happy with a lot of the freshers performances. "The loss of certain players and a few injuries have had an impact for the men on the team but the women continue to improve and are consistently turning out in great numbers. If we had our best team I think it most definitely would have been a different score line."
The mixed teams next match will be a great chance for new players to get a lot of experience as they host bottom side Warwick 2nd's. "The team consistently improves as the season progresses but the aim this week will be to focus on defending and linking the defence to attack" commented Howe.