U10s Away at Brooklands

Stockport took healthy squad of 12 players to Brooklands for our first U10s game in over a month in what turned out to be an end-to-end game with both teams preferring showing lots of attacking intent.

We were slow out of the blocks and found ourselves 5 - 1 down at the end of the first quarter. From the second quarter onwards we came more into the match and benefitting from some good work at the face we got into the habit of scoring with several players doing winning possession for us.

Brooklands had some speedy players and we found it hard to deal with the quick breaks too often leaving the goalkeeper very exposed but credit to Josh for making some good saves, claiming the ball well and showing a good eye for a pass out of the crease.

The whole game was played in a good spirit with both teams showing their skills and helped by some constructive refereeing the players got to learn as they played. Equally, from the improvements in skills and technique that were apparent through the game the lads were also listening to coach Steve. He did well to find time to shout instructions as well as cycling the players through the bench so nobody got cold and as many players as possible got a chance in midfield.

With more games coming up in next few weeks we have definitely got a team that I am sure will get better as they get more used to playing together as a team and the best thing to take from this game was that everyone got involved and looked like they were having fun.

The final score was 15 - 13 in favour of the home team, which was probably about fair in the end.

Devon and Euan kept their defence busy, don't underestimate these two lads!

Jacob about to launch a pass

Alfie working hard to get back

Ethan showing them a clean pair of heels

Josh is looking well set this time

A choice of passes, everyone wanted the ball

Dan moving in 

Some tired looking players at the end

Under pressure

Listening to the coach and putting a hand up to make a contribution, what a well drilled squad we have

U12s at Home Against Poynton



A lovely autumnal morning for the next instalment in the U12s Season (if not a bit cold by the end) and with Metros coach and manager looking on it was time for the lads to show what they are made of.

The lads seemed up for a good match and this showed with a convincing lead at the end of fist quarter of 3-0.  The dominance continued throughout the next 2 quarters which finished 4-0 and 3-0 respectively.  Mixed results in the face off with 7 lost and 11 wins however more assists than last week which is encouraging.  The lads checking was a little wayward, leading to more minutes spent in penalty, (6) than we have had in all the previous 6 games.  As has been the case this year, too many shots taken and lost opportunity for a higher score.  More passing and less glory seeking would go a long way but this will come with maturity.

Q3 saw a change of goalie, with Dan giving Aaron his first outfield ventrure of the year.  At the end of Q3 we were still winning 10-0 however in the last quarter we took the opportunity to introduce all the squad, which lead to a 2-4 quarter.

Overall a solid performance from the Stockport 15 and continuation of the unbeaten run which is always good for morale.  Final score of 12-4 and a cup game coming this weekend.  Scorers this week Hugo (6), Henry, George, Ben (3), and Jacob. 

 

Rememberance

Cormack - Improving every week

Good to see 3 goals from Ben today

 

 

Unfamiliar territory nowadays

Never one for taking it easy

Now he wants the ball

Usually Stockport players like a lie down

Strength in depth

U12s Away at Norbury

With a short break since our last game, I know a fair few of us were excited about playing the other unbeaten team at U12s.  We arrived with a strong looking 12, lots of senior players and a positive outlook.  In recent weeks we have tried to incorporate all the players into the play, and utilise the size of our squad, but not this week.
The first thing which strikes you is the size of the pitch at Norbury, dimensions are smaller than what we have been used too, and potentially could spoil our game.  The weather wasn't kind to the pitch, and wet muddy conditions ensued. 
In the first quarter, it did appear that we were struggling, moving out of play a couple of times, and struggling with the ground balls and not finishing as well as we would like.  Norbury took advantage and raced to a 2 goal lead (The last goals they would score until Q4), before we started to play getting 3 goals back before the break, giving a Q1 2-3 quarter in our favour.  A few short words from the coaches, and Q2 started well and we placed 5 in Norbury's net without reply, and a Q3 quarter was much the same (only slightly better) with a 0-6 quarter placing us 2-13 up at the end of Q3.  Norbury did manage to get 1 in Q4 (from behind the goal), and we managed a further goal leaving us with a victory of 3-14.
Excellent array of goals, spread evenly around 6 different scorers,  Jacob, Rhys (2), Ben (2), Jacob (3), Hugo (4), Luca (2).  Although the keeper didn't have much to do, what he was asked to do was done well.

Competitive game right from the start

Defence starts in attack - pressing the ball

Jay soaking up the pressure

Cool as you like

Lots of contested ground balls today

Hugo bringing it out from Danger

Improving every week. 

Pearls of wisdom?  Anyone listening?

Jay with one of his 3 excellent strikes

When called upon, very effective

Jacob - Almost taking the ref out


They looked like a proper team today, with lots of good communication all over the field,

U12s at Home to Brooklands

One feels we must be doing something right, as despite it being half term, we were still able to produce 16 U12s to play against Brooklands Lacrosse Club.  As our numbers increase, we were able to move players around and provide playing opportunities for debutants, with a first game at U12s for Lucas, Noah, Archie and Ollie, it was a delight to be involved. 
Unfortunately Brooklands could only muster 8, but they were desperate for a game, and we took the decision to provide Brooklands with 6 players (3 for the first half - Henry, Thurston and Ollie - and 3 for the 2nd half - Daniel, Archie and Alfie), which made for a good contest.
Stockport were quickly into their stride, with strong performances at face we raced to a Q1 lead of 5-0.  Brooklands chose not to take the free clear, instead asked if we could give fresh players the opportunity to face, so we swapped a lot around at face this weekend.  The second quarter was similar to the first, with a 4-1 quarter, leaving us leading 9-1 at half time.  We changed things about in the second half, moving players about, Jay and Joshua swapped in goal, and 3 different players went over to Brooklands.  And a head injury to the influential Jacob Bradbury, the final 2 quarters were an even contest, with a 3-3 and a 2-2 quarter.  Finishing 14-6.
Delighted to note that we managed 7 different scorers today, Wil (2), Jacob (2), Jay (2), Henry, George, Luca (4), Daniel (2), 4 goals assisted, but a particular favourite of mine, was Henry parker's first goal for Stockport which was assisted  by Ollie on his debut.  Both their smiles summed up the whole game, which was a very enjoyable and can only benefit both teams moving forward on their Lacrosse journey.
Big Thank You to those players who were willing to play a half for Brooklands!
No game this weekend, with a much tougher challenge the following week.

Good to See Daniel back Playing - Following an Injury

George handling like a Pro

A familiar site of Wil breaking from the back

Both Parker's in the same shot - Albeit different teams

Archie looking good on his debut

Future is looking bright

Lucas on his Debut

Look at all that space for Alfie - Pass the Ball

Alfie imposing himself at face

Jay doing well - Made some great saves in the first half

Archie working very hard

Luca on his way to one of his four

Daniel hunting down Ollie (on his one and only appearance for Brooklands)

Henry being pursued by Alfie

Joshua standing tall in only his second game

Does he stop this one at his feet?

Sam growing in stature