Coach defends players as newly formed lacrosse team learn the hard way

By Harry Tovey

USW lacrosse coach Callum Roszell spelt out the challenging situation his team are in after defeat to UWE 1sts – their fourth successive loss.

The newly formed team went out of the cup in a 23-2 reverse against their rivals from across the bridge, but Roszell refused to criticise. 

He said: “We are a very fresh squad, a lot of our players are new to lacrosse and we only train once week which doesn’t help. 

“I am seeing improvements from all angles and a lot of the players are growing in confidence every game.”

USW never threw in the towel despite the UWE onslaught, as Amber-Maddox Moore scored twice for the hosts in a game where the result did not reflect the overall balance of play.

Roszell added: “It doesn’t really matter about the results as long as they are playing and giving their all, that’s more than I could ask for. 

“I am really proud of the way they played today, it was a very competitive game. 

“If you were a neutral watching you wouldn’t think we have been playing lacrosse for a couple of weeks.

“The players turn up to training each week and give it their all and I can see us improving every game.”

“They are a very aggressive side and were very drilled, but the girls kept up the fight.” 

USW Goalkeeper Niente Ten Berge played a massive part in a positive performance as she made some impressive saves. 

Roszell said of her display: “She’s our stand in player as we got an injury, so we might be looking to switch things around as she looked really good.”