By Sian Clarke, Second year Ancient History
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.
Excitement, anticipation, and nerves are all high for UBLC Women's 1's 5:30 match against Cardiff 1's. With a large percentage of the 1's graduating this year, the final match for all but one of today's team is sure to create some tears.
But who exactly is playing? In goal is final year medic Tash Leek, with straight defence occupied by co-captain and final year Ismay Hornshaw, Lydia Bennet, and Amy Kneller. Midfield boasts seven players: co-captain and final-year Engineering student Julia Hind, Sophie Cook, Maddie Kennedy, Lily Mallinson, Club Captain and graduating medic Bella Penny, Allie Collins, and Molly Doherty. Last but not least, are the four potential attackers: Daria Lvova, Emmi Methven, Mia Power, and Lyla Mulcahy. With a limit of twelve players on the pitch at any one time, it will be interesting to see how subs are utilised with fifteen on the teamsheet.
UBLC women's have had a relatively successful year, however the 1's they were knocked out in the first match for the National Championship Trophy losing to Edinburgh 7-10. The 2's also got relegated from the National Trophy in their first match against Cardiff 2's, losing by a sole point, 15-16.
Both the Bristol and Cardiff 1's currently play in the Women's Premier South 1 Division, where Bristol is 3rd, and Cardiff ranks last in 6th. When previously playing against each other, Bristol won 11-5 at home, and 13-4 away.
Gameplay:
Cardiff scored a mere two minutes into the match, with the midfielder 38 seizing her opportunity. Cardiff's defense were off to an excellent start, the goalkeeper stopped a goal five minutes in, and all players communicated clearly, preventing Bristol's attackers from getting too close. Indeed, throughout the entire match, Bristol's attackers were forced to run behind the goal if they wanted a chance at scoring.
Bristol's goalkeeper was also phenomenal, stopping countless goals, including one in the sixth minute. Bristol managed to beat Cardiff's defense on the eighth minute, finally scoring. Hind (who also happens to be on the England B team) scores twice more for Bristol before the quarter break, where the teams huddled up to discuss strategy.
However, Cardiff continued to fight, scoring another goal in the 12th minute!
In the second quarter, Bristol scored an impressive four times, with Cardiff scoring a solid three further points. This quarter was far more intense for the midfielders with fierce checks occurring on either team, and multiple subsitutions.
Support was incredible with members of UBWLC and UBMLC in attendance, and Cardiff had its fair share of support from family, men's lacrosse, and friends. One mother even filmed the whole match! Signs and shouts were abundant, although some of the male supporters took to heckling the Cardiff opposition, '46, your shoes are shit' could be heard across the whole astroturf.
In the third quarter, we scored in the 31st minute thanks to Julia, whilst Cardiff scored a further three times. Club captain Penny took a penalty shot, and scored, which was unfortunately discounted by the referee, much to the disappointment of both the team and the crowd. The game reached a fierce intensity, with a Bristol player yellow carded and a rogue ball flying onto the pitch from the stands. Bella did not let that distract her, quickly throwing it back and managing to successfully defend her marked player. Bristol bounced back scoring again in a frenzy to claim a win.
In the 4th and final quarter, Bristol's morale had fallen irreversibly, with only one more goal scored versus Cardiff's three.
Unfortunately, Bristol lost the match, 11-10, and with tearful teammates, it was not the bittersweet goodbye the girls wanted, nor a testament to the talent, dedication, and training all the girls have put into the sport, both at UBLC and beyond.
Featured image: Sian Clarke
