Shamrock juniors in tough early in B.C. lacrosse playoffs

Victoria squad down 2-0 to Delta in best-of-five series

The Victoria Shamrocks find themselves in a must-win situation heading into game 3 of their best-of-five B.C. Junior A Lacrosse Association semifinal series this Saturday.

The Rocks lost a 7-6 decision to Delta on Sunday in Ladner, one night after the Islanders shocked the hometown Shamrocks with a 14-6 win on the floor at The Q Centre.

This Saturday’s game goes at 5 p.m. at the Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich, with the Shamrocks’ home arena closed during Rock the Shores.

Victoria led Sunday’s contest 4-2 after one period but trailed 6-5 after two and was unable to find the net more than once in the third period.

Cole Pickup and Jake Cullen had two goals and an assist each to lead the Shamrocks’ attack in game 2, with singles scored by McLean Chicquen and Ryan Lewis. Victoria goalie Charles Claxton was kept busy on the night and made some big saves, as the Islanders outshot their opponent 54-41.

Saturday’s game began well enough, with Delta building a slim 5-4 lead after 20 minutes. But it was all Islanders after that, as they made it 11-5 after two periods and kept up the pressure in the third.

Pickup had two goals and a helper and Cullen and Max Fredrickson had one and one to lead the Shamrocks.

Intermediate ’Rocks await playoff foe

Fresh off a 15-8 victory over the Delta Islanders, the intermediate ‘A’ Shamrocks open their post-season with a 1:30 p.m. game this Saturday at Panorama.

They’re waiting to find out who they’ll play, however, with other teams at the top end of the standings still having to finish out their regular season this week on the mainland.

The Shamrocks held a share of top spot with a 14-4 record, with Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam each sitting at 14-3 to start the week.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com

Goldstream News Gazette