Cheadle Hulme Lacrosse Club

At the start of the season the club, although possessing many fine players, did not have the depth of squad to contemplate promotion to the 2nd division. Therefore the objectives of the season were to finish in the top half of the table, have a good run in the Stockport Cup, play attractive team lacrosse and build up good team spirit whereby people enjoy playing for the club.

Although meeting a strong Cheadle side in the first round ended our ambitions in the cup, the season can be judged as a positive one given the club's current position. Of the team that played the previous season, six first team regulars in Moore, McQueen, Liu, Boyle, Howie and Neil Peacock have been unavailable for various reasons. Integrating half a new team is never easy but in the second half of the season there were clear signs that the side were developing a good understanding and the attack started to really click scoring some excellent well-worked team goals, which would be worthy of a higher division. The two wins over a talented Sheffield University side and a first half demolition of Hulmeians were as good as a Cheadle Hulme side has performed for a few years.

Chris Peacock deservedly won player of the year for his efforts at centre, but the improvement in fellow midfielders Joe Gallagher, Kevin Ruddock and Chris Campbell were just as important as all three stepped up to 3rd division standard and made a major contribution.

Dave Musrie continued to show why he is probably the best keeper outside the premiership. Despite a constantly changing back three, Captain Steve Pollock held the defence together and although it was encouraging to see Jon McQueen return to the side at the end of the season, it is important to the side that Guy Lansbury plays more regularly next term.

Vice captain Tim Sayers had another good season making major contributions not only in transitional play but also in being second top scorer. Ben Ransome reverting back to midfield had a renaissance in his best season for many years.

Up front Gary Thompson despite missing a chuck of the season ended up top scorer and led the attack with typical determination. James Bicknell had an outstanding season and all the best performances occurred when the left-hander was on form. Comeback of the year belonged to Ben Denison who made a big difference to the side and embarrassed many of the defenders who faced him. Mark Love's contribution in defence, midfield, attack, as coach and chief head-hunter was vital to the success of the club.

With the addition of a few extra players and more regular appearances from the more marginal squad members, Cheadle Hulme has the potential to enjoy a memorable season next time around.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 25th February 2006

Stockport 'B' vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

After last weeks fine performance, Cheadle Hulme made the short journey to Cale Green to play Stockport full of confidence. The first quarter indicated a close game with the home side taking the lead, before the men in black responded with a Ben Ransome goal. All match Cheadle Hulme's defenders were more effective at clearing the ball than the midfielders and this was highlighted early on when Jon McQueen took a pass from keeper Dave Musrie and moved forward into enemy territory. This seemed unwise as the defender ran into trouble with two persistent Stockport midfielders trying to get the ball off him. McQueen turned this way and that trying to elude his young markers before finally beating the pair and running into the space behind them. The Stockport defence backed off thinking the ball would be passed off leaving Jon McQueen to slot the ball past the keeper to give Hulme the lead. That was to be as good as it got for the visitors as things deteriorated rapidly. Quick and skilful on the break the home side managed two goals to take a quarter time lead.

The second quarter became a nightmare for Hulme as they fell apart under pressure from a very young and talented Stockport side. Stockport showed the strength in depth of their club as they opened Hulme up time and time again with slick passing moves. Far too many goals were scored from cuts, as Hulme were unable to get tight enough. Stockport were able to vary their game and drive on their men with equal effect and with four or five players having good shots there were plenty of options for the home side. Six goals without reply left Hulme demoralised and the second half was not much better as Hulme put in an abject display. Unable to even make simple passes in attack, possession was easily squandered. Fielding only eleven men meant the midfield was out run by much younger fitter opponents who won the majority of ground balls. The defence did its best against wave after wave of fast breaks and Dave Musrie not for the first time this season made a string of great saves but it was to little effect.
The only issue to be decided was who would be Cheadle Hulme's top scorer for the season. Joint top scorer at the start of the game Tim Sayers had a miserable afternoon, receiving a crack on the knee and little else for his troubles as Gary Thompson stole the honours with a goal in the third quarter. Although missing a large chunk of the season Cheadle Hulme's popular attacker has once again showed why he is still a very important part of the club. Ben Ransome scored in the fourth quarter to finish third in the goal scorers list, but Hulme slipped to a 14-4 defeat.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 18th February 2006

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Brooklands Hulmeians 'A'

Brooklands Hulmeians provided the opposition for Cheadle Hulme's last home game of the season, although in the first half Hulme seemed to have little opposition as the home side stormed into a four-nil first quarter lead. Completely dominating the midfield to control possession the men in black moved the ball around in attack to score some quality goals. Attackers James Bicknell and Gary Thompson did the damage with two goals each in a majestic first quarter from Cheadle Hulme.

The onslaught continued after the break, as Hulme rattled in five more goals without reply, as Hulmeians were humiliated with man of the match James Bicknell getting two more goals to add to four assists. Chris Peacock grabbed a slice of the action with two goals and Gary Thompson flicked in another. Not even the returning Mark Love could jinx Hulme in this form, although Brooklands attacker Martin Jackson probably wishes Pud was still in South Africa after being on the wrong end of some scything checks. Kevin Ruddock set up one goal and put in a fine performance in midfield despite having one of his almost weekly snaps when one of Brooklands younger players made the foolish mistake of upsetting Hulme's meanest midi.

Normally when the half time score is 9-0 the dominant side push home their advantage to rack up a big score and the opposition usually loses the will to put up much resistance. Cheadle Hulme can easily claim to be the most complacent side in the league as they indulged in their usual third quarter comedy lacrosse as the quality moves of the first half dried up and were replaced with farce as Brooklands were able to pick themselves up off the canvass to pull back three goals. Some bizarre refereeing added to the surreal feeling of the third quarter as Hulme went from the sublime to the ridiculous in a matter of minutes. Chris Peacock scored in Cheadle Hulme's best move of the quarter.

The quality of lacrosse did not improve in the last period although Gary Thompson thankfully playing despite feeling unwell got two more to claim five in the match. Brooklands pulled back three to leave the final score 12-6 to Cheadle Hulme.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 4th February 2006

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Timperley 'A'

Cheadle Hulme entertained struggling Timperley on Saturday looking to build on the wins of the previous two weeks. In a dire first quarter both sides only managed a goal a piece, with James Bicknell netting for the men in black. Obviously traumatised through losing their inspirational leader through injury, the whole Cheadle Hulme side struggled to find any sort of form against inexperienced opponents in a forgettable first quarter.

In the second quarter Hulme woke up to the fact that they were probably better off without their captain anyway, and proceeded to play some quality lacrosse which took the game away from Timperley. Ben Ransome, this week filling in up front, cut through to score before Chris Peacock took a pass, span round and slotted in a nice goal. Hulme increased their lead when Ben Ransome got in for his trademark back door sneak. Timperley made the fatal error of thinking all goalkeepers don't like to carry the ball and are only happy when stood inside their own crease. Cheadle Hulme's Dave Musrie prefers to be anywhere but his own net, so sealing off all passes and giving him the freedom of the field was not the best thing for Timperley to do. Musrie stormed forward and put in low shot, which appeared to be saved but somehow rolled over the line. Dave Musrie would have bought his opposite number a beer to commiserate had he been old enough to drink it.

The third quarter continued in much the same vein with Kevin Ruddock having a good game in midfield, the defence looking solid and Dave Musrie making some good saves in between sorties down field. Ben Ransome who has become a goal machine in 2006 scored another. Gary Thompson scored two, one of which came from a good cut from the attacker to finish off an excellent move. Before the quarter ended James Bicknell found the net after missing several easier chances.

In the last quarter Timperley employed the novel tactic of marking Ben Ransome with the keeper rather than a defender and left the net empty, unsurprisingly Ransome helped himself to his fourth. Chris Peacock trying that bit harder to impress his watching girlfriend scored his second. Stand in skipper Tim Sayers concerned about slipping off the top of the leading goal scorers chart grabbed a late hat-trick, and although Timperley got two late goals, Chealde Hulme registered a 14-3 win which is their biggest of the season.

Unfortunately Hulme's three match winning run and Ben Ransome's goal scoring burst is likely to come to an end, as Mark Love is now back from South Africa. The club is looking to raise funds for his plane ticket back to Cape Town.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 28th January 2006

Rochdale 'A' vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

Cheadle Hulme travelled to Rochdale on Saturday looking to build on last week's impressive victory over Sheffield University. The increased confidence in the Hulme side was easy to see as they raced into a three-nil lead, scoring some excellent goals by moving the ball around quickly. The goals coming from Gary Thompson, Ben Denison and James Bicknell. Although Rochdale pulled one back, Hulme replied with a Tim Sayers goal to take a 4-1 advantage into the first break.

Although Rochdale were able to gain more possession in the second quarter Cheadle Hulme's attacks were far quicker and incisive as Gary Thompson powered in two goals and Ben Ransome, looking more confident in recent games, found the net. Rochdale plugged away to get two goals but at 7-3 things looked fairly comfortable for the men in black. Cheadle Hulme's attack seem to find it far too easy to become complacent and for the second game running, a four goal lead was seen as an excuse to give the ball away. Where the finishing had been ruthless, it now became useless with several players guilty of wasting easy chances. Anyone trying to guess Hulme's leading scorer would not have guessed it was Tim Sayers on this performance, with shooting that went from being wide to just plain wild. A more focused attack would have put the game out of reach and broken the spirit of the opposition but that is not the Cheadle Hulme way.

After playing some fine lacrosse in parts of the first two quarters Cheadle Hulme showed their Jeckyll and Hyde qualities, with a horror show in the third quarter. An inability to clear the ball is a reoccurring failing this season and meant for much of the third quarter. Hulme were penned in their own half as when the ball was cleared, possession was quickly surrendered. Chris Peacock worked hard to win his share of faces against an experienced opponent, but was given very little help from the wings and far too often Rochdale came away with the ball. With several players absent Hulme were indebted to Jon McQueen answering a late call to make his first appearance of the season in a solid comeback for the defender. Rochdale slowly chipped at Hulme's lead until they levelled the score just before three quarter time.

Cheadle Hulme regrouped at the interval and regained their focus quickly rattling in three well-worked goals through Ben Ransome, Chris Peacock and a hockey style flick from just outside the crease from an alert Gary Thompson. Surely now the men in black would control the match and take the points, but that would be far too dull as they allowed Rochdale set up a nerve wracking finish with a two goal reply. Quickly the visitors scored again as Chris Peacock won a face to set up Tim Sayers for a goal, but Rochdale fought back as they had all afternoon to narrow the advantage to just one goal. The last two minutes saw Hulme defending desperately trying to hang on and when Rochdale worked a shooting opportunity with seconds on the clock the visitors feared the worst but thankfully the shot was well wide and Cheadle Hulme escaped with an 11-10 victory. The Cheadle Hulme goal scorers were Thompson (4) Ransome (2) Sayers (2) Bicknell 1 Denison 1 and Peacock 1.

Steve Pollock

Cheadle Hulme's apologies go to Rochdale and the referee, as the three cheers aimed at expelling a victorious thanks to our hosts, actually gave a performance on a par with our third quarter. The start was great, "Three cheers to Rochdale and the Referee". This unfortunately was followed by a "Hip, yip, cough, hip" sending everyone into complete confusion and disarray, that it sounded more like the back benches at Prime Minister's question time. Highly entertaining! Can the whole team make sure that they turn up for training on Wednesday. We are going to practice this until we get it right :-).

Jon McQueen

Saturday 21st January 2006

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Sheffield University

Saturday saw Cheadle Hulme play their first home fixture of the New Year, when they entertained Sheffield University. The home side started much better than their opponents, playing some controlled lacrosse. Some incisive attacking play saw Hulme race into a four-nil lead. Ben Ransome opened the scoring with a neat finish before setting up Ben Dennison for the second. James Bicknell and Ben Ransome again scored well-taken goals to give Hulme a decisive lead. The men in black found that while the students were younger and fitter, they certainly couldn't compete for strength and experience. The home attack was quick to expose some naive defending by the visitors. Centre Chris Peacock with assistance from wingman Tony Eglin completely annihilated their opponents at face off and the Sheffield attack lost interest after taking some heavy punishment from defenders Steve Pollock and Colin Windeler.

Having got into a strong position, the age old Cheadle Hulme disease of complacency set in and the students were allowed two soft goals before quarter time. Cheadle Hulme's malaise didn't end there as the University pulled back to four all. Cheadle Hulme have shown the resolve to come through tight games this season and once more took the initiative with goals from Gary Thompson and Ben Ransome to edge ahead at half time. After the restart Ben Ransome netted again. After being one of the better players in the last match at Ashton, Ransome was in inspired form scoring five with four assists in a match winning performance. Sheffield pulled a goal back, but when Hulme again turned up the heat, the students just crumbled. Given plenty of opportunities on man up or from fast breaks, too often the visitors couldn't make the final pass or beat keeper Dave Musrie, who had an outstanding game. Gary Thompson powered through the visiting defence for two more goals. James Bicknell having a fine match added another before Chris Peacock finished off an excellent team move for a fine goal. Ben Dennison completed the scoring with his trademark trickery bamboozling a now demoralised Sheffield defence. The 13-6 victory was Cheadle Hulme's best performance of the season and sets them up for a trip to Rochdale.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 7th January 2006

Ashton-U-Lyne vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

Cheadle Hulme started 2006 with a trip to Ashton in the North of England third division. Trips to Ashton in early January would traditionally mean battling it out on a sloping mud heap of a pitch with an icy wind coming off the nearby hills. Saturday's match was a refreshing change as the match was played on a state of the art Astroturf pitch at Curzon Ashton's impressive ground.

Having not played for three weeks over the Christmas period, Cheadle Hulme started the first quarter not so much rusty but as though they had never played the game before. The attack gave the ball away with wild passes, the midfielders seemed to have a competition for the dumbest send off and the defence forgot the concept of marking. The 5-0 quarter time score did not represent the best start to the year.

The visitors used the interval to regroup and suddenly realised they had played this game with sticks before. With Chris Peacock winning all the faces, Hulme dominated possession and strung together some incisive attacks. Chris Campbell twice went close to scoring, but Tim Sayers showed better finishing with two well-taken goals. Ben Ransome having one of his better games also scored as Hulme came back into the match to trail at half time 6-3.

The comeback was short lived as Cheadle Hulme had yet another awful third quarter in what is becoming a very bad habit this season. Six Ashton goals without reply killed the game, as the absence of experienced defenders Guy Lansbury and Gareth Jones told. Ashton had good movement in attack and scored with some excellent shots but in truth things were made too easy with some naive defending.

With the result decided the final quarter was fairly tame with both sides scoring three times. Tim Sayers completed his hat trick, Chris Peacock's endeavours were rewarded with a goal and Chris Campbell's perseverance paid off when he scored late in the game. The 15-6 defeat was Cheadle Hulme's worst result of the campaign and the side will need to be back to full strength for the visit of a talented Sheffield University side in two weeks time.

Cheadle Hulme were delighted to welcome back key attacker Gary Thompson in this match after a lengthy injury, the player has been sorely missed and his absence was a factor in the teams slide down the table in the last month. As one player returns another sustains an injury as this match saw Martin Russell dislocate his shoulder. The defender is recovering but will now be out until the end of February, the club wishes him a speedy recovery.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 12th December 2005

Norbury vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

Cheadle Hulme travelled to Hazel Grove for a top versus second clash against Norbury. Although possession was evenly contested, Norbury showed greater cutting edge in front of goal and raced into a three-goal lead thanks to some powerful shooting.

Just as Norbury were starting to dominate, Hulme got on the scoresheet when Ben 'Denzil' Dennision dodged through the home defence. This seemed to unnerve the home side as the men in black quickly added two more goals to level the score. The first of the two goals was one which the otherwise excellent Norbury keeper will want to forget, as a weak Chris Campbell effort managed to sneak into the net. The other goal came courtesy of young midfielder David Howie who Hulme are pleased to have back from his studies at Oxford University.

The match was the most physical game Cheadle Hulme have played in for a few seasons with both sides knocking lumps off one another for eighty minutes. Hulme are a mean and committed side these days and this match witnessed the first (and probably last) recorded sighting of Ben Ransome checking the stick of an opponent clean out of their hands! If things were not physical enough Norbury's smallest attacker decided to crank the tension up a notch or two by charging at the much larger Colin Windeler off the ball. The Norbury man spent the next few minutes on the floor contemplating the wisdom of upsetting Mr Windeler while his team mates were being restrained. In the little lacrosse played in the second quarter Norbury edged ahead only for the visitors draw back level through James Bicknell.

As with several games this season the third quarter was Cheadle Hulme's worst as Norbury scored three with the only reply coming from a fake-fake-score effort from Denzil Dennison. The visitors rallied in the final quarter with a second goal from Chris Campbell who put in another good performance in midfield. Mark Love took an almighty pounding when he squeezed through the middle of two Norbury defenders to set up Ben Dennison for his third goal. Cheadle Hulme's last goal came from Tim Sayers who finally made one of his many shots count. Cheadle Hulme did themselves no favours with far to many unnecessary fouls in the final quarter, which Norbury exploited to the full. A tense and hard fought match was ultimately settled by Norbury's extra firepower and finishing as the game ended 12-8 to the home side.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 3rd December 2005

Stockport Cup, Preliminary.

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Cheadle 'B'

Cheadle Hulme entertained Cheadle in the preliminary round of the Stockport cup on Saturday. With local rivalry at stake the contest was hard fought, but it was a strong Cheadle side who took the initiative in the first period, as they turned possession into a three-goal lead. Only a Ben Dennison goal late in the quarter gave the home side encouragement.

The second period mirrored the first exactly, as Cheadle had most of the play, which they converted into another three goals before a late James Bicknell goal kept Hulme in the tie at half time.

Cheadle Hulme needed several quick goals in the third quarter, but scored none as the side lacking its two leading scorers completely ran out of ideas. The men in black showed why they have been unable to score more than eleven in any match this season with some ponderous and largely predictable attacking play, which was easily snubbed out by a well-organised Cheadle defence. Hulme have won some low scoring matches this season because of their solid defence, but they also found things tough against a big and experienced Cheadle attack. With three more Cheadle goals making the score line 9-2 at three quarter time, the contest seemed to be slipping away from the home side.

Missing the extra strength of face-man Tony Eglin, Hulme were out gunned in midfield and were unable to win enough of the ball to stage a fight back.

Things got too much for midfield man Chris Peacock, who missed the last ten minutes with his now almost weekly tantrum. Although Chris is working hard to keep the tantrums alive, it was actually invented by his brother and immortalised by Sheffield University's Neil Peacock Handbag Trophy.

After three more goals by Cheadle, the home side salvaged a modicum of pride with late goals by Mark Love and Ben Ransome to leave the final score 12-4 to Cheadle.

Cheadle Hulme wish their neighbours best of luck in the next round, where they meet Brooklands Hulmeians.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 26th November 2005

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Sheffield Steelers 'A'

On Saturday the Ladybridge Road ground witnessed a top versus bottom clash as Sheffield Steelers travelled over from Yorkshire to play league leaders Cheadle Hulme.

The game started as expected with the table toppers playing the more confident lacrosse quickly building up a two-nil lead after Tim Sayers and Mark Love had scored. Only some poor finishing had prevented the lead from being several goals more. Although Steelers pulled one back Hulme soon re-established their two-goal advantage with a goal from Ben Ransome to end the first quarter in a satisfactory 3-1 lead.

Steelers grew visibly in confidence in the second period as they realised that their opponents were at less than full strength, with Hulme's limited goal threat coming from one or two easily identified sources. Fortunately Sheffield didn't recognise the very clear and present danger posed by the man known as Pud when he has the ball in his stick and his back to goal. Twice the attack man flicked the ball over his shoulder past a bemused Sheffield keeper. The same player completed a hat trick this time when actually facing the goal with a shot that came off the keepers helmet onto the bar and fell just over the line. James Bicknell also got on the score sheet as both sides traded three goals to leave the half time score well balanced at 6-4 to the hosts.
Tim Sayers blasted one into the top corner soon after the restart but this was the vice captain's last meaningful contribution to the match as the player had taken full advantage of the change in the licensing laws the night before and was clearly feeling the effects. Once again the third period was to be Hulme's nadir as a mixture of complacency and impatience meant attack after attack was easily snubbed out by the visiting defence. Some of the stick handling on display was truly awful as the ball was repeatedly dropped, thrown to the opposition or often just thrown out of bounds. Although Hulme did score again through James Bicknell, Steelers pulled back to level terms with four goals of their own. Steelers are a well organised side with a good mix of youth and experience and converted many of the man-up opportunities handed to them by needless send offs by the home side.

The increasing gloom of a late November afternoon did little to improve the standard of lacrosse on show in the final quarter. Steelers thought they had done enough to win when they got a goal ahead but they reckoned without Ben Ransome who dodged effortless past his man to slot in a neat equaliser. Referee Mike Nichols, brought up on watching Mellor, had obviously seen enough and called a halt to proceedings with six minutes remaining. With the sky now very dark it was debateable if he was saving the players from injury or those unfortunate enough to be watching. The 9 all draw means Cheadle Hulme drop to third and a big improvement will be required if the men in black are to progress in the cup next week. The Scorers were; Mark Love 3, James Bicknell 2, Ben Ransome 2 and Tim Sayers 2.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 19th November 2005

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Stockport 'B'

Cheadle Hulme entertained Stockport on Saturday hoping to get back to winning ways. Cheadle Hulme's ever enthusiastic midfielder Tim Sayers led the way with a hat-trick within the first ten minutes, the first two coming from good cuts through the visiting defence and the third after dispossessing the keeper and shooting into the unguarded net. James Bicknell marked his return to the side with a neat goal after Stockport had pulled one back.

At the start of the second period Chris Peacock registered his second in as many weeks to extend the lead to 5-1. Soon after Chris Campbell received the ball in acres of space and with the Stockport defence nowhere to be seen the midfielder was left with two options; either pass to Ben Ransome or shoot at goal himself, thankfully he selected to safest option and shot into the bottom corner. Now playing some nice controlled lacrosse Hulme extended their lead to 7-1 when James Bicknell scored another excellent goal in a fine performance from the left handed attacker.

It has become customary for Cheadle Hulme to have one awful quarter each match and this week it was saved until the third period. Although the defence held firm with Gaz Jones making a welcome return to the side and Guy Lansbury outstanding the clearing was often woeful and the attack became increasingly impatient after squandering possession at an alarming rate. James Bicknell's third goal being the only bright spot in a worrying period when Stockport fought back to 8-4 at three quarter time.

Spirits were raised when Ben Ransome got on the score sheet to lift the gloom of another afternoon the attacker will want to forget in a hurry. Although Stockport scored again with the best shot of the match, the result was never in doubt when Mr fake Ben 'Denzil' Dennison sneaked in for his first goal of the match. Dennison was later to loose half a tooth in an ugly incident when a Stockport player charged at him head first, spearing him below the helmet visor. Stockport's culture of needless violence seems to permeate throughout the club and player safety is not helped by officials such as Phillip Long not willing to even give a foul. None the less Cheadle Hulme recorded a 10-5 victory, which combined with defeats for Norbury and Ashton means the men in black sit proudly at the top of the Third Division.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 12th November 2005

Brooklands Hulmeians 'A' vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

Cheadle Hulme travelled to Brooklands on Saturday hoping to extend their winning run against Hulmieans. The match could not have started better for the visitors with Mark Boyle scoring inside the first minute from a fast break set up by Chris Peacock winning the opening face-off. Cheadle Hulme quickly struck again through Chris Campbell, who made a good impression in his first full game for the club since moving across the pennines in the summer. Hulme held their two-goal advantage well into the second period, as Brooklands stuck to their ultra patient brand of lacrosse that they are known for. Even when the home side did score, Cheadle Hulme still looked comfortable as they continued to look the more threatening side.

In what is becoming a reoccurring theme this season, the men in black look for bizarre ways to shoot themselves in the foot when they are getting into a strong position. To continue the trend Chris Peacock and keeper Musrie conjured up a classic piece of keystone cops action to gift Brooklands an equaliser. On a slow clear, with plenty of time and space, Midi Peacock decided that from the many options open to him, his best bet would be to try a wild underarm sling back into his own crease. Keeper Musrie who was obviously expecting a more conventional clear up field, was not able to clamp the ball before a Brooklands attacker flicked the ball into the net. Encouraged by what they had just witnessed, Brooklands began to play with greater conviction, scoring two more goals without reply in a poor second quarter for the visitors, when the ball was wasted on countless occasions. In the absence of leading scorer Gary Thompson and feeder James Bicknell, Cheadle Hulme lacked the firepower to trouble their well-organised opponents.

In the third quarter the visitors did slowly recover with first Ben Dennison nicking in for a goal before Chris Peacock equalised with his first goal of the season coming from a low rasping shot. After several wild attempts at his trademark sidearm sling shot, Mark Boyle finally delivered a goal to give Hulme a slender advantage going into the last quarter.

In a tense final period Brooklands equalised only for Tim Sayers to restore the visitors lead before scores were levelled once more. With 2 minutes 30 seconds on the clock, the scores 6-6 and Brooklands a man down for two minutes Hulme called a time out. In such situations the time honoured tactic is to hold the ball until the last 20 seconds before attempting to get a shot off, with the comfort of knowing that if the shot is saved there is insufficient time for your opponents to score, thus guaranteeing a minimum of a draw. After only a few seconds, on receiving the ball Mark Boyle decided to defy lacrosse wisdom and go for glory himself. Unfortunately glory doesn't usually come from limp shots at the keeper's chest and the ball was quickly cleared down field before Brooklands scored the winning goal. The result was a major disappointment to lose by one goal after triumphing in recent close matches.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 5th November 2005

Timperley 'A' vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

Cheadle Hulme were away to everyone's favourite team Timperley on Saturday looking to continue their recent good run of form. Matches at the Stockport Road ground are always difficult but when Timperley supply both referees and their first team don't have a fixture things can become very tough for visiting sides as Cheadle Hulme were well aware.

In a tight first quarter Hulme twice took the lead from Sayers and Thompson only for Timperley to twice level the scores before Kevin Ruddock scored for the second week running to give the visitors a slender 3-2 lead at the first break.

The men in black dominated the second quarter as they fought hard for every ground ball, keeping the pressure on a temperamental Timperley side. This was typified by Kevin Ruddock holding off three home players to win a ground ball and set up Gary Thompson who blasted home just after the restart. An inspired Cheadle Hulme side quickly added other goals from Tim Sayers and two from Mr Versatile himself Mark Love, who this week was playing in attack after recent outings in defence.

The Timperley side and their home referees were determined that Cheadle Hulme would not have it all their own way, as the game was even more competitive in the third quarter. Hulme were able to stand firm in the face of a Timperley onslaught, and was largely due to fine defending from Guy Lansbury and Mike White. This was likely to be Mike White's last game before spending a year in South Korea, and the defender will be sorely missed after some outstanding performances this season.

Both sides scored twice in the third quarter to maintain Hulme's advantage at 9-4, with the visitor's strikes coming from James Bicknell and Tim Sayers.

Hulme chose the final quarter to indulge in their now weekly session of Hare Kari lacrosse. Having a keeper that can carry the ball forward and set up attacks is usually an advantage, but when the same keeper wants to take things further and attempt to beat the opposition defence it can go horribly wrong. That is exactly what happened when Cheadle Hulme keeper Dave Musrie lost the ball in the opposition's half, trying to go round a third defender with several team mates free in front of goal. Conceding one goal in this manner is bad enough but to do it twice in ten minutes is beyond belief. Panic then set in amongst the Cheadle Hulme ranks as Timperley stormed back to 10-7 with four minutes left. Only after a time-out did the visitors regain any composure to hold on for a deserved win after Ben Ransome sneaked round the back to score in the last minute. The 11-7 victory is Hulme's fourth on the trot, making them the form team of the division with the goals coming from; Gary Thompson 3, Tim Sayers 3, Mark Love 2, James Bicknell, Ben Ransome and Kevin Ruddock.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 29th October 2005

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Rochdale 'A'

Cheadle Hulme returned to action on Saturday when they hosted Rochdale in the North of England Third Division. For the first time this season Hulme started far brighter than their opponents as they raced into a 3-0 lead with less than ten minutes played. The fact that all three goals came from the stick of Ben Ransome was all the more astonishing. Unable to come to terms with what they were witnessing the rest of the Cheadle Hulme side fell to pieces as the three goal lead was turned into a 4-3 deficit early in the second quarter.

Gradually the home side recovered their composure to take the lead with another three goal burst, which with apparent danger man Ransome heavily marked, the goals were supplied by more regular scorers Thompson, Dennison and Sayers. A young and energetic Rochdale side continued to compete hard and pulled the score back to 6-5 before Hulme reasserted their dominance with a nicely finished goal from reluctant midfielder Boyle and a second goal from Gary Thompson. The highlight of the third quarter was a goal from the much-improved Kevin Ruddock who ran on to a feed from Ben Dennison to fire the ball into the top corner for a well deserved goal.

Chris Peacock had another fine performance at centre as the men in black slowly took control of the game. Tim Sayers added his second goal of the match after spending much of the afternoon trying to beat the keeper from nearly the half way line or missing simple chances when one on one with the keeper. Ben Dennison also entered two contenders for miss of the season with some classic fumbling in front of goal, with one particularly special moment when the attacker beat three defenders with fakes before dropping the ball at the keeper's feet.

Cheadle Hulme wrapped up and 11-8 victory with the goals coming from Ransome 4, Thompson 2, Sayers 2, Ruddock 1, Boyle 1 and Dennison 1.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 15th October 2005

Sheffield University vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

On Saturday Cheadle Hulme made the long trip over the peninies to Sheffield to play a typically energetic University side. The match started at a hectic pace with both sides putting in plenty of effort for little reward. When the deadlock was eventually broken it was no surprise that it was from a fast break that Cheadle Hulme's Gary Thompson scored after keeper Dave Musrie had carried the ball the length of the field. Sheffield responded with a couple of goals to show that this was going to be a closely contested match.

In the second quarter the visitors started to get on top partly due to Chris Peacock dominating at centre. Mark Love returning to attacking duties finished a nice move before Tim Sayers added to the scoring. With Ben Denison scoring a hat trick and pulling the strings in attack Hulme moved into an 8-4 half time lead.

Coasting to an easy win is never in the Cheadle Hulme manual as, instead of building up a lead with some controlled lacrosse, the men in black went for 15 minutes of chaos which saw the University pull things back to 8-7. Some bizarre refereeing and needless send offs gave the students plenty of man up situations which they capitalised upon.

Hulme recovered their composure to edge 9-7 in front through Ben Ransome's first goal of the season. Again Hulme lost their composure with captain Steve Pollock putting through his own net after a tame flick back bamboozled keeper Musrie.

With just two minutes on the clock scores were level at nine all. Although Cheadle Hulme had the advantage of possession nothing could be taken for granted after an afternoon of kamikaze lacrosse. When play recommenced after a time out Ben Ransome evaded his marker to feed to Gary Thompson who powered in an important goal and his fifth of the match. After some desperate defending Hulme again cleared up field for Ben Denison to settle things with a deciding goal with 10 seconds remaining. Hulme travelled home in good spirits after a nerve gangling 11-9 win.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 8th October 2005

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Ashton-U-Lyne

Cheadle Hulme entertained old rivals Ashton at Ladybridge Road on Saturday in what promised to be a fiercely contested match. For the first half goals were hard to come by as both defences dominated proceedings. After a gritty first quarter Hulme had only a Tim Sayers goal to show for their efforts as they trailed at the first break 2-1. The home side gained more possession in the second quarter with Chris Peacock outclassing his opposite number at centre and RAF airman Joe Gallagher flying up and down the pitch to turn defence into attack in an impressive debut. The men in black got on terms with another well taken Sayers goal to leave the half time scores tied at 2-2.

Ashton appeared to run out of steam in the third quarter, as they couldn't match the running of the home side. Cheadle Hulme spirits were lifted when Ben Dennison faked half the Ashton defence before slotting home a smart goal. Veteran warhorse Gary 'Tommo' Thompson blasted in three goals and Mark Boyle helped himself to a hat trick without actually moving from the same spot all match.

With the match less physical than previous Ashton vs Cheadle Hulme encounters, attack man turned axe man Mark Love aka Pud took it upon himself to increase hostilities with some agricultural checking. Next weeks opponents will be glad that Mike White is likely to return to the defence.

Captain of vice Tim Sayers took his match total to four goals in what was a welcome return to form for the midfielder. Cheadle Hulme played some sweet lacrosse in a fine second half performance, which saw them run out 11-3 winners.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 1st October 2005

Cheadle 'B' vs Cheadle Hulme 1st

Cheadle Hulme made the short journey to Cheadle on Saturday in search of their first points in the North of England third division. From the outset the match was largely end-to-end lacrosse with Hulme in particular unable to hold the ball in attack for very long.
The absence of some key attack players for the visitors was very evident from the start as Cheadle Hulme's attack and midfielders carried very little goal threat.
The fact that the half time score was only 3-1 to the home side was largely down some fine defending from Mike White, Steve Pollock and Guy Lansbury making an impressive return to the first team after a season out through injury. The Cheadle Hulme goal had an element of good fortune as the Cheadle keeper pushed a weak Mark Love shot into his own net. With Cheadle dominating at face and generally controlling midfield, pressure mounted on the visitors. Cheadle steadily increased their lead in the third quarter as some inept attack play meant Hulme were constantly having to defend.

With the result largely settled Cheadle Hulme rallied a little in the final quarter with a solo goal from James Bicknell and Tim Sayers netting from a well worked man up play. Cheadle meanwhile continued to create openings at the other end and completed a fairly comprehensive 12-3 victory over Cheadle Hulme.

Steve Pollock

Saturday 24th September 2005

Cheadle Hulme 1st vs Norbury

Cheadle Hulme began their third division campaign with a home fixture with newly relegated Norbury. As both sides felt their way back into competitive action, the initial exchanges were tense, with plenty of positive attacking play by both sides failing to yield a goal. After what seemed an eternity, Norbury eventually broke the deadlock with a well worked goal. Not to be out done, Cheadle Hulme hit back just before the end of the quarter with an equalizing goal from Ben "Denzil" Dennison on his return to lacrosse after an absence of seven years.

The second quarter did not go well for the home side as Norbury took full advantage of the many man-up situations offered to them by some naive play by the Ladybridge Road side. Norbury's greater control and discipline in attack allowed them to forge into a 5-1 lead at half time.

With his side desperately needing inspiration to get back into a match that seemed to be slipping away from them, Cheadle Hulme skipper Steve Pollock steamed up from the back to score with a looping shot that confused everyone. With Norbury still in a state of shock, the men in black soon added another Dennsion goal to be only two behind. The contest became more frantic as both sides traded goals. After two further goals from Ben Dennison in an inspired come back match and one from the ever enthusiastic Mark Love aka "Pud" Hulme got to within one goal at 6-7.

Although Kevin Ruddock did some good work at face, the home midfield had an unbalanced feel about it and too many needless penalties ultimately cost the home side. Even a late Tim Sayers goal couldn't prevent Cheadle Hulme going down 9-7. Cheadle Hulme travel to Cheadle next week in search of their first win.

Steve Pollock