Pat Berkery on a fast break The GC Sharks rolled over Westfield New Jersey in a game played at Rutgers immediately prior to the Rutgers vs. UMASS game on Saturday. Then on Sunday, GC dismantled the Manhasset Tribe, an elite North Shore travel team.

The GC convoy moved quickly and quietly across Brooklyn and Staten Island under azure blue skies and slipped into New Jersey relatively unnoticed until shortly after their 9AM face-off.

By that time, the Sharks were well on their way to a 14-1 victory. They cycled the ball quickly around the field and into the back of the net. The quick ball play was highlighted by a patented Devin Dwyer (1 G, 7A) fake from behind the net that was sold so well by Brian Coleman for the apparent shot on the right side of the crease that the entire field shifted, including the defensemen and goalie for Westfield. But they all failed to notice Matt Clarkson sailing in behind Coleman for the real pass from Dwyer for the point blank open net shot behind the stunned Westfield goalie.

Charlie Garcia beats his man for a goal In addition to Dwyer, Coleman chalked up 3 goals. Also scoring were Clarkson (2), Tom Gordon (2), Rob Savage, Matt Confort, Brendan Cullin, Kyle Irwin, Charlie Garcia and Liam Kennedy. Pat Berkery, John Fallon & Sean Mahon also tested the net but were denied by either the goalie or the post.

The GC Defense of Jahelka, Fischer, Porter, Eugene Berkery, Tom Adams, JP Burnside and Andre Stone was enormous, stripping Westfield of the ball and protecting goalies John Bock and Dan Marino, both of whom demonstrated complete command in their own zone. Also very impressive is the way each of the long-polers clear the ball when the goalies are peppered with shots. Their ability to vacuum up the ground balls and clear is surprising.

Sunday's game at USMMA against Manhasset was important, when you put the traditional GC vs. Manhasset rivalry in context. Despite the existence of numerous friendships crossing these village lines, any game between teams from these villages brings an additional level of intensity. The Sharks controlled the game from the outset, dominating on face-offs by Tom Gordon, Sean Mahon & Brian Coleman and outmatching Manhasset on ground balls. 12 ground balls were scooped and cleared by Jahelka & Fischer alone.

Eugene Berkery covers Bock's back Scoring against Manhasset was Sean Mahon, Matt Confort, Brian Coleman (2) Shane Thornton. Liam Kennedy and Charlie Garcia each scored for the second consecutive game.

Next week is a battle for New England. The Sharks take on Greenwich Youth 8A, Saturday @ 10AM at USMMA. This is the only team that has a winning record against the Sharks over the years. Sunday at 9AM they play Ridgewood NJ @ USMMA. Happy Mother's Day!

For more information, details, field locations and great lax photos please visit our website at www.GCSharks.com.

Brian Porter & Stephen Jahelka take care of business "King" John Bock eyes the ball for save