Stellar start for Surrey defence

Michael Booth

The Surrey Stickmen maintained their winning momentum with a 13-3 thrashing of the Port Coquitlam Saints in B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League play Thursday.

Playing at home for just the second time this season, the Stickmen improved their record to a perfect 4-0 by dismantling the Saints.

Surrey led 5-1 after the first period and never looked back in rolling to the lopsided win.

"We played really good all around and I'm really happy with the way the game went," said Surrey coach Rory McDade. "We had been talking about our slow starts and this time we got off to a good start, and it just continued through the whole game.

"Our defence was a key part in that game. We kept them to the outside for the most part and that gave us more possessions."

One of the keys to the Stickmen's fast start has been the stifling play of the team's defenders. For the third straight game, Surrey held an opponent to four goals or less and the Stix now lead the BCJLL with a paltry average of 4.5 goals allowed per game.

"Our defence is very underrated in my opinion," McDade said. "They're a big group of kids and they play really hard. I think they're the toughest defence in the league, and I think there's a lot of teams that would agree with that coming through our middle."

At the other end of the floor, Surrey's offence has more than held its own as well. Sean Kelly sparked the Stickmen attack with three goals and a pair of assists. Cliff Smith helped out with a goal and four helpers while Dain Panton checked in with two goals and four points.

Shawn Birch scored twice while solo markers came from Keith Jones, Mike Leong, Shaun Saunders, Ross Halliday and Matt Leveque.

In response, Mike Connor netted a goal and one assist for Port Coquitlam.

McDade said Surrey's transition game from offence to defence is one of the team's biggest improvements from the previous year.

"We're getting some goals from our defence which is something we were looking for coming into this season." he said. "We wanted to get some more transition goals and that's translated into us taking advantage of other teams. Last year we would win by a couple but this year we're getting those extra couple of goals."

Surrey is back in action Thursday (May 19) when the New West Salmonbellies visit the North Surrey Rec Centre. Game time is 8 p.m.

posted on 05/18/2005