The BUCS Match of the Week sees us focus on the Men’s Northern Tier 1 - 1A clash between Lancaster University and University of Manchester.
Both teams come into this fixture off the back of differing results in round 1 of the National Trophy; Lancaster picked up their first win of the season as they defeated Durham 2s 9-4 while Manchester suffered a narrow 9-6 defeat to Nottingham Trent 2s which put an end to their National Trophy campaign for this year.
Manchester, who were promoted from the Northern Tier 2 - 2A as champions last season, have started well and currently sit in third place in the league with three points from their first two games; their only win a narrow but impressive 9-8 victory over their rivals from across the Pennines, Sheffield.
Lancaster have failed to win in the league so far this season after defeats to Sheffield (11-3) and Leeds (9-0) in their opening two games but are hoping their huge win over Durham 2s in the National Trophy last week will kick-start their campaign.
They hope to once again maintain their Northern Tier 1 - 1A status this season after a solid third place finish last year.
Ones to Watch
Lancaster University
A part of the Altrincham CofE Primary School’s 2012 National Schools Pop Lacrosse Tournament winning side, the first Altrincham team to win that prize, Ben Grime is one of the more experienced players in Lancaster’s squad; indeed he was the first team captain up until July this year when he completed his undergraduate degree only to return in September to begin his post-graduate studies.
Grime is a prolific goal scorer whose signature fake pass has confused many a defender over the years and he has scored five of Lancaster’s goals this season so far.
Having begun his studies at Lancaster University in 2022, Ben Hordern quickly became one of Lancaster’s most important players in the attack; he’s already stepped up another level this year scoring a hat-trick in Lancaster’s National Trophy win over Durham 2s last week.
University of Manchester
Led by experienced former England international, Tim Blower, as Head Coach, Manchester had an incredible season in 2022/23 where they went unbeaten in the league and claimed the Northern Tier 2 - 2A title in style with an overall goal difference of +63.
This season, in a new league, Manchester are hoping to make a statement in a higher division and with lightning-fast face-off man Freddie Goodrham in the attack you wouldn't bet against them.
Goodrham captained the Manchester side to promotion last season and, despite taking a slight step back this year, he is still one to keep an eye on as the 2023/24 season plays out.
A new recruit to the first team this season, defender James Boam is already a solid part of Manchester’s back line and can always be trusted to put in a big hit when required to stop the opposition from scoring.
Fact Files
Lancaster University
Team Captain | Andy Nash
Coaching Staff | Team Members
2022/23 League Position | 3rd (Northern Tier 1 - 1A)
University of Manchester
Team Captain | Alex Timms
Coaching Staff | Tim Blower
2022/23 League Position | 1st (Northern Tier 2 - 2A)
2023/24 Results
Lancaster 3-11 Sheffield | 11/10/23
Lancaster 0-9 Leeds | 18/10/23
Lancaster 9-4 Durham 2s | 25/10/23
Sheffield Hallam 12-0 Manchester | 11/10/23
Sheffield 7-8 Manchester | 18/10/23
Manchester 6-9 Nottingham 2s | 25/10/23