Hull Lacrosse Club

So NEMLA Premier 3 has shaped up pretty well for Hull with the season half over - astonishing given that we are only just into December! With 6 league games under the belt we have a record of 4-2 and sit 3rd in the table behind Cheadle Hulme on goal difference but above Oldham & Ashton on goal difference. Leading the way are Leeds 2 points clear of the chasing pack on 10 points whilst Heaton Mersey Guild & Chester have been cut adrift in 6th & 7th on 2 points and zero respectively.

With the top 5 seperated by just 2 points it cannot be predicted at this stage who will be going up but looking at Hull's prospects the club is in with a real shout of finishing in the top 2. In the final 2 weeks before Xmas we face Chester & Heaton Mersey Guild which should hopefully return 4 points before the Festive break.

The club has finally developed some strength in depth. Sam Hanson between the sticks has been superb and must be in with a shout at collecting Player & Players' Player of the Year gongs. The defence has played solidly and with 6 quality poles to select from looks well stocked. The emergence of Mitchell Clarke has been a significant boost and the development of Alex Clader through the University side can be seen. The stalwarts of Cornelius, Wilkinson and Hutchinson are a calming influence whilst Tom Peel provides some new dynamism.

The midfield is well stocked with face-off men and ball carriers aplenty. Jimmy Nsouli, Aiden Jakubik & Paul Harsent are regularly battling over 2 slots in the line-up at face-off, whilst Sam Morris, Ross Jenkinson & Richard Lee have added a new dimension to the squad.

The attack is looking well drilled and now boasts vast experience not seen before. The ever present Jack Stamford, Phil Steele and Dean Johnstone have been boosted by the emergence of Tom McInally & Sam Hemsley as goal scorers whilst Darryl Haris and Mike Bird have added some depth to the attack line.

Going into the second half of the season Hull must do without Mike Bird having left Hull University, but that depth will cover for the loss.

Also in 2012 there will be a lot of exciting developments off the field. A raffle to raise funds will take place in the new year featuring prizes from across the pond and across the UK. The club will continue it's junior development programme and bolster the development of lacrosse at Hull University by working with the English Lacrosse Association & the University Sports Development programme to start new lacrosse opportunities. The club development strategy will undergo significant redevelopment whilst discussions will develop with Hull FC to provide a new playing base for the club.

All-in-all 2012 promises to be a very exciting year for Hull LC and a good run in the league & cup would provide added tonic to the development of the club!