Manchester came into the BUCS semis on the back of a number of impressive performances. The team had put double digit scores on the board in a number of games, apparently unaffected by the departure of midfielder Steve Caditz back the USA over the Christmas period. Solid defensive and goalkeeping displays had also built on Manchester’s confidence, no doubt driven by the experience of the players and the direction of defensive coach Dan Defransesco and goalkeeping coach Pat Acone. For Manchester the Championship had been a secondary concern, helped by the knowledge that rivals Sheffield Hallam had been knocked out. Manchester were yet to tangle with a team from the South and come out with a defeat, although Exeter were top of the Southern leagues (which is a bit like saying you’re the tallest midget).

Manchester arrived in Warwick for the North v South showdown in plenty of time, allowing them to watch some of the Loughborough v Durham semi-final. The potential opposition for the final did not appear as strong as previously thought, with coach Acone filling a whole dossier with notes and tactical insights. A keen Exeter were already warming up by the time Manchester arrived, despite the fact the referees were only half way through another game. A blustery wind hampered the pre-match regime, emphasising the importance of concise possession across the 80 minute match. A slow trickle of spectators made their way across to the pitch (predominantly Exeter fans, apparently dressed for a regatta or pheasant shoot and waving flags made from the bones of plebs) and the tension began to build. Slightly later than billed the captains were called and both sides made their final preparations.

As expected, Manchester came out hard in the first quarter and pushed to an early lead. An impressive split dodge by face-off specialist Zach Cecil left him in space, with a composed lefty finish in the bottom corner. Manchester controlled the pace of the game well, despite playing into a strong wind and a blazing sun. Exeter appeared confused that a team from the North of England had the ability to play so much better than them, as well as being unaware that more than two squad members are allowed to score a goal in the same game. Manchester capitalised on this element of surprise, scoring 4 without reply. Exeter failed to show their true class and the half ended 4 – 2, with Manchester looking comfortable.

The second half was less contested than the first, with Exeter scoring once in the 40 minutes, compared with Manchester’s six. Manchester moved the ball exceptionally well, working the Exeter defence and finding the back of the net repeatedly. A slick crease finish from seasoned attackman Tom Slater demonstrated the clinical nature of the Manchester attack, whilst the offensive flair came from deceivingly acrobatic James Bates, who finished a crease dive worthy of an average YouTube highlight reel. Exeter’s frustration was clear, with numerous infractions for illegal body-checks, offside’s and pushes highlighting their general lack of discipline. This lack of control extended to their numerable fans, who cheered irrationally when their team gave away possession for moving picks, technical fouls and pathetic slashes. At times the CBO had to remove drunken Exeter supporters from the technical area, who became increasingly confused that that all too familiar feeling of being inferior to the Northern Premiership had begun to creep in. In contrast the Manchester defence had been solid. Quickly correcting early mistakes, Exeter’s two threats were neutralised for the majority of the game. The impressive unit of Bailley, Simeen, Moore and Nekrews were solid, forcing repeated turnovers and discouraging potential attacking plays. This combined with another superb performance from goal keeper Poffley essentially shut out the Exeter offense. Hard fought ground-balls were also key to Manchester’s second half dominance, with takeouts from Rooney and Hulme and numerous ground battles by captain Stout and Treacy, allowing numerous fast breaks to develop.

The match ended 10 – 3 to Manchester, who were delighted to progress into their first BUCS final. The mood was such that the referees briefly forgot it had been a competitive Championship fixture and began congratulating Exeter on doing so well in a friendly. Manchester now look ahead to a final with league rivals Durham for the Championship cup, as well as meeting them in the league only weeks before. Despite Manchester’s impressive and controlled performance there will be a great deal of work still to do before the two sides meet in Sheffield.

EDIT/PS. This article was released into the general domain following a series of amusing if pathetic revelations regarding members of Exeter Mens Lacrosse Club and their behavior through numerous online channels. Manchester Men's Lacrosse would like to point out that we do not hold identical opinions about the Women's club, but given their pitch side antics during the game we cannot deny that they are similar.