Page 42 - Real Rochdale Issue 14 Summer 2022

Rochdale Lacrosse win

David Beesley Cup

after unbeaten season

Following an outstanding season for Rochdale’s Men’s Lacrosse first team - in which they won
every game - the pressure was on to make it a perfect season in the David Beesley Cup Final, which
they won 13-8 in a hard-fought game against Poynton on Saturday 23 April.

Rochdale’s first team currently boasts a number of young players who are making their presence
felt, including newcomer Josh Clegg, for whom this was his first season playing senior lacrosse - he
will be very pleased with his performance after scoring twice.

18-year-old Peter Day, whose physicality and athleticism was a constant thorn in the side of
Poynton, also deserves mention as does an imperious performance from midfielder Daniel
Madeley, who won the majority of face-offs and probably had the best take-out of the game with a
clean bull-dodge whilst transitioning into the attacking half. He looks to be in fine form going into
the upcoming World Games in the USA, where he will represent England.

Photos: Pauline Journeaux

Veteran goalkeeper Matt Croney showed the crowd that lacrosse is a game of incredible skill with
a flurry of saves and pinpoint distribution of the ball, giving Rochdale an advantage at the back.

Experienced former England international and club captain Glenn Humphreys lead his side
decisively and contributed one of the most spectacular goals of the game, with a shot to the
bottom corner from a considerable distance, one of five well-taken goals.

At the back there was a great display of defensive spirit from Matthew Taylor and Josh Croney,
whose proactive approach to defending made the Poynton attackers think carefully about their
tactics.

Nathan Madeley was a dependable rock at the heart of the Rochdale defence.

Defensive players also contributed to the Rochdale score with three goals.

Three further goals came from Aaron Duckworth and Joe Longley, who used their experience to
provide a solid supporting framework for the younger players in the team.

England international Alex Halliday scored a brace and he will join Daniel Madley in the England
squad as international teams begin to gear up for the sport’s inclusion in the next Olympic games
as a showcase sport leading to full Olympic recognition four years later.

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