Jamaica’s team on a roll at Lacrosse World Champs
Published:Tuesday | June 27, 2023 | 1:05 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica lacrosse team has topped Pool D after four wins from four games at the 2023 Men’s Lacrosse World Championships in San Diego, United States.
The Jamaicans defeated Germany, Switzerland, Poland and New Zealand for a 100 per cent win record, to take top honours in the group and secure the automatic spot for the playoffs.
“The predictions have gone my way and it’s a good feeling considering the overall development of the sports, and the headaches and uphill battles we had to ensure we got to the World Championships,” said Jamaica Lacrosse Association president Calbert Hutchinson.
He pointed out that after a full assessment of all teams, they believe they are capable of finishing in the top five in the world, but noted that they have a war on their hands to get there.
“We want to be in the top five in the world. And after a comprehensive assessment off all the teams we thought that Poland and Germany would be the toughest opponents.
“The best moment so far came when we went up against a good team like Germany and won to top the group. It was a close one. It was nail-biting. Switzerland also gave us a run for our money as we underestimated them, but we had the momentum and a strong defence and we gave up the least amount of goals,” Hutchinson said.
He added: “This is all (coach) Mark Wilson, who has an understanding and a relationship with the players. I expect that Jamaica will now rally and support our young men and show them that we care and we do not want it stop right here. And I want to reach out to corporate Jamaica to let them know we need their assistance.”
In the opening match for Jamaica, Isaac Newland led the way with four goals and one assist in the surprise 5-3 victory over the group favourites Germany.
The Jamaicans then faced Switzerland in their second game and kept their unbeaten run against their European opponents, after scoring a 10-5 win to give the Jamaicans their first back-to-back wins in their opening two games at a Lacrosse World Championships.
In their third game last Saturday, they played Poland and defeated them 6-4 for a third straight win. The Jamaicans then topped the group after a convincing 10-6 victory over New Zealand yesterday to claim a fourth win from as many matches.