The Western Australian Under 18 Men’s Lacrosse Team returned to Perth this week as National Champions after defeating Victoria on their own turf in Bendigo on Monday 21st April 2014 with a score of 14-9.
Western Australia absolutely dominated the face off contests coupled with match fitness and the hard work in the centre by the midfielders enabled their attack players to control the tempo of the game, work the ball around and confuse the Victorian defenders. With studied composure the understanding between the offensive structures, their selfless teamwork led to some magnificent passages of play and converting on the scoreboard. This resulted in a steady stream of goals which often had the Victorian defence and their goal keeper confused and frustrated.
With Coach Glenn Morley's strategy which incorporated some principles from another sporting great, Ric Charlesworth, the premise of "don't defend a lead" was one of the hallmarks of WA’s game and so the offense kept up the pressure until the end.
Morley said, “The win was a reward for the effort and professionalism the boys showed throughout the campaign. They were a united team who put in a dominant performance in winning the National Championship and I couldn't be prouder.”
Nick Graham from the Bayswater Lacrosse Club was honoured as MVP of the championship match.
The Under 18 Women’s team were not as lucky going down by a goal in overtime to South Australia in the National Final. Carlyn Blair from the Phoenix Lacrosse Club was named MVP in the nail-biting game.
Western Australian's Ashtyn Hiron, Will Day, Matt Wood, Ryan Ackland, Connor Davies, Alex Sommerville, Sharn Muffet, Jessie McLarnen and WA Men’s Coach Glenn Morley were named in the Under 18 National All Stars Team. Furthermore Phoenix Lacrosse Club’s and already Australian representative, Ashtyn Hiron was awarded Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. Hiron leaves Perth in July to peruse a four year Lacrosse scholarship at Jacksonville University in the United States.
Many of these young players are currently in the squad of the Australian U19 teams vying for selection to compete at their respective U19 World Championships over the next two years.
Last Modified on 28/04/2014 20:59
