By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)
TIMPERLEY Under-19s are celebrating their best-ever season having won an historic title-treble.
The all-conquering Stockport Road side finished the season in style with victory over local rivals Brooklands Hulmeians to win the Northern Norman Barber Knockout Trophy final.
Timperley fought back from 2-0 to triumph 8-5 on their home turf in front of a large crowd on Sunday night.
And with victory rounded off a fine season which has also seen them win the Ted Donnet Trophy and the Northern Autumn Floodlit League.
Unbeaten all season it's little wonder joint coaches Justin Hager and Rory Sanborn were delighted with their team's efforts.
"The boys have done really well, there was a whisper that we could win a treble this season, but to have actually achieved it is a fantastic effort from everyone," praised Hager.
"They are a really good team. A lot of these lads have played with each other for a long time, there's been a great team spirit all season and that has helped.
"We went 2-0 down and we [me and Rory] were going to call a time-out, but the players got themselves into a group huddle and sorted things out.
"Brooklands started really hot, but our players showed a lot of character and we fought back to take control of the match.
"There was a really decent crowd who came to watch, that was the biggest I've seen all season for any of the matches. It made for a really good atmosphere.
"I'm so proud of all the lads, they deserve their success because they've worked so hard this season."
Victorious in all of their five Autumn League group matches and having also clinched the Ted Donnet crown, Timperley knew the pressure was on them to perform in the Norman Barber Knockout this term.
And that they did after a comprehensive 10-1 victory over Mellor in their opening quarter-final match.
A hard-fought 7-5 victory over Cheadle followed in the semi-finals, although that match came three weeks later because of bad weather.
In fact, according to Under-19 organiser Clive Perrin, the competition actually finished six weeks later than it had been scheduled too.
And so to the final where Timperley extended their unbeaten run to claim the title.
Sheffield Steelers had plenty to smile about as they beat Mellor 8-4 to win this season's Plate final.
Steelers even had a goal disallowed for scoring with a hockey ball. It's anyone's guess how the ball made it on to the field of play.
English Lacrosse Chief Executive Officer David Shuttleworth was on hand for the presentation ceremony after the Knockout final, in which he also gave Clive Perrin a special award for his tireless work as U19 manager.
Clive, who many of the lacrosse community know is a key figure at Wilmslow Lacrosse Club, has decided to stand down as Under-19 organiser after "more years than I care to mention!".
Perrin said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time organising the event and watching some of the fastest, hardest and most demanding lacrosse in this country over the years.
"I don’t have a replacement yet but there are 1 or 2 on this distribution list who should consider taking on the mantle.
"It is not overly demanding in time but it is a very satisfying job & I can totally recommend it to you."
Saturday 21st March 2010
Northern Norman Barber Knockout Cup - Final (Timperley Lacrosse Club): Timperley 8 Brooklands Hulmeians 5. Plate final: Mellor 4 Sheffield Steelers 8.
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