The Nicola Valley bantam lacrosse team came so very close to winning a medal at the Provincials in Victoria/Esquimalt on the July 19 weekend, losing 5-4 in the bronze medal game to the host team.
“It was a very winnable game. We had our chances, especially in the third period,” head coach Rick Baker said. “Their goalie played well, and got player of the game. We battled right to the end.”
The Thunder earned the right to play for a medal thanks to a pair of wins in round robin play.
In their opening game on Friday, the Thunder defeated New Westminster 8-4, while in their third outing, they came out on top, 9-5 over Surrey.
In between their two victories, the Thunder fell 6-4 to Campbell River, the eventual gold medal winners.
In their cross-over, semi-final game, the Nicola Valley team suffered its only lopsided loss of the weekend, 8-2 to Juan de Fuca.
“It was our second game of the day,” Baker said, “and the boys just came out flat. When it comes to the Provincials, you need a top shift from every player all game long.”
Baker felt the trip to the Provincials was a great learning experience for his young players, a couple of whom were in their very first season of lacrosse.
“The kids were very dedicated all year,” Baker said. “The three coaches — Shane Simon, Bill Kelly and myself — were all very pleased with their effort and level of commitment.”
The Thunder’s Fred Ware was selected to the Provincial tournament all-star team.
