Coquitlam, BC – The Onondaga Redhawks went into today’s game knowing that they would have to play intelligent lacrosse to get past the undefeated St. Albert Miners. They did just in a 7-6 contest.
The first and second period illustrated how close these teams are. At the end of the first period the game was tied at 3. At the close of the second, the game was knotted at 5.
The final period saw the continuation of great lacrosse. The Miners rely on a deliberate ball control offense with man set picks. The Redhawks continued to push the pace using screens and picks and creative one on one plays on offense. Both defenses were up to the task. The Redhawks were anchored by goal tender Edmund Cathers as his steady play kept the score knotted at five. The Onondaga offence found the Miner defense was more than capable and when they did break through, their goalie made save after safe. The Miner goalkeeper had to as the Redhawk shooters had a decisive greater amount of shots on goal than the team from St. Albert.
But Lyle Thompson was able to score the first tally of the third period. Lyle was able to outrace the Miners as he turned a loose ball on the defensive end into a fast break where he was able to put 3 fakes on the crease before scoring to make the score 6-5. A few minutes later, the Miners lost possession on offense only to press the Redhawk defenders who were trying to clear into another possession. The Miner attacker did not waste time finding space and tying the game at 6. With the third period drawing to a close and the drums from the people from the Squamish Nation echoing the arena, with only 4 minutes remaining, the Redhawks pressed the Miners into a loose ball which was scooped up by Jerome “Hiana” Thompson who made a beautiful swooping motion and dove across the crease to score the game winner.
Up next for the Redhawks is an early game with the Nanaimo Timbermen. This is a game which will go far in determining the top four seeds to play for the 2014 Presidents Cup.
Standings
St. Albert 4 -1
Onondaga 4-1
Kahnawake 4-1
Six Nations 2-2
Nanaimo 2-3
Tri-City 0-4
Akwesasne 0-4