The Nanaimo Timbermen lost a couple of games and a couple of steps in the playoff race.
The Coastal Windows Timbermen senior A lacrosse team was defeated in back-to-back contests Saturday and Sunday, losing 12-7 to the Langley Thunder at Frank Crane Arena and then falling 13-7 to the Maple Ridge Burrards the next night on the mainland.
Both games were closer than the score might suggest. Saturday’s contest was 6-4 through two periods, but the Thunder’s transition game sparked the team to a 5-0 run to start the third period and end any drama.
Scott Ranger scored four goals for the Timbermen and Lewis Ratcliff had two goals and three assists. Mike MacLeod had Nanaimo’s other goal. Zack Boychuk played most of the game in goal as his team was outshot 47-40.
The next night’s loss came against an opponent the Timbermen had defeated twice earlier in the season.
Nanaimo started slow, falling behind 5-1 through 20 minutes, but reversed things in the second to tie the game 6-6 heading into the third.
Ranger had five goals, while Ratcliff was held to four assists. Mike and Mat MacLeod had the other T-men markers. Ray Hodgkinson went the distance in goal as the team was outshot 49-39.
GAME ON … The Timbermen (5-7-2) play the Thunder (7-6-2) in the Fraser Valley on Wednesday (July 20) in a 7 p.m. start.
