We’re back! Admittedly it’s been a while with many people asking what had happened to Penarth Lacrosse Club. With the loss of many players to Universities and working away from home it was time for the Bears to have a rethink and regroup. It was decided to take the huge step of stepping right back from the heady heights of Premier Lacrosse. This was much to the amazement of the SEMLA (South of England Men’s League) League clubs. It was decided to play in the English West division to enable the club to bring on young and inexperienced new players.

Penarth Lacrosse Clubs Policy since Hon Secretary Chris Shumack has always been to develop local talent never relying on players from outside the local area known as ‘ringers’ who can be brought in to bolster teams. Chris takes great pride in working with youngsters from the local area. This has provided the gateway for many players who have made it into the National Welsh Lacrosse Squads. Penarth players have represented Wales in World and European championships for the past ten years. The present team, although small in numbers represents the spirit and ethos of Lacrosse and something that Penarth Club and its members are very proud. There can be little doubt that as they progress the players will make their mark on lacrosse both as individuals and as a team.

The first game of the new season is always frustrating due to the lack of games over the summer break. It takes time for players to settle and get back to match awareness. This match was against Southampton 2 and was the opportunity for the players both old and new to show just what they could do in a match situation.

In perfect weather with a pitch in lovely condition all was set was an exciting afternoons Lacrosse.

The Bears won the face and were off to a good start, soon popping in the goals, an enthusiastic start unusual for the notoriously slow start the Bears normally make. Dave Porter scored followed by newcomer Dan Jones relishing his first game. Dan followed this by another super goal with Dave Porter finding the back of the net twice more; things were looking good for the Bears. Just before the Quarter, Southampton scored to make it Penarth 5 Southampton1 at the break.

With no substitutes the Bears were had to pace themselves with only Captain Chris Ball scoring the half time break was a healthy 6 – 1 to the Bears.

The third quarter, saw Southampton suddenly making a strong comeback. A quick 2 goals by them with a barren spell by the Bears the quarter was Southampton’s 2-0. It was clear that The Bears had lost concentration; and impetus. The lack of subs began to tell as tired legs were finding the continual fast pace with no rest a challenge.

Club stalwart Player/Coach Dave Porter gave the players a quick pep talk at the break that had the desired effect. With the defensemen having their work cut out with Southampton pouring on the pressure, Porter, Chris Ball and Chris James in his first match all found the net with only a token goal from Southampton saw the Bears take the game by an impressive 9 – 4.

This was a good start to the new season, the result gave the all the players a boost to their confidence and this had particular effect on the new players.

Man of the match was newcomer Dan Jones but praise must be also go to Rhys Hill and Mark Morgan rookie goalies who took on the awesome job, as the regular goalie was unavailable. The team all played well and learnt a lot, there is much work to be done and the away game next week to the Royal Navy will be a hard game and a steep learning curve as they have many experienced players.