Archive for May, 2008

May

News - 27 May 2008

Posted by admin in News

Round 7 was another big weekend at the Lacrosse Club, you’re getting pretty used to the spiel by now, so just read on.

Coming up this weekend is our Past Players Day and Alaimo Cup Match. President Norm has put the word out, now it’s up to you to come along on Saturday for more good Malvern hospitality and camaraderie. After State League, plan to stay around in the Clubrooms for a while: There’ll be introduction of our State League Players by the Coach, and then when our Div 2 and Div 3 teams arrive back we’ll have recaps of the day’s games from the Junior and Senior Coaches — so you can skip having to read this drivel next week.

New shipment of Hoodies and Jackets available at the Clubrooms this Saturday — no need to say more.

This weekend some of our young girls and guys will be getting another extra work-out, as several of the by-now usual suspects are involved in playing in the Down Under Cup Womens and Mens Tournaments at Footscray Hockey Centre from Friday till Monday, interleaved with their normal Club games. The Tournament is hosting college-age visiting teams from USA and Japan, playing against Victorian women’s teams and U19 Aussie and U18 Kangas Vic squads. The schedule is available on the Lacrosse Victoria website and SportingPulse if you’re interested in more details.

A number of Malvern juniors are interested in news of the Southern Crosse U15’s team formation for the U15 National Tournament in Perth in October. The process of appointing the Head Coach is progressing. It is expected that when the Coaching position is decided, openings will also exist for other Team roles, including Assistant Coach and Team Manager. Regardless of who is appointed to the Coach position, if you may be interested in one of these roles in the Team (possibly depending on your son’s selection), please speak to Graeme Minniece to indicate your interest.

As I’ll be travelling to Canada for the Championships and then to the US with Josh afterwards, there’s an upcoming vacancy for someone else to take over this role of Weekly News Editor from Round 11 (21 June) onwards. The pay’s not great, but the other rewards are there for a suitably motivated individual. There’s no discrimination on age or gender or any other grounds, just need to be sufficiently Black-and-Red-eyed.

If we can get a DVD player to work, this Thursday Night we’ll be showing last night’s Syracuse vs Johns Hopkins NCAA Lacrosse Final in the Clubrooms after training. That’ll be after junior training for the homeless waifs, and after seniors for the homeless men.

Best of luck for good results in your games this weekend. Go Malvern!!

Best regards,
Mike

Alaimo Cup - Ron Alaimo

Ron played U12, U14, U16, Div1 & State League (was A grade then) for Malvern. He represented Vic in both Colts & Seniors. He represented Australia as both a player and a referee. Ron also played Div 1 & State League for Surrey Park. He did an enormous amount of work at both Clubs. At Malvern, besides all the time he spent coaching Junior teams, he had a stint as Secretary and Treasurer and only just before he died he was elected President of the Club. He was also a Life Member of Malvern. At Surrey, he was also a tireless worker, as well as being Secretary of the Club. He was the Manager of a number of State Junior Teams and also after retiring as a player managed the State League team at Malvern. Besides his 2 grandsons Michael & Caleb who both play at Malvern, Ron had 3 daughters Terri, Sue and Kate who all represented Victoria at Junior and Senior levels and Terri also represented Australia at Senior level. There is a lot more I could write about Ron, but I know his great love was the Juniors, and I know he would be happy with what is happening with our Juniors at Malvern. Finally, you only have to mention his name to people around the Club to realize how well he was thought of by everyone who came into contact with him. He was a special person to know and it is fitting that the two Clubs compete for this Trophy named in his honour.

Graeme Minniece

Picture of the week: Plenty of smiles, job well done, off to the showers, after last week’s State League double-overtime win over Caulfield

Left to right (players): Ryan Scanlan, Jake Coleman, Paddy McGrath, James Moloney (spirit knees??), Ollie Johnson, Nick Lopes, Billy Exton. Photo: Debbie Milner.

Mens Round 7: 24th May 2008

State League: bye; Sunday practice match vs U19 Aussies and U18 Kangas

Mike Naughton wrote:

State League players had the pleasure of spending a sunny Saturday afternoon heckling their Divvy 2 clubmates and bagging the umps at the Town Hall, after battling it out in the Malvern mud a week before. They stood at the Clubrooms end, not wanting to walk too far and over-extend themselves, giving Joffa Joy in goals their deepest condolences and sympathies if ever the ball made it into his net, and then for the other quarters, Guido, Trav and Shannon provided them plenty of on-field entertainment as they bamboozled the Footscray goalie mostly, but sometimes themselves too. Up in the middle, Rowan, AJ, Billy, Squeaker, Joey, etc ran the Footscray middies ragged.

On Sunday morning Malvern hosted the weekly practice session for the U19 Aussie and U18 Kangas teams. To add some variety to the Aussie teams trainings, they’ve been teeing up to play against whichever State League team has a bye. Malvern fielded a combined Seniors team, so Brad as the Aussie U19 Assistant Coach had the rare opportunity of coaching against Malvern, and likewise Josh playing against the rest of his Black and Red teammates. From all reports, this was the best Club team that’s turned out to play them on the Sunday, which is a credit to the Malvern guys who turned out. Special dedication was shown by a small, hard core of individuals who maintained an overnight vigil in the Clubrooms, when the hour reached the point that they decided it wasn’t worth their while going home, as they just had to come back again pretty soon again anyway.

The Malvern crew caught the Aussie youngsters napping in the first half, jumping out to a 7-2 lead — Rob Chamberlain (usually the Aussie U19’s fitness Coach) was a stand-out, but the attack line of Joffa, Trav and Shannon also caused the defenders lots of trouble. In the second half the Aussies tightened up their defence and got their fast breaks going to overhaul Malvern toward the end.

The lure of the sausages and onions cooking out front of the Clubrooms ensured proceedings didn’t run overtime — special thanks to Sandie Benson and helpers for putting on a very popular BBQ — when the food was ready, it was all sold out in about 5 minutes flat!!

Division 2: vs Footscray 28-6

Zac Ansell wrote:

Today in Division 2 we played against Footscray, for the first time since the 2007 Grand Final. We scored AJ, Rowan and Travis from State League. Overall the game was a good one, in which,like the two previous weeks, we dominated. Beating them 28-6 was a good win, and it was very encouraging having the State League team come and support us.

Division 3: vs Melb Uni 28-0

Portly, sun-tanned Danny Keisler wrote:

U18: vs Willy 5-15

Asst Coach Paddy McGrath and ghost writer Romy Ansell wrote:

Malvern’s U18’s had a hard fought game against a resilient Williamstown. Although the game started out close, a fitter and more ball-hungry Willy proved to be too much, running away with the game after the first quarter to record a 15 to 5 win. The boys were short on numbers, having only 9 players until half time, but were able to hold the opposition within their double digits. A great effort was shown from Jake “Malekai” Coleman in the face-offs and through the midfield. Other stand-out players on the day included Mez “Gazelle” Clough in the defence and midfield lines, and Rowan “Rowboat” Anglicas in the midfield and attack lines. All round support was given throughout the game, but stick skills and laziness cost us in the end.

With Surrey Park next week a lot of work needs to be done if we plan on being victorious.

U16: vs MCC 20-0

Coach Marty wrote:

What a difference a few weeks make. The whole team has increased their workload. Defence: Much improved over the last couple of weeks. Looking at the score you would think it was an easy game; the pressure that was put on the opposition all over the ground was really good. Midfield: Still improving; the number of face-offs won has improved over the last couple of weeks. Talk between midfield, and positioning during and after centre ball has been drawn still requires work. Forward Line: Not set as yet, still moving players around to find the right balance. 48 shots on goal —- 20 scored. Man-up players: still too quick trying to convert; no problem holding the ball in attack after a turnover.

Everyone worked hard for this result / Just have to keep going / The hard tests are yet to come.

U14: vs Altona 10-12

Coach Josh wrote:

In the first vs second game, Malvern came off second best. Poor stick skills, decision making and a hint of overconfidence led to our first loss of the year, 12-10. Sam Anglicas led all scorers with 5 goals and Michael Petritsch had 2 goals and 3 assists. Toby Exton played the first half in goals before coming out and leading the last quarter charge, and James Butler worked hard running more midfield than normal due to our shorter than normal bench. Down by as many as 5 in the third quarter, we started to get the ball out of the middle and scored a few early in the last term, but it was too little too late we were left rueing the many wasted opportunities.

U12 Black: bye

U12 Red: vs Knox — walkover; scratch game 5-5

Team Manager Joe Maher wrote:

Knox turned up late and short of players, but we lent them a couple of ours, so we could still have a scratch game. George Kapis, Jordy Campbell and Alex Kofler-Rogers all scored goals for the Reds. Dana Stroyovna ran well through the midfield and made a couple of good assists. Jordy played well for both teams, showing us what we can aim for with a few more years of experience.

We have a bye this week, an opportunity to watch the U12 Blacks (at Chaddy) or U14’s (at home) in action. Look forward to our next game against Caulfield on 7th June.

Uniforms and Team Equipment.

Uniforms have been left lying around after games on several occasions now. Team Managers in particular, but also Players and Everyone connected with Club Teams needs to take note: more care and attention is needed to ensure that equipment, clothing and gear are all kept accounted for. Uniforms should be kept in their team bags, not taken home by players; each Team can decide their own washing rotation arrangements, but Team Managers must keep track of who has the uniforms from week to week, and make sure those who take them know to wash them inside out, and not to tumble-dry them hot, so as to keep the numbers and lettering from being damaged.

Overdue Fees:

2008 Fees are now several weeks overdue for any Players who have yet to pay Dave Gerrard. A reminder list of names will be posted in the Clubrooms after this weekend. Don’t make excuses, bring your money, find Dave, get paid up, so Dave doesn’t have to chase people up individually. Fees are posted up in the Clubrooms. Senior Fees are $245 for the Season; they start at $80 for a single game. Juniors are $120 for U12/U14, $150 for U16, $180 for U18’s.

Chocolates Fundraiser.

In order to keep up our Finances this year, we’ll be having a Chocolate Drive Fundraiser for all Junior and Senior players. A prize will be given to the person selling the most boxes. A box will be distributed to each player at next week’s training or 7th June games, with monies to be returned on or before 28th June. Those who prefer not to sell or buy chocolates can return their box unsold and make an equivalent donation instead, or make their donation up front next week.

Volunteers needed to help with Junior Trivia Night.

Joe Maher and James Garrett are heading up the organising and running of the Junior Trivia Night. This Event is traditionally run by a team of leading young members of the Club. If you’d like to be involved, let James or Joe know, since a good team will make for a highly successful and great fun night.

CLUB EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARIES

Sat 31st May: Alaimo Cup Match and Past Players Day — State League and U18’s both playing at Home vs Surrey Park.

Sat 19th Jul: Junior Trivia Night

Sat 2nd Aug: Senior Trivia Night

Thu 7th Aug: Last Week of Regular Season Junior Pie Night

Sat 23rd Aug:

Open Mic Entertainment Night

Sun 14th Sep: Season Close — Presentation Day and AGM

Happy U16’s after Saturday’s MCC game. Photo: Heike Barker.

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May

News - 21 May 2008

Posted by admin in News

Twice in a row, I can lead off the round-up with virtually the same intro: Round 6 was happy hunting for our three Seniors teams, with all 3 posting wins!!! There was even more of a buzz around the Clubrooms Saturday night, with the Kangas mob mingling with our own after-match Malvern crowd.

This weekend there’s Saturday and Sunday entertainment at the Town Hall Oval, as Div 2 play Footscray in a re-match of last year’s Grand Final, and Sunday morning Malvern Seniors play the U19 Aussie Vic boys. Even though it’s only a practice game, it may be the only chance you’ll get to see the U19’s in action before they go to the World Champs next month — we’ll get the chance to take Josh out! (but wouldn’t want to really hurt him, he’s pretty soft).

The following weekend is our first major Club Event of the year — Alaimo Cup Day, contested in the annual Malvern vs Surrey Park State League match, named in memory of Michael (U14’s) and Kaleb’s (U12’s) grandfather, Ron Alaimo. Past Players will have it in their diaries already, as the President sent out notices and invitations several weeks ago — all the details are on the web site, if anyone needs to check them or remind their friends.

Congratulations to Jay Baskaran and Billy Exton on their selection in the U17 South-East Titans Victorian Team for the U17 National Tournament at Caulfield in July; as well as Pat in the Vic U19’s, as mentioned last week.

Just an update on Malvern Club Clothing: Jackets, Hoodies, T-shirts, Caps, Playing Shorts. More Hoodies have been ordered in smaller sizes, we’re still on them to arrive; large sizes are still available in stock. Jackets have also been ordered in a range of sizes; again, watch this space, as we know they’ll be popular. T-shirts and Caps are available.

Security has been an issue lately, with the Clubrooms being broken into on a couple of occasions during the week, and a player’s boots going missing from the Changing Rooms last Saturday (see item below). The Club is mindful of the problem — club officials, players and members are advised to take appropriate steps to secure access to at-risk areas in the Clubrooms areas, and to store their personal belongings as safely as is practicable especially during training and between and after games.

Best regards, Mike

Lacrosse---Stonnington-Leader-13-May-2008

Picture of the week: (from Stonnington Leader)

Mens Round 6: 17th May 2008

State League: vs Caulfield 19-18

Coach Skeps wrote:

This week’s game was as it’s been the last 3 times against Caulfield: a hard fought, close encounter. Missing 5 players from last week’s game was only going to make things tougher. Caulfield began well and controlled the 1st half with first use of the ball out of the face off. Leading by 8 goals mid-way through the 3rd quarter was a commanding position, but a resilient Malvern team was ignited by Pat McGrath Campbell returning to the game, after being injured early in the 1st qtr, and dominating the face off for the remainder of the game. Josh Naughton, James Garrett, James Moloney and Ollie Smith combined brilliantly in attack to first narrow the margin and then level the scores. The Malvern midfield of Ryan Scanlan, Jake Coleman, Billy Exton were relentless in the slippery conditions and made every loose ball a contest, providing the attack with plenty of opportunity. Caulfield, however, weren’t giving the game away, and made the most of a number of extra man situations. Malvern’s defence held firm, led by the in-form Nick Lopes, 2nd-gamer, Angus Norris, and Nick Shearman, with Ollie Johnson making a number of big saves at crucial times.

All seemed lost, with 1 minute 48 secs left in the final qtr, and Caulfield hanging onto a 3 goal lead — this was the moment when the character of the young Malvern team rose to the occasion, winning the ball out of the face off and moving the ball quickly to score in succession to level the scores (*) and send the game into OT. Both teams showed amazing courage as Caulfield scored in the first extra-time period and Malvern came from behind again in the second to send the game into sudden death OT. The faceoff would prove crucial, as first use of the ball was vital, and yet again Pat McGrath Campbell proved he was up to the task, putting it out to Josh Naughton off the midfield, who drove the ball into attack, combining with James Garrett, who scored his 8th goal of the day to seal an amazing victory. A wonderful result for the hard work from the entire team and one to take a great deal of confidence out of. A job well done.

[ (*) Ed. Actually, it was even more frantic than this -- in the last 1:48 Malvern scored 3 to level the scores, Caulfield scored to go ahead again, Malvern levelled again, all this and there were still 20 seconds to go. Phew!!!! ]

Division 2: vs Moreland 25-1

Steve Bown wrote: Div 2

froze at Moreland on the weekend. Not sure if they would turn up, they marked the ground out at 2.15. With a number of players missing everyone had a good run. In a one sided game we had plenty of shooting practice (There could have been plenty more if the shooting was accurate). All players should be right for a big game against fourth placed Footscray next week.

Division 3: vs Chadstone 15-13

Everywhere man Dave Gerrard wrote:

Division 3 won a hard fought game against Chadstone, winning 15-13. A few players down with only 2 on the bench. Without a regular goal keeper, Chadstone got away to a quick start, getting a couple past D. Gerrard in goals. Unfortunately, Johnny Cantone got injured early in the 2nd quarter, leaving the team with only one sub. Fortunately, Johnny went in goals and saved many of Chaddy’s shots - taking sieve Gerrard out of goals certainly helped the team - a great effort from Johnny. Down the other end the forwards were having trouble scoring; however, Callum Gerrard showed the way bagging 5 goals. Rod Finnigan played tirelessly, not subbing all day and winning the ball in the centre all day - a great game from Rod. Roy just asks if Rod could pick the ball up after he wins the centre.

U18: vs Altona 22-0

asst coach Paddy McGrath wrote:

malverns u18 side had an easy win against a less experienced altona side, recording a score of 22-0. the standout player of the day was ollie smith on the attack line, who proved to be unstoppable netting 10 goals and handing out 3 assists, earning best on ground. oliver johnson and jay baskaran shared positions on the field, both playing outstanding games on short stick and in the goals letting no balls go by. mez clough switched on the afterburners yet again leaving the opposition behind to clear the ball from defence and the face off time and time again. tempers flared during the third period as 3 malvern players found themselves in the penalty box due to some exchange of words and fists. defender angus norris found the back of the net after some great defence work to clear the ball from malverns goal. other key players were jake coleman with 5, dan anglicas with 2, and callan van twest with 1. lets hope we can keep the ball rolling in our favour as we come into next weeks game against a williamstown opposition

U16: vs Caulfield 14-2

Coach Marty wrote:

After the Surrey Park game the boys came out to play. Caulfield had a lot of young players, little bit timid, after the guys put in some really good bodies early on in the first quarter. Really good to see the backline fire up, with Robert the hit man. Also the double teaming and the backing up on the loose ball were really good. Special mention to the U/14’s goalie, Toby Exton, for filling in on the day, job well done. Really good effort by the whole team in really wet conditions. Little bit of a smile this week, still a great deal to do.

U14: vs CamChad 16-16

Coach Josh wrote:

Malvern fought out a draw in the cold down at Chadstone, scoring in the last 20 seconds to tie it up. Michael Petritsch was back in the line up this week and led the attack with 6 goals, including 3 in the last quarter and the tying goal. James Butler did well in defence and through the midfield and ended up with 4 goals and Sam Anglicas ran himself ragged on the midfield. Toby Exton played goalie for the final 3 quarters and made some key stops in the final term. Malvern was lucky to get away with a draw and the boys will have to give it everything next week in a top of the table clash with Altona.

U12 Black: vs Willy Fearons 10-8

Coach Gazzer wrote:

On a soggy, wet and cold morning the under 12 Blacks beat Williamstown 10 goals to 8. Although the weather was cold, you wouldn’t know it by looking at the guys warming up - all ready for a big game. The strong and determined back line consisting of Rupert Smith, Tim Flanagan, Hugo Norris and Elliot Petritsch were great, continually running the ball out of defence and ensuring that the attack were given every chance to put a score on the board. The Midfield, which consisted of Alex Kofler-Rogers, Benny Chapman and Darcy Campbell, all played great, making terrific space and doing lots of running up and down the field (I’m sure it was to keep warm as well); while the attack players, Jordy Campbell and Nic Chapman, formed a dynamic duo, ensuring that most chances were converted to goals.

U12 Red: vs MCC 0-7

Joe Maher wrote:

The Under 12 Reds battled hard all day against MCC in the wet. It was a closer contest than the scores would suggest. We were hit hard by injury. Pete Karamountzos played a great first quarter, but was too ill to play from then on. Ally Campbell also felt too ill to play. From the second quarter we were one player short. Kaleb Alaimo ran all day, with good support from Nick Maher, Lachlan and Tom Bown, George Kapis and Aaron Currie. Dylan Ive, Aaron Currie and Tom Bown played well in goals and kept out a number of shots. Coach Steve Bown noted the improved ball handling skills and encouraged further practice.

BILLY’S MISSING BOOTS

Billy Exton has lost his new, white, low cut, Warrior boots — he wore them for the second time last Saturday in U16’s at Town Hall, left them in Change Rooms at lunchtime with his kit, and couldn’t find them when he returned to play the State League game. Would be great if someone has taken them by mistake and could bring them back, though chances are this isn’t what’s happened to them.

CLUB EVENTS

Sun 25th May: State League have a bye on this weekend. All players are required at the Town Hall to support Divvy 2. Malvern Seniors will play a practice match vs U19 Aussie Team (Vic squad); Town Hall Ground 9:30–11:30 — there’s aleady a sign-up list on the whiteboard in the Clubrooms.