2024 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship - Erie Pennsylvania, USA
The team arrived in Erie, PA on the 30 July 2024 after more than 35 hours of trains, planes and automobiles. Checked in at the hotel and unpacked. Everyone was keen to receive their playing equipment and uniforms.
Head Coaches David McColl and Dano Underwood wanted to get everyone on the floor the next day and moving after such a long trip. The boys had already found Dicks Sporting Goods store that had an outdoor practice area that we were able to secure for a light practice and introduction session for the whole team.
DAY 1. SCOTLAND 19 – AUSTRALIA 7
The Scottish Thistles roared out to a 6-2 lead over Australia through the first quarter Saturday night and had extended that to 11-2 with two minutes left in the second quarter. From there on out, the young Australian squad started to find its legs and made a much closer and more interesting contest the rest of the way. The Thistles still outscored Australia 8-5 to come away with a 19-7 win, but the Aussies felt better about their effort, particularly after having a 3-1 edge in the fourth quarter.
MVP - ORLANDO KERNAGHAN
DAY 2. USA 21 – AUSTRALIA 3
The US, knowing that Australia had showed steady improvement in their first game and would be looking to continue the momentum of a strong Saturday fourth quarter into the Sunday game, made sure to come out with plenty of energy against the Aussies.
That resulted in 6 American goals in the first eight minutes of play, with 3 of those coming from Wick. TJ Carl led all scorers with 8 points (3g/5a), while Benjamin Pousak and Rafael Katts each added 4 goals for the US.
Breakout Australian star Orlando Kernaghan, fresh off a Saturday hat trick, scored 2 of Australia's 3 goals in the game. That gives the 18-year-old from Seaview Downs, South Australia 8 goals in his last three World Juniors games, going back to last year.
MVP - CONNOR MAGEE
DAY 3. REST DAY - RECYCLE WITH HART RECYCLE
DAY 4. POLAND 18 – AUSTRALIA 6
Australia got yet another standout performance from Orlando Kernaghan, who put up his third hat trick in his last four World Juniors games, going back to last year. The young Australian squad, which includes a handful of 16-year-olds, continued to show resilience and demonstrated that they are learning and improving by leaps and bounds with every game.
MVP - AUSTIN LONGSTAFF
DAY 5. CANADA 22 – AUSTRALIA 2
Canada's transition game kept racing, with defenders Saggu and Grehan both scoring hat tricks and adding an assist each. Myers scored 4 goals while Smith wound up tied for the round robin goals and points leads with 14 and 22, respectively after putting up 3 of each against the Aussies.
Jack Cornish broke up Horbay's shutout bid with a low outside rip midway through the fourth quarter and Rocco Filia added one for Australia just 17 seconds from the final buzzer.
Saggu was named player of the game for Canada and Adam Smedley earned the honours for Australia.
MVP - ADAM SMEDLEY
As in every year we are proud of the effort the boys put in and this year is no exception, they literally ran till they dropped.
The boys presented the coaches and manager with a signed team photo after the final game against Canada.Great idea thanks boys.
The highlight of the presentation from the boys was the Native song that Dano sang in the change rooms in appreciation of his involvement with the team. We found out later that the entire arena stopped and listened in their change rooms.
Thanks to everyone involved in 2024. Hart Recycle