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)

Highlights of the Match

- 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)

- However the Warhawks never gave up, beginning to take advantage of their opportunities outscoring Eltham (6 goals to 5) in the second half of the match.

- The team showed heart and everyone stepped up, playing hard until the final whistle to ensure the Eltham team, premiers in 2010 and Division 2 team last year, that Bendigo have improved and will continue to do so.

- Equipment were the main casualty with two defender’s and goalie’s head gone to Lacrosse heaven.

Goal scorers for Bendigo: Joel Evans -3, Alex Orr -2, Mike Bell -1, Rordan Brayshaw -1

Best on Ground for Bendigo: Tyrone Griffin, Mike Bell, Alex Orr
Overall Best on Ground: T Griffin (1 vote)

Venue Details:
Maiden Gully Recreational Reserve (Cricket Oval)
19 Beckhams Rd
Maiden Gully 3551
Google Maps Link

Time:
2:30-4:30 pm
* Players please arrive at the ground by 1pm to assist with ground set up etc.

The second program for 2013 will be held during term four. Leading up to the second program, Junior Coordinator Gino Iuliano will be hosting lacrosse clinics at various schools around the Bendigo area. If you would like clinics run at your school, please contact Gino Iuliano on 0409 970 767 or alternately email bendigolacrosseclub@gmail.com

For directions to the ground
Address: 19 Beckhams Rd, Maiden Gully
Google maps link:

View Larger Map

Also a big thank you to all our volunteers who helped in the kitchen, bar, and on the field to pull off another excellent example of Bendigo hospitality. A special thanks to the dedicated parents, and players who gave up their time to assist in running this event. Finally a special mention to Lacrosse Victoria, City of Greater Bendigo, and Black Swan for helping sponsor the event.

Also a fixture of the upcoming season is currently on sporting pulse and can be found via our fixture page or alternately via the sporting pulse website directly by clicking here. Once grounds and teams are finalised, the fixture will be updated on our fixture page. Until then please check the sporting pulse page regularly.

SCHEDULE

• 10.30am Junior Lacrosse Game – Ground 4
• 12:00pm Eltham v MCC – Ground 4
• 12:00pm Williamstown Women v Eastside – Ground 3
• 12:30pm Camberwell v Caulfield – Ground 2
• 1:30pm Footscray  v Newport – Ground 3
• 2:15pm Williamstown v Surrey Park – Ground 4
• 2:45pm Footscray v Malvern – Ground 2

Women’s games will be hosted on ground 3, with men’s games hosted on grounds 2 & 4 respectively.

GROUND LOCATION
The Epsom/Huntly Recreational Reserve is located at, 353 Midland Hwy, Huntly VIC
Google maps link

INFO ABOUT BENDIGO
Links for accommodation, and everything Bendigo please visit Bendigo Tourism

On Saturday 13 April, junior players should arrive at the Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve by 10.15am; ready for the match to commence at 10.30am.

Please note all junior players will be required to bring their mouth guards, stick, water bottle, and shorts (preferably blue, but any colour will do).