Match Reports 5-6 May 2012

Under 16 Boys

Camberwell 7 def by Eltham-MCC 14

For round 3 we travelled to Albert Park to face a combined Eltham-MCC team. Our opposition was an experienced squad, with mostly 2nd year U16 veterans and boasting the best centre in the competition. We were missing 2 of our midfielders and our best face off guy and were therefore expecting an uphill battle.

After some nice weather, we got a typical Lacrosse day - gray and drizzly and the game got off to rather even competition. We started the game with 11 on the scoring sheet, but lost Tait halfway through the first quarter to a banged-up arm. Luckily Naizar turned up and gave us a bench.

Despite our disadvantage on paper the boys were not far behind and had equalised 6-6l, midway through the 3rd quarter.

Aaron and Caleb were great at face and when we moved the ball in attack we got some great looks. However a few lapses of concentration allowed Eltham-MCC to score a quick hat trick to finish the 3rd up by 4 goals.

By the 4th quarter and due to lack of bench, the boys were pretty spent and while our D continued to do a stellar job in denying the opposition's set offense, we did not win enough ground balls which resulted in a few more haphazard goals against us. The result for the day was 14-7 to Eltham-MCC but the good news is that with a full squad we can definitely be more competitive and winning against them is a distinct possibility.  

Under 14 Boys

Camberwell 13 def Chadstone 10

The Chiefs lent two players to an undermaned Chadstone bringing their numbers up to ten. The first quarter was a game of fast breaks and high scoring, with Camberwell putting five past the goalie and Chadstone almost keeping pace scoring four despite having no bench. Colin (#19) celebrating his return after injury with three goals.

The second term was a more defensive affair, the ball pushing towards the respective goals only to be stripped and turned over. Consequently Chadstone only scored one to Camberwell’s two, both goals notched up by Lincoln (#7).

Late in the quarter there was a great run by Jerome (#34) starting five metres from Chaddys goal, displaying good cradling technique all the way down the wing deep into the offensive half to set up an attack on goal. Gus (#24) recovered from a torrid start as goalie to keep out Chadstone with some solid saves and gaining confidence with the extra support of his fellow defenders.

Lincoln (#7) controlled the face offs and had Chadstone’s defense stretched in the third period pressing home three goals. Andreas (#15) had inherited duties in goal and despite some nerves allowed just two scores into the net. One of which deflected off his thigh. (ouch!)

Ben (#13) found his legs for a long run and shot on goal that was initially saved, but he recovered and sealed the deal on the second attempt. Gus (#24) flicked a ground ball past the keeper’s feet to register a five goal quarter for the Chiefs.

Rain misted the ground in the last term and for the first time Chadstone out scored Camberwell 3-1. Nick got himself a goal, unfortunately he was subbing for Chadstone (Later rewarded by Cocky with a full lap of the field. Harsh!) The result could have been a lot closer but for a couple of Chadstone shots that where disallowed due to infringements into the goalies circle.

Best on ground: Lincoln.

Under 12 Boys - Magic

Camberwell Magic 14 def Caufield Vipers 3

With two regular players absent and Ethan Hausler and Danny Taylor re-located to fill shortages in other teams, the Under 12 Magic team was made up of players new to lacrosse this year. Only the team captain Jo Zerelli has played previously.

Being rookies made no difference to Cooper Zella and Harrison Shugg who inspired the Magic by scoring 3 goals between them in the opening quarter. Ben Abrahams opened the scoring in the second quarter and Roy Loveday shifted to attack and netted 3 sizzling goals with Joe Zerelli adding a pair. Camberwell led 8 goals to 1 at the halftime break and all the first game jitters had disappeared.

Starting the third period, Finn Whelen pounced on a ground ball and got it to Tom Lee for a goal and Eden Casey found the net with a long outside shot. Youngest player, Sasha Willett was in the action around the midfield and Joe Pagliaro showed how quickly he was adjusting by scoring 3 neat goals in the final term.

The match finished with the Magic running out victors 14 to 3 and Roy Loveday, Joe Pagliaro and Cooper Vella named as best afield.