Flags Appearance for U14s at Rochdale against Cheadle/Sheffield

As we made our way to Rochdale, there was a nice level of confidence mixed with an undertone of nervousness amongst the players and the supporters.  We have worked hard to arrive at this point and the players certainly deserved their opportunity.
We know our opponents have a little more experience at this stage of the season, and we know they will be organised and well drilled 
The game started as we knew it would do.  Great competition at face all day, and evenly contested giving both teams a similar level of possession and despite early possession, we were unable to capitalise with a goal at the end of it.  Cheadle/Sheffield were able to make sure their opportunities were taken and by the end of Q1 we found ourselves 1-2 down.
Q2 was even in possession and opportunity, and before we knew it we found ourselves a further 2 down before bringing it back level at 4-4.
Q3 we managed to get in front by 1, but I always felt we needed to get a couple in front to put a strong Cheadle performance under pressure, but this was never to be and as we finished Q3 we were 7-6 up.
Q4 opened and we did have a number of good chances to get further in front, but we never quite managed to find that final touch, and we were still just the one in front, but our efforts possibly deserved more.  However, Cheadle made us pay and pegged us back to 7-apiece, then they went in front, and with only 3 minutes remaining we were one down.  We did manage to get back to 8 a piece, before Cheadle got the winner and from the face they seized possession, and we never got it back.  Lost by 1.
As we left Rochdale, I felt we didn't play well, and were dominated in key areas all around the park.  When, actually, if you watch it back that wasn't the case, and it wasn't a great performance on our part.  But we had chances, and could have won it, and despite not playing to our potential we still only lost by 1.
Lots of analysing since the day, and we can look back and think about what we did or didn't do as a team.  Maybe it just came down to our inexperience of playing in finals, and a level of nerves but lets not let it detract from what was a great season.  We have played some terrific lacrosse, scored some phenomenal goals, and won and lost as a team.  We have improved, with a number of players still new to the game and we will continue to improve.
Good luck to the boys who have played their last U14s game for us, Cameron, Will H, Joe B, Indra and Dan.

Lots of Other Photos from the Day