6th July 2008

England V's Iroquois

Day 4 saw England playing the Iroquois in the evening game. After such a hard game against the Australians the day before it was going to be interesting to see how the players would react.

The first quarter in attack looked promising against a highly skilful Iroquois team. The attack moved the ball well to score 4 good goals in reply to 7 by the Iroquois. Defensively the team were not at the races and this continued into the second quarter where they conceded 5 goals to go into the break 12-4 down.

At half time the coaching staff questioned the team as to why they here and what they could achieve with the right application and attitude. The team talk worked well as the game turned round with England outscoring the Iroquois 7 -3 to reduce the lead to 15 -11.

The final quarter saw England get to within 2 goals before a late goal rush from the Iroquois saw them pull away to 21-16 win.

But for a poor second quarter England could have won. The team again raised their game to another level. Sam Russell led by example with 6 goals but the contribution of Mikey Armstrong at the centre was immense winning face offs and picking up ground balls. He had to take the majority of face offs in the absence of injured Tom Giddings who hopes to return in two days time.

The team continue to improve in all areas  and take on the USA on Monday knowing that by application, belief and teamwork they will ensure USA know they will be in a game.