With the Finalization of the group phase of the Belgian Lacrosse Cup for men 2011, the men’s team of Heist Hunters Lacrosse played their last game against the Red Rhinos.  After 4 times 20 minutes the Hunters ended the game with an 18-2 loss.  It was a fun game to play for the Hunters and they’ve learned a lot. Scoring two times against the Rhinos is not given to all newcomers in Belgian lacrosse. After the game we’ve interviewed Hunters President Erwin van Veen about his opinion of the passed six weeks.

First of all Erwin was it a good decision to join the Belgian Cup as an independent team?

I think it is… During the summer we asked our members if they wanted to join. In total 10 players said they wanted to play some games. Together with the other board members we decided to take the risk and we subscribed for the Belgian Cup. Today, after the group stage ended, we are proud of our season. Playing six games during 6 weeks with only 15 male members is not opportune.

 Before the cup started we’ve set up two main goals: try to not give forfeit for any (ref) game and try to not end last in the group stage.  I think we’ve achieved both objectives. But more important all our male players could taste a bit of playing lacrosse games. The atmosphere, the playing under pressure, finding the best solution of clearing a ball, getting relieved after scoring a goal or give the opponent a good body check are things you can’t simulate during a practise. This experience will help us getting more prepared for next year (BLL12 and Cup12).

What is your general review about this year’s Belgian Cup?

First of all I want to thank the BLF for getting everything sorted out so it was workable for all teams. Just 3 years ago only two teams subscribed themselves for the Cup, now we had already 7 teams. Publishing a schedule with 21 games during 6 weekends is not easy, especially when you know all teams have special wishes, which the BLF tried to follow.

For us the schedule was ok. We started at the Hall’igators followed by Kings Lacrosse, Buggenhout Brewers, Ghent Goblins, Lille Spartiates and last but not least we ended at the Rhinos. All these games were well organised and reffed.

The final standing of the group stage is a bit surprising. Who thought the Brewers would have ended 2^nd? I knew they are getting better and better, but I didn’t dare to say they would have defeated Lille and Ghent already. Although I want them in the final I think Lille won’t let the Brewers surprise them for a second time… The Rhinos are still undefeated and I think they will maintain this status this year. The Goblins showed they are “the best of the rest” by defeating Kings, Hall’igators and us with clear numbers, but they should admit the Brewers have passed them.

Just out of curiosity: what would you remember about this year’s cup?

First of all our first victory will be one never to forget although it was against only 8 Kings, we gave everything to secure our first victory. This gave us as a team an enormous boost which we still mention before and during a game…

Secondly the game against the Hall’igators is one which in 25 years will be talked about when we are sitting in the cafeteria watching our kids play at luxurious lacrosse stadiums… Due to a miscommunication the locker rooms and fields were closed. Meaning we had to gear up in the outdoor. Coach Bert Hornyak from the Hall’igators succeeded in unlocking the field so the game could be played…

What about the Hunters… Do you think they got better by playing al these six games?

As mentioned before I think all our players are better now then before the cup started. Look at our captain Bram. I think he received MVP points every single game… When the cup started he didn’t dare to make a dodge on practise, but today against the Rhinos he managed to place two runs through the Red Rhinos defence and if Kristof (goalie of the Red Rhinos) didn’t safe his two shots these were two goals… But he is not alone; with him we also have Stijn, Yentl, Maikel, Jonah, Yoerick, Nick, Yannick, Steff and don’t forget our goalie Jeffrey, who all are better then 6 weeks ago…

So what about next year? Do you think you can surprise other teams?

I think we already surprised some teams… The Hunters are only 5 month old and managed to join the Belgian Cup independent. But we hope we can be of more value during the BLL12. Some ice hockey player promised they could join us then and maybe we can manage to add a Canadian Lacrosse player to our roster. Also in January we will be back on local schools trying to find new lacrosse players for both our men’s and women’s teams…

One last question… Which team will bring home the first Belgian Women’s Cup?

Of course that would be the Hunting Bees. Not only because our two female members Leen and Vicky are playing for this team, but in my opinion they have better individual skills then the Rhinelles as well. I saw the first two games and although the Rhinelles won the first, I thought the Hunting Bees were better that game.

But the biggest victory is that finally women’s lacrosse in Belgium is launched. Now it’s up to Séraphine (women’s Coordinator for the BLF) and all women’s clubs to secure the growth of the sport…

Erwin Van Veen