Sides defend their eights titles

The teams have been announced for the annual Bath Eights lacrosse competition, which takes place on Saturday.

The winners of last year’s tournament – Timperley in the men’s competition and Godolphin School in the women’s – will both be taking part, looking to retain their titles.

There will be another 32 teams in the men’s tournament, including former winners Wilmslow, Cheadle and Hillcroft.

Godolphin will be competing against 20 other sides in the women’s event.

Bath Eights, which first took place in 1986, is now a permanent fixture on the lacrosse calendar and is the main source of finance for Bath’s junior development programme.

Up until 2016, the competition took place on the Recreation Ground in the heart of the city, but circumstances led to the move to Odd Down Sports Ground the following year.

The new, refurbished ground, with floodlit 3G-surface pitches, is a far cry from the original council pitches.

The women’s competition was added in 2017, and the space and facilities at Odd Down offer the option of expanding both the men’s and women’s tournaments if required in the future.

Saturday’s games start at 10am and spectators are welcome to attend.

There will be food and drink available, as well as lacrosserelated stalls.