Every week, World Lacrosse is highlighting a classic game from the Summer of Lacrosse.
Japan won the bronze medal in the men’s competition at The World Games 2022 with a scintillating 19-18 overtime win over Great Britain in one of the most exciting contests of the week in Birmingham, Alabama. The medal was the first a Japan team had claimed in a senior world-level event.
🇯🇵🤝🥉
During The World Games 2022, @JapanLacrosse took on @BritishLacrosse for the bronze.
Relive the historic match with us ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ltcGLcQ0cG
— World Lacrosse (@WorldLacrosse) December 2, 2022
The lead changed six times as the teams traded blows early. Japan led by as many as four goals, but Great Britain summoned a gutsy fourth quarter effort with a three-goal run to tie the game with six minutes to play. Japan re-took the lead with three minutes to play before a dramatic goal from Ryan Hunns with 33 seconds to play ultimately sent the contest into overtime.
Hiroki Kanaya was instrumental to Japan’s high-powered offense with five goals and the game-winning assist in overtime to Kazuki Obana, who notched four goals of his own.
Lyndon Bunio delivered a Herculean effort for Great Britain and was responsible for half of his team’s offense with eight goals and an assist. Alex Russell added three goals and an assist.
