U14s Semi Final v Norbury

With our usually reliable photographer too nervous to take photographs, we will all have to do with a write up, and a view on the game.
I think the sizeable crowd who gathered this morning, knew the task in hand and the quality of the opposition.  Both sets of supporters were sizeable, and respectful to the players and the coaches.  Both sets of coaches concentrated on their own team, trying to get the best out of their own players.
Due to injuries, we started the game with 12 players and an experienced starting 10.  (Always a shame to have players sitting out, but your time will come).
Will H was dominant at face, winning almost all the faces he contested, and with the attack line finding space it allowed Will an outlet pass quickly and we could stretch the Norbury defence.  We did strike first, with Rhys scoring (Knew he would have a cracking game today) to settle us down, and we managed to find a second before the end of Q1.  Q2 was a very even contest, but we managed to extend our lead with a 4-2 quarter leaving ourselves 6-2 up at half time.
If Q2, was our quarter, then Q3 certainly belonged to the visitors, with nerves starting to show and our keeper concentrating on just his own game (as opposed to organising his defence) we found that Norbury wanted to make a fight of it and momentum swung there way with a 0-4 quarter and we were now back level at 6 a-piece.
Entering the 4th quarter the spectators nerves were a jangling (never mind the players), and a strong individual effort from Will H calmed our nerves again and we were one up.  Make no mistake Norbury are a good side, and they started to press our players all over the pitch and the final few minutes seemed to be played eternally in our own half, but the players stood tall until the last 30 seconds with an excellent strike from Norbury to level it up.
Extra Time, and with a little confusion (never been here before) we were advised it would be 2 further period of 4 minute halves, and a time out for each team for each period of Extra Time.  Nerves still frayed, Will H won the ball and we mounted an attack, with a cheeky back handed pass Will H found Rhys who slotted it home.  As has been accustomed in the game, Norbury fought hard and pulled another 1 back. 8 all it is.
40 seconds remaining in the last period of Over Time, and a foul by Norbury, Norbury player in the sin bin, and coach calls his last time out.  Dont know what was said?  But I'm sure it would be calming words, and instructions which they must have listened too.  The spectators all thought were not going to get a shot off, with the boys calmly passing it around, Will to Cameron, to Will to Hugo and then fed Rhys (who had created the space) and he calmly slotted home with no more than 5 seconds remaining.
Goals today 2 from Will H, 2 from Hugo, 4 from Rhys and 1 from Cameron, and 4 of those assisted.
Throughout this game, the boys played exceptional lacrosse, dominted face, dominated possession and never found themselves behind.  Their body language and encouragement for others was very supportive, and collectively they worked together and wanted it today.
Massive thank you to the referees, the coaches and you the parents for helping the players achieve a final appearance, which on the balance of the season they deserve.

On a personal note, my son has waited 5 years to make it to Rochdale, and we know how much it meant to him, and for once tears of joy not despair.
Well done boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   #bleedblue