Leeds Uni women’s lacrosse 1st securing a massive 19-7 win.

The side was hugely excited to get back on the grass pitches of Weetwood, after bad weather had prevented them from doing so in recent weeks, whilst they were also pleased to be playing as a squad of 18 for the first time in a while.

After a focused warm up and a strong team talk from Caitlin Baty, Uni were ready to go, though the game didn’t start too well despite the goals. The Gryphons initially looked scrappy and clumsy, but once the team settled they became an unstoppable force.

The game plan was executed superbly, with the movement of the midfield shutting off Met, and the home team were always first to respond when the whistle was blown on the draw. By half time the Gryphons led 10-4.

Uni still had a job to do in the second half to prevent a Met comeback, but the Gryphons continued to look the stronger of the two sides.

With the visitors on the back foot, Uni displayed their potent attack. Baty and Grace Haworth scored fine individual goals, and the team performance collectively was outstanding as the Gryphons piled the pressure on Met.

There were a few moments towards the end of the match when Uni did lose some concentration and allowed Met some consolation points, but the Gryphons were never in danger of losing the match.

The final score of 19-7 reflected the home side’s dominance throughout the game. The Gryphons were good value for the win, and a proud Caitlin Baty was pleased with the performance: “(The game) went really well.

“We took a while to get into it, first ten minutes it was quite close and we weren’t playing like we normally do. Met called a time out and it gave us a few minutes to get our heads in and talk with the coach. Then we whipped into shape, we really thought about tactics and drove from the top.

“I definitely think we can get to the final.”

Ste Topping and Harriet Newton

Photo: Ste Topping