By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)
ROCHDALE had plenty to smile about at the weekend as they sent former winners Heaton Mersey crashing out of the Northern Senior Flags.
The Bridgefold Road outfit bravely fought back from behind to clinch a famous 11-10 victory - and with victory are now through to the semi-finals on Saturday 20 February.
A hat-trick from Dave McCulloch, doubles from Matt Beadle and James Gallagher and single strikes from Dan Heighway, Chris Battersby and Tom Gallon saw Mersey lead for three quarters of the match.
But hat-tricks from Neil Marshall and Nicky Watson, a brace from Joe Longley and an important goal from Matt Nugent help 'Dale win the last quarter 2-1 to complete a memorable comeback.
'Dale's Matt Croney also took praise for an outstanding performance between the posts, the keeper having pulled off a staggering 23 saves.
"Matt had a great game for us," reflected 'Dale spokesman Nugent. "It was a great win for us!"
Mersey won the first quarter 4-3, led 7-6 at half-time and were 10-9 up going into the final quarter.
However, 'Dale kept battling and were not to be denied their place in the next round.
Cheadle, the defending champions, were far too strong for Manchester Waconians as they cruised to a comprehensive 20-2 victory at the Kingsway Sports Club.
Elsewhere, Stockport turned on the style to hammer Sheffield Steelers 22-2 in their quarter-final clash at the Abbeydale Sports Club.
Stockport, Rochdale and Cheadle will be joined by Timperley in the semi finals of the Senior Flags which are due to be played on the 20th February. A strong second half performance saw Timperley fight back from 4-1 down in the first quarter ending up 13-9 winners away at Mellor.
The draw for this year's semi-finals will be made at the next North of England League Forum meeting later this month.
It also proved to be a successful weekend for Brooklands Hulmeians as they upset former Senior Flags winners Wilmslow in a rearranged League game.
Brooklands claimed an impressive 13-12 victory at Styal Road which brings them up to 5th place in the league.
ALL Northern Cup results (all five competitions)
Saturday 30th January 2010
MEN, Northern Senior Flags - quarter-finals: Mellor 9 Timperley 13, Heaton Mersey 10 Rochdale 11, Sheffield Steelers 2 Stockport 22, Cheadle 20 Manchester Waconians 2.
Junior Flags - quarter-finals (23 Jan): Sheffield University 13 Heaton Mersey A 2, Timperley A 18 Ashton-under-Lyne 4, Boardman & Eccles 10 Nottingham 8, Norbury 5 Cheadle A 3.
Stockport Cup - quarter-finals (Jan 23): Manchester Waconians A 4 Rochdale A 16 Brooklands Hulmeians A 6 Wilmslow A 8, Stockport B 6 Mellor A 11, Heaton Mersey B 8 Cheadle B 6.
David Beesley Cup - quarter-finals (Jan 23): Manchester Wacs B 5 Stopfordians 18, Brooklands Hulmeians Ex A 1 Liverpool 0 (Liverpool failed to pay cup fees), Boardman & Eccles A 8 Cheadle Hulme 11, Poynton A 5 Leeds 19.
Nigel Wayne Trophy - quarter-finals (Jan 23): York 11 Ashton A 5, Oldham A 1 Birmingham 0 (Birmingham disqualified). Postponed: Newcastle vs Timperley B. Preliminary round (23 Jan): Timperley C 6 Heaton Mersey C 14, Oldham A 13 Hull 4, Newcastle 1 Heaton Mersey Guild 0 (Mersey Guild disqualified).
Note to editors - for more information on English Lacrosse visit www.englishlacrosse.co.uk
Also why not visit the official Manchester 2010 World Cup site as the excitement builds ahead of next year's tournament www.2010worldlacrosse.com
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