Forge announce drafted men’s players
Forge are carving a path to victory at The Fly 2022 with the addition of five new players to their Men’s squad ahead of this summer’s competition.
Albert Whitehead, Chris Summers, Sam Perry, Thomas Porter and Jack Brookes will set the competition alight after being selected to represent Forge in the Men’s team draft.
Forge head into The Fly 2022 looking to go one step further than their second-place finish in last year’s competition.
Overall head coach, Joe Longley is delighted with the signings he has made and can’t wait to see the talent on offer, Longley said: “I’m very happy, they should all fit in well and hopefully bring the skillset through and mentality of the Forge ethos.”
He added: “There were a few (players) that went through that would’ve been picked depending on the different rolls of the dice and different pick times. But overall, I’m happy with who we have, and I think there’s a good mix of talented players in the pool.”
Let’s take a look into what the coaches’ new signings have to offer!
Albert Whitehead:
Forge’s first pick is right-handed two-way midfielder, Albert Whitehead.
Representing England at senior international level and having previously been involved in the Senior World Championships (box), the former Swift player possesses a real confidence to his game. His superb agility and balance allow him to cut and dodge between the lines of the opposition with or without possession.
It’s clear Whitehead can’t wait to return, “I enjoy the sixes format of the game and had a lot of fun participating in the inaugural event in 2021.”
Chris Summers:
The second pick for Forge is England U19 international and right-handed, two-way midfielder, Chris Summers.
Dodging threats while in transition is one of his playing strengths and representing England at an U19 World Championship helped him to develop his vision and his overall lacrosse IQ.
With experience playing at club level in the Premiership in the South, Summers really cannot wait to play sixes at The Fly. He said: “I played in the Home Nations Sixes tournament and really enjoyed the fast paced nature of the format. I could see the difference in the players who had attended The Fly and got all that experience and coaching and I wanted to get involved.”
Sam Perry:
After securing two midfielders, Longley looked to strengthen his forward options with the inclusion of Sam Perry. The attacker can influence opposition through his awareness and tactical implementation allowing him to adapt to any situation faced.
His impressive off-ball cutting and inside finishing is just another of the qualities he holds, not to mention his left hand! But The Fly debutant is looking to make amends following his decision to not apply for 2021, he said: “I sincerely regretted not submitting an application last year as it is a style of game that suits me and what I love about lacrosse. I also would love to take it as an opportunity to cross-apply my box lacrosse experience.”
Thomas Porter:
With two Senior England nationals in the team so far, Forge moved just across the border as they cemented the signing of Welshman, Thomas Porter. Representing the Wales National Senior squad, the right-handed two-way midfielder poses a great deal of versatility, playing as a long stick defender/midfielder in field lacrosse too.
He has a number of accolades to his name already, having won the 2019 home internationals tournament as a long stick defender with Wales and representing Wales’ Senior Sixes team at the 2021 Home Nations Sixes competition.
Having won last year’s competition with Rise, Longley and his side look to have a born winner and leader. “I value The Fly 2021 as one of the best lacrosse experiences I have had to date, the organisation and professionalism brought to the tournament made me feel we were able to perform at our highest level as athletes and would like the chance to further that again, plus the new 6s format is exciting and something I look forward to being more involved in.”
Jack Brookes:
Whilst in Wales, Longley decided to remain and add another dragon to his side in the form of right-handed two-way midfielder, Jack Brookes.
Brookes will join up with Wales National Senior teammate Thomas Porter to make his The Fly debut. But that debut shouldn’t be anything to worry about having won three BUCS (British University and Colleges Sports) medals.
Quick transitional play can create a spark in any game and not only does he have that ability to attack but also to defend with his exceptional man-to-man marking.
Brookes said: “Watching The Fly 2021 inspired me to push myself out my comfort zone to try and play with players a lot more experienced than me. It pushed me to put my name forward for Wales Home Nations Sixes weekend which proved to me I am able to play with the big players without feeling out of place.”
He added: “Having the opportunity to play with the best players in the country would be the best challenge for me and push me further towards my goals of being the best lacrosse player I can be.”