U13s Girls Stockport 14 - 16 Brooklands

 Game 7 - First Round of Cup

Stockport 14 - 16 Brooklands -- 12.02.2023

Scorers:

Eve - 2

Naomi - 2

Effy - 1

Carys - 8

(Missing one goal scorer)

Coach: Owen J, Matt A, 

Umpire: Phil Jenner

Roster: Sienna A, Milly Shep. Amber F, Lily-May L, Molly, R, Aimee G, Naomi S, Grace C, Eve C, Pippa R, Carys J, Effy H, Iris H, Abbie R, Millie SM, Phoebe L, Isla G, Georgia G, 

Beautiful morning down at club for the U13s Cup First Round and U18s on the far pitch. Thanks to the parents for helping set up both pitches. 

🥍🥍The U13s sponsored by Deans Court Chambers and powered by French Plaits were supported by Eve, Phoebe, Georgia and Iris from the U11s.

Brooklands were pumped up from the first whistle and came flying out the blocks. Before we knew it the guests were up by 5 before we pegged one back. A nice feed to Carys from Amber put the braided team on the scoreboard. Brooklands continued flourishing and notched up 7 in the first quarter but Naomi chalked up Stockport's second with a fantastic drive from right side of goal. Millie SM although under direct attack made two cracking saves and stood strong between the uprights. Abbie got involved at the attacking end and supported the workload in midfield. Quarter 1 score was 7-2 to Brooklands.

The Stockport squad of 18 were warmed up and fired up for quarter two and started racking up points on the scoreboard. Carys buried a nice fast shot to bring us within 4 and then Eve slotted one in with a feed from her U11 compadre, Iris.

Brooklands competed and popped in two more but these were countered by Carys and Eve both notching up another one each. We were fairing well on the ground-balls but were struggling to clear the ball at times which gave Brooklands more chances on goal that we would have liked. Pippa was showing great defensive skill as she settled into the game and started to thwart the Brooklands attacks. Naomi was determined to get her second and get Stockport back in the game and she was working the  traveling defence hard. Phoebe was working hard in the attack while Effy was ploughing up and down the field, covering a lot of ground in the midfield along with Isla. Millie continued to stop shots keeping the scoreline tight. Quarter 2 score 4-3 to Stockport, (10-6 to Brooklands) 

Sienna jumped in the goal for the second half and she didn't hang around, getting peppered by Brooklands from the starting whistle. They were refreshed and replenished after the half time break and they wanted to stretch the lead. Mollie, Pippa and Milly S were working together as a defensive unit but Brooklands were still getting goals on the scoreboard. Sienna started to make saves, one of which was a crowd pleaser as she tipped a fast paced shot over the bar creating gasps and cheers from the well attended and fed pavilion.

Following the flow of the game the ball was quickly going from end to end as the girls gave their all, ploughing up and down the field. With a couple of completed passes, Naomi worked her way into a one-on-one position with the goalie and she netted her second. Effy got on the scoresheet with a well worked drive and tidy finish. Grace was going none stop covering ground in the midfield and supporting the offensive strategy.

One highlight for me in this quarter was a drive from behind from Amber and then a turn on a sixpence in front of goal which would make Mark Millon jealous (Google Mark Millon and watch him change direction).

Sienna came away with 5 saves which was commented on by Chris, Brooklands manager. Quarter 3 score 3-2 to Brooklands (13-9 to Brooklands (missed one scorer)). 

Quarter 4 - The comeback. Carys had the bit between her teeth and started to carve the oppositions defence up. The team pulled together and fought valiantly for ground-balls and generated numerous turnovers in while Brooklands were trying to clear the ball. This extra possession helped the Stockport comeback and Carys started her rally of goals. Each one in the net gave more power to Braided Blue Devils and you could sense the nerves from the Brooklands team. Georgia joined in the midfield and helped the advance and Aimee put in solid shifts at the defensive end. Carys's forceful run and powerful shot brought Stockport to within one and the pavilion was a mix if nail biting and cheers! Another draw well challenged by Stockport and the loose ball picked up by Isla and quickly moved to Carys set up another strong drive on the Brooklands goal which she converted, chalking up her 5th for the quarter and 8th for the game - 14 all!! The pavilion let the girls know!

The quality and strength of the Brooklands team showed through as they held strong, kept their cool and stopped the Stockport Roller coaster with two well worked goals. Quarter 4 score 5-3 to Stockport (16-14 to Brooklands). 

A great game to watch from start to finish with plenty of excitement for all players and spectators. Brilliant to see such a strong comeback from a slow start. Keep going girls your all getting better each week!! Brooklands showed class and finesse with sharp passing, great shooting and displayed discipline under pressure. First class team!

Thanks you to all the stylists for the tricky hair do's! can't believe you all pitched in, i'm most impressed! I owe you one (i'm thinking if Princess Leia style for the next game).

Thank you to the kitchen staff Doe and Paul running the 'Sheppards Hut' and keeping the crowds fed and watered. A bumper day for the kitchen as they sold out of all stocks🥍🥍

U13s Girls Stockport 13 - 19 Brooklands

 Game 5:

Stockport 13 - 19 Brooklands --15.01.23 

Roster: Sienna A, Milly Shep. Amber F, Jaya W, Lily-May L, Molly, R, Aimee G, Naomi S, Grace C, Eve C, Pippa R, Carys J, Effy H, Iris H,  Phoebe L, Isla G, Georgia G, 

We managed to go ahead with game even amidst the terrible weather at the start of the year, so thank you to the ground staff for the excellent pitches. Thank you to Phll Jenner for umpiring and Rosie for coaching. 

A great game to watch! This was a game of four quarters. brooklands won the 1st and the 3rd while Stockport gone the 2nd and the 4th. Brooklands just had the upper hand on goals per quarter. It was a well contested game up and the field played in the spirit that it should be. 

Quarter scores

Q1: 2 - 8

Q2: 4 - 2

Q3: 2 - 6

Q4: 5 - 3

Scorers:

Effy - 2

Grace - 2

Carys - 8

Eve - 1

Assists:

Grace (2), Phoebe, Effy

Sienna Saves:

12

Girls U13s Mellor 6 - 19 Stockport

Game 6

Mellor 6 - 19 Stockport -- 29.01.2023

Scorers:

Grace - 2

Effy - 3

Carys - 9

Georgia - 1

Phoebe - 1

Iris - 1 

Isla - 1

Amber - 1

Coach: Rosie, 

Umpire: Phil Jenner

Roster: Sienna A, Milly Shep. Amber F, Jaya W, Lily-May L, Molly, R, Aimee G, Naomi S, Grace C, Eve C, Pippa R, Carys J, Effy H, Iris H,  Phoebe L, Isla G, Georgia G, 

A nice morning at Mellor on the 29th January 2023.

🥍🥍The U13s sponsored by Deans Court Chambers were supported by Eve, Phoebe, Georgia and Iris from the U11s. The Blue battlers came flying out of the trap and caught Mellor off guard. Before we knew it we were 5-0 up with Carys having a direct run on goal. This early strong start gave Rosie confidence to try repositioning some players. 

Sienna stood strong in the nest and chalked up 4 saves in the first quarter while Mellor struggled to stop Carys as she grabbed 5, Isla popped one in and Phoebe kept up the Livesey tradition by blasting one in the top of the net. Quarter 1 score was 7-0 to Stockport.

Quarter started much the same way as Q1 with Mellor struggling to contain the blue advance. Carys racked up two more and Grace got in on the action with a brace and demonstrated how to shoot hard and fast on the run. Georgia also got in the scoresheet after a nifty little tuck 'n' roll got here facing the goalie one-on-one. Sienna saved two more Mellor attacks but one eventually got passed her. Effy (2 goals in the quarter) got the best goal of the game to finalise a great passing move with Grace dishing the ball to Amber at goal line extended who then fed Effy cutting nicely towards the crease - excellent to watch. Keep your eyes on Amber as that lefty feeder. Quarter 2 score 7-1 to Stockport, 

The third quarter saw Stockport changing up their tactics and practising to move the ball round the goal. Mellor upped their game and started to get back into it. Sienna continued to see beachballs and made two more great saves but Mellor's shooting was improving and two more snuck passed our keeper.

Amber got on the scoresheet after her signature spin dodge and Iris, fastest girl in Stockport, used her speed to create an opening that she converted. Effy netted her third and that brought the third quarter to a close and a lot closer than the others. Quarter score 4-2 to Stockport. 

Mellor got into fourth gear for the last quarter and started to notch up a few goals. They were determined to balance the scoreline, somewhat. The home team ran out winners in the fourth quarter 3-1 taking the game total to Mellor 6 - 19 Stockport. 

The team looked strong from the start and showed great skill in moving the ball for periods of the game. All girls put in 100% all game with Millie S playing solid defence along with Molly and Aimee. Lily and Naomi showed grit and determination and battled all game. Eve must have covered 10 miles with the amount she ran and Jaya linked in at the back to protect Sienna.

All round an excellent game! Great to have 8 names on the scoresheet and a number of these were assisted. The team is looking better each game and we can all see the development in all players. 

In two weeks we have the cup game against Brooklands. It would be great to get off to the same start that we did in this game. 🥍🥍

Game 4

Timperley 24 - 2 Stockport -- 4.12.2022 - Game 4

Scorers:

Grace - 1

Eve - 1

Coach: Rosie, 

Umpire; Phil Jenner

Roster: Sienna A, Millie SM, Milly Shep. Amber F, Jaya W, Lily-May L, Molly, R, Aimee G, Naomi S, Grace C, Eve C, Pippa R.

Fresh early start at Timperley on the 4th December. 

The U13s sponsored by Deans Court Chambers were missing a few players this week due to them playing up on the Cheshire U15s team in York. This gave the squad of 12 plenty of opportunity to show their skills.

Timperley came out of the gate fast and were dominating from the start. They were physically bigger, faster and stronger. For some reason this seems to be the case with Timperley from my experience, but don't worry we catch up and usually over take them. 

Timperley started testing our defence and goalie, Sienna, from the first draw. The girls stood strong and did their best against the onslaught from the 'young team with plenty of new starters' but the goals started racking up for the light blues. Sienna made full use of her stick and padding and saved four shots in the first quarter which was quite incredible considering the amount of shots Timperley were putting in. Amber made sure that the way to goal for the opposition was not easy and was putting in some crucial checks. 

The Chew sisters sister were both determined to get Stockport back in the game and they both had valiant efforts on goal and Eve opened the scoring for Stockport. Grace soon followed and netted our second. The attack looked promising when we got the ball but, Timperley were commanding the possession.The quarter score was Timperley 9-2 Stockport.

The second quarter was steadier as Rosie gave some advice to the defensive set up and placed Pippa at the rear and Matt Ashton gave some words of wisdom to Sienna in preparation for the next phase of the game. The middies and defence held strong but Timperley again dominated possession from the start pushed on to increase their lead. Sienna again showed her skills between the posts racking up four more great saves leaving Timperley frustrated at the 'wall' in the nets.

Amber continued chopping wood and put in more great checks showing control, accuracy and timing. She also took a bump to the head as one of the Timperley players shot hit her on the noggin, luckily she seemed okay after a breather - think about those eye goggles!! Pippa showed how to play text book defence by standing up many of the Timperley drives. Quarter score, Timperley 4-0 Stockport, making the half time score 13-2.

We started the third quarter with a switch of goalies, suiting up Millie S in the keepers gear. Mills was straight into battle making saves like Sienna and turning away four that I recorded. Although we were becoming more organised at the back the lack of possession was hurting us and we under the cosh again. Some valiant efforts going forward with Grace creating some good chances on goal but we were unable to convert these into our third goal. third quarter was 8-0 to Timperley making the running score 21-2.

Millie S was the star of the fourth quarter with a sterling five saves that i recorded and Amber increased her checking stats with a stunning tomahawk check, whipping the stick out of the hands of one of the Timperley attackers. A tighter defence, enthusiasm and persistence kept the score down in the fourth period. We continued to drive forward when we had the chance and made some valiant efforts on goal but were unable to increase our tally. Last quarter was 3-0 to Timperley. Final score was 24-2.

On paper it looks like we got beat up from the feet up, but there is always plenty to take away from each game. We found out that:

• we have two tremendous goalies in the making, both stacking up numerous saves at crucial times
• we have players now starting to play great textbook defence
• we have players developing their checking ability increasing turnovers
• we hustled over the pitch and never gave up - showing drive, determination and dedication
• the players were shouting and cheering each other on the whole game, they were cheering the goalies when they made saves which demonstrates that they are forming into a tighter team that will support and fight for each other
• Lily-May L has the loudest voice on the team during the rallying calls before each quarter - incredible volume. I have no idea where she gets it from
• Jake L has some dad jokes that are nearly up to my standard

The score is the score. It's always nice to win but the bullet points above show valuable development for the whole team, all players going forward and Stockport Lacrosse as a whole. Well done all!!

Onwards and upwards. Let's get some results at the Christmas 8-a-side tournament on the 18th December!!!

Girls U15s Brooklands 14 - 14 Stockport -- 16.10.2022

Girls U15s Brooklands 14 - 14 Stockport

Sponsored by Deans Court Chambers

Scorers:

Lucy (The Rope Ripper) - 5

Mia - 2

Carys - 2

Jess (Hoover/Dyson) - 2

Eva - 3

Katie - 10 saves

Roster: Mia F, Eva H, Carys J (U13), Katie B, Millie S (U13), Poppy S, Fran B, Jess B, Lucy P, Amelie G, Effy H (U13)

The Sun was shining at Brooklands ready for a belting game of lacrosse. Unfortunately, illness took Beau off the roster and the U15s were left with 12 players against Brooklands 13.

Brooklands kindly agreed to a minutes Silence out of respect Stuart Dumbarton (previous U15 manager) who died recently. This was the first U15 since his passing. Stuart was a lovely fella and his death was a great shock to us all. He will be missed.

Brookland's had the stronger warm up and it looked like they would be off to a galloping start. As it happened, they couldn't keep up with Mia in the middle and she dominated from the opening whistle. Mia commanded on the draw and paved the way up front by nailing two in the first quarter. Eva was the quarterback up front and guided the attack while netting two herself. Carys got on the scoresheet early and slotted her first while Brooklands were looking trying to figure out what was happening. A well worked goal from Lucy, assisted by Effy, rocked the Brooklands defence. Katie had four saves in the first quarter alone frustrating the Brooklands attack. 0-6 first quarter. 

Brooklands found some rhythm in the second quarter and pegged 4 back. The girls were working extremely hard all over the field with one less sub than the opposition. While thwarting off a Brooklands onslaught in defence, Mia went over on her ankle which didn't look or sound good. Supported by her team and Brooklands parents, Mia left the field and would take a trip to A&E (luckily not broken) and not play anymore in this game. Jess took over the draw position and followed in Mia's footsteps by bossing the centre position. Jess stepped up in more ways than one - she got two goals in the second quarter, won most of the draws and showed how to scoop the ball up like a pro! As a result, she gained the nickname 'Hoover' or 'Dyson' after the great Canadian player Jim 'Hoover' Veltman who was renowned for his amazing ability to pick up ground balls.

Lucy got a taste for the scoresheet and snagged two more and Carys got her second. Three of the five goals were assisted by Fran, Effy and Jess, showing the skill of the overall attack. Amelie, Poppy and Millie stood strong at the back while Brooklands did their best to get back in the fight. Second quarter 4-11.

The third quarter was a Brooklands freight train steaming its way to a 5-1 win with Eva picking up Stockport's 12th goal fed from the Hoover. The girls were getting tired as they were down to eleven players and the going was tough. Brooklands had stepped up the pace and they were desperate to make up the deficit. We switched up middies, defence and attack to spread the load and used a time out to have a well earned rest. The girls fought bravely but Brooklands weren't going away. After a relentless 15 minutes the score would be 9-12 - the Brooklands shadow looming over Stockport going into the final quarter. All momentum was with the home team.

Brooklands had the game in their sights, working to the strength of depth in numbers. The defence rallied and stopped numerous attempts on goal but the incessant barrage was taking its toll on the Stockport eleven. As Brooklands plugged it back, the looks were going around the Stockport team and the parents. Were we going to get turned over in the final quarter due to running out of steam? Brooklands brought it back level at 12 all and the girls had to dig deep. Lucy wasn't happy blasted home her fourth with a feed from Carys. Brooklands retaliated quickly and made it level at 13 all. The pressure was getting to the players and the spectators and it looked like it was going to stay a stalemate till the final whistle until the crushing blow of another Red & Green goal put Stockport on the losing end of the scoreboard for the first time in the game. The girls had done themselves proud and to lose like that while being two players down would be understandable in any game. But this wasn't any game, the girls were pumped and kept plugging away - senior hands Fran and Lucy took it to the wire and Lucy managed to beat the brooklands keep for one last time with a nifty assist from Fran just as the umpire blew for full time. 14-14.

An amazing show of perseverance and dedication throughout by both teams. A true sporting spectacle that was enjoyed by both teams showing class and great skill. Parents from both sides applauded all players with special congratulations for Katie in goal from the opposition crowd.

Thanks you to Brooklands for a great sporting game and to John Hall for umpiring. 

Girls U13s Stockport 13 - 19 Oxton -- 09.10.2022

Game 2

Stockport 13 - 19 Oxton -- 09.10.2022

Scorers:

Phoebe - 2

Grace - 2

Eve - 2

Katie - 1

Naomi - 1

Carys - 5

Excellent turnout for the U13s sponsored by Deans Court Chambers supported by 4 U11s. 

Slightly slower start than normal for the U13s at home to Oxton with the travelling team taking and early strong lead by the end of the first quarter, 2 (Pheobe & Grace)-  8.

The second quarter was closer with Stockport keeping Oxton to five and netting two with Carys and Phoebe  making it 4 - 13 at the half.

Level pegging in the third with both teams scoring three, Grace, Carys and Naomi. Three quarter score was 7 - 16.

Stockport had woken up in the last quarter and came out trumps 6 - 3. Carys got 3, Eve 2 and Katie 1.

Great reports on overall lacrosse performance and both goalies with Milie SM and Sienna A sharing the position and both making excellent saves keeping the game lively for the spectators.

Thank you to Phil for umpiring, Rosie for coaching. Paul (George) for standing in for me and Doe for the sterling kitchen work."

Girls U13s Stockport 19-5 Norbury/Cheadle

Season opener of 2022/23

Stockport 19-5 Norbury/Cheadle -- 25.09.2022

Scorers:

Effy - 5

Amber - 2

Isla - 3

Pheobe - 2

Grace - 3

Abbie - 1 ( Dad birthday goal)

Carys - 3

An excellent start to the season for the U13s!! 

We had 18 players show up to play including a contingent from the U11s stretching their skills. Amber opened the scoring for Stockport and they quickly took control of the first quarter with Isla and Carys notching two a piece. Millie didn't have it easy at the defensive end as the combined team pushed back got a few shots off bagging one goal. N/C found it very hard to move towards goal as the whole team was defending so well. Practice pays off! This would set the tone for the rest of the game.

Effy stepped it up a gear in the second quarter and launched two in the oppositions net and Pheobe (U11) soon followed suit and got the eighth for the Blues in the newly sponsored shirts -  Deans Court Chambers. N/C came back strong and chalked up another three bring the score to 8-4.

Millie SM was doing a sterling job and made a couple of cracking saves one of which launched of her helmet getting gasps from the crowd, in between mouth fulls of bacon and sausage and gulps of delicious tea and coffee(cheers Doe).

Grace nailed her first goal of the regular season and Carys also found the net. The girls were playing out of their skin stopping most offensive challenges and hunting down loose balls. Emily and Eva were showing class in defence with textbook form. 10-4 second quarter.

Pheobe obviously fancied her chances of a second one a created a the 11th goal herself after a nifty dodge. The ball was being moved well and the girls were getting into space which has been worked on during the Tuesday sessions.

Another strength which was evident was the speed at which we were able to clear the ball. Pippa scooped some excellent ground balls in the defensive end and used her speed and drive to fly down the sideline and complete passes into the attacking third. Iris (U11) also showed off her speed (fastest PERSON in year five - lets see if she can keep it up in year six) by scooping a ground ball and clearing one handed.

Grace new that she if she pushed on she would snag a couple more and she secured the 12 goal. N/C were showing a little dejection at this point as they were really struggling to break down the Stockport defence. Milly S was stopping drives to goal and was confident the Millie SM would stop any shots. Claudia and Eve C (U11)  were having solid games getting stuck in all over the field, frustrating the opposition.

Isla was leading from the front and stuck away the 13th goal. Isla showed great confidence defensively and offensively the entire game.

The 14th goal wasn't far away and it was only fitting that Abbie bagged it for her Dad's Birthday! The shell shocked N/C were now feeling the pace of the game and the strength in depth of the Stockport squad. Effy capitalised on this and racked up 2 more taking it to 16-4. Norbury got one back after a rebound of Mille SM but they were facing an uphill struggle. Silky skills and commitment from everyone including Lilly-May Liv and Lilly-May Leo kept N/C to just one goal in the third and let Amber get her second which nearly broke the post!!

The 4th quarter saw a slightly slower pace and N/C weren't able to find the net. Sienna took over the goalie position with a pit-stop change into the goalie gear and she stood strong between the posts after and excellent outfield performance. Jaya battled the whole game, tirelessly fighting for ground balls and displaying her proficiency and mastery of the 'check'! Effy snuck in her 5th and Grace confidently closed the deal on her 3rd bringing the score to 19-5.

The scoreline doesn't reflect the competitive nature of the game. Both teams did themselves proud. I think all the parents and supporters from all three clubs found it enjoyable to watch from the sun soaked pavilion.

Thank you to Phil J for umpiring, Rosie for coaching, Doe and Rob in the kitchen, Fullerton father daughter combo on the score sheet, my little helpers on the score board and the parents for helping set up and take down the pitch furniture.

Roll on Oxton at home on the 9th October.

U12 Stockport v Brookdale

Stockport v Brookdale 05/12/20

Finally we emerged from the drudgery of lockdown into tier 3. What a relief that organised sport was once again being permitted. I think it is important to note that sport not only gives players an outlet to perform but it also gives spectators something to look forward to. I know that there are many out there that have faced significant hardship during this period and having competitive sport back is great for the soul.

As always credit to the club that pitches were ready to go as soon as the fixtures were released. There were three home fixtures on this date and it was great to see the club organised and raring to go as the car park filled up with eager participants. The weather in the preceding days had been terrible at best. Driving on Friday afternoon on the M60 was appalling with virtually no visibility and I thought at the time the fixture would be cancelled. However, Saturday morning was much improved albeit a bit chilly, the sun came creeping out at one point giving a warm glow as the year draws to a close.

The chill didn’t deter the boys as 11 of them arrived fresh and raring to go. Brookdale (Brooklands/Rochdale combined) looked a bigger side as the teams warmed up but our group have very strong core fitness and with Felix the cat in net for the second time we looked organised and up for it. It was also noted what a great group of boys this U12 side is. They are really knitting as a team and having been around the team it is a pleasure to see the good nature of all the boys shining through.

This segues nicely to the game itself.

From the off Stockport were at the races and looked organised. Passing and movement was good and Henry soon got us into a 2-0 lead. A great solo Ethan goal took it to 3-0 before Henry rattled the pipe towards the end of the quarter. It was good to see David make his debut for the team, integrating well. The Brookdale coach commented on how well we were passing the ball and every player was getting in the action. Solid work and good distribution from Felix meant we finished the first quarter on top.

The good residual fitness levels of the boys mentioned earlier caused Brookdale problems as they were prevented from having time on the ball. The boys looked like they were hunting in a pack, closing down opposition players and making it difficult for them to get any fluid attacks going.

Into Q2 we really started to stretch Brookdale. Henry and Ethan were again in the goals early. The silky skills of Tom then came to fruition with four goals from him to conclude the quarter 9-1. Damage done.

Steve changed the team around during Q3 which led to a battling Ethan bagging a couple more goals. More good news was Harrison and Jacob getting onto the score sheet. Both players deserved goals and Harrisons athleticism really shone throughout the game. The quarter ended 13-2.

More changes in Q4 followed and it was great to see Fin on the scoresheet followed by a final goal from Henry to conclude the fixture 15-3. Henry was unlucky in this quarter not to get another goal. He released a wicked shot which smacked the cross bar, bounced off and hit Fin on the helmet. David was particularly unlucky not to score on debut in this quarter.

As above, a fantastic team effort considering the team hadn’t played for several weeks. Every player should have been proud of their contribution. I’m also aware that this report focuses on mainly the attacking elements of the team. However, our defensive unit looked solid and didn’t give the opposition the time and space to create chances.

Overall, probably the best I have seen the team work together as a unit. A great win done in style, a really enjoyable watch and well done to all involved. The sun disappeared but the warm glow of victory stayed with us.

 

 

U12 Mellor v Stockport

Mellor v Stockport 10/10/2020

‘Keep calm and stay organised’

Following on from the result last week at Cheadle Hulme, there was an air of positivity around the boys as we made the anticipated trip to Mellor Sports Club.

Due to heavy, overnight rain there was a pitch inspection at 08:30 and albeit being a bit boggy behind one of the goals, the decision was given that the surface was playable.  

Earlier in the week, Mellor indicated that they were short of a few player's so they played a couple of inexperienced older boys to bolster their team. We, on the other hand, took a full complement of 13 players which disappointingly meant no start for young Josh Livesey due to the maximum bubble size, 13.  I am sure he will get some game time later in the season.

The weather was OK to start with but deteriorated during the match and at one point the rain can only be described as torrential. For some unknown reason Dan Clarke’s umbrella seemed to let more water onto his coat than it repelled (Deborah, a new umbrella for Christmas maybe)?

The game started slowly and we finished the first quarter 3-2 with Stockport goals from Henry and Ethan.

Onto the second quarter and we seemed more positive with goals from Henry, Tom and Ethan. Our play was better, but Mellor responded each time to extend the score to 8-5.

We seemed like a team of two groups but the constituent parts didn’t equate to one. The defence were struggling for organisation and I think this unsettled our keeper whose distribution wasn’t as crisp as the previous week. Our attack options were good but again we gave the ball away too many times and a team like Mellor were always going to take advantage.

Q3 was a quiet affair and in Q4 we only scored twice to make the final score 14-7.

In summary, today’s game was a mixed bag, played in trying conditions. This Stockport team CAN win fixtures but the players need to be more organised within themselves and follow the basics like picking up a player and staying with them. With this in mind we reflect on the title of today’s blog… ‘Keep calm and stay organised’. We know that the boys have the physical attributes and the talent to compete against any team but the lack of consistency in decision-making and lack of organisation that they displayed today has demonstrated that they will ultimately lose games. For now, let’s put this game to bed, learn from our failings and pick our heads up for the next one! 

U12 Cheadle Hulme Vs Stockport

Cheadle Hulme v Stockport 03/10/2020

From the car to a star!

I am sure I speak for all but after such a difficult year it was great to see the first Lacrosse fixture up and running.

Firstly, a big thank you to Craig and the rest of the team involved at Stockport Lacrosse for providing us all with clear and concise information to allow the games to commence in safe manner. I would also like to thank everyone for their patience today as we took the players temperatures to ensure that they were safe and healthy alongside their team mates. Finally, thank you to all our parents for registering with the English Lacrosse Association (ELA) this week to ensure that players are insured and ready to commence action.

Hopefully, our organisation and relatively relaxed approach at the venue, allowed Steve and Jim to concentrate on coaching the team.

This week, we had a squad of 13 including two sets of brothers, the Liveseys and the Kitchens.
 
I feel that there is no point summarising the game by each quarter and dissecting the action goal by goal because the upshot is that Stockport were utterly dominant and we won 0-32! Unlike some games in previous seasons, we played as a team and every player was involved. Well done Ryan on a clean sheet on debut. The coaches moved players around during Q3 and Q4 to allow Cheadle Hulme to compete a bit more but as a squad, Stockport continued to control the game.

Now, back to the title of this week’s blog ‘From the car to a star!’. Last Saturday morning Eddie Kitchen was sat in the foot-well of his Mum’s car and refused to get out for the junior session. After being coerced with the offer of the Krispy Crème donuts he finally appeared (who wouldn’t be persuaded by a doughnut eh?). Chris Bland started throwing balls to him and he then joined the session. When it looked like we needed a bigger squad for this week’s game, he was asked to play in the match. Well, what a great debut…he looked like he had been playing in the team for a while. At the end he came off having scored a hat-trick-what a transformation. Huge praise should also be given to all the younger players who got stuck in today in drizzly, boggy conditions.

Another player, that deserves a mention is Jacob. His shooting was excellent and another example of one of the younger players stepping up.

Between the end of last season and the start of this one, the boys have matured physically, and rather than having just 3 or 4 players who we rely on to put the ball in the back of the oppositions net, it looks like we have an increasing number of players that can add to the tally of goals we score during each game. I’m pleased to say that the team unit looks strong so let’s march on and look forward to the next game.

Fantastic start guys, well done everyone!

  

 

U16s at Home to Mersey

It has been 6 months since the last game of lacrosse was completed, and for a few months now we have been able to train but not compete against a visiting team.  

Whilst one cannot trivialise the impact of Covid-19, we hope that the benefits of sport for the young participants will out weight any risks associated with this disease.  Unfortunately, having had 6 months away our wonderful photographer has forgotten how to take photographs, so only a match report from today.

New rules a plenty, and with a maximum squad of 13 players, and no 'Face-Offs', both teams are guaranteed a good level of percentage throughout the game.  Arguably bringing teams a lot closer.

As the game started it is clear Heaton Mersey are benefitting from being coached and they are much improved over the last time these two teams met.  With Mersey taking the lead, with a deflected shot, and possession coming back to Blue, we were patient and Hugo got 1 back.  Mersey did get another before we got one back before quarter time. 

During the first 3 quarters the guys were asked to concentrate on the plays and what they have been coached during the last few months in training.  Once we started to concentrate and get into the feel of the game we did start to move forward, with some well worked good goals, involving good movement of the ball, and good implementation of the plays.  Q2 score gave us a 4-1 quarter, Q3 quarter was a 3-1 quarter.  The final quarter the lads were allowed to play freely, and finished the game with a 4-1 quarter.

Goals were evenly spread throughout the team, and a good number of goals were assisted.  Hugo (2), George (3), Cameron (4), Rhys, Jay (2), Joel.

Great to be back playing, and the benefits that team sport bring the boys.

U14s Semi Final V Mellor

Its been some time (and might be some time until the next one) since I last put my thoughts down on a lacrosse match, and whilst I wish I was reporting on a great victory it wasn't to be.
Being around this team for as long as I have, we know during the season the games to look forward to are those close affairs against Mellor, and as often been the case in recent years a semi final game against Mellor is a common occurrence, and usually we end up on the wrong side of the result.  Today wasn't any different, and in close games you really need to get off to a good start, and show how we can play on the front foot, as opposed to chasing the game right from the off.  That's exactly what we were doing today, with Mellor scoring straight from the Face, 20 seconds gone 1 down. By the end of the first, we were 4-2 down with a couple of good strikes from Hugo and George keeping us in it.  Q2 was an even quarter, with a goal a-piece (Jacob finding the net), and I found myself constantly saying we need the next goal, and a little bit of momentum, but it just didn't happen.
Q3 felt like everything was slipping away, with good pressure in the Mellor half, only benefiting Mellor as a missed opportunity resulted in a fast break and an opportunity for them to score, and this was a 4-1 (Hugo) quarter to Mellor, and as we enter the 4th quarter we were trailing by 4, 8-4 and even any optimists amongst us thought that it was all over.
To the credit of the players, they kept on in there, scored quickly and precisely on a couple of occasions and belief crept back in, and we might get something.  3 strikes brought us to within 1, and then Mellor extended it back to 2, and another couple brought us to within 1.  We still had opportunities but its all about precision in front of goal, and with another day of missed opportunities (27 shots in total), we got pipped by 1.  5 -1 final quarter to Stockport (2 x Jacob, 1 George and 2 x Luca)
Analysis after the game, makes we wonder why?  Was it the astro? The early start?  Miss of key players?  Unfortunately on the day, we just got beat by a better team who for 3 quarters of the game wanted it a little more than us.  When we did get into the game, we just didn't have long enough to bring it back.
This all being said, it might be some time until we play again, and I want to make sure all our players, players families and lacrosse friends stay safe and well.  Lets get through these difficult times, and be stronger next year.

All photos taken on Flickr Click Here

Worked all game at both ends of the pitch

A Couple of good goals today

Always a threat with the ball

Got into the game late on today

Q2, Q3 and Q4 was trying to drive his team forward

Explaining the Rules to the Ref

A defeat always hurts this man

Being consoled by friends

Consoled by the opposition

Consoled by the Manager

And Family