One team played with more urgency than the other.
The Maple Ridge Burrards buckled down and built up an early lead then held on, toppling the New Westminster Salmonbellies 13-9 in Western Lacrosse Association action on Sunday.
In what was the Bellies’ final regular season game and a contest which could have kept their slim hopes of finishing in first place alive, the result can only be charted as disappointing.
The Burrards, who themselves are battling Burnaby for third and fourth spot, counted five straight goals beginning midway through the first period to take control.
While New West would counter and pull back within a pair, Maple Ridge locked it down with three goals in a 52-second span midway through the third.
Former junior Bellie netminder Frank Scigliano proved to be the biggest obstacle for New West, as the Burrards goalie blocked 49 shots.
Mitch Jones and Logan Schuss tallied two goals and four assists each in the loss, while Tyler Kirkby counted a goal and three helpers.
Also scoring were Ben Davies, Brett Dobray, Anthony Malcom and Dane Sorensen.
With their regular season record locked in at 12-4-2, the Bellies wait to see what Victoria does in its last two games – a win either Friday against Nanaimo or Saturday in Coquitlam would leapfrog the Shamrocks into first place.
All four playoff spots remained undetermined as of Wednesday.
The Bellies will play either Burnaby or Maple Ridge, with the best-of-seven series slated to start Aug. 9 at Queen’s Park. The semifinal continues with games on Aug. 12, 13, 15, and if necessary, 17, 20 and 22.
