As tradition demands, a team of the Vienna Monarchs made their way to Budapest for the New Years Cup this year. After the journey began early Saturday morning, they probably didn't get enough sleep for their first game against the Polish national team. It gave the impression that the opponent was simply more awake and they quickly fell behind with some goals. Unfortunately, the Monarchs could not catch up throughout the whole game, because especially at the beginning of the game, they let the physical style of play buy their guts and their opponents made good use of their chances. Therefore, the game was lost 5 to 9, which was well deserved.
The second match of the day was against Toblerone Lacrosse from Switzerland. Here, it was obvious from the beginning that the Monarchs wanted to play differently than in the previous match. The intensity was increased and the game was played much better. After the intermediate score of 1 to 1, an impressive series could be played and so the game was won 12 to 1 despite an expandable chance utilization.
But in the last match of the day, they did not want to rest on their clear victory. Against the team of the Scotland Grizzlies, the tension could be kept up late Saturday evening. Full commitment of the whole team and nice combinations brought a 13 to 3 victory and a good end of the first tournament day.
After spending the night with some beers, pizza and miniature Beer Pong, the game against the host team from Budapest was on the agenda on Sunday morning. Unlike the previous day, they started the game wide awake and quickly gained a narrow lead. Thanks to an excellent team spirit and a great willingness to work hard, the Monarchs were able to keep the lead in a tough but fair game and deservedly won 12 to 8.
As the second of the group, old friends were now waiting for the Monarchs in the game for 3rd place and the eternally young duel with the Tricksters from Bratislava took place. Spurred on by some narrow defeats in duels against the Tricksters last year, the motivation was all the greater to win the game and thus to reach third place. This will could be felt on the field from the very beginning and so it was possible to gradually gain an advantage by a very good fighting and partly very appealing playing performance. In the end the game was won with 13 to 5 and one could lift the trophy for the third place.
The tournament was won by the Olten Saints from Switzerland, who beat the Polish national team in the final. Congratulations to both teams. We would also like to thank the hosts from Budapest for the good organization of the tournament.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable weekend for the Monarchs, as they were able to improve from game to game, showed a good team spirit and were able to show some nice lacrosse on the pitch at times. Now it's time to take the momentum into the year and to bring the DLL title back to Vienna.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
