Derby Women’s Lacrosse Team run riot in convincing victory in Varsity 2024

Charlie Jefferies reports from Kedleston Road

An outstanding performance from captain Eliyah Parkes saw University of Derby dismantle Hertfordshire in an emphatic 15-5 win.

Speaking before the game, the skipper emphasised the quality of her team, and it showed today.

Derby took the lead on the fourth minute mark, and five minutes later found themselves three goals ahead, thanks to some excellent work by Tiana Chapman.

However, the early setback seemed to spark a reaction from the away side, who fired back just seconds later to make the score 3-1.

Just when a comeback seemed to be on the cards, Derby regained control of the tie at the end of the first quarter, when Parkes fired a rocket into the top corner.

It was a dominant second and third quarter for Derby, who, despite conceding to make it 4-2, found themselves 10-2 up in the 33rd minute.

The quality of Derby’s attack, spear-headed by Lilyella Hart and Marie Sørli, was too much for the away team to handle, and Derby whole-heartedly capitalised.

Testament to Hertfordshire’s character, it was they who scored the next two goals. Despite being merely consolation goals to make it 10-4, they showed incredible resilience to continue trying to play their own game.

Derby hit back instantly, however, and the score sat at 12-4 as the referee blew their whistle to signal the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter ran fairly similarly to the rest of the game. Hertfordshire struck early with a well-taken goal, but Derby punished some of Herts’ defensive mix-ups and continued their fine scoring form.

Sørli netted a two minute brace, before, rather fittingly, the captain topped off a fine display with a goal five minutes from time.

The game ended 15-5 in Derby’s favour. It was a valiant effort from Hertfordshire, but the home team’s quality and attacking prowess was the difference.