Hi All,
The Bendigo girls got on the bus at 8.45am Sunday morning, maybe not all completely awake.
Mason was picked up on the way out of sunny crisp Bendigo.
On the bus was Charlotte, Ruby, Jessica, Morgan and Abbey all revving to go, it was the preliminary final!
We did the usual stop at Calder Park before heading to the game. However, the weather was turning ugly the closer we got to the ground.
Today's game was at Caulfield Park against Williamstown who MCC beat earlier in the year, but lost to them 5 weeks ago by 14 goals! You really didn't know who you're playing against as they could drop players down from higher divisions, which they did and under permit as well.
MCC had 16 players, while Williamstown had 14.
The first quarter was goal for goal, until MCC scored twice to finish the quarter 4 to 3 up. The second quarter started with a light drizzle of rain.
MCC lost young Eloise with a hamstring pull during the quarter. Williamstown turned the screws on and scored 4 goals to nil to pull away.
The spectators were frustrated by Umpires decisions, however to the girls credit the team settled after the break.
The third quarter MCC score a couple of gaols to pull back to be a gaol behind at the third quarter interval.
MCC had opportunities in the fourth but unfortunately went down by 2 goals at the final whistle.
A game was well fought to the end but injuries did take their toll.
Barry (MCC Coach) was happy with the overall effect and reminded everyone that last year they made the finals for the first time but didn't win a single finals game, however this year they made the finals and progressed from the elimination to play the preliminary final.
The older ladies had tears as they knew some player won’t be back. Sarah (the mother with two kids) is heading to Sydney to live, while Ri will be in Canada for a year.
MCC players and coach were extremely appreciative of the Bendigo girls, not only for their playing skills but for "being there, helping and creating a fantastic atmosphere". G (the train driver) and Ballsy (the mother with the 1 yr. old baby) came to me and said that all the girls had improved during the year and they loved having them in the team! They all appreciate the effort in taking time to travel to Melbourne on most weekends.
I feel that we have a solid young team of 14, 15 and 16 year olds that will be the foundation of a talented team if things all pan out in the future.
I like to thank the players for their commitment to training, and playing in Melbourne: Abbey, Abigail, Charlotte, Eliza, Jessica, Morgan and Ruby.
I also thank Mason for coaching the Bendigo women's team through the season.
Now it all over until next year.
Please don't forget our presentation which is on Thursday 27 September 2018, and let me know if you're attending or not.
Thanks to the people who have already replied.
Cheers
Gino
A Proud Bendigo Lacrosse Member
Last Modified on 03/09/2018 10:53