Image Credit: Marek Stor/shutterlax.com
England reached a first ever major tournament final after they defeated Czech Republic 13-12 in a tight and tense semi-final match at the 2022 European Box Lacrosse Championship.
It was really a tale of two defences and how to break them down with both teams showing the quality they have at the back.
England started with high energy and huge intent and were ahead after a couple of minutes as Dan Watson smashed one in after some tricky work from Matt Marsh around the crease.
And they were able to double their lead a minute later, as Cameron Macleod showed great vision to pass to Tom Bracegirdle, who was making an up field run and then used his skill, speed, and strength to get past a Czech Republic defender and slot home.
It was always going to be a tough match against the team who finished second at the inaugural European Box Lacrosse Championship five years ago and Czech Republic got themselves level in no time at all after goals from Tomáš Procházka and Dominik Pešek.
Even after just one quarter, from a spectator point of view, this was the best game England had been involved in in the tournament so far and they edged themselves back in front shortly after the restart; Dan Watson scoring his second of the day with a great shot that rippled the top left corner of the Czech Republic net.
But such is the nature of box lacrosse, Czech Republic found themselves level once again with the very next attack. Pešek grabbing the goal this time.
Saying the first half of this game was end-to-end is somewhat of an understatement and a rare Taylor Harrison goal for England was followed up by another equaliser for the opposition.
England then found themselves in unfamiliar territory as Czech Republic scored through Tomáš Hájek who pounced on an uncharacteristic lapse in England defensive concentration to find acres of space and score one-on one with Macleod.
Being a goal down in a game is something England hadn’t had to contend with since their opening game against Scotland but they dealt with the set-back with ultimate professionalism; by continuing to play their game and trust in the process.
It took a little bit of magic though and Matt Marsh was there to provide when called upon, scoring with an exceptional behind the back shot after Luke Mills had worked the ball up the pitch.
Unfortunately, Czech Republic equalised again within two minutes but that’s when England really turned it on heading into half-time.
Marsh, seemingly having got the taste for it, scored his second and England’s sixth 18 seconds after Czech Republic got their noses in front and then Lyndon Bunio scored a screamer after being played in by Dave Groves.
Half-time. 7-6. Finely poised.
England came back out after the break and were able to maintain the head of steam they’d built up at the back end of the second quarter and scored through Elliot Leonard after the other rEngland attackers had guided the Czech Republic defenders away from goal.
Another goal for the opposition came but, by the standards of this game, England were running away with it now.
Bunio scored a fantastic individual goal after running around the goal, dodging past a defender, and placing his shot in the top corner before Jordi Jones-Smith, who only scores spectacular goals, picked up the ball just outside the defensive crease, sprinted 25 yards and fired home!
Jamie Powell added to his steady stream of goals at this tournament with another shortly after Czech Republic added an 8th and England headed into the final period three goals ahead after a late goal by the opposition.
The England fans were getting into full voice now and were called into action after a Czech Republic player wasn’t happy with the way Bunio dived across the crease for a shot, even mimicking it to the officials.
This 7th player, a secret weapon for England at the European Championship so far, helped push Ben Buchanan towards goal and score after some patient play around the opposition net.
What was a fairly healthy lead for England all things considered became very fragile as Czech Republic scored three without reply to leave the scores at 13-12 heading into the final one minute and 10 seconds.
A timeout for Czech Republic with 43 seconds left on the clock and one for England with 19 seconds left yielded no further goals and England head through to Saturday’s final where they’ll play Germany for a chance to win the trophy!
Watch the game live HERE or follow play by play updates on the England Lacrosse Twitter page.
England Points: Tom Bracegirdle (1G), Lyndon Bunio (2G 2A), Ben Buchanan (1G), Taylor Harrison (1G), Jordi Jones-Smith (1G), Elliot Leonard (1G 1A), Matt Marsh (2G 1A), Jamie Powell (1G 2A), Tyson Roe (1G), Dan Watson (2G 1A).
Friday 5 August Schedule (times BST)
Netherlands v Belgium | 12.30pm | Cons.
Austria v Serbia | 14.45pm | Cons.
Poland v Ireland | 15.30pm | Cons.
Scotland v Sweden | 18.30pm | 7th Place Game
Saturday 6 August Schedule (times BST)
Austria v Poland | 08.45am | Cons.
Belgium v Ireland | 09.30am | Cons.
Slovakia v Switzerland | 12.30pm | 5th Place Game
Czech Republic v Finland | 15.30pm | 3rd Place Game
England v Germany | 18.30pm | Final