Category: General

LivLax Sport’s Personality of the Year 2016

On Friday 30th September Liverpool Cricket Club hosted its third SPOTY awards. This is an excellent opportunity for us to join with other sections and celebrate the successes of the year but more importantly to thank those who continually contribute so much.

For the ladies we had two outstanding nominees, Linda Musker and Sarah Mir. They both give up so much of their time for the club and it wouldn’t function without them.

Linda Musker

Linda Musker is Liverpool Ladies longest serving Lacrosse member which is an achievement in itself. But this isn’t the reason she was nominated for SPOTY. Ever since I joined the club Linda has always played an important role in the day to day running of the club. Most of our members know that she is the chairperson for Lacrosse but not many realise the commitment this takes.

Last week she missed training, she wasn’t being lazy or using the strong winds as an excuse instead she was attending one of the long monthly management committee meetings!

The list of jobs that Linda does on behalf of our club members is endless but I will keep it short and sweet. Injuries have reduced the amount of pitch time that Linda gets but her commitment to the club is as strong as ever, whether that be from umpiring games, booking the teas or keeping the committee members on track and focused. The lacrosse section would be lost without you.

Sarah Mir

Sarah decided to return to the amazing sport of lacrosse a few years back after having originally been introduced to it at school. If she had returned sooner then our club could have been celebrating even more successes this year. Sarah works closely with Liverpool’s Lacrosse Development Officer and other volunteers to ensure that our junior programme is expanding year on year. Her amazing organisational skills have enabled us to have more junior members than ever before and history was made when we entered our first junior boys’ team into the league. We appreciate your commitment and wish you the best of luck with the L2 coaching award.

It was a close call but Linda Musker’s win was well deserved and overdue considering the amount of commitment she has shown the club over the years. I know that it won’t be long before Sarah Mir wins the award as you do an outstanding job as Junior Development Officer.

The men also had two excellent nominees, Jordon Frenna and Ming Trinh but their focus was slightly different with the personality being the important focus.

Jordon Frenna

Jordan is that multi skilled player who is just as effective in goal as he is on the pitch in the midfield. From what I learnt at the awards evening I would decide him as a character who must keep the team entertained both on and off the pitch. The one pitch stories often had a similar theme. Jordon making illegal checks and not understanding were he went wrong. It also seems that he is a good player to have on the team when you need someone to have your back! Jordon is clearly a passionate person and this was clearly demonstrated with his arguments about how  women should play men’s lacrosse because every other sport has the same rules.

Ming Trinh

Ming has played Lacrosse with Liverpool Men’s team for a number of years. He played an important role in team that gained promotion last year. Now that he is the club’s Lacrosse Development Officer he has introduced a number of new juniors to the sport. Due to his positive impact it won’t be long before we have enough members for a junior girls’ team and we will be  able to add something else to our history books.

According to Oli Jones he will be hearing about this win for a long time as the award went to Jordon Frenna.

To those who attended the award evening he will be remembered as the player who voted for himself as he was convinced that is what others would do!

Last year’s men’s winner Oli Jones also needs a mention as without him Liverpool Lacrosse Club probably wouldn’t have a men’s or junior boys’ team. He is an unsung hero who keeps them organised and gives up his Saturday mornings with little support. Oli Jones along with Sarah Mir are the reason our boys have entered the club’s history books.

We are extremely grateful for everything that you do and know that your focus will ensure that the financial position of the club will keep improving.

(W) Match Report – Ladies Earn First Win!

With a few of us running late after an excellent junior girls’ session it was nice to see that the team had warmed up and were raring to go. The team had a strategy which focused on our opposition and some points that I felt were important and we needed to improve on after the Oxton game. The team’s three targets were:
1.     Keep possession of the ball in attack and make the correct choices.
2.    Win the ball from the draw.
3.    Communicate the double team in defence.
 
It was extremely pleasing to see that straight from the first whistle India Chadwick plucked the ball out of the air before storming down the pitch and scoring. She couldn’t have hoped to get the team and her debut off to a better start. It wasn’t long before our second debutant, Charlotte Alston also scored her first goal for the club.
 
Jenna Boon was winning the draw every time and India Chadwick was helping the team meet target two continually. This put us in a great position to attack and to create lots of opportunities. Gaby Sims was the next player to score a goal and quite quickly we got ourselves four nil up.
Some rushed and wayward passing gave Leeds the chance to win possession and get back into the game with their first shot on goal from the edge of the fan. In attack we made some silly decisions and seemed to stop throwing the ball around the fan after about two passes which was puzzling considering the aim was to get the ball moving and keep possession. This meant that there were a lot of quick turnovers and Leeds tried to hit us with fast breaks but the defence communicated well and covered the extra players coming down from the midfield.  Leeds added another goal and after about 15 minutes the score was looking a little closer at 2-4.
 
India Chadwick continued to shine. She got a hat-trick but the most memorable goal of the game bar the horrendous shovel shot was the one scored by Jenna Boon in the top corner. She linked up brilliantly with India Chadwick for a quick set of passes. This was an excellent demonstration of what we were trying to achieve, well worked goals rather than just running through loads of people and scoring a scrappy goal.
 
The first half didn’t end there as there were a few more twists and turns. Gaby Sims and India Chadwick both added another one and there was a textbook crease-roll from Tamsin Stephenson before a super save from the Leeds goalie. If you keep getting into those positions you will be adding your name to the score sheet again very soon.
 
The last goal of the half is one to be forgotten. I thought I had saved it but I didn’t have a clue where it had gone. According to others it dropped to the floor before trickling over the line! This meant that the half time talk started with an apology and a bit of a laugh before we got down to business. We were winning which was pleasing and a few players had scored some excellent goals but it wasn’t calm and it looked messy. The focus for those in attack remained the same. The defence were having a great game and they had kept Millie quiet by not giving her the opportunity to drive the post.
 
The midfield had done a lot of running in the first half and we were hoping that the momentum would continue considering we were attacking downhill. It didn’t really work that way and we slowed down a lot. Our debutants added another goal each but the goal of the second half was scored by Ginnie Jones. A good chase from Leeds, left them in an excellent attacking position with a free player in the centre of the fan and another who was in the prime position to drive the post. Ally Stutley and Ginnie Jones communicated how we would organise ourselves brilliantly and I was covering the post when next minute I was having to dive across the goal as the ball bounce off Ginnie Jones and into the back of the net. Hopefully that will be all our own and fluky goals for the season! The final gaol of the game had the funniest reaction but is shows that people are listening and learning. It was Kate Sweeney’s shovel shot followed by an immediate apology!
 
The final score was 5-11 and we were pleased to get our first win of the season. There were a number of positives but still lots to work on if we want to keep moving up towards the top of the league by the end of the season.  
 
Special mentions go to the following players:
  • Charlotte Alston – you had an excellent debut and I know that we are looking forward to playing alongside you many times this season.
  • Jenna Boon – you were fantastic in the middle and showed super commitment to drive to Leeds and play a half considering you were on a flight to Spain at 7pm.
  • Ginnie Jones – some excellent interceptions and decision making demonstrated when you were faced with two extra players coming towards you.
  • Linda Musker – I really appreciate you umpiring the whole game.
Player of the match was awarded to India Chadwick. You are an amazing player who scored a number of fantastic goals and we are glad that you have chosen to join our club.

(M) Match Report – Senior Men Win Season Opener

The Men’s season kicked off this past weekend on the road at Cheadle Hulme. Last year the south Manchester side were Liverpool’s closest rivals in Championship 2L and ran our boys close. To add to that Cheadle Hulme were looking to bounce back from a opening weekend loss to Rochdale and were welcoming back two key attackman who were missing the 17-2 defeat. So our boys were expecting a tough outing for our opening weekend.

However, after a solid preseason and with no injuries in the roster, Captain Jay Jones was able to field a strong team for the trip to Cheadle Hulme. Included in the game day squad were several new signings including defensive middie Ollie Lewis (Wilmslow), Andrew Adams, Welsh Development player Ben Brookes and Welsh International (2016) Sam Miles, and welcomed back Irish International Sean Gibson to the team.

Preseason work paid off early as the LivLax crew dominated possession early. Moving the ball well and looking for an early opportunity to find the net. With all the early pressure it didn’t take long for Liverpool to capitalise when Ben Brookes found Gibson down low in transition and Gibson fired his first over the shoulder of Cheadle Hulme’s goalie for the games opening goal. Cheadle Hulme would answer back after a couple of exchanges and Liverpool goalie Frank Lewis was unable to prevent Cheadle Hulme from tying the game up. Liverpool would take the lead again as Gibson returned the favour to Brookes who was able to convert in close for his of the game bringing the score to 2-1 mid way through the first. Brookes would grab another goal as Cheadle Hulme was unable to deal with Liverpool’s transition play. With the scoreline at 3-1 Cheadle Hulme would manage to score before the end of the quarter to cut the lead to 3-2.

Much like the first quarter the second would see Liverpool’s offense dominating possesion. Part of the reason for Liverpool enjoying so much possession was Sam Miles’ dominating performance at the face-off x and he would eventually finish the day 14 face off wins from 16 attempts. It wouldn’t take long for the Merseysiders to convert in the second as Ben Brookes found Gibson on the crease who finish one-handed in traffic to double the lead. It wouldn’t be until mid way through the second quarter for Liverpool to extend the lead. This time Ming Trinh would convert a dodge from the wing beating his defender and shooting past the Cheadle Hulme goalie. With the score 5-2 Cheadle Hulme would grab one back with about five minutes remaining in the half. A defensive miscue would see Liverpool’s Lewis unable to stop a screened shot from up top.  The teams would head into the half 5-3 to the Liverpool side.

A frustrating day for the home team (Cheadle Hulme) would continue with Liverpool’s defense stepping up thier game and goalie Frank Lewis making several key saves (10 save on 13 shots on target). This combined with more sustained Liverpool possession the second half was all Liverpool. Sam Miles would capitalise first on a dodge from the midfield firing the ball through the legs of the goalie in the Cheadle Hulme goal. Dan Brown would score his first of the season midway through the third to extend the lead to 7-3. It would take until the fourth quarter for Liverpool to score again after more sustained pressure from the Merseysiders. Both Ben Brookes and Gibson would complete their respective hattricks to help the Liverpool side earn a respectable 9-3 opener.

With several stand out performances including solid defense (the unsung hero), Frank Lewis’s 10 save performance, Sam Miles dominating at the face off, and both Sean Gibson and Ben Brookes both having 6 point games; captain Jay Jones had his hand full when selecting player of the game. It would be Ben Brookes however, that would earn player of the game honours in the season opener.

The team will prepare for their next game on Saturday October 8th away to Wilmslow A.

Match Summary can be found here:

Cheadle Hulme vs Senior Mens

(W) Match Report: Into the Deep End

This was always going to be a tough game after having a long break over the summer to give our members the time to play other sports or just chill. But the league organisers didn’t help us ease in slowly as they decided that it would be best for Liverpool to start off the season with a bang against the European Champions!
Turn out at training over the last two weeks has been awesome and with people turning up on time we had a relaxed but effective warm up to prepare us for our first game of the season. I was really pleased that everyone had done their homework and set themselves targets for the game. I do think that some of us need to have a different perspective on the type of targets that will help us as a team and individuals. It is awesome to score loads of goals and be the top scorer but is really isn’t as important as helping the attacking unit. Something to think about!
The first half flew by without us having much impact. We let Oxton’s attack get into some perfect positions for scoring many excellent goals. The ONE magical moment for us was when Bridget Mason achieved her target for the game and got us off the mark with our first and only goal of the half.
We used the whole 10 minutes to ensure that we recovered and learnt from our mistakes. It was important to ensure that we came out with the performance we knew we could deliver in the second half. Gaby Sims and Katie Bishop gave their opinions on what we needed to change in attack and defence before I set the team a number of targets.
The target for the midfielders was to win that first ball. Charlotte Clulow put the ball in a great positions for us on every draw but we were a little bit slow to respond. This was something that we need to continue working on throughout the season so we can master it!
The target for the attackers was to get the ball moving effectively, give each other space by cutting through the fan and most importantly not to do the most ridiculous shovel shots! In defence we were aiming to slow their attackers down and stop giving them so many opportunities.
Well it worked and the team performance in the second half was much better. Oxton have many excellent players and they still managed to score a number of well worked goals but they only got 6 compared to the 11 in the first half. The other positives were that we started to work together in attack and both Charlotte Clulow and Katie Bishop scored two excellent goals each. There was another goal but not sure that she will want to be named as it was one of those embarrassing shovel shots!
Other memorable moments in the game were:
·         Bridget Mason using her speed to glide past a number of Oxton defenders.
·         Lauren Berridge’s well timed tackle just on the edge of the fan.
·         Kate Sweeney’s calm pick up in the fan and pass back to me in goal.
·         A number of players including Alex McCaldon, Katie Bishop and Bethan Keenan who were quick of the mark for that short clear than ensured that we kept possession but got the ball moving up the pitch and gave ourselves the fast break opportunity.
·         Ally Stutley’s slides when it was 2 on 1 on a number of occasions. You are an amazing defender who gives me so much confidence and protects me wonderfully. Thanks!
For the first game of the season I was extremely impressed with the second half performance. I was oblivious to the score throughout as my brain was concentrating on other things so it wasn’t until I got home and spoke to my dad that I realised how well that we had done in the second half. We lost it by one goal! I had my own little celebration. If you were in the same position go celebrate now!
I get the feeling that some of you thought I was crackers believing that we could win but 6-5 in the second half is the proof. A few more training sessions and games and we will be on it!
Special mentions go to the following players:
·         Charlotte Clulow – a great performance all over the pitch and very close to winning the MVP award. I couldn’t have asked for more you gave us the best possible opportunity in the middle and your memorable moment in defence was when Em K went to drive but soon realised that you were not going to let her through!
·         Bridget Mason –
·         Linda Musker – achieving her goal by leaving the pitch uninjured!
·         Ashley Bruen, Ginnie Jones, Rozi Blackburn and Tamsin Stephenson along with the many future Liverpool lacrosse players – your support is greatly appreciated and shows that we are an amazing team!
Player of the match was awarded to Katie Bishop for a fabulous performance. She worked her socks off and was that pleasing midfielder who knew the importance of their job as a defender but also helped support the attackers in the team. The positions she found herself in the fan and the accurate passing from others enabled her to score two wonderful goals.
Half time score: 11-1
Score: 17-6
Goal scorers:
Charlotte -2
Katie Bishop -2
Fleur – 1
Bridget – 1

Senior Training Resumes

2603458Men’s and Women’s will be training out of Austin Rawlinson Lifestyles,Conleach Road, Speke, Liverpool L24 0TR. Training will be Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Women’s training has already begun and if you’re new to lacrosse or would like to join the women’s team please contact the women’s team captain via womens@liverpoollacrosse.com.

Men’s training begins on the 14th of September for the 2016-2017 season. If you’re new to lacrosse or would like to join the men’s team please contact the men’s team captain via mens@liverpoollacrosse.com.