With the Finals bearing down on us with most Malvern teams contesting them. I feel, now is a good time to reflect on everyone’s personal season. Are we doing enough for our team mates and Club.
I had the privilege of witnessing something special last week at Moorland.
Nick Chapman, an under 16’s player who helps out Division 3. Chappy played in the Midfield line on Saturday against Moorland after playing under 16’s in the morning.
He was hit so many times with both stick and body, he was smashed to the ground by older and larger foe, yet every time he got up and played on. I have no doubt at times he was worried about getting hurt. Hell, I know I would be, with the intense pressure he was under.
Many times it was just him fighting for ground balls and on more than one occasion when clearing, he found himself under a ball with two or more Moorland player bearing down on him. He never shied away from the pressure.
After taking a pounding we moved Chappy out of the midfield as we felt he had already done enough for the team, He had already shown us he had the skills and courage of a great Lax player.
Three Quarter time comes along and there’s Chappy calm and collected as a 10 year State League Veteran.
Chappy steps up again
During that last quarter Chappy continues to present, still taking the hits, cutting to the crease, taking passes, chasing ground balls.
Scoring 5 goals in the last quarter, winning the game for Malvern
I know some people will say ” he’s young and fit you can do that when your young ” or others will say ” Hey, it was only Div 3″
I don’t remember seeing a player get hit as hard or often, never blaming the bad passes or the umpires for not calling the fouls
He truly was amazing. He, as an under 16 player he lead our team, with everyone following in his wake to Victory.
My hat is off to you Mick Chapman.
# Onemorestep
I know Nick has taken it and I know he will again. So instead of getting behind him. Lets all step up and try to lead with him.
Geoff Finnigan
Match Reports
State League
Malvern 12 defeated MCC 7
Won 11 lost 2 for season
Equal top spot on ladder
Started the day on fire and raced to a 8 to 2 half time lead and looked good in all areas which was very pleasing but we put the brakes on and returned to bad habits in the second half to finish up with a 12 to 7 win. We won the game yes, but It’s always true that the coach is never happy and we will now need to play solid lacrosse for 4 quarters and build into the next 2 games against Eltham and Camberwell because after that we have Williamstown away followed by finals and that will be 3 or 4 tough games in a row to taste the ultimate success.
We will welcome back Shane Koppens from the U.S this week hopefully get Nick LeGuen back on the track as well to start our tilt at a much deserved flag, this group owes it to themselves to have a red hot crack at it this year.
But I believe if we get it right on the day we will beat anyone, anywhere…
Rub
Division 1
Division 3
Moorland V Malvern
Malvern started very slowly in the first half, playing Lax that you wished the opposition would play more often. Moorland really had our number hitting us hard and often.
They smashed us all over the ground faceoff, clearing, defence and on the forward line. We moved Chappy away from the midfield and onto the forward line as it was way so hot for a junior to be taking the hits and doing all the work.
8 goals down at 3/4 time and most of us disgusted we our game, it was almost out of our reach.
Rod Finnigan moved to the centre, Darcy to goals and Chappy on the forward line. Times were tough, with Moorland not backing down and hitting us with everything they had.
Rod Finnigan ( 45 + years of age ) Stepped up and took control of the centres. While Darcy ( under 16 ) held out the moorland shooters. At the other end Chappy ( god bless him ) Nailed 5 goals in the last quarter all text book and team play. No individual play here. Rod also nailed a few from the crease. Leaving us one goal winners 18 17.
B Grade Women’s
Sunny Sunday saw the girls go out to the ‘Dung Hole’ Surrey.
Well under pre pared they were setting up the ground last minute and warming up when the game was due to start while our girls were ready and fired up!!
Plans were put in place. Sarah was given the job of running with their unstoppable no:13. Today showed she WAS stoppable! One down….. Next Shelly Ivy’s (the dynamic defense duo) job was to stop no:1 (the roller) roll her way to a shot, they held her up well, they didn’t know what hit them, well done ladies!!
Each centre draw saw everyone running in for the fight in which we won many. There were lots of fast breaks with 2 quick goals from the centre. At one stage we were 4-0 up, with a couple of lucky breaks they came back to be only 1 goal down at ½ time
Each save saw Bruiser in fine form bombing the ball 1/2way down the ground to give the girls a clear run to attack.
Who would have thought there was no training this week……..
The ball was passed around in fine formation, cuts make to create opportunities and ground balls were hard fought for. There were lots of fist pump moments.
A nail bighting finish final score 8-7, the girls first win against Surrey and on their turf made it an especially sweet victory. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCKET!!!
Goals were shared amongst
Romy 1, Tara 2, Eleanor 1, Sarah 2 & Kate 1
