England shine against American All Stars
ENGLAND have not played an international match since winning
gold at the European Championship in Prague four months ago,
so the national side could be forgiven for being rusty.
But Dave Elwood's team showed no signs of slipping up pitted
against an American All Star team this weekend, opposition
who presented a real test for the European champions in their
build up towards the 2006 ILF World Championships in Canada.
England quickly found their feet against their oppositon from
Across the Pond - and thanks to a hat-trick from Steve Shanahan
triumphed 13-6 at Heaton Mersey Lacrosse Club.
Captain Chris Bland (2), Andy Brickell (2), Matt Marsh, Sam
Davidson, Richard Wilson, Chris Mountney, Dan Green and Andy
Ellison were also on the scoresheet for England, who led throughout
3-0, 5-4 and 9-6.
"We started off very, very well," praised Elwood.
"We had a bit of a wobble just before half time, but
we got back on track in the second half.
"It was important we put in a good performance - and
we did that. It was mission accomplished.
"I thought we coped with them really well. They had nothing
to lose, but we gave everyone in the squad a game and as a
team we took the match very seriously. It was nice to win."
Indeed, and Elwood is hoping victory will spur his team on
to even greater heights with matches against Ameican touring
teams already scheduled for the New Year
"We've identified areas which we need to improve on and
we'll be working on those areas in next few months and in
the build up to the World Championships.
"We've got some touring matches to look forward to in
the New Year and we've also organised some coaching clinics.
It's a concerted effort ahead of Canada."
Result - Sunday 28 November
Men's International match (Heaton Mersey LC, Oakley
Villas): England 13 American All Stars 6. Quarter
scores: 3-0, 2-4, 4-2, 4-0.
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