~2004/2006 Mann Cup Champions!! 2005 Mann Cup Finalists!! 2006 Minto Cup Champions!!~
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Sharmrocks...the Best European Lacrosse Club in Canada
by Baggy
I have seen the Rocks play for three years now, and I have read quotes made by their players in the press, and and have I heard allegations during that time made by this team. Now thast the series is over, I am going to pull these comments from the top of the deck.
I have never. in my life (and I have been around for many years) seen a team hit the deck, as often, or as theatrically as the Victoria Shamrocks.
In game 4.......Tom Hajek, took a routine cross check and the arena watched him...fly backward onto his backside as if a transport truck had hit him. I could have taken that check without padding and not fallen backwards like he did. The arena booed....for lacrosse fans could clearly see what was happening. Hajek, was successful. He inticed referees who were eager to catch infractions (which is their job) - to wjost;e the Peterborough player off the floor.
I don't know how many times, I watched crippled Shamrock playes, hobble back to the bench, then walk up and down testing their broken ankles and torn ligaments, and a couple of minutes later, see them gallop up and down the carpet like racehorses.
Then there was the situation where the television camera showed one Shamrock, .....after a lengthly recline on the turf, walk painfully off the floor, while holding a towel over his face. The mninute he thought he was out of sight, he whipped the towel off and threw it onto the floor.
For three years I have heard the 'Rocks complain about Eastern officiating, and how they (the Sharmocks) are a clean team and how they take so few penalties.
That may be so.....but this team does everything in its power to suck everypenalty they can from referees.
The Shamrocks complained that our officials don't let them play......well, baby.......in game 5, they didn't let them play this game any more.
I struggle within myself, for I respect good, clean, tough, competitive lacrosse and I respect opponents which play that kind of game.
I respect the Brampton Excelsiors.
But, as a fan, I don't respect this type of response to the game. And, because I have seen it now for three years......I ask myself, if this isn't part of their team's strategy.