Lacrosse round-up
It was an interesting game in Burnaby on June 26. I was going to call it exciting, but it wasn't until the last period that the game really got going. In fact, during the first period, I became quite bored watching the Bellies give up so many points to the Lakers. We've seen this happen before with the Bellies, though. It's like they don't even try until they get themselves behind in the game, then they work towards a comeback. This is all very stressful for the fans, though, who wonder if they'll do it, or if they'll end up giving too little, too late.
But after being down 4 to 1 at the end of the first period and 7 to 4 at the end of the second, the Bellies did indeed manage to turn the game around. The last few minutes of the game were particularly thrilling.
Here's what the
Newsleader had to say:
"Trailing 7-5 in the final four minutes, Cliff Smith and Scott Stewart scored 24 seconds apart to tie the game. Kyle Ross got the winner less than a minute later with 1:46 left and then assisted on an insurance goal by [Chris Seller], his second of the game, with 35 seconds remaining." [The Newsleader account erroneously credited Kyle Ross for the final goal.]
Kudos to Lakers' goalie, Andrew Leyshon, for stopping 42 shots. I'm surprised he didn't get named one of the stars of the game for his stellar performance.
In other WLA action, Coquitlam hosted Victoria on Saturday in what turned out to be an incredibly high-scoring game. The Shamrocks strengthened their lead in the standings with an 18 to 11 win over the Adanacs. I wasn't able to make it to the game, but the WLA website has posted
coverage of all but the first few minutes of the game. I might have to snuggle in bed with my laptop tonight to watch.
The following night Langley and Maple Ridge played a rough and tumble game that saw over 60 minutes in penalties handed out. Langley won 11 to 6 and is now very comfortably in fourth place. Langley also has the distinction of being the only team who has been able to beat Victoria this season, which could make for an interesting semi-final if the top four remain the same.
Labels: Andrew Leyshon, Chris Seller, New Westminster Salmonbellies, WLA
Bellies lacrosse camp for kids
I enrolled my daughter in the
Salmonbellies lacrosse camp. Today was the second day of camp, and she came home pretty excited that
Jordon Hall had given her a few pointers on improving her shot and that Bellies' trainer, Keith Johnson, had taught her a few new stretches.
The camp is a great summer activity for kids: it keeps them out of trouble, gives them a good workout, and helps them improve their lacrosse skills just in time for Provincials.
Labels: Canadian Lacrosse Association, Jordan Hall, Keith Johnson, New Westminster Salmonbellies
Cool lacrosse blog
Here's a great
new blog on local lacrosse history. Enjoy!
Much better
The Bellies played the Adanacs in Coquitlam today. They lost, but they played much better than they've played in the last few home games I've seen. Honestly, I think that dang organ music in Queen's Park is sapping them of their energy. Heck, it's affecting the fans. Everyone in my section groans when the organist plays ditties from the past like Camptown Races and Three Blind Mice. Imagine playing lacrosse to Three Blind Mice.
Tonight's highlights were:
1) Seeing the Bellies score three goals in a minute at the bottom of the second period and two more at the top of the third, bringing the score to 10-8 for Coquitlam. Unfortunately, they couldn't get another one past Levis, and Coquitlam scored again, so the final result was 11-8.
2) Watching Cliff Smith fight. I know, I shouldn't be advocating violence, but Smith is just great to watch: so fast, so smooth, so accurate in his punches.
3) Seeing some life in the Bellies. Honestly, the last couple of games have been rather boring to watch. Even though they lost tonight, they played hard and looked good.
Lowlights:
1) Having the Bellies get a penalty for delay of game for throwing the ball over the back netting. Who knew the netting didn't go all the way to the ceiling? And really, why would a player deliberately delay a game in the first period, when the score is two all?
2) As always, the Veltman brothers and Dane Dobbie. Sorry, but I just don't like 'em. They're rude and obnoxious and completely unsportsmanlike.
3) Having to watch a goalie let in shot after shot, knowing that the coach won't pull him until it's too late to catch up. It's happening a bit too much with the Bellies this season (with each goalie).
Next week, the Bellies play host to Maple Ridge. If they don't play well, I'm going to blame it on the organ music.
Labels: Coquitlam Adanacs, New Westminster Salmonbellies, Queen's Park Arena
