By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986) 

 

Pictured: Brooklands Hulmeians celebrate winning the Under-14s Boys Community Festival title on the opening day of the 2010 World Championships

BROOKLANDS Hulmeians tasted sweet success as this year's Community Festival proved the perfect curtain-raiser to the 2010 World Championships in Manchester.

Brooklands impressed as they remained unbeaten in the group stages, before turning on the style in the semi-finals and showcase final, the latter which was played on the official Blue Division pitch.

In fact Brooklands didn't concede a goal in the entire competition as they strung together six successive victories.

Having bagged 14 goals in four games to finish second in the group standings behind Sheffield Steelers, Brooklands then beat Rochdale 4-0 to deservedly book their place in the final.

And then the George's Road side wrapped up a good day at the office by beating Poynton 2-0 in the showcase final.

Earlier Poynton upset Steelers 2-0 in the other semi-final, having earlier finished four in the group standing to just make sure of their progress to the knockout stages.

James Reading and Jack Lambert scored the goals for Brooklands which clinched the title as the first title was won at this year's tournament.

And no wonder Brooklands co-coaches Jack Murray and Josh Snell were delighted with their team's welcome triumph.

'I'm delighted for all the guys, they put in so much effort,' praised Murray.

'We were unbeaten all day and didn't concede a goal at all, it doesn't get much better than that.

'Our defence was excellent, but as a team we were excellent. All the guys worked really hard for each other.

'We controlled the ball well, closed down when we didn't have it and scored two quality goals.

'It's been a great day for the club, we're all very proud of what the lads have achieved.

'It was also a great experience to play in the World Championship pitch where the likes of America and England are going to play.'We're all looking forward to coming back and cheering on England in the main tournament, it's great that the World Championships is in Manchester.'

 

 

Pictured: The victorious Brooklands capatains.

 

Community Festival results

Under-14s Final: Brooklands Hulmeians 2 Poynton 0

Semi-finals: Sheffield Steelers 0 Poynton 2, Rochdale 0 Brooklands Hulmeians 4

 

Final group positions:

 

1. Sheffield Steelers

2. Brooklands Hulmeians A

3. Rochdale

4. Poynton

5. Spencer

6. Heaton Mersey

7. Brooklands Hulmeians B

8. Manchester Waconians

9. Timperley

10. Cheadle

11. Boardman and Eccles

12. Wilmslow

13. Stockport Mersey Guild (SMG)

14. Mellor