Bendigo Lacrosse

Lacrosse Match Report Round 8 (15^th June) – Footscray V Bendigo Warhawks

Bendigo Warhawks were defeated by Footscray 11-4, played at the Angliss Reserve, Yarraville

The condition of the ground could be described as ridiculous as one end of the goals was muddy to the extent that your feet sunk and the mud reached over your ankles.  This made playing conditions very challenging and awkward.  There were several instances where face-offs were given when the ball sunk into the mud and not able to be swooped up.

The team was not comfortable and familiar with the conditions which showed on the score board at half time, 7 to 1 in Footscray’s favour.  Our front structure showed signs of improving late in the second quarter.  The centres were never beaten all day but by midway through the second quarter Bendigo’s youthful midfield adjusted to give the Warhawks the majority of possession from Face-offs for the rest of the game.

More effort was shown in the third quarter with as many attempts to goal as the opposition but Footscray outscored Bendigo in the quarter 3 to 1.  The defence were firm and rotations in the midfield were excellent.  Bendigo unfortunately couldn’t guide the ball into the back of the net, but the little things are improving each time the team takes the field.

The final quarter was won by the Warhawks 2 to 1. It seemed that the ball was in Bendigo’s possession majority of the quarter, with Bendigo shooting at the extremely muddy end of the ground.

The working and feeding from behind goals by John Webb was great and the cutting of Alex Orr was a pleasure to watch.  Mike Bell was hard working all four quarters as a long pole midfielder.  Goal Keeper, Dylan Le Clercq’s, clearing has improved to the extent it’s given the team an opportunity to create a fast break more times than not.  The team continued show great discipline, with only one team foul (off side) due to a miscommunication.

The next game is at Bendigo’s Maiden Gully Recreation Reserve on Saturday 2.30pm against Camberwell.

Goal scorers for Bendigo:  2 Alex Orr and single goals to Gino Iulaino & John Webb
Best on Ground for Bendigo: Mike Bell, Alex Orr and Dylan Le Clercq
Overall Best on Ground: Mike Bell (1 votes)

Altona defeated Bendigo 16-2

Highlights of the Match
It was always going to be a tough task facing Altona, a team who dropped from division two last season and is currently tied in points for first overall place on the ladder. Despite missing a couple of their experienced forwards, Bendigo’s offense generated numerous chances but unfortunately they couldn’t find the back of the net. Defense battled valiantly all day but were eventually overwhelmed due to consistent pressure from the experience Altona side.

A point of strength for the Warhawks this season has been faceoffs, and this match was no exception. Also it was good to see some of the club’s inexperienced midfielders showing continued improvement, which is credited to their hard work at training.

The game’s score did not reflect the effort displayed by the Warhawks with improved teamwork and a solid result considering Altona’s experience and skill.

This match marked a historic moment for the Bendigo Lacrosse Association, with Dylan Le Clercq being the first member to reach 50 games with the club. Well done Dylan!

Goal scorers for Bendigo: Single Goals to Mike Bell & Dylan Longmuir
Best on Ground for Bendigo: Tim Davis, Russel Crofts, Dylan Longmuir
Overall Best on Ground: Tim Davis (2 votes)

MCC defeated Bendigo 7-5

Highlights of the Match
The first two quarter were closely contested, again Bendigo scoring the first goal.  Good defensive play by both sides kept scoring opportunities to a minimum. Bendigo worked hard in offense matching the 2011 Grand Finalists, with scores 3 – 3 at half time.

The third quarter was a definitely the championship quarter, with both sides trying to take control of the match.  Three goals to one in the quarter created the two goal difference between the two sides in MCC’s favour.

By the final quarter Bendigo were down two players; however the Warhawks used their experienced defenders to transition the ball into offense, resulting in two goals.  With five minutes to go Bendigo edged within one goal, unfortunately in the final two minutes MCC restored their 2 goals advantage and played out the match.

Another strong display by Bendigo at both ends of the ground despite being undermanned and missing a couple of key players. Possession was marginally in Bendigo’s favour, with the Warhawks having twice as many shots on goal as their opponents.  The main difference between the two teams was Bendigo’s conversion rate in front of goal, which cost Bendigo dearly.

Special mention goes to Malcolm in playing his first game of lacrosse in over twenty years; and Nick Goddard scoring his first ever goal in lacrosse.

Goal scorers for Bendigo: Single Goals to Mike Bell, Nick Goddard, Dave Neander, Gino Iuliano, and Tyrone Griffin
Best on Ground for Bendigo: Tim Davis, Dylan Le Clercq and Mike Bell
Overall Best on Ground: Tim Davis (2 votes)

Bendigo Warhawks were defeated by Malvern 10 – 5

Highlights of the Match
- The first two quarter were closely contested with both sides showing solid defensive play, keeping  scoring opportunities down.

- In offense Bendigo worked hard, matching  Malvern (last season’s runners up), who managed to score 2 opportunist goals from broken play to edge ahead 6 – 4 at half time.

- The third quarter was a real arm wrestle with both sides trying to take control of the match.  A single goal for the entire quarter edged Malvern further ahead

- The Final quarter saw Malvern utilise its experienced players, slowing the attack and running some set plays resulting 3 more goals. In contrast Bendigo’s need for quick goals and a loss of structure in offense, resulted in many shots on goal. However the Warhawks were unable to capitalise with 2 shots deflecting off the goal posts and only managing a late consolation goal.

- Another strong effort by Bendigo with possession shared evenly throughout the game,  Bendigo ahead in the face off, with just the lack of experience in offense proving the difference.

A great effort by the midfield at both ends of the field kept Bendigo competitive all day.

Goal scorers for Bendigo: Joel Evens – 2, and single Goals to Alex Orr, Dylan Longmuir and Dave Neander
Best on Ground for Bendigo: Alex Orr , Mark Reader, Mike Bell
Overall Best on Ground: Alex Orr (2 votes)