The Jr. Shamrocks split a pair of weekend games, winning at home 16-14 over Langley Saturday but falling short on the mainland on Sunday, dropping a 16-4 game at Queen’s Park Arena against the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
New West held period leads of 5-2 and 12-3 on their way to the win, as the ‘Rocks couldn’t get anything going. Scoring for the Shamrocks were Brad McCulley, who also had two assists, Ben Preston, Nick Murray and Cole Pickup.It was a very testy game with numerous scuffles.
By virtue of the win, New Westminster remains the only unbeaten team in the B.C. Jr. A Lacrosse League at 4-0, while the Shamrocks fall to 4-3. In other Saturday action, Coquitlam defeated Nanaimo 10-6.
On Saturday, the Shamrocks erased a first-period deficit to beat the Thunder at The Q Centre. It was 8-8 after two and the locals won a goal fest in the third for the victory.
The Rocks were led offensively by captain Pickup who had four goals and four assists. Brad McCulley had the hat trick and two helpers while Jake Campbell and Preston each scored twice. Singles came from Guy Cullen, Tyler Mace, Nick Murray, Daniel Smith, and Nick Preston, while Brian Robb contributed six assists.
Zack Homer had a strong game in the faceoff circle for the locals, winning 15 of 24 draws.
Victoria hits the road for its next game, in Langley this Saturday, May 20 and they return to The Q Centre in Colwood to host the Coquitlam Adanacs at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Intermediate Shamrocks knock Burrards from undefeated ranks
The warmup game Saturday saw Victoria intermediate A Shamrocks hand the Burrards (4-1) their first loss this season, winning 12-6.
The Shamrocks (3-2) scored the first three goals and built a 5-2 lead after the first period, stretching it to 8-4 after two. They outscored the visitors 4-2 in the final period to take the two points and improve their record to 3-2.
Unofficially it was Caleb Kueber leading Victoria’s offense with the hat trick and four assists, while Brody Black had three goals and three helpers. Brayden Brown had a five-point game including two goals, while singles came from Thomas Vaesen, Brayden McQuarrie, Josh Pickford and Joel Lioudakis, with Jackson Boyd adding five assists. Ryan Atkinson got the win in goal.
The ‘Rocks look to keep things going this Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. game at home against the Richmond Roadrunners.
– Contributed by Janice Huckin