By Sîan Clarke, Head of Ads and Sales
Wednesday 21st January saw the return of the annual Bristol vs Exeter charity lacrosse match, dedicated to the memory of Bristol alumnus Matt Ward, who sadly passed away in 2020. This year’s chosen charity was the Bristol Samaritans, and for the second year in a row, UBMLC raised over £1000 from the event - enough to fund approximately 200 hours of helpline operation for those in need.
Despite the heavy downpour a mass crowd had already gathered on Bristol’s 3G pitch, an impressive thirty minutes before kick off, in anticipation of the electrifying rivalry between Bristol and Exeter. The away team - notorious for their rigorous training schedule, ex GB coaches and overall sporting prestige had travelled two hours to take on Bristol, the Southern Premiership winners. Expected to win, Bristol had everything to lose, whilst Exeter needed a win to overcome the misery of the typical Bristol weather their players were being subjected to.
But what is UBMLC’s Wednesday Night Lights (WNL), and why is one match so important, not only to the players and supporters in attendance, but to the very heart of Bristol Men & Mixed Lacrosse club? The annual charity match originated in 2017, as a way to increase the club’s philanthropic contributions, but in 2020 the matches became dedicated in memory of UBMLC alumni Matt Ward, after he tragically took his own life.
Each year representatives of the club reach out to Ward’s family, ensuring that the donations go to a charity of their choice - this year is was the Samaritans. On average, the charity receive an urgent call for help roughly every ten seconds; the £1036 UBMLC raised this year will fund 103 of these calls, whilst simultaneously destigmatising reaching out for support.1
Entrance to the match cost a minimum of £3, either on the door or in advance through the JustGivingPage set up with Wards family. Many spectators surpassed this, including a large proportion of recent alumni , highlighting how the players love for the club, and for its community does not simply disappear at the throw of a graduation cap. Indeed, to the delight of all the seniors, the 2024-2025 Club Captain Oliver Dawson was in attendance, albeit as an attempted surprise that the entire club saw coming.
The match further honoured Ward’s memory with its minute of silence orchestrated by Club Captain Rosie Behrens. At 7:41pm, immediately prior to the game’s start, spectators, players, and security staff alike paid their respects, allowing Matt’s memory to live on in the sport that he loved.
Four minutes and Behrens’ sharp whistle later, and the match was in full swing. To no one’s surprise Bristol’s Critten won the first faceoff, driving straight to goal and scoring, much to the joy of the crowd, and dismay to the motionless Exeter defence. Vi scored next two minutes later at 7:48, reminding everyone why Bristol won the premiership this season. Exeter’s attackers attempted to compensate for their weak defence by getting aggressive – however this proved futile against Bristol’s defence, led by Captain Hedges, and the wall also known as Bristol’s goalkeeper, Ben Arbuthnott. Bristol supporters went into a frenzy at this, with cries of ‘Go on Bristol!’ that could undoubtedly be heard from Stoke Bishop.
Exeter’s goalie pulled off a string of unfortunately impressive successful saves before the ball ultimately went offside at 7:51. At this, Exeter, in particular player #6, only became even more aggressive, whilst Bristol surprisingly stuck to more conservative tactics, favouring settling over direct drives to goal. Although Exeter frequently dropped the ball in their stampede esque rush to goal, #8 did manage to beat Bristol goalie Arkunbott, scoring at 7:55. Perhaps as a result of this concession, Dom decided to take the next faceoff – this change paid off when Bristol’s Chase Griffin scored again at 7:57. As Behren’s whistle rang for the end of the first quarter Bristol was off to a strong start leading with 4 goals to Exeter’s 1.
In the second quarter Exeter held possession although they failed to break past the strength of Arbuthnott, instead frequently lobbing the ball out of bounds. Much to the crowd's impatience, no goals were scored for either team – although the midfielders ricocheting around the pitch made the ball’s movements difficult to follow from the crowd. In attendance were dozens of UBMLC members, including the Bristol Men’s 2’s team; a large group of Bristol Women’s Lacrosse players; almost the entirety of the rival team Bristol Bombers; in addition to friends, family, and housemates of the 1s.
The Bristol Jets Cheerleading Varsity Squad performed, amidst Exeter’s second keeper warming up. Once the Jet’s impressive performance finished, a heartfelt and slightly drunken rendition of Katy Perry’s hit song, ‘Firework’, broke out from amongst the balcony – led by none other than the Bristol 2s.
However, this was not a Den & Terrace karaoke social, as once again, Behren’s whistle signified the start of the next quarter and an end to the amusing halftime revelry. The always dependable Critten scored once more, whilst Griffin put 5 more in the back of the net and Exeter’s second goalie cracked under the pressure scoring an own goal at the very start of the quarter, much to the crowd’s amusement. Throughout these fifteen minutes, the rain had continued to drench both teams, leaving the supporters huddled together under umbrellas. Yet, UBMLC did not let the stereotypical Bristolian weather bring down their spirits – chants and cheers constantly rang out, reminding Exeter of Bristol's immense club spirit.
In the final quarter, regardless of the poor visibility caused by the rain, Exeter scored twice more, in a futile, albeit respectable attempt to turn the tide of the game.
With suicide rates increasing annually, amidst an ever lonelier, more disconnected society, initiatives like UBMLC’s WNL have never been more needed, nor more beneficial. Indeed, other sport societies in Bristol and beyond should take inspiration from UBMLC’s tribute and its authentic blend of high-stakes competitive sport; university comradery (partly fuelled by pints and red face-paint); and moving dedication to one of their own, all in support of charity. It’s no surprise that Russell Group Universities Sports Societies have an awful reputation- but it’s events like these that disprove that stereotype, showcasing the caring community behind the sea of quarterzips and chinos.
Need to talk? The Samaritans’ free and confidential helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year, at 116 123.
Featured Image: Epigram Sîan Clarke
