Thursday 8 February 2018

U10s at home to Mellor

It was great for the U10s to finally play again and we were happy to have Mellor down to provide the opposition.
Playing 8-a-side on a small pitch made for a tight and competitive match with both teams showing good skills and the willingness to get stuck in to fight for the ball.

Any even first quarter ended one all with Ethan scoring a good goal for Stockport. Dan was doing well at the face-off and possession was fairly equal with both teams turning the ball over under pressure from the defences with Archie having one of his best games in a blue shirt.

Since neither team had any substitutes all the lads got plenty of game time and the middies were working hard to keep up with the pace of the game. Sam put in a lot of effort and was keen to get involved at every opportunity showing the confidence he has gained from playing with the U12s.

Mellor had the better passing game and worked themselves into a lead in the 2nd quarter despite some good saves by Thurston. The speed of Devon and Euan was definitely an asset for Stockport and they also provided some useful commentary to those of us on the sideline. Bertie wasn’t intimidated by the bigger opposition and was fully committed to the cause through the whole game.

Stockport had some late chances but weren’t able to get back on level terms with Mellor running out winners 5-3

Ethan doing his bit to keep the pitch in pristine condition

Dan going up the middle

I think Ethan did touch the ground at some point but there is no evidence of it here

Sam has got this situation under control

Archie on his man, Bertie making sure Thurston is awake

The ball is in there somewhere

Thurston looking for the right pass



Saturday 3 February 2018

U14s WACS/Cheadle Hulme v Stockport/Brooklands

The debate often rages on about the merits of joint teams and what this does for the game of lacrosse at junior levels.  Some people even have the audacity to refer to them as 'Mongrel' teams.  However, what they do miss are the benefits that's teams/players still continue to play, and still continue to commit to the sport.  Benefits include friendships, different coaching methods, different facilities, and above all else they are still playing.  There are downsides, but lets not dwell on those, and lets look forward to our own U14s team for a few years to come.
The game itself was the proverbial game of two halves, with players playing outside of their normal positions, players struggling to cope with the zone being played and generally moving the ball at a walking pace.  The first quarter was very even all over the field, even at face, even in attack and even in defence, which is probably why we ended up with a 1-1 quarter.  The 2nd quarter things moved in favour of the hosts, with a 3-1 quarter leaving us 4-2 down at half time.
Then the game changed, by playing players in the strongest positions we looked much stronger in Defence, Mid and Attack, and we moved the ball quickly, from one end to the other with some delightful goals scored along the way.  By not allowing our hosts time to set up their excellent zone, we were incisive and made it count with 0-6 quarter in our favour, before a 2-2 final quarter.
Thoroughly enjoyable game, played well, by all teams participating.  Good participation from our U12s, and U14s, and the Brooklands players and coaches.