ALTONA has had some heavy defeats upon its return to the Lacrosse Victoria men’s state league and Saturday’s local derby with Footscray was no different, being pummelled 18-4 at PJ Lynch Reserve.
The A’s were competitive in a 2-2 opening period but could not sustain efforts over the course of the game, out-scored 16-2 in the last three quarters.
“It was always going to be a tough game for us,” A’s president Maurice Zicman told the Weekly.
The A’s could not dampen the visitors’ attacking flair. Chris Plumb and James Lawerson were lethal for the Scray with five goals apiece.
Luke Moore joined in the rout with four of his own.
The A’s have found the transition to the big league a lot tougher than expected and were on the back foot from the get-go.
They had initially secured three imports, but only two would be available when the season arrived, and they also lost three starters from the previous year’s squad.
If there is a silver lining, they have unearthed a handful of youngsters who might not have otherwise seen time in the top team.
“It’s given the guys on the fringe a chance to test themselves,” Zicman said. “They’ve actually stepped up.”
Despite the 1-15 record, the A’s are determined to keep their place among the elite clubs next season.
The players were under no obligation to go up this year but wanted to play in the highest league possible, even if that meant the odd thrashing.
“The thing I was proud of most is the young guys in the club putting their hand up and saying, we’ll go up and test our mettle against the best,” Zicman said.
“The indication I’m getting from the players is they want to stay up again.
“We don’t want to be the only club in the western suburbs not to have a state league team.”
Meanwhile, Altona will host one of Lacrosse Victoria’s finals days on September 1 at PJ Lynch Reserve.
The action starts with junior finals at 9.30am, then with games all the way through the seniors in the afternoon. Zicman wants to see as many first-time lacrosse fans at the venue as possible.
“It’s a sport that people fall in love with the first time they see it,” he said. “It’s going to be a good showcase for the club and the sport.
“We want to see as many people as possible.”
Lacrosse Victoria
Men’s state league: Camberwell 15 Williamstown 8, Altona 4 Footscray 18
