Shamrocks tie up WLA series with 8-4 victory

VICTORIA 8 NANAIMO 4 (Series tied 1-1)

The Empire strikes back.

The veteran-laden Victoria Shamrocks defeated the upstart Nanaimo Timbermen 8-4 before nearly 1,000 fans on Friday night at Frank Crane Arena in the Harbour City to tie their rare all-Island best-of-seven Western Lacrosse Association semifinal series 1-1.

The Timbermen, making their first playoff appearance in 11 seasons and only the second in 14 years, stunned the annual WLA contender Shamrocks 12-11 in Game 1 on Wednesday night at The Q Centre in the first post-season meeting between the Island franchises in 61 years.

“I challenged our players to bring intensity,” said Shamrocks head coach and Nanaimo-native Bob Heyes, after the game in his hometown.

“We brought a physical level to our game to show them that we’re here to play. And we were much better on the draw in the face-off circle, which was a huge difference.”

Nanaimo was never really in the game as the Shamrocks led 3-1 after one period and 7-2 after two.

“It was nice to have that cushion going into the third period,” said Heyes.

Rhys Duch, an all-time Shamrocks career great who made several glaring defensive errors in Game 1, was back to doing what he does best with a hattrick for Victoria on Friday night.

“Rhys’ body is getting broken down but he’s a pro who gutted it out for us tonight,” said Heyes.

Another NLL pro, Rob Hellyer from the Toronto Rock, was the distributer on the night with five assists. Rookie Tyson Gibson, out of NCAA Div. 1 Robert Morris and Ontario Junior A Brampton, had a goal and three assists. Jesse King, Chris Wardle, Casey Jackson, Greg Harnett also scored for Victoria.

Colton Clark, Drew Belgrave, Dane Sorensen and Wednesday’s double-overtime hero Jon Phillips scored for the Timbermen. The Shamrocks held emerging Timbermen sophomore standout Chase Fraser to an assist.

Adam Shute made 34 saves in goal for Victoria for the victory and Charles Claxton 40 saves for the loss in the Naniamo nets.

The third game is Sunday night at The Q Centre in Colwood.