Laura Parsons
Eva Bowie
Emily Porter
Charlotte Sadler
Franzi Christian
Henny Peach
Matilda Wright
Georgina Murphy
Katie Tighe
Kit Towers
Layli Brookshaw
Carys Bucknall
Daisy Davidson
Sophie Gregory

Timperley v Norbury

Never before have I seen lacrosse played in such a downpour!

Within seconds, everyone on the pitch was soaked to the skin!

Despite the conditions, the game continued. It was a close game, with both sides making unusual mistakes due to the severe nature of the weather.

We managed to hit the bar and the post, and I counted at least 3 shots that came out the back of girls' sticks, simply due to how wet through everyone and everything was.

Huge respect for the girls and their perseverance! A tough opening match. But great spirit from the girls at the post-match team talk.

Final score: 1-1
Goals:
Kit

Timperley v Stockport

Stockport had provided some fierce opposition during last year's U11 season, and as a result some great close games. We expected a tough game.

However, Timperley today handled Stockport with ease.

Remarkable defensive play by the Timperley team. Such maturity and awareness is not normally seen at this age, and our defence was to prove a major contributing factor in our overall performance at HM.

Final score: 5:1

Goals:
Franzi 1
Henny 3
Kit 1

Assists:
Charlotte 1
Matilda 1

Timperley v Mersey Gold

Going into the tournament, we expected our toughest test to come from HM. They had entered 2 teams. It's great for lacrosse to see a club able to put 2 teams into a tournament.

But we had no idea which team would be strongest. The schedule had us playing both Mersey teams back-to-back!

This was crunch time.

The girls impressed against Mersey Gold, controlling the game and working hard defensively all over the pitch.

A dominant performance, reflected in the scoreline.

Final score: 7:0
Goals:
Henny 1
Kit 4
Carys 2

Assists:
Carys 1
Daisy 1

Timperley v Mersey Black

So, after the previous game, we were straight back on against Mersey Black.

This was a tougher contest. But Timperley were more than up for the challenge.

Defensively, we were immense.

The girls chased everything, all over the field.

It has to be said that by this time the pitches were so soft underfoot that it was incredibly difficult to change direction and keep moving effectively.

Timperley never gave up, and remained 'in the face' of their opposite numbers. Drive, determination and commitment! Brilliant!

A note too here about the sublime passing and catching that we saw at times. Fast direct passes, caught expertly, moving the ball quickly, turning defenses inside out. More of that please!

Final score: 4:1
Goals:
Henny 1
Kit 3

Assists:
Charlotte 1
Carys 1

Timperley v Cheadle

Cheadle only had 8 players, so we had to adapt.

We adapted very well and didn't concede.

Final score: 6:0
Goals:
Franzi 1
Kit 2
Layli 1
Carys 1
Sophie 1

Timperley v Poynton

Poynton could only field 8 players too, so we maintained the same approach.

Poynton were also a young team, so Timperley dominated play once again.

Final score: 5:0
Goals:
Charlotte 1
Henny 2
Kit 2

Assists:
Carys 1

Timperley v Mellor

I was reminded by the Mellor ref before the game started about the rivalry between our two clubs (thanks Richard! ;-)). It certainly was a tough encounter, but played in good spirits.

The scores were level at 1-1 until Timperley broke the deadlock and again defended superbly to preserve the lead and earn the win.

And with that the trophy!

Tournament Winners! Unbeaten!

Final score: 2:1
Goals:
Franzi 2

A big THANK YOU to all the parents for their fantastic support, both on and off the pitch. For keeping the girls as dry and warm as possible, and enduring the conditions.

Special thanks to Robin and Sarah for their help! Much appreciated!

We're always looking for ways for the girls to improve their game, and one of those ways is to become competent with both dominant hand and non-dominant hand.

Robin, Sarah and I are very keen to see the girls develop these skills, and I thank Robin for pointing out the following:

This week Franzi made numerous attempts to shift onto her left hand when attacking, and Emily when clearing the ball 3 times used her left hand as it was the open side away from the defender. Well done both!

Finally, and most importantly:

WELL DONE GIRLS!

It was a GREAT team performance.

Our play was described by the HM organisers as 'phenomenal'. I'll leave it at that...