Epsom Lacrosse Club earned a hard-fought 5-5 draw at Spencer thirds in their first ever game to kick-start the new club in the Southern Lacrosse leagues.

The game was defence-dominated with the home side enjoying large periods of possession as Epsom struggled to find an attacking rhythm.

But the new boys opened the scoring and the nerves settled. Sam Rowland’s inspiring goalkeeping was the cornerstone of a solid display and Epsom never went behind in the low-scoring encounter.

Ian Ballantine and Jack Bristow put in gruelling shifts in midfield as Epsom started to take charge and confidence grew.

At 4-2 with 15 minutes to go, it looked Epsom had a win but Spencer rallied strongly to level it at 4-4 and then, with just three minutes left, to 5-5.

“It was a tough opening game and, though it was disappointing not get the win, I was delighted with the effort. The team has only just got together so it will take a while to gel and see the best but it is a very promising start,” said captain Jonathan Schofield.

Epsom travel to Hitchin on Saturday.