The Nanaimo Timbermen kept pace in the Western Lacrosse Association by winning on the road for the first time this season.
The senior A lacrosse team (4-3-1) defeated the Maple Ridge Burrards 10-6 on Sunday.
The Coastal Windows Timbermen knew they needed to find a way to get a good start on the road and they were able to do just that, said coach Art Webster. They parlayed a strong pre-game warmup into a 4-2 first-period lead.
“When we go on the road we have to have that jump,” he said.
In the second period goaltending was the story, as Zak Boychuk stopped 16 of 17 Burrards shots to help his team extend its margin to 7-3.
Then in the third, the home team drew within one.
“We didn’t panic, we stayed together, kept moving the ball, swinging the ball and we scored three in a row and just sealed it,” Webster said.
Cayle Ratcliff paced the offence with a hat trick, Scott Ranger had two goals and four assists and Ryan Keith also scored twice. Cory Conway had a goal and six assists and Cody Bremner had a goal and five helper. Myles Kenny was Nanaimo’s other scorer.
“That’s what we need to take some of the pressure off of Scotty and Conway and [Joel] Henry,” said the coach. “When they’re not banging the ball into the net we need other people to do it.”
The defence was a bit undermanned – forward Kyle Hofer had to help out on the back end – but it outplayed Maple Ridge’s offence.
“Our defence made sure we were packing the middle and not getting spread out all over the floor,” Webster said.
GAME ON … The T-men host the Coquitlam Adanacs (5-5) on Saturday (June 30) at Frank Crane Arena. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for children.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
