England Lacrosse at Champions Challenge Cup
31 January 2012
Read the latest blog updates from our partners England Lacrosse as they spent the last week touring the USA competing in the Champions Challenge Cup…
England vs Jacksonville
25/01/12
We began our tour with a match against Jacksonville University. Arriving at the changing rooms we were immediately hit by the Jacksonville “Dolphins” team pre-match rituals; some very enthusiastic, heart-felt and deafening renditions of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Wavin’ Flag” and “Dynamite”! Whilst momentarily distracted, we soon regained our focus and began our warm-up.
We took the field strong, netting our first goal (Brett) within a minute of the starting whistle. The scores remained close during the first half, with both teams exchanging goals throughout. After a morning’s practice focusing on some new attacking strategies, these were successfully implemented and lead to a number of goals. Although faced with a few different rules played in the USA, we made the adjustments necessary and adapted our style of play. One memorable moment from the first half highlighted the physicality of the American players. After feeding the ball for the second goal, a quick stick by Merrifield, Bennett was left in a heap on the turf from an illegal body check. Luckily, despite the heavy check, she was fine to return to play within a few minutes.
The teams left the field at half time, with the score even at 5-5. Head coach Sarah “Richie” Butt led the team talk centering around reducing the number of fouls, keeping the ball safe in transition and reinforcing the discipline and creativity in the attack. We took to the field again, refocused and ready to play “our game.”
During the first 15 minutes of the second half the teams remained within a goal of one another, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. The momentum swung our way after a number of consecutive goals were scored off the back of some controlled and patient attacking play, bringing the score to 13-9. Never allowing the coaching staff to relax we conceded two quick goals to bring Jacksonville within two with only 3 minutes left to play. We ended the match with a win and the final score standing at 13-11.
Although mistakes were made, some great individual and team moments stood out at both ends of the pitch. Annie Hillier was awarded the man of the match for her solid defense and her work in the midfield transition. It was a hard fought and heart felt victory and we are looking forward to building upon this tomorrow night against the University of Florida, who promise to be a tough opponent.
Goals
Katy Bennett 1
Sophie Brett 2
Emily Gray 2
Rachel Kirchheimer 2
Lucy Lynch 3
Laura Merrifield 2
Keely Watt 1
Assists
Hannah Barnsley 1
Katy Bennett 1
Jane Brierly 1
Lucy Lynch 1
Ali Smith 1
Laura Merrifield 2
England vs University of Florida
26.1.12
Going into to today’s match against University of Florida, we knew we were facing tough competition and needed to improve upon our performance from yesterday. Our focuses were intensity and discipline. During the first five minutes of the match, Florida came out firing and put away three quick goals. We tried to swing the momentum our way, but we were unable to capitalize on the opportunities we had in the attacking end. Throughout the rest of the first half, Florida’s speed and skill left us trailing behind 11-1 at halftime, with the goal scored by Rachel Kirchheimer. One notable highlight was the performance of our goalies, saving every free position in the half.
With belief reinstilled from the half time talk, we took the field determined to prove ourselves. One of our main aims was to increase our draw control percentage from the first half, which we succeeded in doing by gaining over 60 per cent of the draws. Improved discipline in the defence enabled us to hold the attack out for longer and made Florida work for every goal they scored. In the attacking end, we created more shots but unfortunately we were only to convert one, a drive from the top by Hannah Barnsley.
The final score was 17-2, reflecting the progress we need to make as a team. This game has shown us the level of intensity and skill that will be required to compete on the world stage. The much improved second half shows that we are capable of stronger performances that we hope to build towards throughout the rest of the week. Bring on USA!
Goals
Rachel Kirchheimer 1
Hannah Barnsley 1
England vs USA
27/01/12
The last effects of jet lag combined with anticipation for the day ahead meant most players woke up well before their alarms sounded. Every day on tour is tough, every match a big one- but this was the biggest and promised to be the toughest. At 7pm we were to face team USA.
Before we could think about the match we had to pack up from our base in Gainesville and head two hours to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando where the Champions Challenge tournament is taking place. On arriving at the complex we had a gentle practice recapping a few fundamentals and going over some specific tactics for the evenings game, before settling into our new hotel.
As the time drew nearer the mix of nerves, excitement and anticipation grew. For many on the squad, this was the first time facing a full international team from outside the home nations; for others it was the first time playing the USA since the semi-final defeat of the 2009 World Cup; either way everybody had a point to prove and a battle to fight. This determination and focus remained apparent through the warm up as each member of the squad appeared ready to face the USA.
The first whistle marked the beginning of a strong start for the USA with the score line standing at 7-0 after the first 15 minutes. We then stepped up our game and over the next 12 minutes conceded only 3 goals, whilst scoring two of our own. The two goals coming from a drive at the top by Gray and a free position by Merrifield. Unfortunately a blip in concentration just before the half meant the score stood at 13-2 going into half time.
Our focus going into the second half was to win more possession from the draw, improve transition through the midfield, and make quicker slides in defence. Although USA scored three quick goals, from that point on we improved on all of our targets. We ended the second half even with the USA in draw controls with both teams earning four. The score in the second half was 5-2 with goals from Watt, off a free position, and Lafferty with a powerful top right shot.
Although the final score of 18-4 isn’t something we wish to dwell on, there were a lot of positive moments to build upon. A brave and spirited performance against an opposition who performed to their reputation is something we can, and should all be proud%2
England vs Northwestern
30.1.12
We knew the match against Northwestern was going to be all about heart and character coming out on tired legs for our 4th match in 3 days. For the first time this tour we scored the first goal through a strong drive from Merrifield. With possession exchanging hands throughout the first half the score stood at 3-3 with a minute left, our goals scored by Gray and Lynch. Unfortunately Northwestern snatched a goal by driving the post with just 10 seconds to go, taking the score to 4-3.
In the second half there were some impressive spells from our defence, including keeping Northwestern from scoring for up to 10 minutes. Unfortunately Northwestern were able to put away five goals in the half. The defence showed improvements from the beginning of the tour, maintaining their composure and communication during a number of man down situations. A combination of the heat and fatigue was evident; despite a number of opportunities our decision-making and execution let us down, leading to a final score of 9-3.
The day’s play has developed our confidence in the attack and trust in the defence, something which will carry into our last match against Maryland tomorrow. Go England!
Goals
Emily Gray
Lucy Lynch
Laura Merrifield
England vs Syracuse
30.1.12
Today we faced two tough opponents, Syracuse University followed by Northwestern University, the current National Champions.
The heat of the day struck us as we took to the field for our first match against Syracuse. Syracuse started strong scoring their first goal just a minute into the game. We were able to answer back quickly with a goal from Gray. Although we let in one more goal to make the score 2-1, our defence held Syracuse scoreless for the next 15 minutes. After goals by Brett, Lynch and two by Merrifield, we entered half time leading 5-4.
We maintained our momentum going into the second half with an early goal from Kirchheimer taking the score to 6-4. Syracuse then came back hard, leveling the game at 6-6. We traded goals until we were 8-7 up with only two minutes left to play; goals scored by Lynch and Brett. Little did we know how quickly things could change.
We struggled to gain possession from the draw allowing Syracuse to score twice, giving them the lead with less than 35 seconds to play. Despite losing a crucial draw, our defence fought hard with Ruby Smith forcing a change in possession. A rapid transition through the midfield saw Brierly and Lafferty combining to get the ball into the stick of Brett. With only 1.1 seconds left on the clock Brett fired a shot into the back of the net, equalizing the score at 9-9! A dramatic end to a fast passed and well fought match.
A special mention to both our goalies, Gaunt and Keogh, for some outstanding and game changing saves.
Goals
Sophie Brett 3
Laura Merrifield 2
Jane Brierly
Rachel Kirchheimer
Emily Gray
Lucy Lynch
England vs Maryland
30.1.12
Our game against Maryland, the final match of the tour, was a true team performance and a culmination of lesson learned throughout the week. England took the field strong, winning the first draw and showcasing solid defensive play. During the rest of the first half, England was able to capitalize on three scoring opportunities; two goals from Merrifield and a beautiful feed from Bennett to Gray. Unfortunately, we allowed Maryland to score seven throughout the half including a goal in the last seconds, making the halftime score 6-3.
As we huddled for our team talk, we all knew this game would come down to heart. We wanted to leave the pitch and our last match knowing we had done everything in our power to win the game; no regrets!
With renewed energy, we stormed the field coming up with draw controls, caused turnovers and ground balls. We scored three goals early in the second half to even the score at 6-6. As we finished on another shot to take the lead 7-6, the crowd and our side line went wild! Maryland was able to tie the game 7-7 with a goal off a drive from the top. Only minutes later, we found the back of the net when Barnsley shovelled the ball in the goal from behind her back.
We scored two more goals by Lafferty and Brett to take the score to 10-7. Maryland put in a final two, creeping back within one, but 10-9 was as close as they were able to come. For the final two minutes we held the ball in possession that the opposition was unable to break. The final score was 10-9! In our strongest team showing to date, we beat Maryland who are ranked no. 2 in the NCAA pre-season listings!!
There were outstanding individual performances all over the field. Of particular note are the possession play and catching by Brett, the player marking by Ruby Smith, the interception in the final minutes by Gaunt and the four caused turnovers by Gray.
As a team, we also excelled and improved in many areas. A constant focus during the tour has been on winning the draw control. This is a crucial aspect of the game and a place where we shone today, earning 65% of the draw controls. We have also worked to increase our shooting percentage and grow the number of players taking shots. In both of these areas we have shown marked improvement, having eight different players shooting for a total of 43%.
Finally, our ability to maintain possession in the attack and our sliding in the defensive end were key in our victory. It has been a fantastic tour and we will continue to build upon this experience in the training and matches to come. Go England!
