THE CLASS OF 2009

Played 12, won 11, drawn 1

The Bears with just three league games left in the 08/09 season go into March on top of the of Division west two. Clear favourites for the title and promotion and through to the final of what is the ‘FA cup of Lacrosse’ the flags tournament at Reading next month.
This team is a success story, home bred from the youth of Penarth already achieving beyond what could be reasonably expected from a team over half of which are rookies still of an age to qualify for the youth team.
Why are they so successful, what is the secret ingredient, we may ask.
Standing on the pitch side at the Athletic field last Saturday when the Bears entertained Cardiff Harlequins and witness the sheer commitment and drive of these youngsters might be part of the answer.

There was sweat, blood and broken bones, we did not want it, but that is what it cost the Bears to achieve a win which no Lacrosse follower in the south of UK would have predicted at the beginning of this season.
Harlequins had already had a mauling by the Bears the previous week in the flags tournament and arrived having done their homework and from the start they made it clear that they were not going to give up any points easily to the new kids on the block.
You could feel the pressure, both teams exchanging glances any pre fight boxing heavyweight would be proud of.
At face off Harlequins were quickest to settle, but the strong defence of Penarth was fortress like with Mike Vodden showing his skill reading each move the experienced Quins attack tried resulting in checkmate.
Ben Wilkins at his peak last week was the most effective player when the Bears last played their close neighbours and he was flying through the midfield on the quick breaks. Sadly for the Bears, Ben was the first to leave the pitch with a suspected broken thumb. Maybe the Quinsy had done their homework, but that is not going to get in the way of this young teams ambition.
As Goals were not going to come easy, nearing the end of the first quarter, it was a brilliant individual goal scored by Welsh under 19’s International Johnnie Morris for the Bears. Game on. Penarth picked up another score and went into the second quarter two up.
The battle continued, and in the second quarter there were more bruises than goals being picked up. This was not a dirty game; it was hard and full of emotion. The Aberystwyth referee had a noteworthy performance, his control was without fault and you could see why he is a nominee for the Welsh Representative at the worlds.
James Richardson in goals as he has shown all season is formidable and it was an unfortunate bounce that helped the Quins recovery into this game.

The second quarter finished with the score 4-2 to Penarth. The danger man in the Quins was now clear to be seen, It was their Canadian Box Lacrosse import who was not allowed to get half a chance by Vodden’s strong defence aided by the young Bears of Penarth. It was heard to say by one spectator about the Canadian, He’ll be taking grizzly bear stories back to the Rockies at the end of this season.

This game was going to decide who was going to be on top of the league this week as the Quins although 3 points behind had a slightly better goal average.
Second half, third quarter where games can be won or lost, when fatigue effects concentration.
Josh Marchant showed why he is fighting for first choice midi man with his speed and grace over the ground. He was always looking for the fast break to link defence
to the attack. He will have to develop his ground work to make best use out of his speed, and then he will be as formidable as teamate Wilkins.

Another welsh under 19 International, Captain Ceri Hill was awesome in defence alongside Vodden and with Richardsons goal keeping skills he managed to keep his team ahead going into the final quarter 5-4.
With the last twenty minutes of this game likely to decide who will be promoted at the end of this season, tension was even higher than at the start for what was turning out to be an unforgettable derby game.
There was no shortage of willing advisors on the touchline and Player coach Dave Porter jostling amongst them to get his voice heard for his last quarter briefing.

Into the last quarter, On the Bears bench, the masseur was overbooked with incidents of cramp disabling the team. Had the Bears run out of steam? could they stand up against the onslaught? Cardiff were now throwing everything at them.
Tired limbs, tightening legs, lungs gasping for air. Underfoot the energy sapping mud felt like toffee but the Bears knew what they had to do.
5-4, One goal was the thin margin between these teams.
They equalised, was it going to the Quins season, will the Bears defence be breached can the tired legs of the attack get them in front again.
By far the most outstanding player on the pitch was in white, Chris Ball, the Bears top scorer this season by a mile and already with 3 in this game came back onto the pitch after having his cramped legs unlocked to score. His strength and devotion to this team was there to be seen by a helpless Quins team.
It still wasn’t over though. It was to close to call and bodies were weak with exhaustion.
Another two goals, one for each side took the teams to the finish with Bears 7-6 winners. What a fantastic result, what a team this young team of 2009. As Anne Robinson would put it from Penarth, “You leave with nothing”.

This week the Bears will up their training in preparation for their cup final on March 14th at Reading. The other finalists are Spencer who will be formidable opposition. Can this David beat another Goliath?

If you would like to have a go at this thrilling game we are looking for players Jnr Boys and Girls from age 7, Girls from age 14 to form a Mixed Lacrosse side and of course senior boys from age 15 who are keen to play this fast full contact sport. Please contact Chris on 029 2070 8966 for more information a warm welcome awaits.