Hampstead at Home

From Lacrosse magazine, November 6th 1937

Purley 6 v. Hampstead 4.

Owing to one of their players being misdirected on a cross country journey to Addiscombe, and consequently arriving 10 minutes from the end of the match, Hampstead were one short on attack almost throughout.

The scoring was opened by a lucky goal for Purley, a pass being deflected off the stick and body respectively of two Hampstead defence men. Apart from this each side scored one goal before half-time, though Purley had done most of the attacking.

In the second half Hodgson’s tactics of coming up of an extra man on attack permanently caused one of Hampstead’s attack to fall back with him, thus leaving Hampstead’s three attack men to face four defences, and Ewen, who played exceedingly well in goal. His anticipation and interception was brilliant but against a full attack would have been very risky. Hampstead drew level at two all but Purley took the lead again and with good shots by Walker finally won by 6 - 4.

The game was fast with the ground in good condition the handicap of the free man proving the decisive factor in a clean game. Mollett’s whistle thus being seldom in use.