By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)
SIMON Jones, one of four goalkeepers currently trialling for England's World Cup team, starred with a staggering 16 saves at the weekend, but it was not enough to stop Sheffield Steelers slipping to defeat away to high-flying Stockport.
Jones, who flew to America on Sunday for an eight-day international tour, had a match to remember between the posts as Steelers looked to upset the Men's North of England League Premier Division leaders on their home patch.
But despite their efforts and having won the opening quarter 3-0, Steelers were beaten 12-5 at Beech Road by last season's runners-up.
American attacker Justin Rychlicki bagged a brace for Steelers, while fellow attacker Sam Glover was also on target.
Midfielder Ben Lyon scored twice and provided an assist as the visitors forced the early pressure.
However, four goals from former England midfielder Chris Bland and a hat-trick from attacker Owen Jones did the bulk of the damage for Stockport as they maintained their impressive early season form.
Former England ace Paul Fullerton scored twice for Stockport Charlie Cox, James Morris and Steve Howe were all on the scoresheet.
Howe had two assists, while Cox and Tom Gosnay both contributed with an assist as the hosts outshot their opponents 42-26, with 29-14 of those efforts on target.
Stockport keeper Ben McAllister, also gunning to play for his country in next year's World Cup in Manchester, pulled off nine saves from 14 shots, while Bland won five of the six face-offs he contested.
Midfielder Sam Noble came up trumps with two assists for Steelers and Chris Wainer also had an assist, but the club have now lost all three of their opening fixtures to the new season and remain rooted to the foot of the table.
On the opening weekend of the season Steelers lost 13-9 at home to Cheadle, the defending champions, followed by 9-5 away defeat to Manchester Waconians.
Stockport remain one of four teams who have not lost yet this term alongside Wilmslow, Cheadle and Heaton Mersey.
The Beech Road side are now one point at the summit after Cheadle and Mersey drew 9-9, while Wilmslow beat Rochdale 14-9.
Latest Premier Division (after three weeks of matches):
|
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Points |
|
Stockport |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
18 |
18 |
6 |
|
Wilmslow |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
37 |
27 |
10 |
5 |
|
Cheadle |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
35 |
27 |
8 |
5 |
|
Heaton Mersey |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
36 |
24 |
12 |
4 |
|
Manchester Wacs |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
29 |
27 |
2 |
4 |
|
Brooklands |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
32 |
31 |
1 |
2 |
|
Mellor |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
26 |
34 |
-8 |
2 |
|
Timperley |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
21 |
35 |
-14 |
2 |
|
Rochdale |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
25 |
39 |
-14 |
0 |
|
Sheffield Steelers |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
19 |
34 |
-15 |
0 |
Results, Saturday 10th October
Women's North of England Premier League: Heaton Mersey 15 Sheffield Steelers 0, Leeds 2 Birmingham 10, Liverpool 11 Brooklands Hulmeians 4, Mellor 13 Wirral 13, Stockport 5 Wilmslow 10, Timperley B 10 Timperley 20
Men's North of England League Premier Division: Mellor 7 Timperley 12, Rochdale 9 Wilmslow 14, Heaton Mersey 9 Cheadle 9, Brooklands Hulmeians 11 Manchester Waconians 13, Stockport 12 Sheffield Steelers 5.
Division 2: Nprbury 5 Stockport A 8, Boardman and Eccles 4 Sheffield University 6, Cheadle A 4 Heaton Mersey A 7, Ashton-under-Lyne 9 Nottingham 13, Timperley A 9 Nottingham 13.
Division 3: Manchester Waconians A 5 Heaton Mersey B 3, Sheffield Steelers A 9 Brooklands Hulmeians A 6, Oldham 8 Cheadle B 11, Wilmslow A 10 Mellor A 11, Stockport B 7 Rochdale A 9.
Division 4: Poynton A 1 Liverpool 20, Cheadle Hulme 14 Mellor B 7, Leeds 12 Brooklands Hulmeians Extra A 0, Manchester Waconians B 0 Norbury A 1, Stopfordians 16 Boardman and Eccles A 6.
Division 5a: Timperley B 20 Norbury B 1, Hull 11 Ashton-under-Lyne A 6, Brooklands Hulmeians B 2 Newcastle 12.
Division 5b: Heaton Mersey Guild 5 Timperley C 4, York University 14 Heaton Mersey C 5, Birmingham 13 Oldham A 14.
Note to editors - for more information on English Lacrosse visit www.englishlacrosse.co.uk
Also why not visit the official Manchester 2010 World Cup site as the excitement builds ahead of next year's tournament www.2010worldlacrosse.com
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