Croydon 7 v 9 Welwyn Warriors

SEMLA East Division

CHISLEHURST-BASED Croydon lacrosse played the division's top team and lost a tight game by a narrow margin.

Welwyn Warriors are currently unbeaten in the South of England Men's Lacrosse Association East Division after seven matches, conceding only 12 goals in the process.

Returning from the Christmas break with a little trepidation Croydon knew they had their work cut out.

Both teams started nervously and were reluctant to attack each other's experienced defence.

Welwyn broke the deadlock but Croydon quickly replied with a superb high-power shot from Josh Monterio.

As confidence grew the game became a thrilling end to end affair as the teams matched each other goal for goal.

Joe Johnson scored having taken a feed from outside the Welwyn defence, while veteran Ray Harper and Italian international Vinny Cristiano bagged a brace each.

Despite a series of great saves by the Croydon keeper Charlie Reardon, they could not subdue Welwyn and Andy Morris' late strike was not enough.

The team's next fixture is home - Old Eltamians Sports Club, Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst - to Hitchin on January 28.

For more information on the team or the sport in general, visit bromleylacrosse.com or croydonlacrosse.org