Match Reports 12 May 2012

Division 2 Men's

Camberwell 22 def Eltham 3

After our first win last week, the Division 2 team ventured to Eltham. The opposition had no bench and we had 4, so it was looking good. We started well, racing to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.

In the second, Eltham seemed to have figured out our attack plan and while they were not able to catch up, we did not manage to extend the lead by much. At half time, Bruce and Adam decided to go to 2-2-2 formation and this seemed to have opened the flood gates.

Eltham got nowhere against out back line and Kirk was not letting anything through. In midfield, Nick Barlow led a dominant team performance and even losing Sam Green to a re-injured thumb, did not make us lose pace.

Jamie Gathercole scored 6 to lead all scorers, with 3 of them coming from behind the back shots. Adam was his usual self directing traffic in attack, while scoring a few. We scored 10 goals in the last quarter to end up with a 22-3 win.

Under 16 Boys

Camberwell 9 def Chadstone 4

Following our first loss of the season last week, we faced Chadstone for round 4. Again - a strong squad, boasting many current and past Southern Crosse players. Some of our boys played for Chaddy in the U16 last year and some have played with them in Southern Crosse so it was nice to see the boys greeting each other before the game.

We started the game very strongly and attacked Chadstone. Our attack was going well and we led at the end of the first quarter 5-1. In hindsight, the first quarter determined the game's outcome. We took a 7-2 lead into half time but as the match progressed it became a grind between 2 equally matched teams.

Our defence was again, strong, yielding no goals when in a man-down situation. Ben in cage had great saves and cleared well. It was great to have Sam and Kiran in midfield, after being away last week. Our set offense was moving the ball but not their feet and while we pretty much matched Chadstone goal for goal, it was mostly due to transition game and winning the ground balls in midfield.

Naizar did a great job running in the middle and scored a pair on fast breaks. Eddy and Aaron worked well together in attack at the beginning but slowed down towards the end.

This was our best game so far and we came up on top with a strong 9-4 victory. There is still much to work on but progress on Saturday, at least, was evident.

Under 14 Boys

Camberwell 3 def by Eltham 21

The first home game of the season in ideal conditions saw Eltham jump out of the blocks, controlling the centre and capitalizing with organized attacks. Four Eltham players sharing the goal scoring making it difficult for our team to shut them down. The couple of penetrations we did have unfortunately ended in some indecisive shots that were saved.

A more determined Camberwell took the field in the second quarter and to their credit stood toe to toe with the Eltham squad. A more physical approach earning just reward and resulting in an even score line. Colin (#19) found the net to open the account and inspire the boys. Jerome (#34) chipped in with a quick shot past the keeper and Ben (#13) got free after some promising runs to make it count. Johnathan (#32) saved at least three shots on goal and Colin intercepted two attempts from six metres out to turn the ball over.

Eltham regrouped and produced some accurate passes opening up our defense time and again. We consistenly scrambled the ball of the crease, only to lose it again and pay the scoreboard price. The referees had been a little lenient on body checks but began educating our team on the correct method. There were a number of great moves into the forward line, but slight fumbles in front of goal put the potential shooter under too much pressure, giving Eltham enough of a chance to recover.

The boys didn’t manage to trouble the scorer in the second half but both Gus (#24) and Angus (#25) put in a sterling effort in defence. One with finesse the other with brute force, stemming the tide of goals against us.

Eltham played a good team game showing the benefit that experienced competitors bring to the field. Tommy (#17) displayed a growing understanding of Lacrosse at this level and deserves a mention for consistently putting himself in good a position. We’ll need to take the next step if we are going to be competitive in future rounds.

Under 12 Boys - Sting

Camberwell 9 def Eltham Durham 4

A lovely morning greeted an enthusiastic troupe, facing a team of mixed sizes and ages. Durham got the first goal as Sting took time to settle with some overpassing and missed shots. Sting soon gained momentum and had two to one in the first quarter.

Alex, Ethan B, Fergus and Mikael were in the thick of it with good pressure, running and passing. The second quarter saw a similar score and Sting were away four to two, with at least three missed shots on goal. Ethan H was good in goal. In the third quarter Mikael swapped with Ethan H, stopping four shots as Durham came back.

Rotating Sting players helped as legs slowed down in the fourth, Durham came back with two goals to one in the fourth, with a final score of nine to four. Alex and Ethan B dominating the goal shooting with a good effort from all. Clean catching, quick ground ball collection, using all available players and straight shooting would have seen a much stronger result.

Chris, James and James made a good effort and young Varick showed he was up to the task. Ethan H with fresh legs in the second half provided strong support in much of the mid-field. Fitness will be an issue with only one sub available.

Under 12 Boys - Magic

Camberwell Magic 6 def by Eltham Russell 9

Playing away against Eltham Russell our boys opened with great defensive work from Tom Lee in goal and Harrison Shugg and Cooper Vella restricting the more experienced opposition forwards to a single goal in the first quarter.

Magic opened their account early in the second period with a neat shot from Joe Pagliaro. Sven Willett followed with a goal from a strong dodging run to tie the game up at 2 goals each. Warren Briscoe, playing his first game grabbed a pass from Finn Whelen and scored his first time goal but Eltham hit back to lead 4 to 3 at the long break.

Sasha Willett took over as goalkeeper in the second half and made some nice saves as the Eltham forwards took control. Danny Taylor moved to defence and proved unbeatable, picking up ground balls and turning the Wells into attack.Joe Zerelli and Roy Loveday found the net to keep Magic within reach and Edward Whelen almost pulled off another with a long outside shot. Shugg, Taylor and Briscoe were named best afield.