Monday 7 November 2016

U12s Away at Timperley

On our 2nd visit to Timperley, this season, we found the going a little tougher than the first.  Delighted to report we managed to get the full quota of players to make a 10-a-side game we found it a little hard going against a much improved Timperley.  A nice tight Q1, left us 3-1 down, with Q2 on the wrong end of a 6-2 quarter, the game was getting away from us.  With different personnel gaining more experience at face, it is only a matter of time until we start to dominate in this vital area of the game.  Q3, was a 5-3 quarter, and Q4 a 5-2 quarter it ended up being a 19-8 victory to Timperley.  Timperley managed a staggering 44 shots today.  There are always positive's, and with a squad of 11, we have to bear in mind 5 of those 11 are playing lacrosse for the first time this season, and their confidence and skills will grow as we go through the season.  I look forward to seeing these youngsters improve all the way to the end of the season.  Jacob B scored his first ever goal today for Stockport, with other goalscoring contributions from Rhys, Hugo (4) and Cameron(2), with 3 goals assisted.  Excellent performance from Jay in goal.
Hugo and Rhys keeping their eye on the ball

Lovely ground ball Alfie

The sun must be in his eyes

Cant believe its only Indra's second game

Referee, Interfering with the Stick!

Lovely Check

Balls behind you

Ben getting stuck in

Luca probably felt that check

Was I the only one who thought this was a little high?

Goal from Cameron

Everyone fighting for the ground ball



Ben, gone passed him once, I think I will do it again

Rhys in full flight

Jacob's first ever goal for Stockport

Tuesday 1 November 2016

U10s Away to Cheadle and Mellor

 For the second U10s tournament of the season we managed to field a full team of 10 players in a 3-way match-up against Mellor and Cheadle, both clubs with strong junior sections. Some late changes to the venue and schedule meant that we didn't have much time to plan our tactics before the games but the lads were all keen to get stuck in.

We were up first against the team in red and white who were able to get their passing game moving more fluently than we were but there was no shortage of commitment or effort and the team worked a good opportunity which Alfie put past the keeper for a great goal in the first half.
It was good to see several of the boys put into practice the skills they had been working on in training last week, Jacob's change of hands was even appreciated by the opposition's coach.

After the first game coaches Chris and Steve had a bit of time to organise things in preparation for the second game against the hosts and everyone was still so keen to get involved that we could have played with a nine-man midfield but sense prevailed and we went with a more conventional formation. We still had problems getting our passing going against some strong opposition but the boys in blue were fighting hard for every ground ball and scoring chances were at a premium until both sides started to tire in the second half when some spaces started to appear. Jacob finally got a reward for all his running when he put the ball in the net for our only goal of the match.

There were lots of positives on the day and I think everyone enjoyed the game time. The free cakes in the clubhouse were an added bonus. It will be interesting to see how this group develops since only one of them will be moving up from this age group at the end of the season so there is time for them to develop individually and as a team.
A special mention goes to Oliver and Daniel for doing a great job in their first full-contact matches - well done to both of you.

Listening to instructions from the coach


Freddie is ready at the face

Thurston has it under control with some help from the defenders

It looks good but but Jacob's effort didn't count this time

Archie stretches for it

Fighting for the ground ball


Josh is going to win this one

The attack staying on-side

Still looking happy after a tough first game

The coaches look on as Jacob thinks about his next move

Good pressure from Blue in the shape of Ethan
Good defence by Alfie with Daniel ready to help
Getting back
Scrum