IT’s the line up that most fans predicted for the final of the FIL World Lacrosse Championships long before the first fixture took place, but this won’t make today’s game between the United States and Canada any less thrilling.
After all, the national squads comprise a who’s who of the World’s finest lacrosse players and both have already demonstrated their quality in earlier matches, breezing past their opposition.
The title of world champion has been ruled by the US and Canada for years, the US being victorious eight times and their northern neighbours taking two of the last ten titles contested to date. When the sides met in the group stages of the competition the match went down to the wire, with Canada eventually getting the win by 10 goals to 9.
Today, look out for stars such as Paul Rabil, Ned Crotty, Ryan Powell, Geoff Snider and Zack Greer seeking to dominate the game and battle for every ball.
Both teams have put on such impressive performances so far in the Championships that they have won over new fans and supporters who are bound to be glued to action.
The scene really has been set for a fantastic match and an electric atmosphere in the main stadium as Lacrosse’s elite go head to head. It is a fitting fixture that should hopefully bring what has been an incredible Championships to a special conclusion.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Round Up
France 10 Argentina 8 – Russell Atkinson, a 16-year-old who is one of the youngest players in FIL competition, smoked the Argentine defence with a 3, 4a performance in the 27/28 place game.
Austria 9 Hong Kong 8 – Hong Kong struck first, but a 5-1 run in the second quarter put the 21/22 place game firmly in Austria’s hands. Hong Kong rallied to make the game competitive and keeper Yu Kwan Tin made 20 stops, but a key insurance goal by Klaus Hauer (3g) in the fourth quarter gave Austria the win.
Korea 12 Denmark 10 – The Danish defense had no answer for Hunyoung Lee who exploded with 7 goals in the 25/26 place game.
Slovakia 12 Bermuda 7 – Team captain Martin Kramar led Slovakia to a in the 17/18 game with 2g and 2a. David Washbo also had a hat trick for the Slovakians.
Italy 13 Latvia 8 – Latvia’s Gatis Zeps put up a cracking 7g, but with a balanced attack led by Tim Fuchs (4g, 2a) gave Italy a win in the 19/20 place game.
New Zealand 23 Spain 4 – Espana just couldn’t stop Andrew Clayton (5g, 4a) in the Kiwis’ romping win in the 15/16 place game.
Czech Republic 21 Poland 3 – Nine players got on the board for the Czechs, led by Brian Hubschman (4g, 3a) and Chet Koneczny (4g, 3a) in the 13/14 place game.
Ireland 15 Sweden 8 – The Swedes rallied late, scoring five in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to catch Ireland in the 9/10 place game.
Wales 10 Finland 5 – Jamie Gallagher led the Welsh with a hat trick in the 11/12 place game.
Austria 9 Hong Kong 8 – Hong Kong struck first, but a 5-1 run in the second quarter put the 21/22 place game firmly in Austria’s hands. Hong Kong rallied to make the game competitive and keeper Yu Kwan Tin made 20 stops, but a key insurance goal by Klaus Hauer (3g) in the fourth quarter gave Austria the win.
Korea 12 Denmark 10 – The Danish defense had no answer for Hunyoung Lee who exploded with 7 goals in the 25/26 place game.
Slovakia 12 Bermuda 7 – Team captain Martin Kramar led Slovakia to a in the 17/18 game with 2g and 2a. David Washbo also had a hat trick for the Slovakians.
Italy 13 Latvia 8 – Latvia’s Gatis Zeps put up a cracking 7g, but with a balanced attack led by Tim Fuchs (4g, 2a) gave Italy a win in the 19/20 place game.
New Zealand 23 Spain 4 – Espana just couldn’t stop Andrew Clayton (5g, 4a) in the Kiwis’ romping win in the 15/16 place game.
Czech Republic 21 Poland 3 – Nine players got on the board for the Czechs, led by Brian Hubschman (4g, 3a) and Chet Koneczny (4g, 3a) in the 13/14 place game.
Ireland 15 Sweden 8 – The Swedes rallied late, scoring five in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to catch Ireland in the 9/10 place game.
Wales 10 Finland 5 – Jamie Gallagher led the Welsh with a hat trick in the 11/12 place game.
SCOTLAND HOLD NERVE TO EDGE NETHERLANDS
SCOTLAND held on by the skin of their teeth to complete sneak a dramatic 11-10 victory over the Netherlands in yesterday’s 7th/8th place play-off at the University of Manchester Armitage Centre.
Convincingly beaten by England the previous evening, Scotland were looking to bounce back with a welcome win, although they were pushed a lot harder than they expected by a resilient Netherlands.
Brendan Healy top-scored for Scotland with four goals, while his brother Ian weighed in with a valuable hat-trick.
David Gill and Dan Heighway both bagged braces for Scotland as they led 4-3 after the first quarter and then 6-5 at half-time.
The Scots extended their advantage to three goals when they edged the penultimate quarter 4-2 to edge within touching distance of a credible seventh place finish.
But the Netherlands had other plans and staged a late rally.
Alex Jones impressed with five goals and Scott Janssen netted a well-taken hat-trick for the Dutch as they looked to spring a surprise.
Graham Bergsma and Kyle van Oostendorp were also on target as the Netherlands won the final quarter 3-1 and clawed back to within one goal of leveling and forcing overtime.
Scotland goalkeeper Ethan Harris starred with ten saves to keep the Dutch at bay, while Teddy van Opstal impressed for the opposition with nine saves in one of the most entertaining matches of this year’s tournament.
And so it’s down to the United States and Canada to battle it out for this year’s gold medal, while Japan and Australia clash for the bronze medal.
England and Germany play each other for the second time in this year’s tournament as they try and retain their fifth place from Ontario four years ago.
Convincingly beaten by England the previous evening, Scotland were looking to bounce back with a welcome win, although they were pushed a lot harder than they expected by a resilient Netherlands.
Brendan Healy top-scored for Scotland with four goals, while his brother Ian weighed in with a valuable hat-trick.
David Gill and Dan Heighway both bagged braces for Scotland as they led 4-3 after the first quarter and then 6-5 at half-time.
The Scots extended their advantage to three goals when they edged the penultimate quarter 4-2 to edge within touching distance of a credible seventh place finish.
But the Netherlands had other plans and staged a late rally.
Alex Jones impressed with five goals and Scott Janssen netted a well-taken hat-trick for the Dutch as they looked to spring a surprise.
Graham Bergsma and Kyle van Oostendorp were also on target as the Netherlands won the final quarter 3-1 and clawed back to within one goal of leveling and forcing overtime.
Scotland goalkeeper Ethan Harris starred with ten saves to keep the Dutch at bay, while Teddy van Opstal impressed for the opposition with nine saves in one of the most entertaining matches of this year’s tournament.
And so it’s down to the United States and Canada to battle it out for this year’s gold medal, while Japan and Australia clash for the bronze medal.
England and Germany play each other for the second time in this year’s tournament as they try and retain their fifth place from Ontario four years ago.
Official newsletters
To view the official daily World Championship newsletters use the following address:
http://worldlacrosse.thisisbrandnew.co.uk/news/1/133
http://worldlacrosse.thisisbrandnew.co.uk/news/1/133
Friday, 23 July 2010
Festival Round up 1
IT‘s been two years in the making, but it’s safe to say the FIL World Lacrosse Festival has been a huge success.
It’s the first time that a festival of this sort has ran alongside the World Championships and 48 teams from across the globe, including USA, Canada and Japan have lined up against local teams to compete in the tournament.
Clubs and touring sides have been given the opportunity to play competitive matches within their own divisions including U16’s boys, U19’s boy’s, elite, masters 35+, a grand masters 45+, a super grand masters for 55+ as well as a ladies division.
The fixtures played in the main Championships have provided much inspiration for the festival teams, making the games both competitive and exciting.
For the young teams in particular, to play at the same venue as some of their lacrosse heroes who are competing in the World championships has been a once in a life time opportunity.
For some competitors in the American U16 teams, it is the first time that they have traveled abroad, so the whole experience has been made all the more exciting by visiting Manchester.
It’s been the first opportunity in a long time that squads such as England Lions who play in the Grand Masters division, have been able to play against people of a similar age.
Danny Buckland who plays for England Lions is relishing the chance to play competitive lacrosse again, he said:
“There is a real festival spirit, a love of the game atmosphere. Everyone is so happy to be playing lacrosse, and are making the most of playing teams from all over the World.
“It’s also provided a great opportunity to meet up with people that I haven’t seen in years. It really is an opportunity of a lifetime.’
The festival has also really benefited the sport by spreading the word of Lacrosse.
For the festival Japanese team this is the first time that they have put a team together. Similarly, Lake Oswego, based in Oregon on the West Coast of the USA, is a region where lacrosse is not renowned for being popular, but 120 players turned up for trials and organisers had a hard task of whittling down the numbers.
Some teams are enjoying both the competitive and community atmosphere of the festival. The Wild Rose Brewery team haven’t done so well within their catagory but they have had a fantastic experience and made lots of new friends.
Tim Holdsworth from English Lacrosse has been planning the festival for 2 years and is deservingly happy with how the event has unfolded.
“I definitely think the festival has been a success. The teams are really happy to be here and everyone is genuinely having a good time.
“It is a small sport but the turn out has been brilliant. The ELA have some thing in the pipeline for a yearly festival, I think the teams have enjoyed it so they have the capacity to put on another.”FIL World Lacrosse Festival Finals
Yesterday’s results:
U16 Boys – Mimico 13–11 Lake Oswego
U19 Boys – Harvard Sports 7 – 8 USA West
Elite Open – USA All Stars 13–10 Gin & Juice
Ladies – Ex Pats 12–10 JNGLA
It’s the first time that a festival of this sort has ran alongside the World Championships and 48 teams from across the globe, including USA, Canada and Japan have lined up against local teams to compete in the tournament.
Clubs and touring sides have been given the opportunity to play competitive matches within their own divisions including U16’s boys, U19’s boy’s, elite, masters 35+, a grand masters 45+, a super grand masters for 55+ as well as a ladies division.
The fixtures played in the main Championships have provided much inspiration for the festival teams, making the games both competitive and exciting.
For the young teams in particular, to play at the same venue as some of their lacrosse heroes who are competing in the World championships has been a once in a life time opportunity.
For some competitors in the American U16 teams, it is the first time that they have traveled abroad, so the whole experience has been made all the more exciting by visiting Manchester.
It’s been the first opportunity in a long time that squads such as England Lions who play in the Grand Masters division, have been able to play against people of a similar age.
Danny Buckland who plays for England Lions is relishing the chance to play competitive lacrosse again, he said:
“There is a real festival spirit, a love of the game atmosphere. Everyone is so happy to be playing lacrosse, and are making the most of playing teams from all over the World.
“It’s also provided a great opportunity to meet up with people that I haven’t seen in years. It really is an opportunity of a lifetime.’
The festival has also really benefited the sport by spreading the word of Lacrosse.
For the festival Japanese team this is the first time that they have put a team together. Similarly, Lake Oswego, based in Oregon on the West Coast of the USA, is a region where lacrosse is not renowned for being popular, but 120 players turned up for trials and organisers had a hard task of whittling down the numbers.
Some teams are enjoying both the competitive and community atmosphere of the festival. The Wild Rose Brewery team haven’t done so well within their catagory but they have had a fantastic experience and made lots of new friends.
Tim Holdsworth from English Lacrosse has been planning the festival for 2 years and is deservingly happy with how the event has unfolded.
“I definitely think the festival has been a success. The teams are really happy to be here and everyone is genuinely having a good time.
“It is a small sport but the turn out has been brilliant. The ELA have some thing in the pipeline for a yearly festival, I think the teams have enjoyed it so they have the capacity to put on another.”FIL World Lacrosse Festival Finals
Yesterday’s results:
U16 Boys – Mimico 13–11 Lake Oswego
U19 Boys – Harvard Sports 7 – 8 USA West
Elite Open – USA All Stars 13–10 Gin & Juice
Ladies – Ex Pats 12–10 JNGLA
Festival roundup part 2
THURSDAY saw the concluding finals of the FIL World Lacrosse Festival as the Masters divisions took to the field.
In yesterday’s newsletter I reported on what a success the Festival had been and the Masters’ finals were no different. Two of the games went down to the wire and one was won in sudden death as each team was eager for the division title.
This was a unique opportunity for many teams to play in a Masters’ division and the players did well to compete in five games in five days.
In the Masters division England Lions narrowly lost to Oakland’s Hospital Select by 5 goals to 6. The game was somewhat of a local derby as the teams are based around Cheadle and contained English players who played together for many years.
The Grand Masters division was won by the FROGS (Florida Real Old Guys) who beat the Onatrio Masters by 9 goals to 5.
The Super Grand Masters division final ended in sudden death as Cloud splitter, originating from the East Coast of the USA beat the England Lions by 9 goals to 8.
Although the festival was played alongside the main FIL World Championships, the teams didn’t hold back. Players were keen to represent their countries and their teams.
Lenny Saia played represented the South Charlotte Old Guys who narrowly missed playing in the final of the Master’s division but has undoubtedly enjoyed the experience.
He said: “I have loved every minute of everything, but probably mostly the people. The English team couldn’t have been friendlier and the festivities outstanding. We even got Indian food last night and it was delicious!”
English Lacrosse does have something in the pipeline for a yearly festival which should be very good news to all the teams that have enjoyed participating in this year’s festival so much.
FIL World Lacrosse Festival Finals - Masters: England Lions 8 Scog 4. Grand Masters: FROGS 9 Ontario Masters 5. Super Grand Masters: England Lions 8 Cloud Splitter 9.
In yesterday’s newsletter I reported on what a success the Festival had been and the Masters’ finals were no different. Two of the games went down to the wire and one was won in sudden death as each team was eager for the division title.
This was a unique opportunity for many teams to play in a Masters’ division and the players did well to compete in five games in five days.
In the Masters division England Lions narrowly lost to Oakland’s Hospital Select by 5 goals to 6. The game was somewhat of a local derby as the teams are based around Cheadle and contained English players who played together for many years.
The Grand Masters division was won by the FROGS (Florida Real Old Guys) who beat the Onatrio Masters by 9 goals to 5.
The Super Grand Masters division final ended in sudden death as Cloud splitter, originating from the East Coast of the USA beat the England Lions by 9 goals to 8.
Although the festival was played alongside the main FIL World Championships, the teams didn’t hold back. Players were keen to represent their countries and their teams.
Lenny Saia played represented the South Charlotte Old Guys who narrowly missed playing in the final of the Master’s division but has undoubtedly enjoyed the experience.
He said: “I have loved every minute of everything, but probably mostly the people. The English team couldn’t have been friendlier and the festivities outstanding. We even got Indian food last night and it was delicious!”
English Lacrosse does have something in the pipeline for a yearly festival which should be very good news to all the teams that have enjoyed participating in this year’s festival so much.
FIL World Lacrosse Festival Finals - Masters: England Lions 8 Scog 4. Grand Masters: FROGS 9 Ontario Masters 5. Super Grand Masters: England Lions 8 Cloud Splitter 9.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Diary of Lacrosse Dummy part 3
My first experience of a World Lacrosse Championships is well underway and so far I am really enjoying myself. The feeling at the Armitage Centre is fantastic, fans, players and mascots and all mingling and talking about the matches so far and the fixtures to come.
Manchester certainly hasn’t let it’s reputation down…weather wise that is! It’s rained everyday but that hasn’t damped the atmosphere at all. The players and the fans are all enjoying themselves so much that I don’t think that it has effected the mood, perhaps the Mahou bar helps.
I was so impressed with the opening ceremony. Teams were all kitted out in their gear, some in coloured tracksuits, others, like the Bermudan team in shorts and blazers. All carrying their flag and proud to represent their country at the Championships. It was a shame that the Iroquois Nationals failed to make their flight but great that the German team were transferred to the Blue division. A competitive fixture could then take place against England following the ceremony and the fans really got up for the match. We even have vuvuzelas at the Championships!
In my first blog I wrote about how I was so surprised at the brutality and aggression of the sport. While that is no longer a shock to me, I was amazed at how good the teams are. Their throwing is so accurate and their catching so precise, all this whilst running around and taking body bumps and blows. Noticing the set pieces that lead to goals are also a real spectacle to watch.
From the matches I have seen so far and as a lacrosse newbie I have noticed a difference in the quality of play between the teams. Within the blue division itself, USA and Canada are quite easily the best in the tournament and both are predicted to be in the final on Saturday. I have also been impressed with some of the coloured division, Ireland and Scotland have been putting in really good performances and their match this afternoon was really exciting. At first I thought it was going to go down to the wire but Ireland edged ahead in the final quarter of the match.
Yesterday was a VERY exciting day, not only because of the great matches taking place but there were also two celebrities were spotted on site! The first I was particularly excited about, Inspector Jo Mears from The Bill but no one else seemed to be as big fans of the Sun Hill programme as me. The second celebrity everyone was justifiably wound up about, the former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan was here supporting his son who represents the Irish team. Celeb spotters have now been organized to keep their eyes peeled for anymore superstars!
Finally, Lacrosse has gone all modern with technology! A 2010 World Lacrosse Championship iphone app is now available to download…complete with air horn and vuvuzela!
Manchester certainly hasn’t let it’s reputation down…weather wise that is! It’s rained everyday but that hasn’t damped the atmosphere at all. The players and the fans are all enjoying themselves so much that I don’t think that it has effected the mood, perhaps the Mahou bar helps.
I was so impressed with the opening ceremony. Teams were all kitted out in their gear, some in coloured tracksuits, others, like the Bermudan team in shorts and blazers. All carrying their flag and proud to represent their country at the Championships. It was a shame that the Iroquois Nationals failed to make their flight but great that the German team were transferred to the Blue division. A competitive fixture could then take place against England following the ceremony and the fans really got up for the match. We even have vuvuzelas at the Championships!
In my first blog I wrote about how I was so surprised at the brutality and aggression of the sport. While that is no longer a shock to me, I was amazed at how good the teams are. Their throwing is so accurate and their catching so precise, all this whilst running around and taking body bumps and blows. Noticing the set pieces that lead to goals are also a real spectacle to watch.
From the matches I have seen so far and as a lacrosse newbie I have noticed a difference in the quality of play between the teams. Within the blue division itself, USA and Canada are quite easily the best in the tournament and both are predicted to be in the final on Saturday. I have also been impressed with some of the coloured division, Ireland and Scotland have been putting in really good performances and their match this afternoon was really exciting. At first I thought it was going to go down to the wire but Ireland edged ahead in the final quarter of the match.
Yesterday was a VERY exciting day, not only because of the great matches taking place but there were also two celebrities were spotted on site! The first I was particularly excited about, Inspector Jo Mears from The Bill but no one else seemed to be as big fans of the Sun Hill programme as me. The second celebrity everyone was justifiably wound up about, the former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan was here supporting his son who represents the Irish team. Celeb spotters have now been organized to keep their eyes peeled for anymore superstars!
Finally, Lacrosse has gone all modern with technology! A 2010 World Lacrosse Championship iphone app is now available to download…complete with air horn and vuvuzela!
Thursday 22nd July Fixtures:
Korea v Argentina 8.30am
France v Denmark 9am
Switzerland v Hong Kong 9.30am
Norway v Austria 11.30am
Latvia v Bermuda 12.30pm
(loser of scotland v Australia) v England 1.30pm
Italy v Slovakia 2.30pm
Germany v (loser of netherlands v Japan)3pm
Spain v (loser of poland v Finland)3.30pm
(winner of scotland v Australia) v Canada 4.30pm
New Zealand v Czech Republic 5.30pm
Sweden v Wales 6pm
Ireland v (winner of poland v finland) 6.30pm
USA v (winner of netherlands v japan) 7.30pm
Tickets are £30, £19 concessions
France v Denmark 9am
Switzerland v Hong Kong 9.30am
Norway v Austria 11.30am
Latvia v Bermuda 12.30pm
(loser of scotland v Australia) v England 1.30pm
Italy v Slovakia 2.30pm
Germany v (loser of netherlands v Japan)3pm
Spain v (loser of poland v Finland)3.30pm
(winner of scotland v Australia) v Canada 4.30pm
New Zealand v Czech Republic 5.30pm
Sweden v Wales 6pm
Ireland v (winner of poland v finland) 6.30pm
USA v (winner of netherlands v japan) 7.30pm
Tickets are £30, £19 concessions
Wednesday 21st July Fixtures
Wednesday 21st July Fixtures:
Italy v Switzerland - 10.30am
Poland v Finland - 1.30pm
Netherlands v Japan - 4.30
Scotland v Australia - 7.30
Tickets £11!!!!!!
Italy v Switzerland - 10.30am
Poland v Finland - 1.30pm
Netherlands v Japan - 4.30
Scotland v Australia - 7.30
Tickets £11!!!!!!
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Temporary results server
Until full functionality of main championships web server is back again, please find results and stats results.lakroska.cz.
Tuesday 20 July Results
Wales - Netherlands 8:9 (1:1, 2:1, 2:5, 3:1, 0:0, 0:0, 0:1)
Finland - Spain 21:4 (4:1, 7:0, 3:2, 7:1)
Latvia - New Zealand 3:16 (0:5, 1:3, 1:2, 1:6)
Mexico - France 6:10 (1:4, 1:2, 2:2, 2:2)
Korea - Austria 8:13 (2:2, 1:5, 1:4, 4:2)
Hong Kong - Switzerland 7:11 (2:6, 2:1, 0:4, 3:0)
Japan - USA 5:19 (1:8, 0:5, 2:1, 2:5)
Ireland - Scotland 9:15 (3:2, 3:3, 2:5, 1:5)
Sweden - Czech Republic 15:8 (3:3, 2:0, 6:1, 4:4)
Australia - Germany 22:4 (6:0, 7:1, 5:2, 4:1)
Bermuda - Norway 8:4 (2:0, 0:3, 4:1, 2:0)
Italy - Denmark 10:3 (3:1, 2:0, 3:2, 2:0)
Poland - Slovakia 11:6 (2:2, 3:1, 4:1, 2:2)
Canada - England 17:6 (5:2, 6:1, 2:2, 4:1)
Finland - Spain 21:4 (4:1, 7:0, 3:2, 7:1)
Latvia - New Zealand 3:16 (0:5, 1:3, 1:2, 1:6)
Mexico - France 6:10 (1:4, 1:2, 2:2, 2:2)
Korea - Austria 8:13 (2:2, 1:5, 1:4, 4:2)
Hong Kong - Switzerland 7:11 (2:6, 2:1, 0:4, 3:0)
Japan - USA 5:19 (1:8, 0:5, 2:1, 2:5)
Ireland - Scotland 9:15 (3:2, 3:3, 2:5, 1:5)
Sweden - Czech Republic 15:8 (3:3, 2:0, 6:1, 4:4)
Australia - Germany 22:4 (6:0, 7:1, 5:2, 4:1)
Bermuda - Norway 8:4 (2:0, 0:3, 4:1, 2:0)
Italy - Denmark 10:3 (3:1, 2:0, 3:2, 2:0)
Poland - Slovakia 11:6 (2:2, 3:1, 4:1, 2:2)
Canada - England 17:6 (5:2, 6:1, 2:2, 4:1)
Championships launch i-phone app!
An i-phone application has today been launched for the World Lacrosse Championships. The app is free and provides photos from the event, videos, photos and even air horn/vuvuzela sounds.
Download it for free at http://bit.ly/laxapp or http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/2010-world-lacrosse-championships/id380289969?mt=8
Tickets for the event are still available including the final day on Saturday 24th but tickets are selling fast so get yours from our ticket office now.
Download it for free at http://bit.ly/laxapp or http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/2010-world-lacrosse-championships/id380289969?mt=8
Tickets for the event are still available including the final day on Saturday 24th but tickets are selling fast so get yours from our ticket office now.
World Championship 60 Second Interview With F1 Boss, Eddie Jordan
Welcome to the world championships! What brings you down to Manchester on this rainy afternoon?
Well first of all it’s just so nice to see so many people have so much fun, camaraderie and just enjoy the sport. Obviously our son he lives in Ireland, and at University he picked up this crazy sport called lacrosse. We were kind of confused to what the rules were like, and then he suddenly got himself on the Irish team, which was great.
That’s fantastic! How long has your son been on the squad?
Actually his teacher from school has just arrived which completely took me by surprise, and he’s an Aussie who brought the sport to the school. He started playing the sport at university in Dublin, kept at it and he’s still at it and is enjoying his time playing with Ireland.
Do you travel to lacrosse events often, or is this a first for you?
This is my one and only event so far, but there has been all sorts of different things where I have wanted to see him before and it just didn’t happen and I had to do something else. And actually it’s different seeing him so serious, cos you naturally have to be serious about sport, but I’m really quite enjoying myself its great.
I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, do you think you might make this a regular thing then?
Well we are going to stay tomorrow hopefully, he’ll have a good game, and we’ll have a few pints tonight and he can tell me some stories of what been going on. Obviously I can’t stay much longer which is a pity, as we have the German grand prix this weekend but my kids are all here and they are having fun.
Have you travelled far to get here today?
We played golf this morning we were playing in Sunningdale where my wife is this years coming captain. So we sort of had to be well behaved on the golf course before I could come up here, which was fine, it was an easy drive and everyone was happy.
That’s great! And finally for the golfer out there.. What’s your handicap?
Well I play off 12 and she’s 5 so I have to give her a lot, but we were partners today and we won, which was a result, let’s hope Ireland have the same result today!
Thank you very much Eddie.
Monday, 19 July 2010
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Proof that only the Toughest Play Lacrosse
Chris Sanderson renowned goal keeper for World champions Canada is battling terminal cancer whilst playing in the World Lacrosse Championships.
Lacrosse is a demanding sport, not only is it a physically demanding to play at such a high level in the World Lacrosse Championships, but also mentally demanding to deal with the stress and expectations of playing on a world stage.
Chris Sanderson, competing at the very highest level, not only has to deal with these ups and downs, but also has to face his own personal battle with terminal cancer.
Chris Sanderson has had a glittering career in international Lacrosse. He was part of the 1998 Canadian World Lacrosse team which waged an epic battle with the US in the final, overcoming an 11-goal deficit but eventually losing in overtime. Sanderson, however, was selected to the All World Team and voted the Best Goaltender of the Tournament.
Sanderson was selected again in 2002, helping his Canada to earn a silver medal. In 2006, Sanderson led the Canadians to their historic victory over the US, earning the gold medal and ending the Americans’ 28-year winning streak. This 2006 tournament also cemented Sanderson’s place in history as the first goalie to earn All World designation twice.
However, on December 9th, 2008, Sanderson was diagnosed with a grade IV malignant brain tumour called Glioblastoma Multiforme, considered to be the most aggressive form of brain cancer. This type of cancer is almost always terminal, with an average survival duration of 9 to 12 months.
Almost two years ago, playing in the 2010 World Lacrosse Championships was an impossibility for Chris, however he continues to defy the odds and took to the field yesterday to help Canada to record another victory against long time rivals, USA.
Chris remains positive about his long running battle with cancer,
“It’s been a long road, my prognosis initially was 9 to 12 months and we’ve obviously beat that at this point. Only 1% of the people with this disease survive 5 years so I’m hoping to be in the 1% and so far it’s going well.”
“The first thing that went through my head was my family, I have 2 little girls, 2 and 4, they are so young you don’t even know if they will have memories of you so you think of using every minute you have left to make an impression on them.”
Chris confided that Lacrosse has helped him through his struggle, “We just focused on the protocol and once we got it, we focused on getting better and getting stronger and that’s where lacrosse came in, I needed to set some goals for myself and that was to make it back to the national squad, I don’t think about dates or numbers or timelines now, I just go day by day and so far it’s been pretty good.”
On looking to the near future, Chris said, “It’s going to interesting to see what happens after the tournament, I was a able to take a round of chemotherapy off, I should be on chemo right now, but to be at my peak I can’t be on chemo, so we had to take a bit of a risk I’ll be back on it next month.”
“I’ll have to find a new goal as I’ve obviously had these Championships to focus on. It was great to set that date and goal and there was the motivation to get in shape and train and all that helped. Mentally it was a big part of why I have so far done so well. So I’ll have to set another goal after this, it’s definitely played a big role.”
He hopes he can be a role model for other people who are battling cancer.
“The best thing that could come out of this would be that anyone with cancer, any type of cancer, leukaemia, or whatever could look and see this guy that is playing lacrosse at a World level and would say ‘hey I, can beat it too’ and that’s I what I think I can contribute right now.”
Despite being in the precarious position of having to plan life one day at a time, Chris tries to keep the team spirit up by being the joker in training.
“I’ve actually tried to take a fairly humorous position, a couple of times I’ve made a joke by saying ‘don’t hit me in the head, I might die on the field’ and they don’t quite know how to take it. But I think as time’s gone on, they have joined in with the humour and for me that’s how I approach it.”
Watch our hero Chris Sanderson as World Champions Canada take on host nation England on Tuesday 20th July at 7.30pm
Less than 2,500 seats now remain available to the public for the World Lacrosse Championships including for the final on 24th July but they’re going fast so get down to the event ticket office at the Armitage Centre today to secure yours.
Photo credit: Tom McCrystal - cville-lax.com
Interview with Chris Sanderson, Canadas No 1 Goalie
Q1. Another big game again for you guy’s tonight! How are you feeling coming off the back of 3 wins?
“Its great, you want to get better every game, and I feel like we are progressing. We are starting to have a better comprehension of our systems, and guys are more comfortable playing with each other, and I think tonight is another big step in our journey of what we want to accomplish here.”
Q2. When you were playing against the USA the support you guys got from the crowd was just phenomenal, how does that affect your performance?
“Yeah its great, we find that as apposed to some of the other countries, we go out of our way to say hello to people in the village and we support the other teams and we see that come back to us and that has always been the way with Canada. We only have a small group of hands here but when you add everybody in and you hear the chanting in the different accents its definitely motivating for us.”
Q3. Did you feel the contrast tonight, where the crowd seemed to be very much on Australia's side?
“Yeah, I think the the Australian fans are having a lot of fun out there. We knew coming in to this thing that they travel really well and its a great thing. We always see them in the beer garden after the matches and their fans are very knowledgeable of the game and also very respectful of us. Its great to see that they get that level of support.”
Q4. Well I think that what seems to be so special about this championship. It’s really demonstrating the spirit of the game well.
“Yeah it really does, and i think that is what this is all about. This is a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the game, I mean obviously we are competing for the championship but what most people take away from this isn’t about the wins and losses, its about making new friends and growing the game.”
Q5. Looking in to the future... You have Germany tomorrow, England on tuesday. People expect you to win these games, but is there anything in particular to prepare for these types of matches?
“Yeah i mean fortunately as you move on through the tournament you gain more information about the teams. So tonight we will be back in the dorms by 10 o’clock and the coaches will have already prepared a report. We’ll sit down with it and we’ll look at some film of the other teams and we’ll get ready for England and Germany. Then we will also spend some time reviewing what we did today and that will usually go a lot further than scanning other team because if we can fix and control what we are doing then i think we will be in pretty good shape.”
Q6. Now, a few of the England lads are racking up some good points. Gosney and Benett both with seven goals each. How do you fancy your chances of shutting them out on Tuesday?
“Like i say we will do some game planning the night before we play, and we have some pretty good defenseman and hopefully we can match up with them. Like you said, those guy’s are having a pretty good tournament so we don’t expect to shut them out but you just hope you can limit the damage that they can do.”
Q7. Any final thing you want to say to the readers?
“Yeah! Cheer for Canada!!”
“Its great, you want to get better every game, and I feel like we are progressing. We are starting to have a better comprehension of our systems, and guys are more comfortable playing with each other, and I think tonight is another big step in our journey of what we want to accomplish here.”
Q2. When you were playing against the USA the support you guys got from the crowd was just phenomenal, how does that affect your performance?
“Yeah its great, we find that as apposed to some of the other countries, we go out of our way to say hello to people in the village and we support the other teams and we see that come back to us and that has always been the way with Canada. We only have a small group of hands here but when you add everybody in and you hear the chanting in the different accents its definitely motivating for us.”
Q3. Did you feel the contrast tonight, where the crowd seemed to be very much on Australia's side?
“Yeah, I think the the Australian fans are having a lot of fun out there. We knew coming in to this thing that they travel really well and its a great thing. We always see them in the beer garden after the matches and their fans are very knowledgeable of the game and also very respectful of us. Its great to see that they get that level of support.”
Q4. Well I think that what seems to be so special about this championship. It’s really demonstrating the spirit of the game well.
“Yeah it really does, and i think that is what this is all about. This is a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the game, I mean obviously we are competing for the championship but what most people take away from this isn’t about the wins and losses, its about making new friends and growing the game.”
Q5. Looking in to the future... You have Germany tomorrow, England on tuesday. People expect you to win these games, but is there anything in particular to prepare for these types of matches?
“Yeah i mean fortunately as you move on through the tournament you gain more information about the teams. So tonight we will be back in the dorms by 10 o’clock and the coaches will have already prepared a report. We’ll sit down with it and we’ll look at some film of the other teams and we’ll get ready for England and Germany. Then we will also spend some time reviewing what we did today and that will usually go a lot further than scanning other team because if we can fix and control what we are doing then i think we will be in pretty good shape.”
Q6. Now, a few of the England lads are racking up some good points. Gosney and Benett both with seven goals each. How do you fancy your chances of shutting them out on Tuesday?
“Like i say we will do some game planning the night before we play, and we have some pretty good defenseman and hopefully we can match up with them. Like you said, those guy’s are having a pretty good tournament so we don’t expect to shut them out but you just hope you can limit the damage that they can do.”
Q7. Any final thing you want to say to the readers?
“Yeah! Cheer for Canada!!”
Mad Monday’s big match!!
This battle will showcase the differences between the amateur and professional game. A lot of people expect England to be beaten comprehensively, due to their amateur status. Lack of funding in the UK game, means these players; as most do in the tournament; must work full time jobs and commit to their training. All of the US players hold a professional status.
There are other significant differences between the shared game. The USA players have played through an outstanding national, collegiate athletics programs, where as the English players will have played club lacrosse.
The styles of lacrosse played by the two nations are very different. The US players have a more fast paced approach to the game, as in the professional league they play against a shot clock.
This game will be a great demonstration of how strong Lacrosse can become when given the opportunity. You can encourage this development with continued support for all the nations here at the world championships.
England have never beaten the USA in a world championship match. With grit in between their teeth after there recent over time loss to the Aussies can they restore national pride and hold their own?
There are other significant differences between the shared game. The USA players have played through an outstanding national, collegiate athletics programs, where as the English players will have played club lacrosse.
The styles of lacrosse played by the two nations are very different. The US players have a more fast paced approach to the game, as in the professional league they play against a shot clock.
This game will be a great demonstration of how strong Lacrosse can become when given the opportunity. You can encourage this development with continued support for all the nations here at the world championships.
England have never beaten the USA in a world championship match. With grit in between their teeth after there recent over time loss to the Aussies can they restore national pride and hold their own?
Super Saturday – streakers try to steal the show!
Super Saturday at the Lacrosse world championships lived up to its name this weekend, with three fist clenching matches in the packed out main stadium with over 4000 supporters and two streakers at the Armitage centre.
Never before has the championship seen so many close matches in one day.
England were unfortunate to come out of the back end of Saturday’s spectacle, losing out to Australia in a 10 - 8 thriller. The game saw England fall behind 6-2 in the first 35 minutes. Something special must have been said at half time as England clawed their way back to 8 - 8 draw at full time. In to 8 minutes over time and Australia proved their 4th world ranking scoring two with no reply.
USA Vs Canada was expected to be the prelude to the final. Sure enough this game did not disappoint. Canada scoring first with the USA answering back immediately over and over until the final quarter. The tension was interrupted with just over a minute to go when two streakers took to the pitch. Eventually Canada’s strength was to prevail, but not without a last second shot from the US which skimmed the outside of the post, sealing Canada’s 10 - 9 victory.
The atmosphere was electric with people from all nations showing their pride for their countries players and expressing their passion for the sport generally. This Championship has been a spectacular showcase of the spirit of the game.
Never before has the championship seen so many close matches in one day.
England were unfortunate to come out of the back end of Saturday’s spectacle, losing out to Australia in a 10 - 8 thriller. The game saw England fall behind 6-2 in the first 35 minutes. Something special must have been said at half time as England clawed their way back to 8 - 8 draw at full time. In to 8 minutes over time and Australia proved their 4th world ranking scoring two with no reply.
USA Vs Canada was expected to be the prelude to the final. Sure enough this game did not disappoint. Canada scoring first with the USA answering back immediately over and over until the final quarter. The tension was interrupted with just over a minute to go when two streakers took to the pitch. Eventually Canada’s strength was to prevail, but not without a last second shot from the US which skimmed the outside of the post, sealing Canada’s 10 - 9 victory.
The atmosphere was electric with people from all nations showing their pride for their countries players and expressing their passion for the sport generally. This Championship has been a spectacular showcase of the spirit of the game.
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