Mid week the fixtures came in and our A team had been pitted against Timperley A for the second time in two weeks. Not the ideal opposition we wanted for the last game of the season which put pressure on the boys and management to finish the league season unbeaten.

With the onset of Easter Holidays we were already down to 10 of the A team hardcore available, so needed to recruit a B team player to help out as sub. It was an easy decision that 7 year old George Shonfeld should step up to see if his goal scoring success in the B team games could cross over to the tougher A team games. We knew it was going to be tough but felt confident we could give Timperley a game. Then if things weren't hard enough the text came through that every manager dreads, our stall wart between the post Will Macdonald was sick. Now down to 10 men, no goalie, no subs it was going to be an uphill battle.

Things didn't look great!
The game on astro, away to Timperley, no goalie, a 7 year old and no subs.

Without any complaining Ben Tipping stepped up and went in goal. The game started and there were none of the usual nerves. While Mellor struggled to win the face off the newly formed defence of Josh Haining, Nick Hughes and Josh Poke jelled instantly keeping Timperley's attack out of the tight Mellor zone and while Timperley had plenty of possession they found it tough to break through. At the other end of the pitch goals from Daniel Jones and Sam Griffiths made for a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Timperley started the second quarter strong and after another goal from Daniel Jones Timperley's number 40 pulled one back. With the score 3-1 and no option for any tactical substitutions Mellor pressed on and it was time to see if Mellor's new number 5 George Shonfeld could step up. With a quick pass from mid field to George on the crease he didn't need a second chance and bounced his first A team goal into the back of the net. At the other end of the pitch Andy's decision to put Ben Tipping in goal proved a wise one with him making a number of crucial saves to keep Timperley's goals down to 1. At the other end Sam Griffiths hypnotised the Timperley goalie with a number of fakes before slotting in another to make it 5-1 at the end of the first half.

The third quarter started well for Timperley with a quick goal to bring the score to 5-2. Following excellent defensive work from our trio of Josh Haining, Nick Hughes and Josh Poke all making a number of crucial turnovers which allowed the quick legs of Josh Pink to get the ball back into the Timperley half and Mellor's senior attackers to come into their own with goals from Drew Bickerton, 2 from Josh Pink and 2 more from Sam Griffiths along with another from George Shonfled. Timperley answered with a couple but Mellor now had a commanding lead of 11-3 at the end of the third quarter. The 4th quarter was one of the best 15 minutes of lacrosse we've seen this year from Mellor with no less than 9 Mellor goals to Timperley's 2. Joe Hussey delivered a couple of his signature goals with excellent takes and shots on the move & with the other 7 goals spread across most of the attack and midfield. A special mention must go to 7 year old George Shonfeld who looked as though he'd played in his new team all season along with Nick Hughes for handling his role in defence fantastically.

An outstanding performance from Ben Tipping in goal showed what a well drilled squad of players Mellor have had this season and regardless of who's away, ill or playing up for the U14's the squad as a whole are capable of filling any gaps.

What looked like a tough fixture at the beginning of the day turned in to one of Mellor's most comfortable wins and a fantastic end to the season. With the Cup only 3 weeks away things are looking good.

Thats Mellor's U12's unbeaten in the league for the last two seasons.

Final score Mellor 20 Timperley 5

man of the match Ben Tipping

Final stats

Goals
Sam Griffiths 6
Josh S Pink 4
Daniel Jones 4
George Shonfeld 3
Joe Hussey 2
Drew Bicketon 1