Over the course of the summer we have entered our juniors boys into tournaments at all age groups, with some really good results:
U10 – won the Legacy tournament
U11 – runners up in the 8 a side
U12 – won the Legacy tournament
U14 – runners up in the 6 a side, and runners up in the Legacy tournament
U16 – runners up in the Legacy tournament
JUNE
The U11 played in the 8 a side tournament at Brooklands. This was the first time I had seen this group of boys play and did not really know what to expect. However, the team played well and responded to Jay’s coaching, and they deservedly reached the final of the tournament. This was against the pre-tournament favourites Stockport, who went on to win the game. This was the first time that this group of boys had played together and it was a very promising start. It shows that we will be competitive next season at U12, and with some coaching of a number of simple principles and ideas, this team will improve very quickly.
The U14 entered their 6 a side tournament at Cheadle Hulme and after a heavy first game loss to Poynton, it could have all gone very wrong. However, there is a gritty core to this team and the boys managed to get themselves to joint fourth place after the round robin stage. This lead to a golden goal play off against Mellor, which Timperley won after less than a minute of play……..into the semis them. These games are drawn out of a hat and it paired us with Cheadle Hulme which was the easier draw and we won by a couple of clear goals. On the other pitch Poynton and Rochdale hammered each other and it went to a golden goal winner for Poynton by 6-5. Timperley didn’t really get going in the final and finished comfortably beaten by a really good Poynton team.
JULY
There is now a summer tournament which is part of the legacy from the 2010 world cup. Over the weekend just gone, Timperley entered teams at all age groups into the tournament held at William Hulme’s GS.
The U10 had a total mixture of abilities, ranging from 3 boys who had never played a game before, up to an experienced A team player, so it was really interesting to see how they would play as a team. Playing Stockport first game was tough, and we lost 3-4, but from here we never looked back, and got stronger and stronger as the boys got into the tournament. We won our remaining four games (5-1 v Poynton, 8-3 v Mellor, 6-0 v HMG and 5-1 v Norbury) , and with Stockport drawing two and losing one, we ended up top of the league table, and winners of the tournament. This was an ideal tournament for the U10, played on small pitches and allowing our players to get their first taste of proper lacrosse against boys of similar age and size. To win the tournament was exceptional – I had no expectations of this at the start of the day, but Craggie and I were both very pleased with how it all turned out.
The U12 were odds on favourites to win as we had a very strong team out. It was simply a case of keeping the boys focussed on the job in hand and our lacrosse skill would win the day. They have all played and won tournaments in the last 12 months and know what is expected of them; it also helps that the opposition all know how good we are and most go onto the pitch beaten before they start.
We went through the tournament unbeaten, and only conceded one goal, and at times we played some fantastic lacrosse. We still seem to lose our aura against Brooklands, but this was the only close game of the day. The scores were 7-0 v Stockport, 8-0 v Norbury, 2-1 v Brooklands, 7-0 v Oldham, 4-0 v Cheadle Hulme and 4-0 v Poynton. Thanks to Chris for coaching; this was the end to a quite exceptional season for the U12, and they move into U14 in good shape.
The U14 performed well, losing only to Poynton, whilst winning all their other games (including a 1-0 win over Brooklands A). The final league standings was a 3 way tie on 21 points, with Brooklands winning the tournament on fewer goals conceded, leaving Timperley in a highly creditable second place.
The U16 took part in a four team tournament and got a great result in their first game with a 5-5 draw against the man sized Sheffield team. The second game was a 4-2 win over Poynton. Timperely won their third game too, which resulted in them tying with Sheffield on points, but unfortunately Sheffield had conceded fewer goals, leaving Timperley as runners up.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Sunday, 10 April 2011
U12A 20-5 Stockport [ONONDAGA CUP WINNERS]
Here they are, the all conquering U12 of 2010/11, who have finished the season with a 100% record and four trophies, confirming itself as one of the best junior teams to have played lacrosse for a long time.
[back row] Callum Townsley, Harun Wasim, Joe Hunn, Sam Hirst, Ben Williamson, Oliver Crosby, Adam Kinghorn, Pat Sugden; [front row] Matthew Stewart, Will Callaghan, Ed Loveland, Tom Cox, Dan Walker, Lewis McCauley.
The air of expectation has been hanging over this squad for the last 12 months, as it was very obvious to the managers and coaches that we had the potential to win everything this season (and anything less would in actual fact be quite disappointing).
Going into the final we'd already won three trophies and I was extremely confident that Timperley would win the fourth - what was important to me was how we played. If the game got ugly, we would dig in and play a tough, tight game to get the win; however I was really keen that we played a top quality game of lacrosse which showed the couple of hundred spectators what this team is all about. The word is out about how good this team is, so it was nice to deliver as we played an incredibly good passing game to take Stockport down by 20 goals to 5, and in the process, win the Onondaga Cup for the second year running.
So, to the game:
No slow start today; instead we were flawless for about ten minutes and built up a five goal lead, which effectively killed the final as a competitive match. We then had a flat five minutes where Stockport scored, and we were a little bit careless in what we were doing. This gave Nelly the chance to give his last “encouraging” pep talk of the season, to which the kids really responded, and we upped our game and came out firing for the rest of the match, where we really put our opponents in their place. The quarter time scores were 5-1, 11-2, 15-3, 20-5.
Every player got good game time today and everyone did their bit towards the victory. However I’d like to pick two players out; Tom Cox got on the end of a lot of good moves and did his job clinically well – this was a really nice way for him to end his 4 years on the U12A team. The second player is Sam Hirst who took the first and last faces of the day, and a whole lot in between - his tireless attitude kept him coming back for more (and winning).
The goals / (assists) were as follows:
Cox 9(1), Hunn 5(1), Loveland 2(2), Callaghan 2(2), Crosby 1(3), Kinghorn 1(1), Walker (1), Townsley (1)
Now, as I blogged 12 months ago, let's have one more look at that trophy.......
U16s Flags Final - Sunday April 10th 2011
Ah well - it just wasn't to be, After leading 3-1 Timperley had a tough 3rd quarter with Sheffield going into the lead and despite valiant efforts from all of the team, Sheffield won the match 5-4 in a thrilling final.
Tim Nicol was on top form scoring the opening goal with the shot of the season and then later getting the important no.4. Toby and Myles scoring goals 2 & 3.
The whole team put in all the effort we could have asked for and the boys did us proud.
It has been a pleasure to manage such a good bunch of lads and James & I couldn't have wished for a stronger performance today, the only shame being - not that we lost but that what was a good team all season that showed it was an excellent team today - will now no longer play as one with the seniors moving up next season.
Anyway - thanks to all the families for their great support throughout the season and I look forward to seeing you at the awards evening next Sunday (17th).
Tim Nicol was on top form scoring the opening goal with the shot of the season and then later getting the important no.4. Toby and Myles scoring goals 2 & 3.
The whole team put in all the effort we could have asked for and the boys did us proud.
It has been a pleasure to manage such a good bunch of lads and James & I couldn't have wished for a stronger performance today, the only shame being - not that we lost but that what was a good team all season that showed it was an excellent team today - will now no longer play as one with the seniors moving up next season.
Anyway - thanks to all the families for their great support throughout the season and I look forward to seeing you at the awards evening next Sunday (17th).
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Last game of the season U16s vs Brooklands Sat 26th March.
Well - our old rivals in the last game of the season. Brooklands were out to regain their honour after losing to Sheffield in the semi finals - no better way than to defeat Timperley - the other Flags finalists!
Timperley however had their own plans! If we could beat Brooklands we could enter the Flags final with more confidence in the belief we could beat the Yorkshire Puddings!
Jack Cox got the all important opener, followed by Alex Winton, Myles and then Jack again; 4-0 up at the end of the first quarter with Timperley playing a tight, skillful and disciplined game - the best possible start.
Quarter 2 saw Brooklands pull one back and Toby getting Timperley's 5th making the score 5-1.
The third quarter got the pulse going with Brooklands getting 2 more goals but valiantly Timperley increased their score by 3 more goals thanks to Alex, Jack and Myles. This quarter saw the goal of the game with Cameron assisting Myles in a beautiful 1 : 2 move and then Barney made the save of the game after leaving the goal and an awkward cross goal clearance which was intercepted - Barney returned to save the Brooklands shot like a bat out of hell! What a match. 8-3 the end of quarter score.
Final quarter and would Brooklands mount a come back....I think not, despite pulling 2 more back, Jack Cox added his 4th making the final triumphant score 9-5. What a win, well done lads!
Training next 2 Wednesdays and grass training next 2 Saturdays.
With this training and the improved confidence after today's match - we will enter the flags final in the best possible position - Start believing the WIN boys - you can do it!
Timperley however had their own plans! If we could beat Brooklands we could enter the Flags final with more confidence in the belief we could beat the Yorkshire Puddings!
Jack Cox got the all important opener, followed by Alex Winton, Myles and then Jack again; 4-0 up at the end of the first quarter with Timperley playing a tight, skillful and disciplined game - the best possible start.
Quarter 2 saw Brooklands pull one back and Toby getting Timperley's 5th making the score 5-1.
The third quarter got the pulse going with Brooklands getting 2 more goals but valiantly Timperley increased their score by 3 more goals thanks to Alex, Jack and Myles. This quarter saw the goal of the game with Cameron assisting Myles in a beautiful 1 : 2 move and then Barney made the save of the game after leaving the goal and an awkward cross goal clearance which was intercepted - Barney returned to save the Brooklands shot like a bat out of hell! What a match. 8-3 the end of quarter score.
Final quarter and would Brooklands mount a come back....I think not, despite pulling 2 more back, Jack Cox added his 4th making the final triumphant score 9-5. What a win, well done lads!
Training next 2 Wednesdays and grass training next 2 Saturdays.
With this training and the improved confidence after today's match - we will enter the flags final in the best possible position - Start believing the WIN boys - you can do it!
U12A 13-5 Brooklands [26th Mar]
This was our last game before the cup final in two weeks time, and it was vital that we put in a solid performance, especially given the opposition. Brooklands (for whatever reason) still believe that they were robbed in the Nationals, so today was an ideal opportunity to show them who the best U12 team in Trafford and England is.
In what is becoming an U12A habit, we started off slowly and couldn't initially get into the game. To be honest we were pretty poor in the first quarter and it ended at 1-1; the quarter time break allowed us to sort things out and and make some suggestions to the lads, which they obviously took note of. The second quarter began much better, and we started to move the ball with more purpose, and we got the long stick midfielder into the game too. Some good goals were scored by bounce shots which got us to half time with the score at 6-2. We lost a bit of momentum in the third quarter, before running away with the game in the fourth to get to a comfortable 13-5 win.
A win against Brooklands is always nice to achieve, and the result today concluded our regular season with a 100% record. We have just the one game left now, and the expectation from everyone is that Timperley will win. However, every game starts at 0-0 and we have to make sure that we turn up and play from the first whistle of the final, instead of about 20 minutes into the game. It would be a shame to perform poorly in the final - there will be a big crowd at Rochdale, and it would be great to show the neutral fan exactly what this team is about.
Goals Loveland 4, Hirst 2, Kinghorn 2, Cox 2, Williamson 1, Sugden 1, Hunn 1
In what is becoming an U12A habit, we started off slowly and couldn't initially get into the game. To be honest we were pretty poor in the first quarter and it ended at 1-1; the quarter time break allowed us to sort things out and and make some suggestions to the lads, which they obviously took note of. The second quarter began much better, and we started to move the ball with more purpose, and we got the long stick midfielder into the game too. Some good goals were scored by bounce shots which got us to half time with the score at 6-2. We lost a bit of momentum in the third quarter, before running away with the game in the fourth to get to a comfortable 13-5 win.
A win against Brooklands is always nice to achieve, and the result today concluded our regular season with a 100% record. We have just the one game left now, and the expectation from everyone is that Timperley will win. However, every game starts at 0-0 and we have to make sure that we turn up and play from the first whistle of the final, instead of about 20 minutes into the game. It would be a shame to perform poorly in the final - there will be a big crowd at Rochdale, and it would be great to show the neutral fan exactly what this team is about.
Goals Loveland 4, Hirst 2, Kinghorn 2, Cox 2, Williamson 1, Sugden 1, Hunn 1
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Timperley U16s Saturday 19th March vs Cheadle
Well I got to the match 3 minutes after the start as I went on a whistle hunt for the ref and when I got pitchside, Timperley were already 3 goals in the lead - another rout of Cheadle seemed to be on the cards.
Q1 James kept a clean sheet and Timperley were 6-0 up. Q2 11-2 / Q3 14 - 4 and Final score 23-5.
Some solid mid field and attack play and on the whole defence held tight but we must watch the fast break down the centre - this caught us out acouple of times and was the No.1 issue when we fell to Sheffield - so one to watch.
Toby & Myles top scorers with 5 / Jack & Alex 4 / Nathan 2 and Cameron, Tim & Joe 1.
We hope to be on grass for Brooklands at home next week and then we are aiming for grass extra training sessions on Saturday 2nd and 9th April before the Flags Final on Sunday 10th - more details will follow but please bring boots each week as well as trainers. Wednesday training sessions will continue as normal.
Q1 James kept a clean sheet and Timperley were 6-0 up. Q2 11-2 / Q3 14 - 4 and Final score 23-5.
Some solid mid field and attack play and on the whole defence held tight but we must watch the fast break down the centre - this caught us out acouple of times and was the No.1 issue when we fell to Sheffield - so one to watch.
Toby & Myles top scorers with 5 / Jack & Alex 4 / Nathan 2 and Cameron, Tim & Joe 1.
We hope to be on grass for Brooklands at home next week and then we are aiming for grass extra training sessions on Saturday 2nd and 9th April before the Flags Final on Sunday 10th - more details will follow but please bring boots each week as well as trainers. Wednesday training sessions will continue as normal.
U14B 5-12 Wilmslow Plate Semi Final [19th Mar]
This was a good performance by a combined team of U14B and U12A players. Wilmslow had a couple of good strong players who we struggled to contain, which resulted in them scoring 9 of the 12 goals. Give us a rematch next week and I am sure we would manage to contain them better.
The closest we got was 3-3 midway through the second quarter; after this we fell away and struggled to put consistent pressure on our opponents.
MVP by a long way was Matthew Stewart, who drew admiring comments from all 3 of the Wilmslow coaches at the end of the game, for a string of good saves throughout the match.
Goals
Cox 2, Callaghan 1, Hirst 1, Allen 1
The closest we got was 3-3 midway through the second quarter; after this we fell away and struggled to put consistent pressure on our opponents.
MVP by a long way was Matthew Stewart, who drew admiring comments from all 3 of the Wilmslow coaches at the end of the game, for a string of good saves throughout the match.
Goals
Cox 2, Callaghan 1, Hirst 1, Allen 1
Saturday, 12 March 2011
U12A 5-1 Poynton CUP SEMI FINAL [12th Mar]
"Offense sells tickets; Defense wins championships"
[Dave Thorson - an American high school basketball coach]
Never was this more true than today. By keeping our opponents to one goal almost guaranteed the win, regardless of how we played offensively.
It was tough for the spectators today as we had our second testing match against Poynton in a week. We put in a stuttering offensive performance, but the defensive unit of Matthew Stewart, Harun Wasim, Dan Walker and Pat Sugden played an absolutely immense game of lacrosse that almost earned a shut out for Timperley, and ensured that we progressed to our second consecutive Onondaga Cup Final. After numerous games where the defence has rarely seen the ball, today they stepped up and made the semi final win possible.
Poynton had a game plan and stuck to it well - from the start they decided to go for damage limitation, and played a stifling, smothering game in which they were totally intent on stopping us from playing. Our opponents approach, which took advantage of their tiny pitch, meant that the normally free wheeling and high scoring Timperley game never got going as we struggled to find space and time to play. The team did play solidly and although it was not pretty, there was never much doubt that it was going to be the Timperley parents reaching for the sat nav for another trip to Rochdale for the final.
Well done boys - a win is a win at any level of lacrosse and we now have four weeks to prepare for the final against Stockport. It should be a good weekend as we join the U16 at the Flags Festival.
Goals
Cox 2, Callaghan 1, Robins 1, Kinghorn 1
[Dave Thorson - an American high school basketball coach]
Never was this more true than today. By keeping our opponents to one goal almost guaranteed the win, regardless of how we played offensively.
It was tough for the spectators today as we had our second testing match against Poynton in a week. We put in a stuttering offensive performance, but the defensive unit of Matthew Stewart, Harun Wasim, Dan Walker and Pat Sugden played an absolutely immense game of lacrosse that almost earned a shut out for Timperley, and ensured that we progressed to our second consecutive Onondaga Cup Final. After numerous games where the defence has rarely seen the ball, today they stepped up and made the semi final win possible.
Poynton had a game plan and stuck to it well - from the start they decided to go for damage limitation, and played a stifling, smothering game in which they were totally intent on stopping us from playing. Our opponents approach, which took advantage of their tiny pitch, meant that the normally free wheeling and high scoring Timperley game never got going as we struggled to find space and time to play. The team did play solidly and although it was not pretty, there was never much doubt that it was going to be the Timperley parents reaching for the sat nav for another trip to Rochdale for the final.
Well done boys - a win is a win at any level of lacrosse and we now have four weeks to prepare for the final against Stockport. It should be a good weekend as we join the U16 at the Flags Festival.
Goals
Cox 2, Callaghan 1, Robins 1, Kinghorn 1
Cup Semi Final: Mellor vs Timperley Sat 12th March U16s.
We have lost to Mellor at Brabyns and beaten them at TLC and now the clear challenge was to beat them on the notorious Brabyns Park pitch.
Unfortunatley, Timperley were not the first to score with the Mellor 28, one of the best players in the region, firing in the opener. However, Timperley held their nerve and it wasn't long before Timperley equalled. 1-1 remained the score for the quarter.
The second quarter was eventful with Timperley going into the lead - a lead they maintained througout the rest of game. Timperley kept scoring, Mellor fough back but never equalled. 3 - 5 second quarter score. The third quarter showed strong defensive play from Timperley holding the Mellor attack and up front Timperley advanced their lead by 2 more. Score was 3 - 8 at the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter proved to be as intense as the game so far with 3 more goals for Timperley and 2 more for Mellor resulting in an 11-5 win for Timperley.
James had his game of the season in goal making crucial saves in every quarter and we saw strong play from the whole team with everone putting in that extra bit off effort that made all the difference.
Goals:
Mr Toby Hawksley 5 goals
Mr Cameron Parks & Mr Tim Nicol 2 goals each
Mr Alex Winton & Mr Jack Cox 1 goal each
Well done lads - we were proud of your performance.
Flags Final (The War of the Roses) & the opportunity for us to seek revenge against this season's rivals - Sunday 10th April vs Sheffield (who beat Brooklands today in the other semi 10-5)
Unfortunatley, Timperley were not the first to score with the Mellor 28, one of the best players in the region, firing in the opener. However, Timperley held their nerve and it wasn't long before Timperley equalled. 1-1 remained the score for the quarter.
The second quarter was eventful with Timperley going into the lead - a lead they maintained througout the rest of game. Timperley kept scoring, Mellor fough back but never equalled. 3 - 5 second quarter score. The third quarter showed strong defensive play from Timperley holding the Mellor attack and up front Timperley advanced their lead by 2 more. Score was 3 - 8 at the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter proved to be as intense as the game so far with 3 more goals for Timperley and 2 more for Mellor resulting in an 11-5 win for Timperley.
James had his game of the season in goal making crucial saves in every quarter and we saw strong play from the whole team with everone putting in that extra bit off effort that made all the difference.
Goals:
Mr Toby Hawksley 5 goals
Mr Cameron Parks & Mr Tim Nicol 2 goals each
Mr Alex Winton & Mr Jack Cox 1 goal each
Well done lads - we were proud of your performance.
Flags Final (The War of the Roses) & the opportunity for us to seek revenge against this season's rivals - Sunday 10th April vs Sheffield (who beat Brooklands today in the other semi 10-5)
Sunday, 6 March 2011
U12 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS [6th Mar]
We were two seconds from losing the final today, but a last gasp equaliser and an overtime winner changed everything and sealed the U12 National Championship with a 3-2 victory over Brooklands.
Take a bow, Matthew Stewart, Pat Sugden, Joe Hunn, Dan Walker, Harun Wasim (back row); Sam Hirst, Tom Cox, Ed Loveland, Will Callaghan, Adam Kinghorn (front row), plus Oliver Crosby (who was unable to play the final).
Today these boys played some gritty lacrosse to bring the National Championship back to Timperley for the first time in 8 years, and in doing so provided more proof that we are the best U12 team in the country.
One day tournaments throw up a random schedule of round robin matches, and it is quite possible for a lesser team to spring an upset. This happened to us last year, so we were fully focussed from the off with the aim of reaching the knock out stages with as good a record as possible. The day started well as we cruised past last year's winners Wilmslow, winning 7-0 before playing Poynton, where we won an ugly match 1-0. Next up were Cheadle Hulme (5-0) and Norbury (4-0). So far so good....we had qualified for the quarter finals in first place, but were still a long way from the final.
It came a little closer with a bazarre walkover against Wilmslow, who had apparently already headed for home, believing they had been knocked out. Strange, but we were not bothered. It saved our energy for bigger battles, and there were two coming over the horizon, firstly in the shape of a good Stockport team.
Away from the grass for the first time, saw us on the really bouncy, sandy astroturf, which initially gave us a few problems. Stockport pressed for the whole of the first half as we failed to control the game in the slightest. However, it was still 0-0 at half time and then Tom Cox then came off the bench to score a couple to get us to a 2-0 win. We were now due to face Brooklands who were into their eighth consecutive final. How do they do it? We were about to find out as the adrenaline kicked in before our most competitive game of the season.
Brooklands started well and got scored a couple of quick goals, but then showed their hand by being prepared to stall the game and run the clock down. This slowing of the game actually enabled us to get our heads together and we gradually managed to get a grip with Tom Cox scoring our first goal following a lovely passing move. 1-2 at half time then. In spite of us chasing the game, the second half was meandering to an unsatisfactory conclusion as we created chances but shot poorly.
So we arrived at 60 seconds to go in the final, Timperley were losing 1-2 and we had a man sent off. It was really looking like it was over and we'd be making our excuses all the way up the M5 and M6 back home......however, it was just not to be as this team showed it's backbone. We got our man back on and pressed the ball, won it back and moved it up the pitch. Ed Loveland had a shot but missed. 30 seconds to go. Goalie's ball back line. A bit of a scramble. My timer hit zero seconds. Surely it's gone now? Ed won the ball from somewhere and whilst being pushed to the floor laid it off to Sam Hirst. Sam drew his man and dumped the ball to Joe Hunn, who scorched one past the goalie. The equaliser, 2-2 and a whole two seconds left in the game. Cue pandemonium amongst the Timperely supporters. Out of jail? It seemed that way.
Overtime was for two minutes and there was really only going to be one winner. We were the stronger team and so it showed as Tom Cox manoevered himself into position to score our third. 60 seconds to go (again), but this time we were in front and in no mood to lose it. Possession was gained from the face, and that was that. The clock ran down with no scares giving the final score of 3-2 to Timperley. Cue more pandemonium, this time spreading to players and coaches too!
This was an incredible team effort today, with the players really working for each other and their coaches to ensure that their club won the day. Matt was only beaten twice in 6 matches; the 3 defence men of Dan, Pat and Harun interchanged seamlessly throughout the day and they all played long stick midfield when required; Will and Sam did the unglamourous hard yards in the midfield (yes we do notice!) especially at the face off; Adam provided the legs for the quick breaks; finally Tom, Ed, Joe and Oli mixed it up in attack, scoring goals and giving the opposition a variety of problems all day.
Nice effort boys!
U16s Nationals, Great Malvern Sunday 6th March
We arrived at our destination in Great Malvern to be told that the U16s were relocating to Mavern College 5 mins away - so off we went and the tournament got underway about an hour late.
Our first match was against the old rivals, Brooklands. We went 1 (JC) up but in the last minute Brooklands managed to equalise.
Next was Reading, a good 2-0 win with Alex scoring along with Jack.
Our third match was against our friends from t'other side of Pennines, Sheffield - and unfortunately they beat us 2-0 despite a stronger performance from Timperley than yesterday. Following Shutt's getting one up on the delightful Sheffield coach yesterday, Craggie added to this today, so 2-0 up to TLC for pitchside banter (however let's move this success onto the pitch next time!)
Next was a 4-0 win over SMG with Jack, Tim, Alex and Dan scoring followed by a 4-1 win over Rochdale with Jack, Tim and Dan scoring again.
As we neared the end of the tournament we came up against Welwyn and sadly lost 2-1 with Tim scoring.
This marked the end of the tournament for Timperley as Sheffield played Welwyn in the final - where Sheffield won.
Thanks to everyone for making the effort to come to Malvern and well done to the U16 players who showed improved form, better teamwork and with further work and training - the potential to achieve more this season. A big thank you to Craggie too for stepping in as coach. Cameron also did well as captain, good effort. Nathan did a cracking job in goal and Jack was top scorer and finally Tim continues to make that bit of extra commitment that makes all the difference.
Now onto next Saturday - our Semi at Mellor; let's build on the progress made today and do ourselves proud. So we need a committed training session on Wednesday followed by a strong show of us at our best on Saturday.
Our first match was against the old rivals, Brooklands. We went 1 (JC) up but in the last minute Brooklands managed to equalise.
Next was Reading, a good 2-0 win with Alex scoring along with Jack.
Our third match was against our friends from t'other side of Pennines, Sheffield - and unfortunately they beat us 2-0 despite a stronger performance from Timperley than yesterday. Following Shutt's getting one up on the delightful Sheffield coach yesterday, Craggie added to this today, so 2-0 up to TLC for pitchside banter (however let's move this success onto the pitch next time!)
Next was a 4-0 win over SMG with Jack, Tim, Alex and Dan scoring followed by a 4-1 win over Rochdale with Jack, Tim and Dan scoring again.
As we neared the end of the tournament we came up against Welwyn and sadly lost 2-1 with Tim scoring.
This marked the end of the tournament for Timperley as Sheffield played Welwyn in the final - where Sheffield won.
Thanks to everyone for making the effort to come to Malvern and well done to the U16 players who showed improved form, better teamwork and with further work and training - the potential to achieve more this season. A big thank you to Craggie too for stepping in as coach. Cameron also did well as captain, good effort. Nathan did a cracking job in goal and Jack was top scorer and finally Tim continues to make that bit of extra commitment that makes all the difference.
Now onto next Saturday - our Semi at Mellor; let's build on the progress made today and do ourselves proud. So we need a committed training session on Wednesday followed by a strong show of us at our best on Saturday.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Sat 5th March: U16s away at Sheffield
Not good! In fact our worse match by far this season! Final Score 21-4.
Goals: Toby x1 / Alex x1 / Tim x2.
After a rally at the end of Q1, we saw an appalling Q2 and there isn't much else to report on, other than I think we were all glad when the final whistle blew.
So now to the Nationals tomorrow in Malvern.........I think the wisest thing to offer is that we should forget today, draw a line and move on!
I know we have a good team that can work effectively together and display good skills. If we can regain these for tomorrow along with a more positive mental attitude, we stand a very good chance of retaining the trophy that we won last year.
So here's to Malvern and fresh starts!
Goals: Toby x1 / Alex x1 / Tim x2.
After a rally at the end of Q1, we saw an appalling Q2 and there isn't much else to report on, other than I think we were all glad when the final whistle blew.
So now to the Nationals tomorrow in Malvern.........I think the wisest thing to offer is that we should forget today, draw a line and move on!
I know we have a good team that can work effectively together and display good skills. If we can regain these for tomorrow along with a more positive mental attitude, we stand a very good chance of retaining the trophy that we won last year.
So here's to Malvern and fresh starts!
Sunday, 27 February 2011
U12 retain 6 a side trophy [27th Feb]
This afternoon, in a fantastic 6 a side tournament, the U12A retained the Tuscarora Cup that they won 12 months ago. In the final they were up against the U12B, which just goes to show the strength that the club has at this level, and is a credit to all those involved in the junior and pop programmes.
The round robin nature of the competition gives it an element of luck, and the U12A were handed three easy matches and only one against a club who we would consider serious opposition. To my mind, 4 wins would be needed to guarantee a semifinal spot.
First up were Heaton Mersey Guild who were quickly seen off 11-1, which was a nice starter. The second game was against Poynton A which was, on paper, the tough game as Poynton have some good players. However, we played some very good lacrosse to win 7-1 and almost certainly eliminate them from the competition. We then beat Boardman 9-1 and finally Poynton B 6-0, with a somewhat scrappy performance.
After four games, we had qualified for the semis, along with the two other unbeaten teams, Rochdale and Timperley B. The last semi final spot went to Mellor, who had lost one but got through on goal difference. So, there was no Poynton, Stockport or Cheadle, who were all among my pre tournament threats. Looking good then.
The draw for the semi final pitted Timperley A against Mellor and Timperley B against Rochdale, which left the chance of an all Timperley final.......it couldn't happen could it?
.....but it did - the A team beat Mellor 4-0 and the B team overcame Rochdale 3-2 with a really gutsy performance.
So the final was to be an all Timperley affair, and to be honest, it was closer than I imagined it would be. The A team looked nervous and started off playing that way, whilst the B team really believed they could win as they knew the opposition inside out.
Half time was 0-0, then Joe Hunn put the B team ahead early in the second period. The two long sticks of Harun and Dan Walker then popped up with nice goals for the A team, before Ben Williamson equalised for the B on a man up for 2-2 with about two minutes to play. This was going to the wire.
In the end though, the experience of the A team won the day as Ed Loveland got on the end of some good passing to score his 18th and 19th goals of the day to put his team 4-2 up. The A team then put in a minute of really tough riding and defending to protect the lead that they had fought so hard to get. The final whistle followed, and the two teams and their coaches came together as one to congratulate and commiserate each other at the end of a really special day for the club. Patrick McGowan (B team) was thoroughly deserving to win the MVP award in the final.
The victorious A team were:
Goal: Matthew Stewart, Defenders: Harun Wasim, Dan Walker, Midfield: Oliver Crosby (capt), Adam Kinghorn, Will Callaghan, Sam Hirst, Attack: Ed Loveland.
Well done boys - this was a tremendous victory in which the team playing the best lacrosse in the tournament won the day. Every player (apart from Matt!) scored today, and the incredibly unselfish play of everyone led to some great "team goals" getting us to the victory that Nelly, Chris and I wanted us to achieve.
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