What a day! After some very exciting matches on the pitches (see below), the Maryland Express and Timperley teams had a wonderful farewell party. Appreciation and warm wishes abounded as Sarah Hawksley and Scott McKelvie each spoke on behalf of their respective groups. Everyone recognized the amazing amount of hard work it has taken on both sides of the pond to create such an incredible experience for the players. It is a time that no one will soon forget. The afternoon included a terrific barbeque with desserts and even some inflatables for the kids on the pitch.
To celebrate the Timperley Club's 40th anniversary with lacrosse, MDX presented a picture of the entire boys and girls' teams, framed and signed by each player and coach. The party culminated with the gift of photos for each of the American players -- so you can be sure to see a glimpse of the fun we all have had during this terrific tour.
Now, onto the games. The U14 team did well and beat the Timperley team for a complete sweep of the festival. On the girls' side, the Timperley team came out strong, running with a 3 - nil lead in the first quarter, which led to a rally and goals on both sides for a 7 to 5 MDX lead at half. The MDX team went onto score a series of goals for the win of 17 to 5, making them undefeated for the tour.
On the U16 boys' side, it was another close one. With a tie at the end of regulation, the game went into overtime with a sudden death goal for the win! It was an all-American sweep, with all three MDX teams winning all of their games.
BUT!!! The true action came a bit later, when the boys played the girls in an unprecedented grudge match. There has been a bit of trash talking about this game, and the stakes were high (bragging rights!). The rules were that the players would follow girls' rules, using girls' sticks. The boys were relentless in their showboating but were abruptly stopped by the smaller pocket and skills of the girls. The boys were true gentlemen (well, almost!) -- they would go for the check, and then stop short when they remembered they were playing with the girls. But of course, they also continued to try to keep moving after before the whistle, and kept going into the crease. In the end who won, even in an enduring rainstorm? Why, the girls, of course, by a lot!!! (hee hee hee...not that this blogger is biased or anything.)
It's been a great evening. Some last minute packing and socializing are happening this evening, and then we meet tomorrow morning at 7am for the bus to the airport.
Thanks for reading the blog! Hope you enjoyed it!! Missie
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