U10s Tournament at Bramhall HS

Sunday afternoon saw the under 10s competing in a tournament with 10 other teams. The games were a fast and furious ten minutes with a decent rest period in between the matches.

First up we were against a Liverpool team who turned out to be the eventual runners up behind our old friends from Cheadle. However at this early stage we gave them a good game and chances were at a premium at both ends and it finished 0-0.

Next up were Mellor and an even contest ended 1-1 after we had gone ahead only to concede a late equaliser. Again our play was built on solid, well-organised defence and breaking quickly into attack which made it hard work for the middies but coach Steve used a sensible rotation policy to keep fresh legs on the pitch.

Our third game was against Norbury Green and despite being up against a bigger team we competed fiercely and came away with our first win of the day.

This raised expectations for the final match and dreams of making the semi-finals but unfortunately we lost 0-1 to Mersey Black and missed the top four of the league table by a single point.

Overall the lads did really well, listened to the coaches advice and worked brilliantly as a team supporting and encouraging each other as well as having fun.

Thanks to everyone who came down to help and support, especially Will Baker who must have spent most of his weekend on or around lacrosse pitches.

The games were so fast that I didn’t get many pictures, sorry folks.

Any guesses what was being shouted from the sidelines at this point?

I think the midfielders had just got back in time to see the ball go the other way again

Can coach Steve get the lads organised for the team photo?

He's getting there...

Success! And as if by magic Blandy appears

The man-marking improved through the afternoon, here's one for the textbook.

U12s Visit to Rochdale

In our first visit to Rochdale for a couple of years, we came up against a young inexperienced team in Rochdale.  With 11 boys in blue turning out, we were soon 6-0 up in Q1, dominating at face, and with more momentum in Q2 we were 12-0 up at the end of Q2.  We were able to mix and match the teams allowing players to take up different roles, and allowing our keeper the opportunity to roam.  The 2nd half allowed us to extend the lead further, with an addition of 7 more goals to Rochdale's 1.  Special mention to the keepers, Rochdale's keeper working hard and doing well, Stockport's keeper being patient, and the save made by Rhys as a stand in whilst our keeper was on walkabout. 
Lots of goal contributions from Rhys (6), Cameron (8), Luca, Indra, Jay, Ben and Will, providing us with a 19-1 victory. 

Defence is Ready

Why Am I So Lonely

Another dominating performance

Scoop and Go

One of 8 today

The little uns working hard

Keep your eyes on the ball

In the Back

Making sure its a Stockport ball

Up close and Personal

Keeper going Roaming

U10s Away at Cheadle

We came up against not one but two good Cheadle teams for our first outing of 2017. A late withdrawal meant that the four-way tournament was reduced to a single match with the boys in blue taking on a Cheadle squad who were able to rotate a full team whenever they needed a rest. Despite this disadvantage our boys competed well through the whole game although it was obvious that we together as a team at this level for several weeks.

In the third and fourth quarters we did start to get a bit tired but we always looked threatening going forward. Some sensible refereeing certainly helped the game to flow and there was plenty of encouragement for both sides from the spectators.

Even when the game was over the boys had to fight there way through the girls teams to get to the hotdogs.  It was one of those days.

Well done to all involved and we don’t have too long to wait until the big tournament of the year at Bramhall on the 5th Feb.

Jacob launching a dangerous pass

All quiet at the back

Plenty of bodies in defence and the keeper on his toes

We've got them outnumbered but still look second favourite for the ball this time

Alfie using his pace to get out of a tight spot

One of them is bound to stop him

Freddie is in on goal and he doesn't miss many from there

Some advice from the goalie?

One of the usual ground-ball shots

U12s at Home to Heaton Mersey

It appeared that the rain was going to fall this morning, to make the game a little difficult to play in, and terribly difficult for my photographer.  Due to the worsening conditions, the referee changed the game to 10 minute quarters, so no sooner had we started a quarter, the whistle was being blown for the end of the quarter.
With an ever improving line-up, Stockport raced to a 6-0 Q1 lead, and with 3 of our squad on the sideline (feeling the cold conditions) 'The Coach' started to make changes throughout Q2, bringing off players to allow everyone the game time necessary to improve for this season and beyond.  Q2 was a 1-1 quarter, Q3 a 3-1 quarter, and Q4 was an even quarter at 2-2, so overall a victory to Stockport 12-4 over Mersey.
12 goals today, 6 different scorers, Rhys (3), Ben (2), William (3), Jay, Hugo (2) and Cameron, and 7 goals assisted.

Hugo, balancing the size difference

Using his pace to go right past his marker

Pearls of wisdom from under the Umbrella

Too much distant to catch him

Excellent distribution

Pressure

Will B continuing to work hard at face

Not like our keeper to go for a run

Great Check

Dean in possession

Hugo soaking up the pressure

2 More Goals from Ben today

Luca working hard for the team

U12s Quarter Final Against Timperley B

In our first game against 'Timperley B' of the season, we didn't quite know what to expect.  Commendable that Timperley have the numbers to produce two teams, but do they have the quality in depth? 
Unfortunately, or fortunately, all the quality on show was from Stockport, who raced to a comfortable 28-0 victory with good flowing lacrosse.  We had a strong starting line-up, and we found ourselves 9-0 up at the end of Q1, 6 more in Q2, 7 more in Q3, and finished off with a 6 in the final quarter.  Even when we swapped things around, resting All of the senior players, we were still able to control the flow of the game.  Lots of different options tried, with 6 different people at face, 9 different scorers, and 11 goals ably assisted.  With Stockport, Mellor, Cheadle and Timperley 'A' all progressing to the next round we shall have to see what the draw brings for us.  Can we make that final in April?
Todays scorers, were Will B, Jacob B (5), Rhys (4), Aaron (Goalkeeper), Ben, William (5), Hugo (4), Luca and Cameron (6).  Perhaps showing how one sided this game was, our keeper only had to make 1 save (which nobody can remember).

Perspective.  This is how the keeper seen most of the game

Dominant with the Ball

Will with one of his five

2nd goal of the season from Luca, Today 

Only 6 today

Indra controlling the ball

Jacob moving the ball well

Under Instruction 'Too Keep Warm'

Alfie enjoying the competition
Even had a few goes at face today

Lost his man

Battling and winning the ground balls

Moving the ball

Great Accurate Shooting Today

Jacob - Ever Improving

Keep on Running

Breaking Free

Ground Ball

Cool as Always