International Crowd Loves Lacrosse

By Jen Mutas

“Last nights game between New West and Surrey was a first time lacrosse experience for a group of 13-15 year old Rugby players all the way from Cornwall England. Will Skuse gave it a go during the second intermission. “It’s well hard! I really like it though, it’s good- very intense. I like the fast pace”.

The team from Tenair Secondary school just came off a 45 nil victory and are heading to Mulgrave school next- before heading home in four days. Most of the players said they would definitely play if there were a league in England.

Now back to the game at hand!

In the last couple of games I’ve seen Surrey play, possession has been the noticeable issue. Whether it’s keeping possession, or gaining it with loose balls at either end of the court. But in their defense, they always put out a pretty good third period with good energy and physical play.

Last night was no different. Surrey scored two of their five goals in the third. Dane Eitel on the power play halfway through the period, and Dylan Hernandez showed great stick skills scoring short handed with a couple of Salmonbellies all over him.

Surrey’s crowd is great for support, a large group always shows up; at home or away, to fire up the team and make sure the refs know they’re there! They were especially loud in the third calling for numerous penalties against the Bellies.

New West looked comfortable with the long passes up the middle, usually resulting in a planned set play of give and go, with a goal for the cherry on top. Whenever Jordan McBride, Kyle Belton, Alex Turner, and Mike Paul were on the floor- the scoreboard got some action.

Stickmen runner Dane Eitel saw a lot of court time last night and Lucas Mann had a great night in the face-off circle, winning 17 of 20.

For the goalies, it was no question 'Bellies’ Craig Robertson had the easier night only facing 37 shots. Although Brandon Smith recorded the loss with the Stickmen, he made key saves when he had to, and really stood tall in the final frame.

Late in the third Richard Singer cross checked Surrey’s Ryan Harwood from behind which laid him out on the floor for quite some time. After the medical team came out Harwood made it to the dressing room with some help, but looked quite shaken up and in a lot of pain.

Both these teams square off again this Thursday at the North Surrey Rec Center at 8:00PM