Wacs Under-12's had the honour of playing at the flags weekend today in the final of the plate competition. They faced a combined team from Rochdale and Oldham who were resplendent in their new blue kit.
Unfortunately, the day ended in disappointment but not until an exciting encounter was finally lost in the last 30 seconds. A full squad was on duty today and with Matt and Mike returned to the colonies, Ton Sen was on coaching duty, ably assisted by Sam Fitzhugh. A large contingent of Wacs supporters has made their way up to Rochdale and easily outshouted the Rochdale fans despite them having the advantage of playing on home soil. The day was bright and mild with a brisk breeze and the pitch was in excellent fettle as this was the first game of the weekend on the turf.
The first quarter was a very tight affair with both defenses being very strong and both keepers were on their game. Jeswin Abraham made 2 good saves but had no chance with a powerful shot from the big lad in the Rochdale attack. Wacs made several chances but their shooting was a bit wayward, Sophie Shingler coming closest with a shot that rattled the bar and dropped down onto the line. So at the turnaround Wacs trailed 0-1. Wacs were back in the game early in the second as birthday girl Sophie made a powerful solo run to fire past the Rochdale keeper. With several more scoring chances spurned by the Wacs attack, Rochdale's big lads in attack made them pay by scoring twice just before the break. So at the half, Wacs trailed 1-3.
Tom's half time talk got Wacs stirred up and they quickly got back in the game via another Sophie solo effort. Rochdale replied quickly before McAuley Dewar pulled another back just before the break from a Jay Moore assist. Jeswin made two more good saves but Rochdale were able to find the net once more to maintain their lead at the end of the third, 3-5. So the final quarter of the season got underway needing a big last effort from the Wacs, and that's what they delivered. Jay scored early from a McAuley assist. Jeswin made two good saves and Sophie completed her hat trick with another solo effort to level the scores at 5-5 with 5 minutes left. The game was then "end to end " with both sides going close several times. This was a real thriller now and both sets of supporters were getting very excited. Rochdale were now double teaming Sophie trying to suffocate the Wacs attack. With Wacs exerting a lot of pressure Rochdale made a quick break and their best player was able to burst through and send an unstoppable shot past Jeswin with just 25 seconds left. Wacs couldn't progress from the face and Rochdale were able to run the clock out to claim the plate 6-5.
So this excellent season ended in disappointment for the lads and the lass but they should hold their heads high for the effort they put in today (and throughout the season) and have represented the club with honour, displaying great team-working and sportsmanship. So roll on next season for both the U12's and those moving up to U14's when more great lacrosse will surely be served up by these players.
On duty in the final today were: Jeswin Abraham, Liam Brennan, Iain Brennand, Cian Conway, McAuley Dewar, George Fitzhugh, Peter Grace, Ben Grant, Brett Hoysted, Ben Leahy, Jay Moore, Luke O'Hanlon, James Pomfret, Mike Pomfret, Jacob Schafheutle-Evans, Thomas Shephard and Sophie Shingler.
Match reporter - John Brennand |