The New Westminster Salmonbellies failed to figure out one of the top goalies in the B.C. Junior Lacrosse League last weekend.
The junior A Salmonbellies rained 57 shots on Victoria keeper Charles Claxton but fell 12-9 on the scoresheet to the Shamrocks at the Q Centre on Saturday.
New West held the advantage midway through the second period before Victoria closed out the middle frame with six goals in a seven-minute span, including the eventual game winner from Danny Smith with just 17 seconds left on the clock.
Johnny Pearson got one back in the early stages of the final period, but Victoria closed out its eighth win this season with goals by McLean Chicquen and Nick Preston.
Connor Robinson and Pearson led the junior ’Bellies with two goals apiece.
Tyler Landry and Michael Flintoff shared the goalkeeping duties for New West.
New West opened up with a 3-0 lead, with Robinson scoring in the opening minute and Brandon Clelland, with his 10th of the season, just two minutes later.
But Victoria rallied, tying the contest 4-4 in the final two minutes on an even-strength goal from Ryan Lewis just shortly after Zac Christianson shaved the deficit to a single goal with a shorthanded marker from Lewis and the goalie.
Claxton registered 48 stops and a 0.842 save percentage.
Cole Pickup led the ’Rocks with five points, while 10 Victoria players shared in the goal scoring.
Victoria moved into a second second-place tie with Coquitlam with the win.
New West is eight points back in fourth place.
The Salmonbellies host Burnaby at home tonight (Tuesday).
New West is in Nanaimo on Saturday.
