The Armstrong Senior Shamrocks are heading to the finals of the Thompson Okanagan Senior Lacrosse League thanks to a 15-11 victory over the Kamloops Rattlers Friday, June 16.
The Shamrocks overcame a short bench on the road at Memorial Arena to secure the win, taking the best-of-three semifinal series 2-0.
It was a back-and-forth first two periods with several lead changes, but the Shamrocks’ offence ultimately prevailed, matching the Rattlers’ goals and answering whenever challenged.
The Shamrocks scored the first two goals of the game only to give up four unanswered. Shamrocks captain Steve Clark returned to the lineup after missing Game 1 with an undisclosed lower body injury. He scored with 2.6 seconds remaining on the clock to draw the Shamrocks close, but they still trailed 4-3 after the first period.
The Rocks dominated in the second period with the defensive unit holding the potent Rattlers snipers to only two goals while the offensive unit scored five to amass an 8-6 lead after two periods.
Rattlers sleeping giant Riley Peterson awoke this game, scoring two goals off transition on face-offs to tie the game, but the Shamrocks’ offence was equal to the task.
Bad blood surfaced in the third period when the Shamrocks had blown the game open with a 15-11 lead, which would be the final score.
Josh Dumont was named the first star, Carston Schlaak earned second star honours and Peterson was named the game’s third star.
With the win, the Shamrocks advance to the finals and will take on the winner of the semifinal series between the undefeated Kelowna Raiders and the Vernon Tigers. That series is currently 1-0 in favour of the Raiders. Game 2 is in Vernon Monday night.
The Rowcliffe Cup final series dates are to be announced.
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