Last Saturday was a groundbreaking moment for SEMLA as they resurrected the Southern Counties Tournament. This competition pitted 10 regions from the South of England against each other to find out who was crowned the 2011 Southern Counties Champs. TopJLax stopped by to check out some of the action at Reading and find out which county came out on top. We also shared some cake with ELF President Peter Mundy... it was his 82nd birthday!

Talking with Peter Mundy he mentioned that the idea to re-establish the annual tournament is in direct reflection to the growth of the game in the South, particularily in the University game that has been feeding the clubs of the South. With sufficient numbers and variety of locations now playing the game, 10 regions were establish and pitted against each other in 20 minute match-ups (2 x 10 minute halfs). With two divisions operating a points system for wins and goals scored, the top four teams at the end of the day (West Glamorgan, Sussex, Hertfordshire and Greater London) faced off in the playoffs.

Playoff results from the day:

Semi Finals

Sussex 1 : 0 Hertfordshire
West Glamorgan 1 : Greater London 10

Final

Greater London 6 : 1 Sussex

In Semi Final number one a resolute Sussex squad (with East Grinstead, and a few Brighton/Blues players) took down Hertfordshire (Hitchin/Welwyn) in a defensive match up. In the second Greater London (Hillcroft / Spencer/London Uni) blasted West Glamorgan (Cardiff et. al) with some up-down transition lacrosse. In the final Tournament MvP Zak Jordan (Hillcroft / Greater London) helped himself to 3 goals as they defeated Sussex to be crowned Southern Counties Champs 2011. He was presented with a picture from Northern Soul Sportswear to mark his achievement.

One of the more interesting points to note that emerged from the day was the idea that this tournament might provide a feeder system for the South Squad that enters the British National Championships. Seems logical to us @ TopJ... get the counties to compete, and the star players from each squad can be molded into a South Team.

Tufts Lacrosse were the surprise package of 2010, and their route to the DIII Championship game is detailed in glorious technicolor in the video after the jump. Kudos to Coach Dave for finding the video that shares with us the trials and tribulations of playing on a college team and the journey to playing on Championship weekend in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium. For those of us who have played at any level in the UK, this is a wonderful insight into how it's done on the other side of the pond. 

In 1989 Syracuse defeated Johns Hopkins by a score of 13-12. The game was played at Byrd Stadium, on the campus of the University of Maryland. The victory gave the Orangemen their second of three consecutive national title... and the game featured a few players who've gone on to make a successful career in the Lacrosse world, names like Dave Pietremala, Quint Kessenich and the Gait brothers. We found a rare tape video featuring some of the game...

What's great about this video is how old school it all looks,... look at those short shorts, the bucket helmets, the sticks. Not only that but the game is so different to the modern game, and yet so similar at the same time. To think it's over 20 years ago that this game was being played, starts to make you appreciate how far the sport has come in that time. Who knows what the Lacrosse landscape in the UK will look like in two decades.

Dave Ryan does a segment on the 1989 Syracuse Orange team here

For those people who know me it will be no surprise that I have taken it upon myself to write you all an article about injury prevention. This season has been a bit of a nightmare for me, with one injury after another. I would imagine that I only played in around 60% of the games and had to withdraw before the end in a few of those. However, if I had just stuck to some sensible lifting and rehabilitation practices i'm sure I would have been able to play a full season's worth of games, as well as being able to lift all year round.

There's some advice, a load of great videos and a few links after the jump.

Rotator Cuff problems

These are unbelievably common, as the shoulder is an extremely mobile joint, but also one that can become inflamed, torn etc through overuse and poor gym work. It can lead to serious long-term problems that will not only put a stop to your lacrosse career, but will also keep you up at night with aching and stop you being able to do simple tasks like putting shopping away in shelves that are high up.

- Limit pressing movements. Sure, we all want to be awesome on the bench press, but the imbalances that constantly bench pressing/shoulder pressing/dumbell pressing creates will lead to immobility and shoulder impingement, which will significantly damage long-term shoulder health.

- Strengthening and mobility exercises. My particular favorite is in this video below, perform it each time you do some pressing:

- Rest. If you're shoulders feel sore, do not press through the pain. Can't stress this enough.

Balance

Consider balance as a legitimate training goal. Now I don't mean constantly stand on a frickin' Bosu ball and wiggle your hips, I mean seriously think about muscle imbalances in your body and how to address them.

Muscle imbalances are incredibly common, whether it is your chest over your back leading to a hunched posture, or your quads over your hamstrings leading to real potential to strain and pull your hamstrings whilst attempting to sprint, or biceps over triceps which leads to your arms being constantly bent at the elbow and can lead to 'Tennis Elbow' type problems.

Bodybuilders make it a large goal of theirs to achieve perfect balance between muscle groups, and whilst i'm not saying that we should idolize the training undertaken from those weird, fake-tanned Arnie wannabees, they are definitely onto something when thinking about balance. It will keep you in proportion and healthy.

Here's a good few ways to correct the most common of imbalances as mentioned above:

- Chest over Back. This is very, very common, and is a problem derived from a combination of over-using pressing movements and sitting in a chair, hunched over a computer screen for 12-hours-a-day. Some trainers will recommend that you go as far as to do 4 pull exercises for every one press exercise, but I think it's more down to the individual. Some good ways to add size to your back and bring those shoulders back at the same time include Bent Over Row, Kroc Rows, Deadlifting, pull ups (they're for winners) and, as a way to really attack your posterior delts, the face pull, as demonstrated in the video below:

- Quads over hamstrings: This is common because your quads have a tendency to become dominant from performing lots of squats. Now i'm sure some of you are thinking "oh great, I knew there was a reason I don't squat, suck it dude", and if you are let me advise you right now: you are a chump and when you do encounter someone on the field who does perform this exercise they are going to run straight over your weak-ass. Good ways to counter this imbalance are: Glute-Ham raises and stiff-leg/Bulgarian deadlifts (as seen below):

- Biceps over Triceps: This is so common because you are all convinced that girls dig big guns. It's true, but once you realise that your triceps take up a much larger area of your upper arm than your biceps you will want to remedy this issue as well. My favorites for hitting triceps: Tight grip bench, dips and skull crushers (featured):

Stretch and Foam Roll

Rather than talk you though why, i'm just going to post a load of really good videos which will talk you though a load of good exercises to keep you loose and help you stay mobile and flexible:

- Pec Flexibility

Hip Mobility/ dynamically warming up your legs:

And upper body:

I'm going to finish this article here, as it's already massive and I doubt that you guys will take in all this info.

If I could leave you with one last tip, it would be to listen to your body. I'm not a new-agey type guy, I just mean that in the sense that there are going to be some days when you are going to be able to kill it in the gym and on the field, and there will be some days when you just don't have it going on. Don't kill yourself to be 100% everytime, sometimes your CNS is telling you to slow down for a reason. Don't be a pussy, but don't risk spending a season on the sidelines either.

Train hard, train smart.

Coach Dave.

The boys in green from Exeter have come onto our radar a few times in the last year, so we decided it was about time we checked in with them properly, especially after their stellar season winning the BUCS Southern Premiership, and their SEMLA team sitting in 3rd in Zenith West 2. University Lax is where the game is currently growing the most, and we thought we'd find out how it was rockin' down in the South West... hey they've even got surf there no?

TopJLax was able to grab hold of Alex Wilby, Club Captain and first team player for a little chat on the subject of all things Green. 

TopJLax: Hi Alex, welcome to TopJLax - how are you doing today?

Alex Wilby: Im not bad thanks, glad to be talking to you guys, Im a big fan of the website.

TopJLax: Well thanks very much, appreciate it. We're hoping we can do our bit...tell us about your role within the Exeter Lacrosse Club...

AW: I'm Club Captain (President) for the 2010/11 season.  Basically the guy who gets mad when we lose 20 balls in a training session and has to go buy new ones.  Last year I was social sec, which was a great job, organising the socials after BUCS fixtures and the savage but fun Christmas and end of Season Dinners.

TopJLax: You've had a pretty succesful season, reaching the quarterfinals of the Men's Championship where you fell to Sheffield Hallam 10:2, what would you attribute this success down to?

AW: It's been an incredible season for us.  This time last year I would never have believed we could have won the (BUCS) Southern Premiership.  I know there's a belief that there is a big divide in standard between the North and South but i really think this year the (BUCS) Southern Prem was the most exciting league, with the top spot being uncertain until the very end.  Sheffield Hallam was a disappointing game for us, especially for the final year players as it was their final BUCS game for the University. However on the day we were certainly beaten by the better team, they stopped us playing our game and punished us clinically whenever we made mistakes. It certainly showed us that we cannot afford to make unforced errors when you play against those teams or its going to be a long game.

We were very lucky this year with the appointment of a Director of Lacrosse at the University. Dan Aas was brought in from North America to coach both the Women's and Men's 1st Teams.  He made training sessions more frequent (including the addition of a 7.30 am monday slot for the guys), as well as more professional.  Many teams we've played against have commented on our ability to look after the ball in offence which can really frustrate them.  Our defence have also been pretty solid all year, with all 3 d-poles being seniors.  They worked fantastically as a group and made the midfielder's life alot easier when getting back to defend.

TopJLax: With Durham's recent introduction of Northern American experience, seems like there is a trend for this beginning! What was the most memorable game of the 2010/2011 BUCS Season for you?

AW: Without a shadow of a doubt our last game of the league against Warwick.  The game had been postponed a few times for various reasons and was finally re-scheduled to be played on our Rubber Crumb on a Sunday night.  We had lost to them 11 days before away, and so were really fired up.  We had to win by 4 to win the league. if we won by less than 4 we'd come 2nd and if we lost we'd come 3rd.  Fortunately a pretty big crowd showed up to get behind us and we came out winning 7-2.  The game was seriously intense, with our skip Tom Podd putting his body on the line so much he had to leave the field coughing blood after a particularly fast outside shot caught him in the ribs.  It was obviously a pretty special game in itself, but being under floodlights and infront of all our friends made it incredible.

TopJLax: Hey we certainly appreciate a show here, and floodlights adds to the glamour. Aside from BUCS, Exeter plays in the SEMLA leagues as well, how does that work within the club?

AW: We use the SEMLA league to develop the freshers amongst some of the first team players.  In my first year we used to be on the end of some pretty ugly results, for example my first game of Lacrosse finished around 30-1 against us, but I learnt more in that one game than 5 training sessions taught me.  Last year we developed a pretty bad rep for cancelling games, partly due to a our awful pitch, and partly due to a lack of enthusiasm by senior players to reschedule the fixtures.  This year I really wanted to change that and we have made all the fixtures we could (although we still cant change the fact our pitch is a swamp at the best of times).  We've made the Minor Flags final and are currently unbeaten in West 2.  Most importantly though weve seen some real talent come out of the freshers, and so we'll be more confident filtering them into the BUCS team next year.

TopJLax: Key to any University success is the ability to turn athletic young freshers into awesome laxers - tell us more about the system you have in place to encourage this?

AW: We have a Freshers Coach on our committee who runs a session every week with them teaching the basics of lacrosse and he's done a fantastic job.  Coach Aas also goes along to give advice to them individually and help assist the session.  On top of this we hire the Uni gym on Monday mornings 7:30am until 9:00am for them to go and practice wall ball, as its the best way to develop the basics of passing and catching.  In 2nd term they also start coming to the first hour of 1st team training so they can begin playing with the seniors and learning the plays we use.  Coach also does individual sessions with whoever wants them, so for example 3 fresh d-poles go every friday for an hour with him, as they've got some pretty big boots to step into.

TopJLax: That sounds like some serious structured training, we can see why you have such a fast learning curve... On the other hand every UK University looks out for new recruits who've had previous Lacrosse experience - have you had the benefit of this at all?

AW: We're a University which gets very few recruits with previous experience, although it can be partially down to luck.  Bristol for example I think have been pretty fortunate recently, whereas somewhere like Warwick have only got 1 as far as Im aware. [TopJ - Warwick are another programme well known for their fresher development] Currently we have one guy who played when very young, and our Goalie, 'The Badger', [TopJ - Nima Barzin previously of Reading Lacrosse Club] who played South u'19.  We were extremely lucky this year to have recruited him, as our 1st team goalie left last year and we didnt have another!  He has put some incredible performances in this season.

TopJLax: Tell us about the Lacrosse scene and lifestyle at Exeter University... have you guys got some flow?

AW: We're a mixed club, and so have socials every week with the girls as well.  This year saw the most amount of members in the club with 240, and we get around 60 people each week to come on Wednesday nights.  Weve got some guys who think they're flow, but there are some who really let the side down.  Our faceoff man Nick Kempster insists on training in Scotland rugby shots, due to some link between his sister and one of their players. [TopJ - Dude that guy needs a session with Flowseph!] Last year we made one of our captains a flow bucket using a bicycle helmet from halfords for a christmas present, Con Bro Chill would be proud.

TopJLax: Nice! A Flowbeacoup - good work dudes! After graduation, any players within the club looking to continue post University? Have you got potential clubs in mind?

AW: We've only got one guy who has gone on to play, at Spencer.  I think this year a fair few of us would like to go into a club.  We like how Warwick have all gone onto Hillcroft together, and we'd like to do something similiar.  Hillcroft have some pretty sick kit now [TopJ - Those guys have some flow], but my girlfriend lives in Wandsworth so I may go to Spencer (purely so she can drive me to training, im not whipped...).

TopJLax: Where will Exeter Lacrosse be in 2 years, and what's the aim?

AW: I know some people from the Lacrosse scene think now we've got an American Coach the next step is to get a bunch of American players.  Although it would be nice to get 1 or 2, our AU wouldnt be able to offer them exciting scholarships and personally I want our team to be homegrown talent.  I'd like to see more people from clubs go to Exeter, and help bring on freshers who are new to the game.  We've started going into local schools to get the game known and would like to create an actual city side with the help of the ELA.   On the pitch, I want the club to be competing for the top spot in the Southern Prem, and to make the final four or even the final of the cup.

Top Row (L-R): Dan Aas (Coach), Nick Kempster, Alex Wilby (Me), George Stinton, Ali McMaster, Kurt Higgins, Austin Kettle, Nima Barzin, Tom Loake, James Please
Bottom Row (L-R): Joe Almond, Jim Waite, Jamie Graham, Tom Podd, Jens Halling, Jamie King, John Best, George Kushner

A video from the 2009/10 season... also check out a news report the BBC did on the team here.

We like what the team have done here for an Exeter Lacrosse promotional poster for fresher recruitment...

Cambridge v Oxford is a historic match-up and rivalry. The boat race, rugby at Twickenham,..etc. etc.... and Varsity Lacrosse. In the 95th Varsity match this year, ArchLevel lacrosse was there to catch all the action from the event and produce a video for all those who didn't brave the damp.
Up 10-1 at half time Cambridge withstood an Oxford comeback to win the game 14-9. Having also won SEMLA East Divison One and with a possibility of promotion to the Premiership it's a good time to be a 'Bridge Laxer.

So we suddenly realised we've had a distinct lack of pro long pole players on the site. Call it an oversight, a huge error on our behalf, or whatever, but what better way to kick off than grabbing a chat with legendary player Brett Hughes for a natter about the game?! During our chin wag, we covered such subjects as ArchLevel Lacrosse, Lacrosse The Nations, and our favourite topic of all... good flow. Right on, and read on,... the full interview is after the jump. 

TopJLax: Hi Brett, and welcome to TopJLax, how are you doing today?

Brett Hugues: Doing very well! Can't complain here in Southern California! Hope all is well over the pond!

TopJLax: You played at Virginia, and have now been in the MLL for a number of years... what is it about the sport do you think that has made it grow so exponentially over the last decade?

BH: Its exciting and the culture surronding it is "cool" I believe it is a sport that allows each athlete to excel based on their individual skill set. Big time athletes can showcase that while really heady and quick thinkers can become QBs of team and similar to a spot up 3pt shooter you can learn to be a dangerous outside player and all find a way on the field.

TopJLax: What experience from your student athlete days stands out the most and why?

BH: At UVA I'd have to say my friends from the athletic world at UVA, of course winning the NCAA championship my junior year, and just living in beautiful charlottesville VA. I had so much fun meeting new people and making VA. My home!

TopJLax: So our friends over at ArchLevel Lacrosse - tell us about your connection with them and how you are looking to get involved with the game in the UK?

BH: I am working on a little lacrosse rocktour with the AL group for the end of summer. I couldn't be more excited.. The one thing I love more than lacrosse is travel, meeting new people and making new friends... So I hope when dates get released we can pack my time teaching lax and meeting the people who are growing it over seas. Its a dream come true to mix lax and travel everytime I get to do it I realize how blessed I am!

TopJLax: You'll find us enthusiastic as they come over here... keen to learn the sport. Have you ever been to the UK before? We hosted the World Champs last summer, and pretty good time was had by all...

BH: I have been to Europe and UK. I spent two weeks all over Nov of 2009 with my girlfriend for her Tour. She sang at Borderline and another venue, I love London, had an incredible time in Amsterdam, Germany, Ireland, and Paris. This past year we hit up Italy. I am very excited to spend quality time in the UK as London is as cosmopolitan a city as there is, and the history geek in my lights up in that city.

TopJLax: We've also seen you heavily involved with a great organization called Lacrosse the Nations (http://lacrossethenations.org/) - how did that come about and what have you been involved in with them?

BH: This could be a long answer... I started this with a friend 2 years ago after a trip to a trash dump in Nicaragua called La Chureca. The kids live, work, play, and everything else in a city trash dump and with help from locals and the School of Hope we have started an after school program to help funnel in needed goods while letting the kids play and learn lacrosse as well as simple life skills we learn from sport! Please visit the sight and watch the film we have won a couple of awards for! I am very humbled by what this sport has done.

TopJLax: When you're playing on a tournament team, which puts a host of players with different lacrosse backgrounds together, what's the best way of quickly coordinating a cohesive defensive unit? We ask because this situation closely mirrors the UK game... which is not heavily coached and can often see changing lineups each week with availability/selection...

BH: Defense is communication... You need to be humble and work as a unit 6 good poles doesn't get the job done as if 6 good team players are working together. I think you just need to know your own strengths get basics down (no need to get to complex with schemes) and go out and help one another out! Defense is pretty simple if you are willing to work hard to help one another out!

TopJLax: We saw you were involved with the LXM Pro Tour last year, hosting hollywood attended "Launch Party's"... it's all getting very glamorous these days?!

BH: Hahaha that's a statement not a question right?! I have enjoyed my time with LXM playing with some of my best friends on defense like Brendan Shook, Jimmy Borrel, Ned Bowen, Trey Whitty... Its so much fun because we care about each other and want to do our best... The "glamour" of it is used to get more eyes on the sport... That's how I see it and why I don't get put off with the label. LXM is trying to grow the game... The MLL is too and everyone can win!

TopJLax: We couldn't help but notice that you've sported a variety of different hairstyles over your lacrosse years - what do you think was your greatest flow-ment?

BH: I've been rocking the long hair since 8th grade. When I was in college it was longer than anyone other than Tom Ryan I'd say! I liked my junior year when most of the guys on the team started rocking long hair... Just looks nice to have some lettuce coming out of the bucket. I don't like how nasty some peoples hair is though... Gotta keep it clean gents!

TopJLax: We have our resident UK strength and conditioning expert here on TopJLax: Coach Dave...he's been championing compound exercises as a great way to improve your game off the field. What's your favorite lift and how much importance do you stress on a comprehensive workout schedule?

BH: working out is key to any sport... If you don't lift, stretch, and work on speed you will fall behind! I'd say I'm a believer in hang cleans, squats, and basketball... Those 3 things I will continue to do as long as I play the sport.

TopJLax: Game day here is often viewed by one man and his dog, and can be in harsh winter conditions. Sometimes it's a little difficult to get pumped for a game under these circumstances. How do you get yourself game ready?

BH: I've played plenty of games with no fans, and in the biggest games I forget fans are there... I love playing lacrosse, that's all I need is my equipment. I have fun so what else do I need? I listen to music and go through my pre game stuff that always focuses me, but as far as getting me jacked up to play... Just get me someone with another colored jersey and ill be ready to scrap! I'm hyper competitive so I just like going at it. Ping Pong, Lax, Video games, cards, driving, hell ill text faster than you if you challenge me!

TopJLax: Finally, who's your tip to win a National Championship in 2011?

BH: Come on now UVA! Steele Stanwick is my favorite player so far this year and I am a UVA supporter through and through. Love that Bray Malphrus is officially getting after it on defense! I will say Maryland looks great!

Thanks for hitting me up TopJLax. I look forward to seeing you and all the UK laxers when I make my trip. Please sign up asap so I don't miss you can add extra time so I hit as much as I can. Follow me on Twitter @Brett_Hughes and hit me up on facebook anytime!

...and we're back. Another set of very interesting results on a day of serious showers and lots of mud across the capital. Of course, there were a few one goal games in the mix (when are there not?) and even an upset or two for the fans. We're getting down to the business end of the season where championships are won, and relegation is an imminent prospect. Let's check out what happened this weekend.

EG (4-11) 6 v 7 Hitchin  (4-1-9)

MagicD: A real relegation dogfight this one, that Hitchin will be hugely relieved to have finished up with a win in. With Cardiff's recent resurgence (remember without the points penalty they would be better placed) it's getting very tight amongst Hitchin/EG/Cardiff. Hitchin v Cardiff on March 19th could be huge...

Coach Dave: How telling will this result be at the end of the season.... EG still have that win over Spencer which will go a long way for them, but they're hardly safe. If either EG or Hitchin go down it will be a big shock for the established premiership clubs.

Flowseph: Yeah it seems just yesterday when Hitchin were taking the double...just goes to show what happens when some players move clubs. I personally wouldn't like to see either team go down as they will be right back up next year minus a year of the Prem...aside, it is great to see another well-fought 1-point game...

Hillcroft (8-1-4) 11 v 10 Blues (12 - 2)

MagicD: Well who would have seen this one coming? After a mid season slump, Hillcroft have returned with style and they will be chuffed with an upset over the form team Blues. Blues have only been beaten twice this season, by Reading and now Hillcroft, and should comfortably continue to the title, but they'll have to wait another couple of weeks. Word has it the game was super muddy, tight as you like, with Hillcroft scoring off a man-up pay when tied at 10-10 to close out the game after a late Blues rally. Gotta love the prem.

Coach Dave: Wow. Big game, big result, big performance from Hillcroft. I'm very impressed. Blues will now have to wait a couple of weeks to secure that premiership title, but surely no-one doubts that they will finish off the season with aplomb.

Flowseph: What the hell is 'aplomb'- Coach Dave you're nuts. Anyway this game was 6-2 a the half to Hillcroft, but of course it is never going to be that easy against Blues. Word has it the final quarter score card read Blue, White, Blue, White, Blue, Blue, Blue, White...gotta love the prem!  

Spencer (8-1-6) 7 v 5 Cardiff (4-2-8)

MagicD: Spencer have had some odd results lately, quality wins over Hillcroft and now Cardiff, but dropping a game to EG and drawing with Welwyn. They will be glad to get back on track, in what appears to have been a closer than expected game with Cardiff. With the points penalty almost clawed back, Cardiff need to push on to survive. Gonna be interesting.

Coach Dave: Another tight, low scoring game involving two teams at different ends of the table. The prem has been so competitive this year. Love it.

Flowseph: Spencer showing they are going to ride this one out until the end. By this point it is out of everyone's hands but Blues who ends up winning the prem; only they can mess that one up. But the second spot is up for grabs, undoubtedly with Spencer, Hillcroft, Reading and Hampstead all thinking it belongs to them...  

Reading (8-1-6) 2 v 5 Purley (5-1-9)

MagicD: Have to admit, I did not see this one coming. Reading have been my turn around team of the season, after a dubious start (0-3) they have gone on a serious run culminating in a Flags Final v Blues to come and a lofty position in the league. To drop a game to Purley is unexpected, although in fairness Purley have been playing some solid lacrosse since the Christmas break... build on strong defence. This seems to have been a low scoring encounter - although still struggling to understand how the Reading offense could only conjure up 2 goals. 

Coach Dave: Inside sources at Reading have informed me that as well as missing a few other 1st team players, the Reading LDO's missed their flight back from Tenerife and could not make it to the game. Not ideal. Credit to Purley though: You can only play what's put in front of you. 

Flowseph: Hmm, well one of the LDO's is an LSM so I'm puzzled as to why Reading only conjured up a few goals. At the end of the day guys have got to step up and put points on the board. Props to Purley; after a quiet stat to the season, they have toppled Hillcroft and Reading in close succession- a very solid team that are not to be underestimated.  

Welwyn (5-2-7) 4 v 6 Hampstead (8-1-6)

MagicD: You never know what you are going to get with Hampstead, they have the potential to be explosive, but at other times let you into the game and give you an opportunity. Heard Welwyn led 4-1 at the half, but Hampstead mounted a huge second half comeback off the back of multiple man-up opportunities. Will be frustrating from Welwyn's point of view, to let penalties hurt you in such a way. Sounds like an intriguing encounter.

Coach Dave: Two mid-table teams with nothing left to play for, i'm not sure which Hampstead team showed up so can't really comment. Both have had disappointing seasons and should look to rebuild and regroup in the summer.

Well here is, the TopJ Snapshot special. Two weeks ago we went out on a limb and asked you guys to send us your favourite face-off photos saved on your trusty computer. Thankfully we got a great response and our mailbox was quickly loaded with shots of the ultimate ground-ball battle. The idea was to get something together that encapsulates the essence and raw emotion of this part of our favourite sport, and we hope you enjoy checking a few of them out. We apologise if your shot hasn't been put up, and please don't let that discourage you next time!

So without further adieu- here are our favourite photos taken by you...  

Flowseph: Now that's a photo...who's that?

MagicD: I absolutely love how Rhod has thrown his whole body, and put everything on the line to win this face-off. It's what is so great about this sport, 100% commitment. Even though the Dutch look like they should win this ground ball, somehow he's managed to get his stick in prime position. Right on.

Flowseph: Was this game played on the moon? I'm pretty sure physics isn't playing a big part in this...

MagicD: Someone has stolen his palms too...allowed?

Flowseph: Whoa! Who is this handsome devil?!

MagicD: I'm not entirely sure, but he's got ridiculous hair

Flowseph: I was talking about the ref...isn't that Tom Slade? Quality ref, great bloke, but looks like he might be standing in the wrong place here

MagicD: True, Seb Croft #32 of Warwick University has clearly dominated this face, in fact I love how the Loughborough face-off dude is basically falling over, his balance all shot, because he's been dominated. Oh... and anyone else's eyes going funny looking at the ref's jersey?

Flowseph: Its like an optical illusion...though my eyes are drawn to that glorious flow...its like Zeus meets a lion...

MagicD: I tell you what, that is one of the best "aggressive stances" I've seen from a ref ever. He's definitely got the angles covered, any further and you'd definitely see something you didn't want to popping out his shorts....

Flowseph: I see a cheeky grin on his face too...where's the ball?

MagicD: I thought we already covered that, about to pop out the ref's shorts...clearly

Flowseph: Lets get back to the face Magic, good scrap eh?

MagicD: For sure, there's all sort of bro-mance going on here, although shame about the tiny details letting down the flow, are those black Nike football boots? Dude that's so wrong on so many levels.

Flowseph: I do have a certain respect for laxers who match their Adrenaline socks to their team colours though...

MagicD: I'm not out much hope for EG winning this face-off... unless they have some seriously awesome wing play.

Flowseph: Now these guys are young bucks- barely sixteen! What were you doing when you were sixteen Magic?

MagicD: I wish I could say I was laxin' but the game came to me later in life than I'd have liked...all bets are off these dudes being sick face-off men in the future, look at that clamp! All over it.

Flowseph: Yeah I was on a street corner, drinking fizzy pop and listening to my walkman...but anyway they say on a face the lowest man wins- this is clearly the case here- but lets remember that the face is way more than just the clamp, it's what you do with it then that counts...

MagicD: You've just got to be thankful you are playing on these lush English turfs,... it's like a carpet.. (cough).. NOT. Welcome to the mud, symbol of England.

Flowseph: Agreed. One thing that I would like to say however is kids, black socks ain't big, and they ain't clever... other than that, great work lads!

MagicD: Matching cleats and HEADstrong laces... nice, well played, someone's been listening to the TopJFlow articles. However, umbro shin pad? We're not playing SOOCCCEERRRR in '94. Loving the one blurred/one in focus capturing, very art-y.

Flowseph: The Wales boys practising the ol'clamp. I see what you mean about the Umbro Shin pad though...I had words with a guy on my team about wearing Umbro attire...it's not a label that really makes the cut... 

MagicD: Still this shot summarises so many of the ethos that I love about lacrosse,... team unity, practice makes perfect, 

Flowseph: practise makes permanent...and these guys seem to have their technique DOWN

MagicD: Couldn't have said it better Flowseph.

MagicD: Did someone forget to seed the turf?

Flowseph: Shoot the groundsman! No this snapshot was sent to us by our brothers out in California- the land of rising suns and dirt fields. Look at those pristine kits...

MagicD: We have brothers in SoCal? I didn't realise TopJ had gone international. Stoked.

Flowseph: Yeah from the lands of Con Bro Chill in Orange County, to the realm of Dirty Neb in Los Angeles, the West Coast seems to love TopJ. Now that is a great heiney! 

MagicD: I can't help noticing it, but is that another great aggressive stance in the top left hand corner? Is he from New Zealand? Or Sumo?

Flowseph: Clearly laying an egg- check out the stance of the guy behind the ref's left shoulder...excellent attention to the socks...what I like about his picture is the perfect set-up; no laziness, everyone looks like hey know what they are doing...

MagicD: Two things about this that I notice that we don't often get in the UK, shadows (aka sunshine) and people (aka a crowd). We can only dream. Nice snap though, it's an all encompassing photo, every part of the face-off is in there, the wingmen, face-off guy, ref's. Nice.


So those are our faves, thank you to everyone who contributed! Keep your eyes out for our next snap-shot campaign focusing on great photos of awesome checks. With lacrosse still existing as somewhat of a fringe sport in the UK, its great to see the diversity and levels at which it is played. Publicity is key and with this it takes baby steps...so keep the photos coming in! In fact...whenever you get hold of a sick lax photo send it over and we'll try and get it up!  







 

We have to admit, TopJLax are big fans of Maryland Lacrosse. In fact for this 2011 season, The Gamma Gamma Frat House is officially behind Terrapin Lacrosse.  The Terps are perennial underachievers, and some say have been badly coached, especially in tournament play, as they seem to fall the wrong side of the line in tight games. They haven't been to a final four in a while, and with new Head Coach John Tillman on board, the final season for the seniors of "that" touted class (still yet to win a ring), and some fly new yellow underarmour uniforms things are looking up...

This Saturday Maryland blew out Georgetown 20-8 in the "Battle of the Beltway". Grant Catalino (5,1) led the way and it was nice to see the beastly long pole of Brian Farrell (1,1) back in action. Check out their awesome entrance video for this season:

How about those uniforms? Controversial in yellow...but we like'em.

Classic Highlight video: "If Jeff Reynolds wears longer socks we will win the championship" - Love that comment:

For those of you willing to commit to the long haul... a 20min 2011 Season Preview. Get comfortable ladies.

Inside lacrosse spent a bit of time with the team a few years back...find out what it's like to be a terps laxer: