Wilmslow and Hampstead Gunning to be champions of Europe
| Published: 3rd October 2008 10:23 |
By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)ENGLISH clubs Wilmslow and Hampstead fly to Germany today to compete in the inaugural European Lacrosse Federation Men's Champions Cup.
Winners of an unprecedented four major titles last season, Wilmslow have taken a strong 17-man squad with them to Hamburg to compete in this season's exciting five-team event, which runs from today and concludes on Sunday.
Hampstead, the southern Senior Flags and UK Lacrosse Premier Division winners from last season, have also taken a strong squad with them as they look to win the overall prize and exact revenge for defeat against Wilmslow in last season's combined Iroquois Cup and Wilkinson Sword winner-takes-all play-off.
German league champions Hamburg Warriors, this year's hosts, Dutch domestic champions Rotterdam Jaguars and Czech league champions LC Jizni Mesto completes the star-studded line-up, as some of the best teams in Europe go head-to-head for the Champions Cup.
"We don't what the standard is going to be like, but we're really looking forward to it," Clive Perrin, the Wilmslow chairman, said.
"People have been talking about a European Champions Cup for some time, so it's great that the event is now on the calendar."
All five teams will play four group matches, with the top two finishes set to contest this season's showcase final on Sunday afternoon (2.30pm).
Three points are on offer for a win and one point for a draw so, understandably, Perrin is looking his side to win as many games as possible.
"It sounds pretty obvious that we want to win all games, but if we drew four games then we might not qualify for the final," added Perrin.
"Our objective is get into the final, it doesn't matter whether we finish first or second in the group."
Wilmslow will be without the Mountney brothers, John and Chris, as well as Tommy Foster, but Perrin is confident his club have a strong enough squad to win the competition.
"We've not got our strongest team and the schedule is going to be quite demanding on Saturday with four games and not much rest, but we're going to rotate players.
"Hampstead will be out for our scalp, I don't think they were happy we beat them in the Iroquois Cup and Wilkinson Sword play-off."
Wilmslow have postponed tomorrow's scheduled Men's North of England League Premier Division clash with Heaton Mersey until later in the season, while Hampstead will miss the opening weekend of the Men's South of England UK Lacrosse Premier Division season, which starts tomorrow (Saturday 4th October).
Hampstead were due to host Swansea Hawks in their opening match as they look to defend the domestic title they won so handsomely last term, beating Purley to the title by five points with 15 wins and a draw from 16 matches.
This season's tournament kicks off tonight (8pm) with Hamburg Warriors against LC Jizni Mesto, with nine further games scheduled for Saturday.
Wilmslow face Rotterdam Cougars in their opening group match tomorrow (9am), while Hampstead open up against Hamburg at 10.15am.
View the full schedule of this weekend's event here
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