Score - Wales 4, Knights 17
Roster:
Mike Connor - G
Jon Clowes - D
Jo Streuli - D
Charlie Edwards - D
Josh Peachey - D
Will Allsop - D
Josh Turner - LSM
Ben Reddy - LSM
Jay Moore - M-F/O
Elliott Condren - M-F/O
Scott Dagnanleach - M
Cam Parks - M
Matt Collier - M
Lewis Curtis - M
Adam Jordan - M
Ryan Hunns - M
Josh Kinder - M/A
Jake Howarth- M
Tim Nicol- M
Jake Weddell - A
Jamie Tomlinson - A
Matt Rowarth - A
Unfortunatley the day didnt start too well for me as I wasnt feeeling too well but we had to call this game off just before Xmas and I wasnt going to let my illness get in the way of todays procedings.A few of the 2011 Knights players had a Semi finals to play in for their clubs so Steve Ewing, Dane Carney, Chris Cook, Dr Toby Hawksley, Tom Bracegirdle and Chris Doona where un-available so we thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for the Older set of the 2013 Knights to wet their beak!
We held our now traditional pre game meeting in the Conference room at Wacs and talked through what we expected from the players, starting line ups and tactics for the day. Its a very relaxed atmosphere in the meetings and everyone gets to talk if they want to, everyone has input but when its time to play we get down to business!
The Wales team had taken advantage of the field and had been training since 11am, they look to be a very close knit squad and worked hard in practice, I am glad we could help them prepare for Finland, I wish them all the best - big thanks to Wacs for the field.
Coach Hunns made a great point before the start of the game, he said that he had noticed that the 2011 lads had become so tight and such good friends off and on the field that it makes them hard to beat and should be something that the 2013 and beyond should try to emulate! that made me very proud and is something that will always be part of the Knights squad!
The game started very well with a quick goal from Wales who looked like a very well coached team and they knew what to do in clearing, riding situations and Defensive and Offensive sets, and we had to adjust a to their play. The Knights soon settled down and levelled the game through Josh Kinder who looked very sharp and on a high from making the England U19 team, the game was very competitive for four quarters with Wales scoring in even and man up situations.
I was very pleased with the defence and think that the 2011 guys really added to this, they communicated very well and with small improvements we can make this a real strength of our 2013 team, Mike Connor was great in goal with 11 saves on the day, its a pleasure to have him in goal and I know when he steps in the crease he is only there to represent one person!
I think our ride was very effective on the day, the players really buy in to working hard when riding and we where rewarded with a few goals from this, we started to press out defensively after half time to give them less time on the ball which caused some turnovers which again worked in our favour. We found that a strength for us was Jamie and Jake dodging from behind, this caused them to slide and for us to pick out our strong shooters with feeds for high percentage shots or an open crease look.
I enjoyed watching the 2011 and 2013 Knights play together, the 2011 lads looked very comfortable together and we managed the game very well, which was something we had to do in the states, the 2013 lads didn't miss a beat I was very pleased with how they fitted in and competed! I think they can learn a lot from the 2011 players and as far as I am concerned they will always be a big part of this organisation, stay close fellas!
Saves:
Mike Connor - 11
Points:
Josh Kinder 5g
Jamie Tomlinson 3g, 2a
Jake Weddell 2g, 3a
Ryan Hunns 2g, 1a
Lewis Curtis - 1g
Jon Clowes - 1a
Tim Nicols - 2g
Adam Jordan 1g
Matt Collier 1g
Cam Parks 1a
Thanks to Wacs Lacrosse club (Maryanne and Adam), Wales U19's Coaching staff and Players, Coach Armstrong & Hunns, Refs Ada, Eddie and Chris and all the parents and friends that came out to watch, I hope you enjoyed the day and am sorry I couldnt socialise with you after the game with you.
Thanks to Adrian Thornber for coming to watch its always great to see him and we play every game for him and his family - ET2!
Watch out for future Knights events - Easter 8's tournament, Summer games and practices for 2013 Knights.
