Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/264

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GOAL-KEEPING.
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to stop it going into goal. Much of the fine science of batting might be introduced into goal-keeping, but it is risky, considering the width and height of the flag poles. Science in goal-keeping is not batting at all balls, but turning some to the right or left of the flags, and retaining others.

Accidents—If you lack courage and confidence you are almost sure to be injured by swift balls, Stop a hall determinedly and your crosse will bear the brunt; shirk, and your body will probably suffer.

In close conflicts around goal you are liable to accident from strokes of opposing crosses, especially when playing with Indians. They get very savage in such tussles. At an Indian match we got a stroke and a drag on the back of the left hand from an Indian's crosse, which opened a slit of an inch and a half in length, through which was afforded to the lover of anatomy a charming prospect of the articulation of the knuckles.

Getting yourself dissected to save a game is not a pleasant thing to look forward to, but, if you save the honor of your side, never mind a wound. You are

not to invite it, but you must risk it. It is a very

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