Tennessee Wesleyan College UK Tour 2011

Poynton hosted American Tennessee Lacrosse team, Tennessee Wesleyan College, on the 8 day UK tour. Playing their first game at Wilmslow Lacrosse Club on 2nd August against a strong Poynton/Wilmslow select team. What a game the small, but keen, crowd witnessed, with the home team narrowly securing a win by one goal scored in over-time.

The second game, played at Poynton Lacrosse Club on Thursday 4th August against a strong Poynton team. After an early surge of scoring in the first quarter by the Poynton squad, taking a 3-1 lead, the visitors started to reform their tactics and by the end of the second quarter Poynton kept their 2 goal lead at 7-5. The end of the 3rd quarter saw Tennessee take a 2 goal lead. The 4th quarter Poynton’s attack got their act together finishing off a 3 goal spree Poynton took the lead with just 54 seconds left on the clock. On the final whistle, following this excellent exciting game, both teams and supporters retired to the clubhouse to mix, mingle, eat and drink and swap stories of what might have been, if only … , if only ….. etc etc

The third, and last game, of the tour, at Wilmslow LC was against a Poynton/Wilmslow Under 19 select team. Although the average age of the core of the Poynton/Wilmslow was just 18 years, with Tennessee’s average age was some 4 years older the small crowd witnessed, on balance, a keen and hard fought game. The final score being 3-15 did not reflect the high level of skill and effort displayed by the young Poynton/Wilmslow side. As this was the last game of the series presentations were made to Head Coach, Kevin Parker, of a unique hand made wooden plate suitable inscribed, presentations were also made to the match officials. Kevin presented both Poynton and Wilmslow clubs with gifts and souvenirs’ for display at their respective clubs. Then followed the usual hospitality, yes, eat and drink !! thus followed with great gusto.

The real winners of the series of games was not the results but the way that the games were played, in a great spirit of sportsmanship and enjoyment, the real winner was the sport of Lacrosse.

Bon voyage Tennessee Wesleyan College, it has been a great pleasure to have met up with you and thoroughly enjoyed your time with us, till we meet again ...............

Pictures can be seen on our Facebook gallery page and also on Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs Lacrosse web site

 

Graham Edmunds
Chairman
Poynton Lacrosse Club