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TWO HILLCROFT PLAYERS NAMED IN 2012 IRISH NATIONAL ROSTER

Ireland Lacrosse announced yesterday their 23 man roster and coaching staff for the 2012 European Championships to be held in Amsterdam, NL in June of this year. Congratulations to Hillcroft stars Zak Jordan and Liam O'Mahoney who both made it onto the roster. Hillcroft captain and face-off man Zak Jordan will continue where he left off from the World Championships in 2010, Manchester while Liam O'Mahoney makes it onto the team for the first time.

Hillcroft 15 v 3 Purley

Quarter 1: 4 - 1
Quarter 2: 4 - 0
Quarter 3: 3 - 2
Quarter 4: 4 - 0

Stats:

Zak Jordan (5,0)
Tim Reichert (2,3)
James Aris (2,3)
Duncs Trenholme (3,1)
Seb Croft (2,0)
Liam O'Mahoney (1,1)

Saves: Tom Riddlestone 5 (0.625)

Game Story:
- From englishlacrosse.co.uk

Hillcroft made it six from six league wins to power into joint third spot in the league with a confident victory over Purley. The scoreline suggests an easy afternoon but, although the home team had spells of dominance, the purple tide has not completely gone out.

Purley fought hard throughout this game and will be disappointed with the goals against while Hillcroft will mark it down as another step up the ladder.

Zak Jordan #18 (5,0) netted five with Duncan Trenholme #9 (3,1) getting a hat-trick as they flared into something like their fluent best at times.

The Christmas break was obvious as the opening exchanges were anything but pretty.

James Aris #8 (2,3) started the scoring with a long shot after both teams failed to convert possession then Seb Croft #32 (2,0) made it 2-0. The scores lifted Hillcroft and they were sharper to the loose ball in broken play with Seb Croft feeding Duncs Trenholme #9 on the crease for an easy goal.
 
Tim Reichert (2,3) , a potent face-off weapon, won the re-start and charged to goal and converted with a crisp underarm shot. The visitors had a solitary Mike Barrett strike as it finished 4-1 at the quarter.
 
Purley looked composed at the back with Andrew Booth marshalling decent cover and some impressive clears. They started Q2 brightly but two quick goals from Zak Jordan, shooting out of the sun, made it 6-1 and knocked the stuffing out of Purley.

Tim Reichert was winning the lion’s share of possession and making pinpoint feeds as the lead stretched to 8-1 at half time.

Purley again had a decent amount of the ball but Hillcroft’s D had settled into an impressive and powerful rhythm. Further goals from James Aris and Duncs Trenholme killed any chances of a comeback but a measure of Purley’s team spirit came as Jason Kilpich and then Jamie Tasko, on a man-up play, breathed life into the former multi-champions.
 
But Zak Jordan got his hat-trick to make it 11-3 going into the final quarter as Hillcroft again showed flashes of their fast-paced team lacrosse game that has seen them climb into title contention. Four unanswered goals sealed the afternoon for the home team.
 
This was an example of  two teams apparently heading in opposite directions. Hillcroft will be pleased to have shaken off the rust and re-connected with the core of their attacking game while Purley need to stitch together a full game.

The powerful running and awareness of Dave Cluney and Barrett should give them a platform and they have veteran attacking threats but the crucial qualities of confidence and patience up front seem fragile at the moment.

Hillcroft move on to stiff examination of their credentials away at second placed Blues while Purley have a crucial home game against Cardiff.

MvP: Tim Reichert
D*ck of the day: James McManus

Hillcroft 5 @ 4 Spencer

Quarter 1: 2-0
Quarter 2: 4-0
Quarter 3: 5-3
Quarter 4: 5-4

Stats:

Zak Jordan (4,0)
Neal Roadley (1,0)
Alex Darby (0,1)
Liam O'Mahoney (0,1)

Saves: Tom Riddlestone 17 (0.810)

Story:

Co-Captain Zak Jordan scored four on his return from injury to lead Hillcroft past cross-town rivals Spencer in an enthralling defensive battle which for the secon week running for Hillcroft came down to the last play of the game.

Both defences were on top throughout the game, forcing turnovers and pushing the offenses into low percentage shots. Hillcroft started well, Zak Jordan #18 (4,0) winning the opening face off and driving to the cage to score himself. He scored again in the quarter as he dodged past two defenders to make it 2-0 at the quarter.

The second quarter was much of the same as Hillcrofts midfield worked tirelessly to hustle back and shut down any potential Spencer fast breaks. Zak Jordan scored twice again in the quarter, once off an LSM Alex Darby #8 (0,1) turnover and assist, who has now scored points in three consecutive games, and once unassisted as the lefty was able to shoot low past the Spencer keeper. Hillcroft enjoyed the better possession of the first half and were able to move the ball well to get some good looks on cage.

After the break Spencer finally registered a goal off a nice cut and feed move initiated behind the cage and they were within two after a pinpoint shot from a fastbreak. Hillcroft scored again after Neal Roadley (1,0) ripped it high from a Liam O'Mahoney assist. Spencer again brought it within two after an isolation dodge from up top.

The final quarter was a tense affair, dominated by the bruising defences. Spencer extended on Hillcroft forcing them into turnovers, and this paid off when 3 mins from time a clear was picked off and Spencer scored off the resultant unsettled situation. Despite a frantic last few minutes Hillcroft held on, as Pete Clayton and Ben Stothard were superb in limiting the Spencer's offenses chances.

Hillcroft can go into the festive break off a 5 game win streak in the league, taking their record to 6-3 for a well deserved rest.

MvP: Zak Jordan
D*ck of the day: Dave Bumby

LSM Alex Darby #7 (1,0) was voted Team MvP for his victory vs Reading.


Hillcroft 9 v 8 Reading

Quarter 1: 3-2
Quarter 2: 6-3
Quarter 3: 6-6
Quarter 4: 9-8

Stats:

Neal Roadley (3,1)
Kyle Zahrylbeny (1,3)
Alex Twiss (2,1)
James Aris (1,0)
Seb Croft (1,0)
Alex Darby (1,0)
Duncs Trenholme (0,1)

Saves: Tom Riddlestone 17 (0.680)

Game Story:

A fiery encounter between Reading and Hillcroft ended up with a nail biting finish, not to the suprise of anyone involved because this fixture always comes down to the wire. In a game that saw over four lead changes, Tom Riddlestone made a save off a Reading man up possesion with 2 mins 20 seconds to go, the score 9-8 to Hillcroft. Off the resultant successful clear Hillcroft called a time out with 1 min 44 seconds remaining, and were able to close out the game under a stall warning behind the cage.

The first quarter saw both teams trade blows, finishing 3-2 to Hillcroft. The highlight being LSM and game MvP Alex Darby riding two challenges and ripping low to score Hillcrofts second goal. An entertaining quarter was dominated at the face by Reading, Hillcroft were without usual face-off specialists Tim Reichert, Zak Jordan and Seb Croft was playing with a hand injury that limited his time spent at the X.

In the second quarter Hillcroft scored 3 unanswered goals to build a half time lead. Neal Roadley #10 (3,1) ripped from the outside to build momentum as Hillcroft were able to dominate all over the field.

After the half time break the game flipped significantly as Reading pushed hard, extending on the defence and forcing turnovers, and moving the ball well in transition and on settled play to get open looks on cage. They were able to tie the game up at 6-6 going into the final quarter.

In the final quarter Reading started as they finished off scoring first, their fourth consecutive goal to get their first lead since the first quarter. Hillcroft rallied to equalise through Neal Roadley, before falling behind again. This time James Aris #8 (1,0) ripped low from up top to tie the game. Alex Twiss #79 (2,1) then initiated a stutter step dodge from up top and was able to get his hands free to shoot low and put Hillcroft back one ahead. With 4 mins remaining on the clock Alex Darby was called for a cross-check and it was at this point that Hillcroft turned over the ball off a Riddlestone save and were able to close out the game.

Hillcroft move to 5-3 in the league, on a 4 game win streak and close out the 2011 part of the season next Saturday away at Spencer

MvP: Alex Darby
D*ck of the day: Alex Twiss

Hillcroft 13 v 7 Welwyn

Quarter 1: 3 - 2
Quarter 2: 5 - 1
Quarter 3: 3 - 3
Quarter 4: 2 - 1

Stats:

James Aris (4,2)
Kyle Zahrybelny (3,1)
Alex Twiss (2,1)
Neal Roadley (2,1)
Tim Reichert (0,2)
Duncs Trenholme (1,1)
Liam O'Mahoney (1,0)
Alex Darby (0,1)

Game Story:

Hillcroft returned to winning ways in the league to improve their record to 4-3 with a convincing victory against Welwyn at home. Attackman James Aris #8 (4,2) excelled on the day leading the offense along with Canadian Kyle Zahrybelny (3,1).

The first quarter was cagey between both teams as both offenses felt their way out against each other. It was Welwyn who struck first before Hillcroft answered straight back from the face. Tim Reichert (0,2) winning a fast break from the face and feeding James Aris who scored to tie the score at 1-1 off a nice bounce short. Midfielder Liam O'Mahoney (1,0) saw a shot rebound off the post before James Aris scored again on the garbage goal to make it 3-2 at the quarter.

Welwyn utilised an effective cut and feed game and were able to get decent looks at the Hillcroft cage as a result. Their young team hustled well and were well drilled by their American LSM LDO.  However the second quarter, won by Hillcroft 5-1 effectively blew the game wide open. All three Hillcroft Attackmen scored in the quarter as the offense moved the ball well. Despite running a small bench with the team suffering from a few injuries, Hillcroft were able to push the game in transition and scored off a number of fast break situations.

Welwyn came out harder in the third quarter, and the game was controlled well by offical Rob Curtis as both teams began to put in some big hits. Neal Roadley #10 (2,1) lit up the third quarter with two big outside shots sniping past the Welwyn goaltender. With 30 seconds left in the quarter, Hillcroft held the ball, and Duncs Trenholme #9 (1,1) alley dodged with 10 seconds left before ripping it top left to end the quarter up 11-6.

Despite a last quarter push by Welwyn who moved within 4 to 11-7, Hillcroft took valuable time off the clock, and as Welwyn pushed to get back in the game Hillcroft were able to pick up two late scores off Alex Twiss #79 (2,1) and Kyle Zahrybelny #26 (3,1) who received a feed from LSM Alex Darby #7 (0,1) who broke up field after nice work from Ben Stothard in defense.

MvP: Alex Darby

Hillcroft are next in action at home vs Reading Wildcats on Saturday 3rd December.

Hillcroft 6 v 10 Blues [Flags]

Quarter 1: 0 - 2
Quarter 2: 2 - 6
Quarter 3: 3 - 1
Quarter 4: 1 - 1

Stats:

Neal Roadley (1,1)
Alex Twiss (1,1)
Seb Croft (1,0)
Duncs Trenholme (1,0)
Aaron Fox (1,0)
Liam O'Mahoney (1,0)
Kyle Zahrylbeny (0,1)

Saves: Tom Riddlestone 12 (0.545)

Game Story:

Blues jumped out to an early lead in this Flags matchup and despite a second half push Hillcroft never really recovered and crashed out of the Flags to last years Champions. In what was an exciting end to end game, a 6-2 second quarter from Blues blew the game open to 8-2 at the half. An enthralling battle at the face-off x between Blues man Matt Birkett and Hillcrofts Tim Reichert was edged slightly by Blues and off this possession they were able to convert on some nice alley dodges as Hillcroft struggled on their early slides.

The first quarter was fairly even, with Blues converting on a few of their chances, where as Hillcroft shot badly as Eamon Poller in the Blues cage was able to eat up the 10 yard looks Hillcroft were getting. Duncs Trenholme #9 (1,0) broke from his own half on a turnover in the first, but Alex Twiss #79 (1,1) was unable to convert on the fast break. This set the tone for the first half, as Hillcroft fell behind 8-2 at the half. Liam O'Mahoney (1,0) who was outstanding on the day again ripped top side high in the last play of the half to start Hillcroft with some momentum.

Once the Hillcroft defence was reorganised in the second half, with some early slides, and some bigger aggression, Alex Darby #6 and Dave Bumby #3 both putting big hits on the day, this momentum began to spark the Hillcroft offense as they went on a 3-1 run in the third quarter. Duncs Trenholme scored on a man down situation, and Aaron Fox #17 (1,0) cut to the crease off a Neal Roadley #10 (1,1) feed to spark things off.

In the fourth Hillcroft pulled the game back to 9-6 to Blues, and were beginning to mount a comeback, before Blues scored again, and then the defenses took over as the game closed out 10-6. A highly enjoyable, end to end, pulsating game that was won in the second quarter by Blues.

MvP: Aaron Fox
D*ck of the day: Tom Riddlestone

Hillcroft are next in action at home to Welwyn Warriors next Saturday 26th November.

Hillcroft 6 v 3 Bristol Bombers

Quarter 1: 1-1
Quarter 2: 0-1
Quarter 3: 1-0
Quarter 4: 4-1

Stats:

Duncs Trenholme (2,1)
Alex Twiss (0,3)
James Aris (1,1)
Neal Roadley (1,1)
Kyle Zahrybelny (1,0)
Aaron Fox (1,0)

Saves: Tom Riddlestone 12 (0.8)

Game Story:

Hillcroft left it late to record their third win of the season against newly promoted Bristol Bombers to improve their record to 3-3 on the season at 0.500. The 'Croft welcomed back Duncs Trenholme (2,1) #9 into the lineup and his two goals, 1 each in the 3rd and 4th quarter helped Hillcroft push past Bristol overcoming a 2-1 defecit to finish up 6-3 in this defensive battle.

Despite creating a variety of good looks in the first quarter Hillcroft were unable to convert and suffered early as Bristol were able to take an early 2-1 lead. Bristol held the ball well in offense, and whilst struggling to get past the defensive pressure exerted by Hillcroft they were able to take valuable minutes off the clock. Ben Stothard #56 was outstanding on the day in close defence, and Tom Riddlestone (12 saves) again proved the difference maker.

Once the offense did start to get going in the latter part of the 3rd and the 4th quarter Hillcroft were able to move the ball more effectively, with Alex Twiss #79 (0,3) proving the catalyst as he fed Duncs Trenholme and Aaron Fox on some nice inside cuts. Neal Roadley #10 (1,1) also ripped it from the outside off a feed from Duncs Trenholme, and James Aris #8 (1,1) scored an unassisted goal from 5 yards past the goal line extended on a dodge from X.

Despite this, Bristol Bombers hustled well till the end of the game and were a credit to themselves in the manner with which they competed... it will not be long before the break their duck and get a win in the Premiership.

Hillcroft are next in action in the Flags on 19th November away @ Blues.

MvP: Ben Stothard