Salmonbellies Escape With Game One Victory

New Westminster, BC ~ The New Westminster Salmonbellies barely squeaked away with a 12-11 victory in game one of the WLA Semi Finals on Monday night at Queen's Park Arena in New Westminster.

No one told the Shamrocks and Salmonbellies that it was "just game one" as their opening meeting of the WLA First Round was one for the all time entertainment books. The game went back and forth throughout the evening with plenty of spite from both teams to fill a ship.

Victoria got tallies from Chris Wardle, Marshal King and Andrew Kew in the first but it was New West who held a 4-3 lead after twenty minutes thanks to two late goals. The Bellies also held a 19-14 shot total discrepancy in the first.

In the middle frame Chris Origlieri played some of his best lacrosse between the pipes for the 'Rocks, keeping the game close with some ridiculous desperation saves. New West lead 7-5 after two but if not for the man guarding the net for the visitors, that deficit could have been more. The Bellies outshot Victoria 22-14 while Victoria's two goals came by way of Andrew Kew.

The third period was one that everyone at Queen's Park Arena on the edge of their seats due to the back and forth nature of the twenty minute frame. 

Victoria shot out of a gun in the first three minutes, tying the game on marks from Marshal King and his older brother Jesse. New West grabbed their lead back four minutes later.

With the score at 9-8 the Salmonbellies took penalties just 40 seconds apart and gave the 'Rocks a extended two man advantage which they took full advantage of. First Clarke Petterson finished off a splendid passing play and then Andrew Kew struck yet again to hand Victoria their first lead (9-8) since mid way through the first at 3-2.

The Salmonbellies responded by rattling of three goals in less than three minutes too turn the tide of the game and lead 11-9. Jesse King's second of the game at at 17:52 for the away side saw them pull within one on the powerplay but the hosts got a dagger with 45 seconds remaining on the clock making it 12-10.

Andrew Kew's fifth of the evening made it interesting with 13 seconds to go but the Salmonbellies would win the ensuing faceoff and kill off the clock to take an unbelievably entertaining Game One of the WLA Semi Finals 12-11.

If tonight is any indication of how this hate filled first round matchup is going to continue, than strap in for what should be an all world game two on Wednesday night from the Q Centre in Colwood. That will also see fan favorite and recently name first team all star on defence, Elijah Gash, return from his three game suspension.

The Shamrocks need the best fan base in Canadian lacrosse to show up in full force for Game Two on Wednesday with a chance to tie the series on a home court! Tickets are still available for purchase by CLICKING HERE. Remember that all local youth under the age of 18 are free when accompanied by an adult thanks to Maxxam Insurance, even in the playoffs!