Warwick Lacrosse overcome Northampton in fiery encounter

Warwick 10 – 3 Northampton

Oscar Mayhew saw Warwick dismantle an aggressive Northampton side in a tough fought match.

Location – Cryfield Pitches

Star performer – Jack Melbourne – a clinical display in attack scoring two integral goals when the game was hung in the balance.

A crisp late October afternoon saw an impressive Warwick outfit dismantle Northampton in Midlands 1A, with the hosts producing a strong performance from the warm up to the final whistle. Their second win in two matches, the team built on their winning display from last week with a particularly dominant second half showing.

Captain Mclaughlin’s calls for intensity were heard from the outset, and a scrappy opening to the match brought some big hits, setting the tone for a heated encounter. As the game began to settle Warwick started to mount pressure on the Northampton side. Some intricate link up play produced clear chances which the team, clad in the traditional blue while still waiting for Warwick’s re-branding, failed to convert.

As the game seemed to be drifting towards a goalless first quarter, Warwick took a lead. A quick break from James Wimpenny reached its way to Jack Melbourne, whose shot from distance beat the Northampton goalkeeper. Yet Warwick remained dissatisfied with their performance, and the break brought questioning into the decision making of the players. Concerns mounted as Northampton proceeded to equalise and Warwick began to add to their tally of sin bins, with only some brave goalkeeping from Joe Harris and intelligent defending from long stick midfielder Oli Lester keeping Warwick level.

This crucial goal seemed to act as a springboard for the Warwick side, who flourished towards the end of the half.

Warwick’s defensive resolve was eventually rewarded as Jonah Duncan’s pace allowed him to race past the defence, assisting Charman who was on hand to finish. This crucial goal seemed to act as a springboard for the Warwick side, who flourished towards the end of the half. Melbourne extended Warwick’s lead with his second goal of the game, before Miles added another as the referee called a halt to play for half time.

Frustrations remained during the team talk, especially with the lack of temperament displayed in reaction to an aggressive Northampton team. Yet the second half brought a performance which matched Mclaughlin’s ambition to top the league this season. Straight from the restart, Wimpenny began to take control of the midfield, as Warwick pinned Northampton in their own half. Incisive passing from Arnold fed Charman for his second, and despite a couple of extensively celebrated Northampton goals, Warwick remained on top with Dezai scoring from range. Arnold and Charman’s combination play continued to leave Northampton’s defence all at sea as Charman completed his hat trick to put Warwick 7-3 up at the end of the third quarter.

Stooped heads from Northampton and superior Warwick fitness led to a one sided affair in the last twenty minutes. Capitalising on the loose passing and flaring tempers of their opposition, Warwick unpicked Northampton’s defence at will, with Akash again finding the net from far out, before Arnold went from provider to scorer, finishing neatly from a tight angle.

Stooped heads from Northampton and superior Warwick fitness led to a one sided affair in the last twenty minutes.

The game continued to be laden with fiery exchanges between the players right through the last quarter, as the tempo of play slowed with Northampton consistently venting their frustration with the referee. Salt was rubbed into the wounds of the visiting side as Arnold added to Warwick’s count with a composed finish after a darting run, leaving the score line 10-3 as the referee blew the final whistle with the sun setting on Cryfield.

Next up for Warwick is Nottingham Trent, a fixture that they’ll be hoping brings them their third win on the bounce.