Lacrosse thrives on Shore

It flies under the radar but lacrosse is thriving on the North Shore.

Almost half of New Zealand’s under-15 team are local with nine of the 19-strong squad North Shore students.

Albany’s Pinehurst School boasts an impressive eight international juniors while Westlake Boys High is also represented.

"It’s not a very well-known sport in New Zealand, you never see it in the media," says New Zealand under-15s manager Steve Edmonds.

"But these kids have made a real quick start and are trying to create a future for the game in this country."

The first domestic league emerged nine years ago and New Zealand lacrosse was recently represented by the under-15s in the International Lacrosse League Australia.

Rank outsiders before the tournament, Edmonds says the Kiwis caused a stir winning three of seven games.

Now the ambitious group are trying to establish the North Shore’s first competitive league and one day hope to carry a senior New Zealand men’s team to a world cup.

"Lacrosse has elements of lots of sports but there are many similarities to basketball," says Edmonds.

"Players have very specific roles and most positions suit different skills such as speed or stamina, there’s something for everyone and it’s very easy to pick up."

Another big appeal, Edmonds says, is safety.

"I used to play a lot of hockey and I know many people, including myself, who have suffered split fingers or other injuries caused by a flying ball or swinging stick.

"Lacrosse players are padded so there are a lot fewer injuries than rugby or hockey.

"It’s a good sport for boys because like rugby it offers physical contact, but with all the protective gear it’s a lot safer."

Visit nzlacrosse.com for more information on the Harbour Hawks or lacrosse in New Zealand.

Locals recently representing New Zealand’s under-15s were: Lex Edmonds, Kyle Greentree, Juan Garcia, James Gestro, Daniel Easter, Connor Tennent, Stephen Harvey, Raymond Rensford (Pinehurst) and MJ Riekert (Westlake).