U12s at Home V Mellor

As I often look forward to our games on a Saturday morning, I was eagerly anticipating this one more than ever.  Through no fault of our own, it has been a while since we played decent opposition, and one wanted to see how far we have come since our earlier encounter in 2016.
It is fair to say, that for the first 2 quarters we seemed to be holding our own and exerting a bit of pressure onto the excellent Mellor team.  With some early Mellor pressure, our new look defence were doing a sterling job, of the zone, limiting Mellor to some shots from range.  Once we had the ball, we broke with speed and good interplay to score a couple, before Mellor pulled one back to make it a 2-1 quarter.  Q2 followed a similar pattern, good defence on our part, quick breaks and another couple of goals and we found ourselves 4-1 to the good just before the break.  Mellor pulled a couple back, to make it 4-3 at the end of Q2.  When their 3rd went, maybe the pendulum had swung in Mellors favour.
Unfortunately Q3 was a different game all together, with relentless Mellor pressure taking its toll.  We simply couldn't win the ball, and when we did, we didn't hold onto it long enough to give the defence a break.  Little errors, some indecision, form the young lads in Blue and Mellor put 6 past us in Q3, for no reply on our part.  Heads started to drop, but still there was encouragement from within the teams, and coaches, and we wanted to make Q4 more of a contest.  Q4 started, the boys in Blue getting a little tired, Mellor managed to get another couple before we managed a consolation making the final score 5-11.  From 4-1 up we found ourselves 4-11 down, and despite our early play, Q3 got away from us, and there was no way back.
Some stats to consider.  Scorers Cameron (3), Rhys (2).  A staggering 16 saves from Aaron.
Despite the loss, the game was terrific, two excellent teams, playing good lacrosse at U12 level, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wish we could play quality opposition every week!

Great ground ball, then just lost his footing

Strong defending kept this one out

1st one for Cameron today

Rhys fed on the crease, finishes calmly

Strong Performance in the Sticks - This one is saved

Will trying to roll this one in, Just wide

Slowing it down to catch our breath

Eyes Wide Open

Excellent finishing today from Rhys

Indra sticking to the task, and his man

Does anyone know where the ball is?

Sticks in the Air

 

Despondent?

Tight marking again

Sticks are about to rain down on Will B

Tried everything to win at face today, here's one try without the opponent

Luca and Ben, kept the defence guessing when we had the ball

Dean, keeping his eyes on the man

I know it hasn't always been the case in recent weeks, but the next few photos show the desire both teams had in winning the ball.  Lots of good contest all over the pitch

 

And finally, to sum up our morning a little shot of Will showing how they all felt at some stage of the game

 

I know the passion of the game is important, but here's an image to prove it is just that - A Game.

SMILES all around