By Archie Hedges Philosophy and Politics Second Year
Welcome to Epigram's exclusive coverage of Derby Day 2024/25. From Football and Lacrosse, to Netball and Tennis, here are the stories behind the biggest day for sport at the University. Brought to you by our talented team of writers.
In a clash of titans, UBLC triumphed over Cardiff on Derby Day with a commanding 9-5 victory. Leavers and Freshers worked in perfect harmony, kicking off a day of celebration as the men’s team secured a final win to round off an exciting season—one that saw them finish second in the league for a third consecutive year. Was this the spark needed to fuel next season’s title charge? Or a bittersweet farewell for our departing seniors?
The atmosphere before face-off was one of fevered chaos. Excited players rallied before a frenzied crowd, the pulse of Drum and Bass music mixing with nervous chatter. The playing kit was missing, some players were without shoes, and I – sidelined by an untimely injury – could only watch as my teammates prepared for battle. Leading our defence was a formidable wall: Angus Jantet, Oliver Pink, Henry Talbot, and steadfast club captain Oliver Dawson. Alongside them, our fresh defensive talent—Fraser Venn and Zac Neville—made their long-awaited debuts, eager to leave their mark.
Meanwhile, midfielders paced the touchlines under the sultry spring sun, shaking off nerves and bracing for the intensity to come. Among them, the ever-reliable Harry Ratchford kept the tempo high, while Sam Shephard, known affectionately as ‘Schooner’, prowled the field with calculated aggression. At the centre, two men locked eyes in a silent battle of will before the whistle sliced through the tension. Dom Beach, our face-off specialist, squared up against a hapless Cardiff counterpart who never stood a chance. With a deft flick of his wrists, Beach secured possession, launching the ball forward in a blur.
To the uninitiated Epigram reader, this might all sound like jargon. Who cares about men’s lacrosse? To many, it remains an enigma—a sport synonymous with camaraderie, competition, and, yes, the occasional beer-fuelled social. But to dismiss it as just another drinking society is to ignore the sheer physicality, strategy, and relentless intensity that defines the game. Lacrosse is a brutal ballet, a high-speed chess match played with metal poles and little regard for personal safety.
As Beach claimed victory in the first face-off, the ball found its way to our attacking trio: Ross McInnes, Jack Critten, and American superstar Chase Griffin. These three formed the sharp edge of our offensive machine, weaving intricate patterns and slicing through Cardiff’s defence with calculated precision. Every dodge, every roll, every ferocious shot was met with deafening cheers from the Bristol faithful, their voices forming a relentless wave of support. A particularly well-designed sign in the stands—"You can't spell lacrosse without Ross"—captured the spirit of the day.
The first quarter ended 3-3. Perhaps Cardiff would prove more formidable than expected? But Chase Griffin, already with three goals to his name, had other plans. Adding two more in the second quarter, he continued his ascent into UBMLC folklore. Yet Cardiff refused to go quietly, clawing back two late goals to level the score at half-time. As the teams huddled for a much-needed interval, anticipation only grew. Then, as the referees led the players back onto the field, a war cry erupted from the red-clad warriors, huddled around a towering long-pole. The momentum was shifting.
The second half was a masterclass in defensive resilience. Our departing alumni took charge, transforming the UBMLC backline into an impenetrable fortress. Cardiff, previously persistent, now found themselves locked out, their attacks crushed, their hopes fading. 6-5 as the final quarter began. Tired, nerves fraying, but grit unwavering, the boys faced their last 15 minutes. For many, these would be their final moments on a lacrosse field.
Jack Critten, the ‘Menace of Manchester,’ hunted his first Derby Day goal. With a GoPro strapped to his chest, he sought a place on the highlight reel—and in a moment of sheer brilliance, he delivered. Weaving through a bewildered Cardiff defence, he rifled a peach of a shot into the top left corner, leaving the goalkeeper frozen in disbelief. 7-5. The celebrations edged closer. Bristol pressed on, displaying technical mastery in dodging and one-slide defensive perfection, extending the lead to 8-5.
Then, in a flash, the unexpected happened. Our club captain, Oliver Dawson, determined to claim his place in history, emerged from deep in our half. Carrying the ball forward, he seemed unfazed by the roaring crowd or the Cardiff defence, and in a moment of pure lacrosse artistry, he scored his first-ever goal for the club. The crowd erupted. Not because we were now 9-5 up, but because no one had ever imagined this moment would come.
'Though it was my last game, I would not have wanted anything less. As a defender, picking up one last goal to seal the game felt like the perfect way to end my university career,'
Dawson reflected post-match.
On behalf of Oliver Dawson and the entire club, we extend our gratitude to Ella Lovibond and the SU officers for orchestrating an unforgettable day. Derby Day provided the perfect stage to showcase lacrosse to an audience that may never have seen the sport before. Though Bristol dominated, Cardiff played with excellence and unwavering sportsmanship, and the team would like to extend our gratitude to our visitors and their respective coaches.
While the players and spectators basked in the sun, this was always more than just a game. It was Derby Day. It was pride, passion, and the culmination of a season’s worth of sweat, sacrifice, and countless bruises. Rivals just an hour earlier, the two teams shook hands as comrades, bound by a shared love for the game. And as the dust settled on the once-immaculate battleground of Lower Astro 1 @ Coombe Dingle, one thing was undeniable: lacrosse was not a sport to be ignored.
Featured image: Fraser Roberts and Archie Hedges
