A resilient Amsterdam team, with only the bare starting line up, travelled to Vienna for Round 2 of the Pan European championship, and claimed two big victories during the day.
The 'Dam were unlucky in their first match to go down to reigning champions, Guernsey, but showed great determination to regroup for their second match against last month's finalists, Luxembourg. Despite being down at half time, the lads recovered through great performances by Martin McClean and Neville Ducie, to take the match at the death, with a point from Fergal Walsh.
The lack of numbers in the Amsterdam team, with only 11 fit players, showed when they took on the 17 man strong Belgium team, who ran out winners over the 'Dam through great use of their subs, and also went on to win the tournament itself.
Final group match was against old rivals Den Haag, who knew a win would secure their place in the final against Belgium. Down by four points at half time, Amsterdam were on the ropes with numerous players including Neville and Fergal fighting off injuries to play on. Led by Martin McClean, the 'Dam took a grip on the second half and excellent points by Martin, Simon, Fergal, meant another victory over our rivals this season, and also ensured Guernsey would take the other final spot against Belgium.
All in all, a good day for the Dam considering the lack of numbers in the squad, mainly due to player injuries. Best on the day was Amsterdam's player of the tournament, Martin McClean, and great performances too by Chris Taz and Tadhg in defence, and especially Pat Sweeney who stepped up and took on the goalkeepers jersey for the first time.
Also with skipper Derek Lowry on the injury list, well done to Colm Brennan who took on the captains armband. He did well on the pitch...once we persuaded him that he got his captains pose just right....
Last tournament of the year is November 10th in Maastricht where Amsterdam will have two teams competing in the Championship and Shield, and will look to finish the season with a bang!
The 'Dam were unlucky in their first match to go down to reigning champions, Guernsey, but showed great determination to regroup for their second match against last month's finalists, Luxembourg. Despite being down at half time, the lads recovered through great performances by Martin McClean and Neville Ducie, to take the match at the death, with a point from Fergal Walsh.
The lack of numbers in the Amsterdam team, with only 11 fit players, showed when they took on the 17 man strong Belgium team, who ran out winners over the 'Dam through great use of their subs, and also went on to win the tournament itself.
Final group match was against old rivals Den Haag, who knew a win would secure their place in the final against Belgium. Down by four points at half time, Amsterdam were on the ropes with numerous players including Neville and Fergal fighting off injuries to play on. Led by Martin McClean, the 'Dam took a grip on the second half and excellent points by Martin, Simon, Fergal, meant another victory over our rivals this season, and also ensured Guernsey would take the other final spot against Belgium.
All in all, a good day for the Dam considering the lack of numbers in the squad, mainly due to player injuries. Best on the day was Amsterdam's player of the tournament, Martin McClean, and great performances too by Chris Taz and Tadhg in defence, and especially Pat Sweeney who stepped up and took on the goalkeepers jersey for the first time.
Also with skipper Derek Lowry on the injury list, well done to Colm Brennan who took on the captains armband. He did well on the pitch...once we persuaded him that he got his captains pose just right....
Last tournament of the year is November 10th in Maastricht where Amsterdam will have two teams competing in the Championship and Shield, and will look to finish the season with a bang!
