We have a two-week break coming up over the school holidays after Round 12 this week, so hope everyone gets a good break.

There are, however, some special games planned, as well as major tournaments occurring during this time, both here and abroad, so read on for more details. Note especially the Family Day at the Club on Sat July 5 – look forward to a great attendance – see below for details.

Chocolates Fundraiser. Thanks to everyone for participating in this fundraiser. There’s a 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. Those interested in Hoodies for U12 sizes: best speak to Sandra Campbell to work out sizing and numbers required.

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

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Picture of the week: State league at Camberwell.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Debbie Milner.

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Round 11 – 21st June 2008

State League: vs Camberwell 10-5

This was definitely the best performance of the year. Both defenses were on top in the first quarter with a stand out performance by goal tender Jeff Joy who was blocking everything. Camberwell responded in the second quarter piling on 4 quick goals to lead 5-1 at half time. When our usually dominant face-off man Patrick McGrath, Campbell was sidelined in the second quarter and with breathing difficulties things were looking very grim. Fortunately for us Billy Exton was able to step into the breach and dominated in the middle as well as giving us a dangerous scoring option off the midfield. The tide began to turn with Paul Cook, James Maloney and Travis Croll causing numerous turnovers with their riding pressure. Brendan Farrell in defense was also having a blinder with countless intercepts and ground balls.

A nine goal second half and shutout by Jeff Joy cracked the soft underbelly of Camberwell. Special mention should go to the youth brigade (Mez Clough , Billy Exton, Ollie Smith and Jake Coleman) who all scored by taking advantage of the many holes in the Camberwell defense. This team is causing some ripples in the competition. The future looks bright.

Division 2: vs Camberwell 21-18

With some players helping out other grades we were behind the eight ball to start. On short notice Toby Exton filled in as our goalie and gave a very confident display. Trailing by 11 goals at 3/4 time we finally hit our straps to post a 9-1 final quarter, but came up short. Rowan Anglicas had 5 goals in the final quarter to finish with 8 and Shannon Bell scored 4 goals off the crease. We have Caulfield away this week to finish off before the break.
Currently sitting on top of the ladder with Eltham, this team has a good blend of past State League players and Under 16/18 Juniors. Gaining valuable Senior experience from some of the best players this Club has produced shows in their improvement. This team continues to get it done each week.

Division 3: vs Williamstown 15-10

Div 3 had its first loss for the season last Saturday. Playing the top side, Williamstown at Willi is always hard. We started well and got ahead but Willi managed to get quick goals the get in front. Rod Finnigan was consistently winning the ball from the face off – then he hurt his back. Westy and Mike Sharp went into the centre and Willi started getting first use of the ball. Our third quarter was dismal with Willi scoring easily and we could only get one for the quarter. Goals were hard to come by but the forwards did their part scoring all our goals; Rubber 4, Callum 4 and Muz 2. It was good to have Matt Arthur return and add some experience in defense. In the end we ran out of legs but the team kept fighting to the end. Final score Willi 15 Malvern 10.

Under 18: vs Chadstone 14-7

Malvern u18 side had a much anticipated game against Chadstone, as the outcome of this game and the remainder games would decide if we place a spot in the top 4. With Mitch Dobb unable to play, we had added support from Billy and Jenka from 16′s, giving us fresh legs for the midfield lines. From the first whistle we showed that we really wanted the ball, with Malekai comfortably gaining the ball from the face-off and getting it to the attack line of red, rowboat and olay, who were able to capitalize with ease. Chadstone however answered back very quickly, showing they’d come to play. Flash held his own in goals, making some great saves at vital moments, only letting a handful past him. Phar Lap proved to be too much for the opposition yet again, if they blinked, they missed him. The defence was able to keep their key players at bay for the majority of the game, while clearing the ball countless times. Our attack line was able to run our set 6 on 6 plays numerous times, and with the help of lost composure from Chaddy, their man-up play, which proved to work very effectively. Although the first half started out well, the second half saw us make a few unforced errors and give away some stupid penalties. Even with these errors we still managed to walk away with a comfortable win to put us in the running for finals. With the prestigious grill’d awards revived by Jenka, Flash, Malekai and Rowboat. With MCC coming up and the loss of one of our key attackers, it should be a very interesting and hard-fought game.
Till next time
Coach Paddy Mac

Under 16: vs Knox 16-1

Back Line not really switched on till after the first quarter. This was the same as last week. Pressure on loose balls has improved / much improved is the amount of talk and backing up for each other. Off side / both ends of the ground will be a concern going into finals. With Tom going overseas for five weeks, this has given Toby Exton from the U/14′s a chance to play in goals. What a great job he did – look out Tom.

Midfield: With Billy and AJ playing in the U/18′s the guys really stepped up. Dom and Luca were in control with the center draws most of the game. Loose ground balls were quickly picked up by our midfield. Jorden /Tom/Clancy / Liam well done.

Attack: Charlie and Callum really starting to work well together – most of the game we rotated two other players – we are still trying to find a balance .The attack worked hard all morning. In man up we still rush to get the easy goal – backing up after shots were taken was excellent . The boys now are playing really well together, forming a tight little group.

Marty.

Under 14: bye

Under 12 Black 21-2

The Blacks had another strong win on the weekend, winning 21 goals to 2 against MCC… A great team effort was the key with everyone getting an assist and/or goal at least, which showed the unselfish approach of the team, and team orientated focus.. The defense to attack rotation meant that we had many willing defenders to play a quarter in the back line.
A first half burst enabled the blacks to have a more relaxing 2nd half, and by the end Jordy and Nic C had 4 goals, while Darcy, Alex and Rupert had 4 assists, with Elliot and Nick K also gaining some assists… Guy, Benny, Timmy and Hugo also managed to get a goal/s.. Possibly even some on the left hand..

Joe Maher

Under 12 Red 10-0

The Under 12 red side turned up at Moreland ready to play on Saturday, but unfortunately due to insufficient numbers, the Moreland side were forced to hand a turnover to the reds, who officially improve now to a 5-5 record on the season. On a positive note, the under 12 parents now know how to get to Moreland.

 

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING

 Coming up to the July mid-season break, there’s going to be even more lacrosse going on on three continents in the weeks ahead for Malvern Lacrosse Club folks. Here’s the run-down on what’s happening and where to keep up with scores and news.

Malvern Family Day: Saturday 5th July

 A Malvern Family Day will be held at the Club on Saturday 5th July, with intra-Club games and activities for all ages from U12′s to Seniors. A notice will be emailed out in the next day or so with the schedule for the day. Responses will be needed this Thursday and Saturday — sign up on the whiteboard in the Clubrooms, or reply to the email, and bring along your friends to have a look and have a go too.

Malvern-Bendigo Match at Castlemaine

 Bendigo Lacrosse Association have invited us up to Castlemaine and challenged us to a social game on Sunday 13th July. Nev Bell, Bendigo’s Coach, is a well-known ex-Malvern player, and Johnny Cantone has been instrumental in the start-up of the Bendigo lacrosse venture. Sign up to play on the whiteboard in the Clubrooms, or reply to Norm.

Aussie Crocs U19 World Championships

 Josh, Brad, Keith and Mike are leaving this week for the U19 World Championships in Coquitlam (Vancouver), Canada from 3rd to 12th July. The tournament website is www.2008worldlax.com

U18 Kangas

 AJ, Rowan, Tom and Trevor have left for Vancouver for the World Youth Lacrosse Invitational Tournament. www.worldyouthlacrosse.com

 

U19 National Championships

Down the road at Caulfield Lacrosse Club, Paddy Mac will be taking the face-offs for the Vic team as they go to extend their record to 4/4 in the U19 National Championships from 6th to 12th July. The schedule hasn’t appeared yet, but it will probably come up on SportingPulse closer to the time.

U17 National Tournament

And at the same time at Caulfield, Billy Exton will be in the guts and Jay Baskaran in the cage for the Vic South-East Titans in the U17 Nationals.

Payment of Fees: list posted in Clubrooms

There is currently around $5000 in overdue Membership Fees for this Season still owing to the Club. The list of those owing has been posted in the Clubrooms. Any player whose Fees are not paid will not be permitted to play after this week’s round unless Fees are paid — Coaches and Committee Members are responsible for ensuring this is followed for all Teams. All Club Members are advised to check the list on the board; payment can be made to the Treasurer or other Committee Members; receipts will be given for all Fees paid. For further information, contact the Treasurer:
David Gerrard
P: (03) 9569-7289
M: 0404-827-195
E: David.Gerrard@eyeandear.org.au

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

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THIS WEEK’S GAMES

		Playing against	venue
9:30am	U12 Black	Footscray	Angliss Reserve 1
9:30am	U12 Red	Altona	PJ Lynch Reserve 1
9:30am	U14	Moreland	Clifton Park 1
11:00am	U16	Melbourne High School	Home
11:00am	U18	MCC	Albert Ground 1
2:30pm	Div 3	Surrey Park	Mont Albert Reserve 2
2:30pm	Div 2	Caulfield	Caulfield Park 2
2:30pm	State League	Eltham	Home