The Lacrosse World Cup was staged here at Edgeley Park in the summer of 1978

The latest addition to our 'Edgeley Events' section looks back to the summer of 1978 when the World Cup was staged right here at Edgeley Park.

We refer of course to the game of lacrosse.

A typical English summer it was too, dull, grey skies, drizzle and freezing temperatures!

Still, the four International sides brought a strange but exciting atmosphere to the terraces with their flags, banners and stetson hats.

Although the Aussies were the most vociferous supporters with their chants, and green and yellow banners held aloft, the vast majority of the 5,000 crowd were die-hard English supporters who seemed so proud to be watching the opening ceremony here in their own country, and what better stadium could they ever have wished for!

England captain, Mike Roberts had the unique distinction of being the only player in the 1978 tournament who had played in the previous World Championships in 1967 and 1974.

There was to be no glory for Mike and his squad as England finished in bottom place.

One consolation for the lads though was that Cheadle's Steve Bevington won the award for the tournament's best defender.

The opening game was won by the U.S.A. beating Australia 22-17, and when they beat Canada by a record World Cup score of 28-4, it seemed the Yanks would have no trouble in lifting the trophy.

However, it wasn't to be as Canada gained sweet revenge on their neighbours, beating them 17-16 in one of the most dramatic games ever witnessed in this country.

Attendances at Edgeley Park for the tournament hovered around the 4,500 mark, and all the newcomers who came along thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The only sour note (surely it could only happen at Edgeley Park) was that on the opening day, many of the fans got up from their seats to discover their rear-ends were covered in royal blue paint.

In their haste to get the ground ready for the tournament, County ... well, say no more!

Tournament Results

Australia 17 USA 22
Australia 16 England 10
USA 28 Canada 4
Canada 16 Australia 13
USA 12 England 11
Australia 19 England 9
Canada 17 USA 16