There are very few certainties in life but rain on a South West Women's League day at Westonbirt School is one of them. Until yesterday that is. Yesterday (Sunday 27th) the sun shone, it shone so much in fact it was borderline hazardous when trying to see the ball at certain angles.

Without being truely british and continuing to complain about the weather... lets get to the lacrosse.

GAME 1: CIRENCESTER:
Cheltenham were fielding a massive squad and feeling confident as they stepped on the field against Cirencester. The last time they faced Ciren saw a massively one-sided game in favour of Cheltenham and how very different this game started!

Cirencester were fielding a very different team to last time and were much stronger all over the field. Cheltenham started the scoring off but very quickly is was 1 -1.

A quick mindset change was needed in order to step up for quarter 2. With a fair amount of back and forth up the pitch, some very composed and patient defence were able to turnover the ball as Cirencester struggled to score anymore.

Quickly the momentum of the game changed in favour of Cheltenham, the attack took their time and worked the ball well to find the right option. Erin Tufnell and Lydia Wood scored a number of goals between them with Gabbie and Jenny Nunn finding the net too!

Cirencester took advantage of some restraining line confusion from Cheltenham for a second and they snuck a 3rd in somewhere in the last quarter whilst goalie Alex Suarez Yard denied their other efforts.

Final Score:
Cheltenham 11 - 3 Cirencester

GAME 2: BRISTOL
Here came the unfortunate reality check.

Bristol came off the first whistle meaning business and quickly put themselves a couple of goals ahead of a slightly wrong-footed Cheltenham. Lydia Wood started the scoring for Cheltenham with a great goal sprinting across crease to bury it far side.

A few missed opportunities for Cheltenham saw Bristol transition the ball well down the field. Cheltenham defence was calm and composed and did a great job slowing play down and preventing goals from an aggressive Bristol.

Natalie Hazzard scored a beautiful goal off a Pick and Roll to keep Cheltenham in the game as the minutes ticked by followed by Grace C finally getting to grips with her borrowed stick* and scooping up a rebound and powering the ball pasted the Bristol keeper.

Although an unfortunate end to Cheltenham's long unbeaten record - an absolute great game of lacrosse and already looking forward to the rematch!

Final Score:
Cheltenham 3 - 6 Bristol

Players of the Tournament:
Becky Carter and Erin Tufnell

*Grace isn't forgetful, her stick got snapped in two during the Cirencester game!