The first-place New Westminster Salmonbellies are leaving the Western Lacrosse Association opposition behind.
The 'Bellies put six points between them and the second-place Victoria Shamrocks following a 10-7 victory at Bear Mountain Arena on Friday.
Rookie sensation Kevin Crowley fired his second hat trick in as many games, while also garnering his second consecutive first star mention to lead the Salmonbellies against the 'Rocks. Crowley also scored three times in New West's 12-8 win over the Langley Thunder at Queen's Park Arena on Thursday. The win at home gave New West the season series against the Thunder.
"We're progressing nicely, ... but we're not there yet," said Curtis Manning, who scored one of New Westminster's four transition goals in the middle period at home.
"We definitely put an emphasis on transition, ... It's what separates us from most teams I think, our ability to go up and down (the floor)."
New Westminster took Langley out of the game in the opening two periods with its quick breakout, building a 9-5 lead.
In Victoria, the Salmonbellies again began quickly, scoring the first
three goals of the contest from Jordan Hall, in just his second game with the 'Bellies this season, Cliff Smith and Crowley.
The visitors then outscored the Shamrocks 7-0 in the middle frame, including back-to-back goals from both Jordan McBride and Ilija Gajic.
This week, New West and Burnaby will engage in a home-and-home series, beginning Thursday at Queen's Park Arena. Burnaby hosts at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre on Friday. Both games are 7: 45 p.m.
tberridge@royalcityrecord.com
