The Peterborough Timbermen are looking to put last weekend behind them when they take the floor at the Lodge at Millbrook Arena Saturday afternoon to host the Oshawa Outlaws.
Last weekend was the worst in the team’s four-year history, something nobody saw coming as the team is solidly in third place in Arena Lacrosse League standings. Hopes were high that a win against the Whitby Steelhawks would have them challenging for first place.
Unfortunately, after a disastrous home effort that the Steelhawks won 18-7, the Timbermen had to suffer a second loss 17-13 on Sunday afternoon to the then 0-6 Six Nations Snipers. Neither game was due to a lack of effort from the players on the floor.
Only 14 runners managed to make the matinee at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, and only four forwards at that, including call-up Aaron Bradshaw.
The Timbermen went down 4-0 in the first 3:51, but Aaron Woods led a rally with two goals that got them back in it. Woods had his best game in several weeks leading the scoring with a hat trick and four assists.
The game was tied 6-6 at the half.
Peterborough kept digging and came out of the third with an 11-9 lead, but with just 14 runners fatigue began to set in. Six Nations started the fourth much like the first, with four goals in the first two minutes for a 13-11 lead.
“Anytime you play with a less than full roster you’re really putting yourself in a tough spot to win,” said assistant captain Steve Bourden. “Given our short numbers I think we still played 50 minutes of lacrosse where we could have taken that game. Unfortunately, we dug ourselves a hole right from the get go. We hit a wall to start the fourth and couldn’t come back.”
Todd Chapman got the Timbermen back within a goal on a transition effort – despite being cross checked, Chapman angled his body towards the goal and found the five-hole. Defense reigned for the next six minutes but the Snipers scored three in just over three minutes for a 16-12 lead.
“I’m proud of our guys for being able to claw back and make it a game. It’s unfortunate because when we have our whole roster it’s the most skilled team I’ve seen in my time with the Timbermen,” Bourden said. “I think this is was good reminder to all of us that anyone can be beat in this league, and that we need to come prepared to the fullest extent possible for each game which I know we will be come Saturday vs. a feisty Oshawa club.”
Game time is 3 p.m. at Millbrook Arena. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-14 and those under five get in free. Kids are encouraged to bring their helmets, sticks and balls to play on the floor at intermission.
