Cheshire defend British National Championships

By Neil Goulding

CHESHIRE continued their dominance of the British National Championships at Wilmslow Lacrosse Club over the weekend.

The county successfully defended the Nick Kehoe Trophy they won last year, the fifth time they have won the crown since the competition started a decade ago.

Coached by Poynton's John Adshead and Mellor's Mike Roche, Cheshire - who have won the title in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2007 - impressed in the group stages of the two-day tournament, before proving too strong for England Under-19s in this year's showcase final.

Cheshire emerged comfortable 8-2 winners having gone unbeaten in the group stages of the tournament.

"As the two days went on we played better as a team," praised Adshead, whose side beat Scotland to earn their place in the final.

"We were completely in control of the final, it was a good team performance.

"We had a good mix of England players and youngsters in the side.

"It's great to have won the title this year, especially in my first year coaching the side."

Third place at this year's tournament, which attracted more teams than ever before, went to the South after they finished with a commendable 7-2 victory over Scotland.

Last year 10 teams competed in the Championships, but this year three more teams were involved.

With the Under-19 World Cup in Canada not far way, Wales and Scotland both entered their national teams, while a South Development team played a series of scrimmage games over the weekend, mainly against the national Under-19 sides.

"The Championships continue to grow," said organiser Clive Perrin.

"It was nice to have a few more teams this year. The standard of lacrosse was very good - and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves."

This year's Plate final was won by Lancashire, who beat Yorkshire 7-1. The Wales national side beat their Under-19s 7-2 to claim seventh spot, while the English Universities North beat Scotland Under-19s 7-4.

English Universities South defeated Scottish Universities 10-3 to make sure they didn't finish bottom of the final standings.

Results

British National Championships (Wilmslow LC, Cheshire) - Nick Kehon Trophy Final: Cheshire 8 England Under-19s 2. 3rd play-off: South 7 Scotland 2. Plate final: Lancashire 7 Yorkshire 1. 7th play-off: Wales 7 Wales Under-19s 2. 9th play-off: English Universities North 7 Scotland Under-19s 4. 11th play-off: England Universities South 10 Scottish Universities 3.

British National Championships - Roll of Honour (Winners of the Nick Kehoe Trophy)

1999 - Scotland

2000 - Cheshire

2001 - Cheshire

2002 - Cheshire

2003 - Wales

2004 - England Under-19s

2005 - Lancashire

2006 - Scotland

2007 - Cheshire

2008 - Cheshire

ends.....