The effort was there for the South Okanagan Flames, just not the final result, a 14-10 loss to the Kamloops Venom.
Connor Walton led the Flames attack with six goals and seven points, while Levi Thompson led with four assists in the Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League game.
“I think tonight has probably been our best game all year,” said Walton, who reached the 40-goal plateau, and now has 44 on the season. “It’s good to be able to build on something.”
Brenden Cook, praised by Flames coach Kevin Thompson for his performance in goal, was also happy with the effort.
“It’s starting to click all together. We have to just keep this momentum going,” said Cook. “If we keep this momentum going, we have a good shot to make a run at what we want to do and be successful.”
Also scoring for the Flames were Brenden Deverill, Chace Moog, Same Jones and Mike MacLean. The Flames trailed 4-1 after the first period, and 9-7 after two. Cook added the Flames have been banged up and guys have stepped into roles, doing an excellent job.
Walton said the Flames moved the ball well on offence and there was contribution from everyone, instead of one player trying to do it on their own.
“On defence we keyed on their shooters, stopped them from getting in close,” he said. “(We) ran out the clock quite a few times, it was good.”
Cook was happy with his performance in goal, considering he had not played the position since he was in minor lacrosse.
“I was feeling good. I got to give the boys credit though, they really stuck behind me,” he said. “They really limited quality shots and they made my life easier. Really it’s on them.”
Monday’s game was the Flames’ final home game at Memorial Arena for this season. The Flames close out the regular season with games in Armstrong and Kamloops. They open the TOJLL playoffs on July 4 in either Kamloops or Vernon. Their home playoff game will take place in Oliver at 7:30 p.m. If necessary, they will play in Oliver again on July 10.
Kerry Moss was the winner of the 1999 Mercury Sable eligible to be won by fans aged 16 and over. Moss plans to sell the cover and donate the sales back to the Flames.
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