It was a close semifinal series from start to finish.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies were able to match the Victoria Shamrocks' speed and offensive calibre in hopes of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) recency.
The 8-10 Bellies even handed the 18-0 'Rocks their first two losses of the year, both on the home floor of Queen's Park Arena in games two and four, to keep the best-of-five bout even and interesting.
However, despite gaining early control of game five, New West ultimately fell 11-8 in the deciding match in Victoria on Thursday, Aug. 15, and the "drive for 25" — a 25th Mann Cup national title — will have to wait another year.
The Shamrocks will now face the Langley Thunder for the WLA championship starting Saturday, Aug. 17.
First-team WLA all-star and scoring champion Will Malcom led the senior "A" Bellies on the scoresheet with four points, including three assists.
Goaltender Neil Tyacke made 29 saves on 38 shots in the setback; backup Justin Geddie was subbed in for the final 11 minutes of the contest, turning away 11 of 12 balls.
New West's largest lead was by two goals, 3-1 more than 11 minutes into game five.
Victoria then went on a prolonged unanswered six-goal scoring run between 16:20 in the first and 2:42 in the second.
The Shamrocks never led the match by more than four goals, reaching 8-4 at the 14:14 mark of the middle period.
Transition defender Colton Clark ignited a possible Bellies' comeback, potting the next three goals to get to 8-7 with 11 minutes left in regulation.
That was the closest New West got to potentially keeping their season alive before Victoria pulled away with three goals within the final five minutes of the series.
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