With one tournament remaining in Benelux Men's Championship, Amsterdam GAC are top of the table after an impressive start to 2015!
Up first at the end of March, was the Luxembourg tournament, where the hosts were keen to retain their home trophy, designed as a mini replica of the Sam Maguire. Amsterdam faced off against them in the first match, and were unlucky to concede a goal in the dying moments of the match to miss out by two points. The ‘Dam regrouped under the lead of captain Colm Brennan, knowing that no more mistakes could be allowed. Up next were Belgium where normally one to two points decide the fate of the match. The Amsterdam forwards were in top gear however, and turned out a convincing 9 point victory, 2-09 to 1-03.
Den Haag, Eindhoven and Belgium B, were then put to the sword by the same ‘Dam forwards and Amsterdam had a chance of redemption against Luxembourg in the final. With a number of great saves by stand-in keeper Jack O’Gorman, and up front Fergal Walsh slotting two goals away quickly after the second half restart, Amsterdam claimed the first tournament trophy of the year, beating Luxembourg by 9 points; 3-09 to 1-06.
Up next in the Benelux Mens Championship was Amsterdam’s home tournament on May 9th. Faced with a number of last minute player withdrawals, the ‘Dam knew they would be up against it for the day. Solid wins against both Eindhoven and a newly energised Frankfurt team, secured a semi-final slot against local rivals, Den Haag. There were a few early scares in the first five minutes, when Jack O’Gorman made a number of fantastic saves between the sticks. However, Amsterdam took control with some slick forward play including a sublime individual goal from Kenny Monaghan to secure victory and a place in the final.
Belgium were familiar opponents in the final, and looking to avenge the 9 point defeat from the Luxembourg tournament. Two early goals by Belgium meant Amsterdam were up against it all match long, and while players such as Daryel Murnin and Marty McClean tried to inspire a comeback, Belgium held on to claim the Amsterdam trophy.
With appearances in two finals, and one trophy secured, it’s been a healthy start to the year, and Amsterdam will now look to cement their position on top of the Benelux Championship table, with a win this weekend in Frankfurt in the final round of the championship!
Den Haag, Eindhoven and Belgium B, were then put to the sword by the same ‘Dam forwards and Amsterdam had a chance of redemption against Luxembourg in the final. With a number of great saves by stand-in keeper Jack O’Gorman, and up front Fergal Walsh slotting two goals away quickly after the second half restart, Amsterdam claimed the first tournament trophy of the year, beating Luxembourg by 9 points; 3-09 to 1-06.Up next in the Benelux Mens Championship was Amsterdam’s home tournament on May 9th. Faced with a number of last minute player withdrawals, the ‘Dam knew they would be up against it for the day. Solid wins against both Eindhoven and a newly energised Frankfurt team, secured a semi-final slot against local rivals, Den Haag. There were a few early scares in the first five minutes, when Jack O’Gorman made a number of fantastic saves between the sticks. However, Amsterdam took control with some slick forward play including a sublime individual goal from Kenny Monaghan to secure victory and a place in the final.
With appearances in two finals, and one trophy secured, it’s been a healthy start to the year, and Amsterdam will now look to cement their position on top of the Benelux Championship table, with a win this weekend in Frankfurt in the final round of the championship!
