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Rochdale extend dominant start to season

11/10/2008

ROCHDALE Lacrosse Club’s first team extended its dominant start to the season with an outstanding away win over Norbury.

The new management team of Richard Gartside and Chris Brook continued their policy of strict individual discipline and development of exciting new players.

Jonny Wilson made his debut, and Aaron Duckworth featured for the first time this season.

Rochdale were in command from the start, with England contender James Ayrton taking 90 per cent of the face-offs.

This gave Rochdale significant possession from which they were able to set the tempo of the game.

Fast, assured moves by Rochdale exposed the home side, with goals coming from England attack man Glenn Humphries and Joe Longley.

Rochdale were 3-1 up at quarter time.

They successfully employed a move and cut game and easily created the space required.

The attack provided a master class of high percentage shots, while a positive midfield was able to retain the ball, thus starving Norbury of possession and preventing them from threatening Rochdale’s goal.

By half time Rochdale had increased their lead to 7-2, with further goals from Aaron Duckworth and Glenn Humphries.

In the second half superior possession enabled Rochdale to utilise new special plays and introduce different patterns of play.

These will prove crucial if they are to return to the top fight.

The end result was 11-4, and it put Rochdale at the top of the table as one of three teams with a 100 per cent record.

Coach Richard Gartside said: "The team performed well and adapted quickly to the pitch.

"We can now go into our next game, against title contenders Stockport, with confidence.

"The team is responding well to the pressure of being pre-season favourites.’