MICHAEL BRIONES michael.briones@pqbnews.com
The Oceanside Sharks Bantam B team beat arch-rivals the Nanaimo Timbermen 6-5 to clinch the Vancouver Island Lacrosse Championships in front of home fans at Oceanside Place on Saturday.
The victory gave the Sharks their second banner this season, having won the VI Lacrosse League Championships as well.
The Sharks expected a tough outing against the Timbermen. They started a bit flat and ended up trailing 2-0 at the end of the first period.
When the game resumed, the Sharks capitalized on a power play to cut the lead to 2-1, with Ben Tisdelle scoring Oceanside’s first marker of the game. A minute later, Sharks captain Brenden Jamieson shot one past the Timbermen keeper to square things up at 2-2.
Nanaimo regained the lead just past the halfway mark and made it 4-2 late in the period.
In the final frame, the Sharks had to really step up their game. They dominated the first couple of minutes and their efforts were nicely rewarded with Angela Zanchetta, assisted by Jamieson, cutting the deficit by half. A minute later, Zanchetta returned the favour and assisted on Jamieson’s goal that squared things at 4-4.
With the momentum in their favour, the Sharks did not let up. Jamieson, one of the speediest players in the game, scored two unassisted breakaway goals that virtually secured the win for Oceanside. The Timbermen were able to score late in the game but were not able to find the equalizer.
The final score was 6-5 for the Sharks, who outshot Nanaimo 42-31.
Jamieson led the Oceanside offence with four goals and two assists. Kohl Krastel had two assists and Blake Beatty had an assist. Goaltender Jacob Colley stopped 26 of the 31 shots that he faced to earn the win at the net.
Coach Terry Krastel said the Timbermen have been the Shark’s toughest opponents this season. They had to play really well.
“Our guys stepped up and played solid defence,” said Krastel. “We stuck to our goals. If we don’t give up five goals, we give ourselves a good chance to win. And that showed today. We gave up five and we scored six.”
Krastel said the breakaway goals were key in the Sharks’ win against the Timbermen.
“We talked about getting to the loose balls first,” said Krastel. “Whoever wants it more. We are lucky we have players who are blessed with speed. The two breakaway goals tied and won the game for us.”
In winning the VI Champiopnships, Krastel said, the team has achieved two of its three goals this season. The Sharks aimed at finishing in the top three in the league standings and they did that by winning it. They also wanted to play in the Island Championships and they did, winning the title as well. Their third goal is to do well at the Provincial Bantam B Lacrosse Championships that Oceanside Minor Lacrosse is hosting from July 13-16 at Oceanside Place.
The Sharks will likely face the Timbermen again at the B.C. championships.
Krastel said if they stick to their game plan the Sharks have a good chance of winning the provincials.
“If we don’t put so much emphasis on winning it and just play our game like we know how, the result will take care of itself,” said Krastel. “We are ready to go. We know there will be tough opponents coming out here but we will get ready for the challenge.”
