Red Rhinos are the 2010 DNLL Division III Champions! This weekend saw the top 4 seeds of all divisions gather in Groningen for the playoffs of the 2010 season. Seeded first and fourth respectively the Belgian teams played each other on Saturday.

Last games between the two sides had been really close but not today. For the first time since the Belgian Cup finals in December ’09 the Rhinos were able to massively outplay the Goblins in the first half, resulting in a half time score of 9-0. Second half was all about controlling the tempo and lead to ensure the team was fresh for the finals match of Sunday. Score: 10-2 in favor of the Rhinos.

Ghent Goblins had to play the Dodgers for the third place. This match was so close they needed overtime to look for the winner. After regular time the score was just 1-1, mainly because of the good defense of the Dodgers and some heroic work of the Ghent goalie. Dodgers controlled the overtime, but Ghent hung in there, desperately trying to get a fast break. Unfortunately, when nearing the end of the first overtime, the Dodgers got their well deserved goal with a bounce shot. Score: 2-1

After this game the Red Rhinos looked to grab what they were chasing the whole season: the Division III title. They started furious and quickly took a 4-0 lead, with some very good shots. The ball went around quickly, everybody was running and it all turned out exactly as drawn up. Groningen Gladiators is no team to underestimate and as the quarter progressed they got in their groove too, getting some very good opportunities to chip away some of the lead the Rhinos gained in the first ten minutes. Unfortunately for them, Rhinos goalie Kristof De Smet had one of his better games this season too, as he too saved some good shots, only allowing one goal by halftime. Second half was again all about controlling the lead and despite their hard fought efforts, the Gladiators couldn’t bring the scoreline more in balance. Score: 6-2 for the Rhinos!

This brings the Division III 2010 DNLL standings

1. Red Rhinos
2. Groningen Gladiators
3. Dodgers United
4. Ghent Goblins

Two belgian teams in the top four. This was truely a great day for belgian lacrosse.

Some fun facts:

- During the finals, Red Rhinos goalie Kristof De Smet broke not one, but two goalie sticks. He had help from the goalie from the Goblins by using his stick.
- Groningen Gladiators (and their women’s team the Galaxies) had all their teams in their respective finals (DI women’s, DI men’s first team and DIII men’s second team) but they did not win any championship.
- Don’t order a croque monsieur in the Netherlands, they call it a tosti. I learned the hard way.

Kevin Monsieur ( Buggenhout Brewers )