At the first Vets Lacrosse match there were a number of players who came along from Centaurs, Putney, Watford, Rosemeadians, Harpenden and Hatch End Hawks who were former international, territorial, club and school players. Of those that came along, there were those who had never met, but also those who had played lacrosse together for more than 25 years and some who remembered seeing each other on a lacrosse pitch at some stage in their lives. This time a few players bought their children with them and a couple of them even played on the pitch for the white team whilst others entertained themselves on the field.

The 8-aside game got off to a slightly tentative start, but after a couple of minutes everyone got back into the swing of things and play soon developed into a game that flowed freely from end to end.

We’ll never know whether it was the oranges or an inspiring half-time talk, but the white team came out really strong after the break and scored several goals in quick succession. Becks, who had only played in goal four times, made some great saves, while at the other end of the field, Sandy Culpitt showed her hand-eye coordination and reactions were still sharp, even after being out of the game for 5 years.

With the score at 6-6 and 30 seconds on the clock, the white team scored to make it 7-6 and time was called but referee Mark Coups waived play on to give the blue team a chance to catch up. Despite the unfair advantage, the white team picked up the ball and scored another goal making it 8-6. At that point it really was time to call it a day.

The post-match tea was the highlight of the day which was enjoyed by spectators, players and their families and consisted of homemade sausage rolls, egg mayonnaise and cress sandwiches and a fabulous cake in the shape of a lacrosse pitch made by Jenny Hughes:

All that’s required from anyone who would like to join is a £10 contribution towards pitch hire and the post-match tea. If you’re worried about something, we’ve provided a full Q&A below for all those little questions that have already cropped up and that you might think you can use as an excuse:



Q. I’ve lost my stick

A. Don’t worry – sticks are available to borrow if you have misplaced yours/lost it



Q. My boots are mouldy

A. Put them in the washing machine – clean as a whistle!



Q. I don’t know the rules anymore

A. You are not alone, we can help get you up to speed (we never really followed them too closely anyway!)



Q. I’m too old

A. You are never too old to play lacrosse!



Q. I’m too young

A. We need the legs!



Q. I’m insulted that you think I’m a Vet

A. Sorry!