WEEKLY CATCH UP; WEEK 6 31ST OCTOBER
Week 6 of the season brought some perfect lacrosse weather and on Sunday record November temperatures were recorded. For Timperley Lacrosse it was a pretty good week.

The Men’s 1st team made another trip across the Pennines for a 1st round Senior Flags game against Sheffield Steelers and came home with a convincing 15-8 victory. The Women’s 1st team travelled to new team Stoke and despite being short handed them an emphatic 20-0 defeat. After facing a Stockport a team, which would not be out of place in the Premiership, for the second time in two weeks Timperley A team will be pleased that that could be the last they see of the Cale Green side this season. Timperley going down to a 6-26 defeat although their performance was an improvement on last week.

Half term interrupted the junior boy’s programme again but there was a win for the U16 and a narrow loss for the U14, and a win and loss for U12.

On Sunday the girl’s U13 continued their excellent early season form with a comfortable 18-4 win over Cheadle to make it 3 wins out of 3. There was also a historic first appearance for Timperley boy’s team which saw good wins over Poynton and Brooklands.

BUCS Premiership Lacrosse is a tough place to compete as Manchester Men’s first team are finding going down to another defeat at Leeds Becket though the 10-12 defeat was a much improved performance .Manchester Women’s 1st team are a powerful unit but went down to their first defeat at 8-9 at Newcastle. The Manchester second teams both faced Keele 1st teams. Women’s 2nds travelled to Keele and came away with a comfortable 16-1 win. Men’s 2nd lost to Keele at Stockport Road going down 3-8 but it was a much improved performance.

SENIOR GAMES
Men’s 1st v Sheffield Steelers (A) Senior Flags Won 15-8
The away days and bizarre fixture schedule continued for the men’s first team over the weekend. Their second away trip to Sheffield for the season and second game against the South Yorkshire side (of 3 in 5 weeks) would prove to be as fruitful as the first trip. Having drawn a preliminary round cup game, a number of the squad were missing and this provided the opportunity for Dan Walker to step into the fold, as well as returning LDO Josh Roden. Freddie Atkins also bolstered the side, returning to the first team in midfield.

Having travelled over with time to spare, the boys in blue wanted to assert authority early on and did so taking a 7-2 lead in the first quarter…much better than last time around. It was Gillis and White who led the first quarter goal charge with great support play from the midfield (we only took 3 poles, instead of the usual 4).

As the game progressed Steelers’ key threats were nullified and it seemed like every time we had a possession, we converted. Credit to Sheffield, they continued to play their way and got chances of which they’d convert off lapses in concentration. With more possession and focus, it could have been much more (hopefully we’ll see that performance this coming weekend!).

In all it was still a convincing performance and it is Timperley’s turn to host Sheffield next weekend in the league, with the return of several players, let’s hope the first team can make it 5 wins out of 6 for the season.

Points:
Brian Gillis (4,0)
Josh Roden (3,1)
Andrew Brickell (3,0)
Ollie White (2,0)
Mike Armstrong (1,4)
Oli Loveland (1,1)
Tommy Kirkland (1,0)
James Bates (0,1)

Women’s 1st v Stoke (A) Won 20-0
Timperley travelled with only 10 players. The game was quick paced as a strong Timperley attack, well organised by Nicola Swallow, scored a string of goals to take a dominating 12-0 half time lead. This domination continued in the second half with midfield possession creating some fantastic fast breaks.

Nicola Swallow was Timperley’s MVP but there was an impressive performance in attack from Helen Shepherd and Emma Catermole made some great saves in goal.

Timperley scorers were Nicola Swallow (5) Dani Skelly (5) Jane Brierly (3), Jourdan Jackson – Fayle (3), Helen Shepherd (2), and Becca Northeast (2)

Men’s A v Stockport (H) Lost 6-26
This was always going to be a difficult fixture for Timperley after the 4-24 loss the previous week. The team objective was to improve on last week’s performance.

This week Timperley did much better scoring a few more goals but more importantly keeping their heads up and playing better as a team. It is hard playing a team knowing that you got beat 24-4 only 7 days ago but the spirit was there and albeit that Stockport won easily Timperley’s fight and determination was there much more this week.

The message is that we will have easier opposition than Stockport and it is about stepping up in the harder games and getting better for the easier games.

Timperley scorers were James Shuttleworth (2.1) Rick Cain (1) Ben Fox (2) Matt Eyres (1)

JUNIOR GAMES
U16 V Cheadle Hulme (A) Won 12-5
The U16 played as one team due to half term absences. The combined team started the game really poorly, with absolutely no urgency in their play and they deserved to trail 1-3 at quarter time. This against a team which Timperley have already beaten this season. An interesting quarter time chat from the coaches got the players into a better frame of mind and they responded with a second quarter full of purpose and commitment to swing the game back Timperley’s way, going into half time with a 7-4 lead. In the third quarter numerous chances were created but profligate shooting meant only one goal was added. In the final quarter both teams tired but Timperley scored 4 more goals to close the game out 12-5.

The team seems to veer between being average to being really good and the step up seems to come when the team is switched on and is fully committed to getting the job done. Everyone makes mistakes but there is no excuse for not putting in 100% effort in order to dominate the game all over the pitch.

Timperley scorers were Will Greaves (3.2), Ed Loveland (1.3) JD Bulmer (2.2) Marius Robinson (2.0) Pat McGowan (2.0) Louis Humblet (1.0) Chris Jurkowski (1.0)

U14 v Cheadle (H) Lost 9-10
With both the U14s coaches unavailable U19 player Sam Hurst stepped up and did an excellent job.

The U14 had the boost of welcoming back goalie Gregor Allen for his first game of the season following a broken collar bone. In a really close game Timperley went down to a 9-10 defeat to an unbeaten Cheadle side.

The first half was a close edgy affair with Timperley trailing 2-3 with the boys being too static in attack which forced them to take poor shots.

The pace picked up in the second half and the team moved the ball better resulting in Harry Alty scoring 5 goals, all assisted. However, the defence was a little too open resulting in the second half being shared 7-7.

This is a new team and it shows at times both in attack and defence. However they are improving and in a few more weeks they will be much better and become a team that will be very difficult to beat.

Timperley scorers were Harry Alty (7.0) Chris Walker (1.1) Will Hirst (1.0) Ewan Ginger (0.2) Dan Flisk (0.1) Seb Page (0.1)

U12 v Cheadle (H) Lost 1-10
Because of half term Cheadle only had 8 players who were all older boys who had good basic skills. An 8-a-side really suited the Cheadle players and against a Timperley side of mixed A and B teamers and they controlled the game taking a 1-10 victory.
Timperley showed some good glimpses from the B players particularly Oliver Hancock.

The Timperley goal came from Cai Alty.

U12 v Brooklands (H) Won 3-2
Timperley had a much closer game against Brooklands. The first half finished level at 1-1. Strong performances from Tom Allen in goal, Cai Alty, Joseph Edwards and some big hits as always from Angus Gilchrist saw Timperley take a 3-2 win.

Timperley goals came from Josh Spinks, Oliver Hancock and Angus Gilchrist.

U13 Girls v Cheadle (H) Won 18-4
Timperley U13 entertained Cheadle at Stockport Road and extended their unbeaten run with a convincing 18-4 win.

Timperley had a large squad of 17 girls but as usual they were slow out of the blocks and went 0-1 down before taking over the game and going into half time 9-3 ahead. Once Timperley got going they played some brilliant Lacrosse , playing as a team passing the ball around and defending well and running into space. A great team performance with Timperley having over 30 shots for their 18 goals . Emma Whitely and Elise Humblet were outstanding for Timperley. Goal keeping duties were shared by Alice Allen and Maddie Lord who both played well making some good saves.

Timperley scorers were Emma Whitely (5.1.) Elise Humblet (4.9) Sophie Hurlstone (2) Nielja Gerrard (2.1) Alice Allen (2.1) Annie Chapple (1.1)Jodie Pollard (1.1) Eve Hemsworth (1) Maddie Lord (0.1)

The team has the potential to be an excellent side with more determination on ground balls, the midfield getting back better to defend and more careful passing –things to work on in practice and future games.

Elena Rink was Defence Player of the Day. Nielja Gerrard was Player of the Day in Attack and Elise Humblet was Player of the Day in midfield and the game MVP.

U10 v Poynton (H) Won 9-1
There was an historic first appearance for Timperley’s U10 Boy’s team when the entertained Brooklands and Poynton in a triangular fixture.

Timperley played from the outset with talent and tenacity achieving a well deserved win. There were great goals from George Rommel and James Birtles; an epic run from Toby Pudbur, sadly cut short by an offside and impressive stick handling in midfield from Daniel George. Khalid Jussab showed that size is no barrier winning possession at face off.

Timperley scorers were Owen Shuttleworth (5.1) Cai Alty (2.1) George Rommel (1.0) James Birtles (1.0)

U10 v Brooklands (H) Won 10-1
Timperley played unstoppable Lacrosse against Brooklands with the younger and newer players maintaining energy and spirit throughout and the more experienced players showing that those Wednesday training sessions have not been wasted. Alex Moulden was fearless in defence holding off all comers. Cai Alty in midfield and Owen Shuttleworth in attack showed some great skill in passing and shooting.

Timperley scorers were Owen Shuttleworth (6.1) CAI Alty (3.3) James Birtles (1.0) Special thanks to Dan Walker and Harry Alty for help in setting up, coaching and refereeing.

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY LACROSSE
Women’s 1st team v Newcastle (A) Lost 8-9
After a successful start to the season the Women’s 1st team travelled to Newcastle knowing it would be a real test.

It was a close and competitive game with some contentious officiating .

The game was tied 4-4 at half time but Newcastle edged a 9-8 victory.

Manchester goals came from Liv Wimpenny (3), Liv Wade-Smith (2), Ellie Jones, Hannah Heslop and Sarah Grace.

Men’s 1st team v Leeds Beckett (A) Lost 10-12
Manchester visited Leeds Beckett and despite giving their best performance of the season so far went down to a 10 -12 defeat.
Leeds came out firing in the first quarter gaining a quick 5-0 lead. Opportunities were present for Manchester but failure to capitalise again proved costly following on from last week against Nottingham. Manchester rallied in the second quarter finally finding the back of the net, which brought the score to 9-3 to Leeds at half time. A great second half performance from Manchester allowed them to get back in the game scoring goals straight from the training ground with good man up play and through individual brilliance. The massive effort put in by Manchester in the second half unfortunately was not enough and the weak first quarter proved too costly for Manchester to come back from.

Many positives to take forward from the performance after a difficult run of games to start the season off with.

Goal scorers were Mazin Alneami (4), George Altman (4) James Dye (2).

Women’s 2nd team v Keele Won16-1
The Manchester 2nd team travelled to take on Keele University 1st team and enjoyed a convincing 16-1 win. The team worked really hard on their attack plays in training and the work paid dividends with some great goals. The performance will hopefully lead to a successful season.

Manchester goals came from Pheobe Anderson (2), Georgie Aynsley (5)Abi (1) Sally Boultbee (6) Georgia Eaton (1)Emily Osborn (1).
Sally Boultbee was MVP.

Men’s 2nd team v Keele (H)lost 3-8
The 2nd s welcomed Keele 1st team to Stockport Road and despite giving their best display of the season went down to a 3-8 defeat in a hotly contested physical Lacrosse match.

Manchester started slowly and allowed Keele to win the first half fairly comfortably 6-0.

In the second half Manchester’s makeshift defence harboured by a game ending injury to impressive freshman Will Griffin, restricted the potent Keele attack to 2 goals whilst the Manchester attack began to create openings and Matt Hartshorne and Elliott Kennedy hit the net . Despite a Man of the Match performance by Manchester goal keeper Greg Wagstaff managed two goals in the final quarter to seal the win despite a late solo goal from Gabe Lord.

Overall a really encouraging performance from the Manchester team.

Goals came from Matt Hartshorne , Elliott Kennedy and Gabe Lord –one each.

WELCOME TO TIMPERLEY LACROSSE CLUB
It is always good to welcome new faces to Timperley and on behalf of the nearly 400 people who are a part of the club a really warm welcome to Stockport Road.

Brian Gillis
Brian was born in Coquitlam North Vancouver (where next years U19 World Championship will take place)and started playing lacrosse at the age of 4.

Brian has had a distinguished career and is currently on the roster of Coquitlam Adanacs in the Senior A League of the Western Lacrosse Association. It is a competition which has consistently produced some of the world’s greatest lacrosse players.

Brian had a stellar college career at Div 3 New England College where he was an all American and a USILA Scholar All-American for his efforts in the classroom.

Brian also featured on the Ireland national teams in the 2010 and 2014 FIL World Championships and in the Ireland Indoor team in the 2011 and 2015 FIL Indoor World Championships.

Cam Lesley
Cam was introduced to Lacrosse by the legendary Spencer Coach Peter Compton. He played POP Lacrosse for 2 years and moved onto field when he was eleven. He went to Easton Maryland on tour in 2009 and in 2013 went to Lacrosse camp in New Hampshire USA. He has played on Spencer 1st team for the last 3 years winning the European Club Championship (2013) SEMLA Flags (2014 and 2015)and SEMLA Premiership (2015).

He has moved north because it is the highest standard of Lacrosse in England. He is studying sociology at Manchester Univ and playing his Lacrosse at Timperley and at the University.

Adam Henbury
Adam started playing Lacrosse in his first year at Loughborough University and loved the game immediately and spent more time playing than studying which probably prevented him fulfilling his real academic potential. He captained the Loughborough mixed team and was the Lacrosse Club President.

Adam spent two years in USA coaching young players including 3-5 year old's in New Jersey.

Adam has now returned home to Lymm and started looking for a lacrosse Club. Timperley was an obvious choice particularly as he knows James Bates from school.

POP –LAX –FIELD REPORT
Our 30 voluntary helpers and coaches have worked their magic at Saturday POP Lax Field over the past 6 sessions coaching between 34-52 children weekly showing just how much fun it is to be a part of Timperley Lacrosse Club. An added bonus has been Cainy, Rasta and Kathryn Shutts children coming down, plus a very welcome guest appearance from top coach Jason Armstrong.

A new project this season is to try and raise a little cash from our cake sales and support two very worthwhile children’s charities. FRANCIS HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE AND THE WINNIE MABASCO FOUNDATION –which hells orphans of South Africa. Ant offers of home baking are gratefully received, though please come and buy too!!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
8th Nov U19 Floodlit opening night
22nd Nov First games for Timperley
19th Dec Xmas Extravaganza at Timperley in U19 Floodlit
18th March Retirement party for Ken , the Club Groundsman after over 30 year’s service.
19th March Social night
14th May Senior Awards night (prov)
15th May Junior awards (prov)

STOP PRESS
Primary School Boy’s Field Tournament
Last night (Tuesday 4th Nov) Timperley hosted a hugely successful Boy’s Field Lacrosse Tournament at Stockport Road.

There were teams from 11 local schools. Bollin, BowdonChurch, Cloverlea, Hale Prep, Navigation Road, Forest, St Hughes, St Vincents, Stamford Park, Wellgreen and Willows.

The standard of Lacrosse was excellent with players from Timperley programme such as Tom Allen, Cai Alty, Jim Hartley, and Angus Gilchrist prominent . There were an number of exceptionally close games which eventually saw Bollin and Bowdon Church School get through to the final . In an exciting final Bowdon Church coached by former Timperley player Erin Parle picked up the Alan Holdsworth Trophy.

Finishing order; 1 Bowdon 2 Bollin 3 Hale Prep 4 Stamford Park 5 Willows 6 St Hughs 7 Navigation 8 Forest 9 St Vincents 10 Wellgreen 11 Cloverlea

A big thank you to Sarah Baron and her team of helpers for putting on such a great event.