In 2018 again, a delegation of the Vienna Monarchs made their way to the capital of European boxlacrosse – Radotin, Prague – to participate in one of the most prestigious international lacrosse tournaments. The 25th and so far biggest edition, with 24 teams out of 14 countries, opened its gates. A couple of last minute injuries and a broken-down car left 7 feisty fighters alone (and without jerseys) to compete against the home team and last years champion.
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LCC Radotin 14:1 Vienna Monarchs
Scorer: Jakisch
Gamefilm: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVI3MMRqWNM]
As expected, a very difficult game that was characterized by fighting spirit mostly, ended in a clear win for the favorited home team. The biggest positive aspect of the game was the heart that seven Monarchs showed, never giving up in a desperate game.
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Also in the second game, our team was facing a superior opponent. The Alberta Warriors [https://www.facebook.com/TeamBiscuitsLacrosse/], winner of 2016, who wanted to win their second title in their third appearance in the tournament were too big for the Monarchs who were still missing a couple of runners.
Vienna Monarchs 0:16 Alberta Warriors
Gamefilm [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrwwQwl7Umg]
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After the round robin games, our next opponent was Helan Gar from Sweden. A team, that plays lacrosse on the same level as we do for quite some time now. And where a little (friendly) rivalry developed over the past years. Ten Monarchs were looking forward to a tough and tight game.
Vienna Monarchs 6:5 Helan Gar
Scorer: Lerch (2), Skokan (2), DeFinis, Novotny
Gamefilm [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_nnNmwVUjU]
In a fast paced game, Lerch and Skokan were able to get the Monarchs into an early lead, which lasted until the end, thanks to grinding it out throughout the whole game. In the last seconds of the game, the Austrians could fight off the Swedish attack who played with 6 attackmen and an empty net. A tight and exciting game until the end – definitely worth to rewatch!
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With their first win in their pockets, our men’s team was able to jump up to the bracket for placements 9 to 16. Finally, all the players arrived and we could face TJ Malesice (CZE), a well-known Czech team, with a full roster.
TJ Malesice 4:2 Vienna Monarchs
Scorer: Lerch, Novotny
Gamefilm [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_TUL8hFATA]
Unfortunately, the Monarchs couldn’t find their game during the first half. It was only in the second where they found back to their fighting spirit of the past games. But it was too late, the Czech team too experienced to manage their lead.
So, SK Jizni Mesto Lacrosse, another strong team from Prague, was the opponent for our team the next day.
SK Jizni Mesto 4:5 Vienna Monarchs
Scorer: Andersson (2), Skokan (2), DeFinis
Gamefilm [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r8DBLWgBJc]
After an early 0:1 deficit, Carl Andersson finally unraveled his lefty underhand jackhammer. Him, Skokan and Colorado import Peter DeFinis were able to set the course to another Vienna Monarchs victory.
Thereby our men, for the third year in a row now, met the Istanbul Sultans in the placement game. This time for the 13th overall rank.
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Vienna Monarch 1:6 Istanbul Sultans
Scorer: Skokan
Gamefilm [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GateCqxy8xI]
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This year unfortunately with the better ending for the Sultans. The Monarch did not have much to offer against a strong Turkish team, that deservingly took the victory.
Altogether the Vienna Monarchs can be very proud over a 14th place in a very high-class tournament. They proved once again that Austria cannot be left out when it comes to international boxlacrosse. Lots of experience, new friendships and a ton of fun are what our team took home! This is what it’s all about!
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See you next year at the AHM 2019!
More information around the tournament, results, stats and much more can be found at the tournament homepage: https://www.ahmemorial.cz/en/
Pictures: LCC Radotin [https://www.flickr.com/people/lcc-radotin/], Patrick Falb
Author: Adrian Balasch
