Stockport Lacrosse Club Juniors: U14s Away at Mellor

The standard of lacrosse at U14s is high, make no mistakes about that, and with quality games coming thick and fast there was a high level of excitement surrounding the 2nd encounter between Mellor and Stockport this year.
Only our 3rd away game of the year, we made our way over to Mellor Sports Club, for a wet and blustery affair. With a particularly enthusiastic (sizeable) number of parents watching on, we all knew we were in for a treat.
The game started, and Mellor came away with the ball and looked to move the ball around our solid defence releasing the first shot of the day. Aaron stood firm, and made the necessary save and looked to release the ball. Uncharacteristically for these 2 teams there were a number of small handling errors on both sides and they didn't settle as both teams can. However, a quick break from Stockport found Rhys on the edge of the crease and he calmly slotted one home. Mellor scored next, by a good flowing move and Stockport managed another 1 before the break. Leaving it tight, but just giving us the edge 1-2 at the end of Q1.
Q2 started quickly, with both team enjoying periods of possession, but it was tight and both teams clearly wanted to impose a level of control but when the teams are so evenly matched that wasn't going to be easy. Mellor brought it level, and Stockport managed 1 before the end of Q2, giving us a 1-1 quarter. Lots to play for, and only 1 goal in it at HT.
Q3, the boys in Blue just started to edge it and despite possession being even, the all important finishing today was just better by us and we managed to shut Mellor out, and put 2 in the other end. So Q3, went 0-2, and my personal highlight of the day, seeing Cormac make a lovely assist to Rhys.
On to the final quarter, and everything still to play for. All the first 3 quarters were an edgy affair, then Q4 was anything but. This was a real end to end quarter with 50% of all the goals on the day being scored in this quarter, with amazing goals being scored in a 3-4 quarter leaving us victorious on the day 5-9.
Some stats to share. 9 goals, and more impressively, 9 assists. Rhys (4), Will H (3) and Cameron (2).
On a personal note, I have been involved with SLC for 6 years, and this was our first competitive victory over a full strength Mellor team. The friendships which exist between the 2 teams will remain, and I'm sure both teams will continue to play the right lacrosse. Which does go to show that the team are working hard every Tuesday, being coached well, encouraging the newer players with the right passes, involving them in the game and this will make the team stronger. My final thought is how well the lads are listening and applying themselves to the coaches