News – 12 June 2008

Malvern went very close to a clean sweep of all games this week, with U12 Reds fighting out a thrilling come-from-behind draw, and State League narrowly missing out on doing the same, while all our other teams won their matches. Divvy 3 continued their unbeaten run by gaining the four points from a bye.

Chocolates Fundraiser. Thanks to everyone for participating in this fundraiser. Chocolates were distributed to most Teams on Saturday; those who missed theirs will receive them from their Team Managers this week. Several of our Members have been quick off the mark towards gaining the prize for the person (or family) selling the most boxes. Monies are to be returned on or before 28th June (last Saturday before Mid-Season Break). Receipts will be supplied to everyone when they return their chocolate money; please make sure you return your money in the envelope provided and receive a receipt when you do. Those who prefer not to sell or buy chocolates can return their box unsold and make an equivalent donation instead, or make their donation up front this week. If you have any questions, you can call Joe Maher 0437-565-928.
Hoodies and Jackets: They look great, and the prices are amazing — you won’t find warm winter tops of this quality for $30 and $45 anywhere else this winter. At the moment, we’re still carrying good stock, so keep on buying them, we want them out-and-about, not sitting on the shelves while it’s cold outside. Hoodies sizes go from Small to XXL, Jackets from XS to XL. Those interested in Hoodies for U12 sizes: best speak to Sandra Campbell to work out sizing and numbers required.

Expressions of interest are still open for the Weekly News Editor‘s job from Round 11 (21 June) onwards.

Thanks to Shannon Bell for bringing his PlayStation and getting the A/V gear working to show the NCAA game last Thursday, even though we didn’t manage sound this time — we’ll probably keep showing more videos if people keep asking for them. Dave Joy is the big man with the biggest collection around — pester him for what you want to see.

This week looks like a number of very interesting games coming up. State League will see how far they’ve improved from last time they played MCC in Round 1; Div 2 play joint ladder leaders Eltham, who gave them their only defeat so far the first time they met; Div 3 play Altona, level with them on games won, 3rd vs 4th; U18′s have an important game against Camberwell, 5th vs 3rd; U16′s 2nd vs 3rd against Footscray; U14′s also 2nd vs 3rd, in their case against Eltham; but wait, there’s more: U12 Black and Red are side-by-side at home against Surrey Park and Eltham.

Best of luck for good results in all your games this weekend. Go Malvern!!

Best regards,

Mike

Picture of the week: U12 Reds on a sunny morning at the Town Hall.

Photo: Roy Spiers

Mens Round 9: 7th June 2008

State League: vs Footscray 12-13

Spectator Mike Naughton wrote:

Malvern and Footscray came in both with the same records, and both with improving young sides. Footscray played consistently better for the first three quarters, leading 11-7 at three quarter time. Malvern came storming home in the last few minutes as the midfield dominated and turned the pressure onto Footscray, to come from 4 down to one down with still 45 seconds on the clock, and went close to levelling as Trav hit the pipe from on the crease — it was shades of the Caulfield game 3 weeks earlier, but without the fairytale ending. Over the whole game, it was Footscray who deserved the win.

Division 2: vs Altona 12-8

Mike Naughton wrote:

From reports, this was a hard-fought, narrow victory after winning the last 4 games by an average of 27 goals. A short bench and an injury to Joey Foster meant there was a lot of work to be done by some old legs. Altona levelled the scores towards the end of the third, but the D2 boys kept it together and withstood the charge and came through with the win. Shannon Bell and Timmy Laidlaw both made 3 & 1, Rocket 2-2, Squeaker 2-1, Westy 1-1 and Joey 1-0 were the scorers; Stevie, Dave G and Rod A were best players.

Division 3: Bye

U18: vs Eltham 16-8

Asst Coach Paddy Mac and ghost writer Rommy An wrote:

Malvern U18′s showed further improvement from their efforts last week to run over Eltham, beating them 16-8 (with help from Head Coach Paddy Mac). Although Malvern was asleep for the first half, trailing 4-5 at half time, we found our composure and managed to settle the ball down thereafter, executing countless times, outscoring the opposition 12-3 in the second half. With added help from Billy (Billiam) Exton and James (Mini-Red) Anglicas from the U16′s, a bench of 3 was fully used for a tireless effort from the midfield line. Mini-Red ran wing after wing and played terrific defense on older players, earning him the prestigious Grill’d Award for this week. Disciplined work from the attack saw us net the ball time after time, and some flashy play from Rowboat kept the spectators and players entertained. Mez is yet to show us his top speed, but still left people in his dust. Ollie Smith showed that an injured shoulder won’t keep him down, assisting and finalising with one goal and 4 assists, showing what a true Captain is made of. Although the game started out in Eltham’s favour, spirit and courage saw us cross the line victorious. If we can keep the momentum going the full 60 minutes coming into next week’s game, whoever it is wont stand a chance. Till next time, your Saturday reporters.

U16: Bye

U14: vs Surrey Park 9-7

Coach Josh wrote:

A hard fought 9-7 victory was well earned at Surrey Park on the weekend. With help from Luca Lettieri in goals, down from the Under 16s, Malvern led all day and fought off a brave comeback in the last quarter. Michael Petritsch and Sam Anglicas again led the scoring with 3 each, singles to Jaxon Glover, Toby Exton and Luca. More work on catching and throwing and ground balls is necessary. A tough test at Eltham awaits next week.

U12 Black: vs Altona 20-2

Coach Gazzer wrote:

Malvern had another strong outing against a younger Altona team over the weekend, recording a 20-2 victory. Once again, it was good to see teamwork being a key factor this week, with all players have good games. Guy, Jordy and Darcy provided plenty of midfield pressure, both on the offensive and defensive ends. Providing plenty of spark, Ben, Alex, Nic gave a strong target up front, and converted many chances into goals. Meanwhile, regular defenders Rupert Smith and Timmy Flanagan made sure that any Altona advances on goal were shut down, and any loose balls were picked up and run back into the attack line. A strong effort by Elliot for the 2nd quarter produced a shut-out performance in the cage as well, ensurind that Altona were not getting any easy goals!

U12 Red: vs Caulfield 6-6

Team Manager Big Joe wrote:
The Under 12 Reds played an entertaining match against Caulfield. The scores reflected that the teams were evenly matched in that they were both full of beginners, but hid the size differential – Caulfield had at least three players who were twice the size of many of the Malvern players.

However, the Malvern players weren’t overawed by the larger opponents. This was typified by a dogged performance by Lachy, perhaps the smallest player on the field. In the first quarter he set the scene by fighting for and winning the ball in a series of one-on-one contests against bigger opponents.

By the end of the first quarter, Malvern had a one goal lead, three goals to two. However, in the second and third quarters we couldn’t get the ball past the tall timber of the last the line of the Caulfield defence.

It all came down to the final quarter. Malvern were down three goals. Malvern kept Caulfield scoreless and scored the last of three goals just before the final siren. The draw was greeted with cheers from Malvern, reflecting the good team spirit.

Coach Steve Bown continued the rotation policy, giving everyone time in defence, midfield and in attack, so that they can learn all facets of the game. The quick rotations worked well and the ‘girl power’ midfield of Allie, Madison and Katie was a deft touch.

Nick scored four goals, with three in the last quarter, while Aaron scored one goal and provided three assists. George scored the other goal and Tom provided two assists and Madison one assist. Overall, another good team effort.

President’s Report

On the weekend I was asked by a Junior Member of the Club: “Who owns the Malvern Lacrosse Club?”

A very interesting question; my reply is:

It’s not the Stonnington Council, and it’s not the Club Committee, it’s owned by all the Members, from Juniors through to Seniors, with all Past and Present Members having a share, along with the Non-Playing Parents and Supporters — in a nut shell, we are all Part-Owners of the Club. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to what happens at the Club, and we need to think of what we can do to make our Club a better place. Certainly we need to take pride in the place, and pride in the jumper. Our Club has a history that would be the envy of most sporting clubs anywhere, is second to none — you can have a look at the malvern.lacrosse.net.au web-site put together by Keith Chamberlain to see how strong and successful our Club has been. Many times I have watched and seen Members, both Junior and Senior, just leave rubbish on the ground, leave their muddy boots on and walk mud into the Rooms, without thinking that someone has to clean up after them — I wonder if this is how they treat their home? I hope not. Every game I watch from Under 12′s to State League, I’m reminded of the great players that have come through this Club, players that have gone on to represent Victoria and Australia. Malvern has had such a great many of them, and will have in the future: you, the Members, need to take ownership of the Club and what happens in it and to it. Please help. If you see Phil, James and Mouse marking out the grounds, make sure you pick up your rubbish and take your boots off before coming onto the rooms, clean up and wipe your table after using it in the Clubrooms, do whatever you can just to help make your Club a better place. Be proud of our Club, look at it’s history and remember: you are a part of that history and part of it’s future — how do we want it to grow?

Dim Sim Eating Contest

19th June after Seniors training in the Clubrooms. Roughly 8.45pm. $10 entry with 1/2 of the pool going back to the winner (i.e. 10 entries at $10/2 would be $50 for the winner). One of the easiest ways to make money, while also supporting the Club in this Fundraiser. Make sure to put your name up on the board if you’re interested, so we can have a rough idea how many dim sims to put on.

LACROSSE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

BRINE ELEMENT BLUE ARM GUARDS SIZE MEDIUM $40
BRINE DEFT GREY AND BLACK GLOVES $40
2 X BRINE SPARTAN GREY AND BLACK RIB PROTECTOR $40 EACH
BRINE MOTIVE STRUNG WHITE HEAD $60
1 X CASCADE HELMET BLUE AND RED $130

All this equipment is very new and in good condition.
Please contact Noel Anderson for further details: 0409 777 553

CLUB EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARIES

Sat 19th Jul: Junior Trivia Night

Sat 2nd Aug: Senior Trivia Night

Thu 7th Aug: Last Week of Regular Season Junior Pie Night

Sat 23rd Aug: Open Mic Entertainment Night

Sun 14th Sep: Season Close — Presentation Day and AGM

THIS WEEK’S GAMES

9:30am	U12 Black	Surrey Park	HOME
9:30am	U12 Red	Eltham	HOME
9:30am	U14	Eltham	AWAY
11:00am	U16	Footscray	AWAY
11:00am	U18	Camberwell	AWAY
2:30pm	Div 3	Altona	AWAY
2:30pm	Div 2	Eltham	AWAY
2:30pm	State League	MCC	HOME