Snipers register decisive victory over Timbermen before setback versus Outlaws

The Six Nations Snipers managed to split their Arena Lacrosse League games this weekend. The way they earned that split, however, might come as a bit of a surprise to some. For starters, the Six Nations squad registered a convincing 22-11 triumph over the previously undefeated Peterborough Timbermen in a match held at Millbrook Arena on Saturday. Then on Sunday, in what had looked on paper at least to be the Snipers’ more winnable contest of the weekend, Six Nations was downed 13-11 by the visiting Oshawa Outlaws. 

The Outlaws entered Sunday’s tilt, staged at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, having posted just one win in its first four starts this season. And the Snipers were on a high having taken over first place in the standings of the seven-team league thanks to their victory over the Timbermen one day earlier. But the Six Nations squad was unable to get on any sort of roll against the Outlaws. The Snipers never led by more than one goal at any point in the match. The Snipers’ last lead of the contest was when they were ahead 6-5 midway through the second quarter. Oshawa, however, scored a pair of late goals before halftime to take a 7-6 lead after 30 minutes. Six Nations was then playing catchup for the remainder of the game. 

“I felt we were still the better team,” said Six Nations’ Alec Tamas. “Towards the end we just ran out of gas. And we had some penalty problems.” Seven of the eight players the Snipers were assessed in the match occurred in the second half. Tamas said his teammates were doing their best to remain upbeat in the dressing room despite the loss, which dropped the Snipers’ record to 4-2. “We said we’ll learn from our mistakes,” Tamas said. “I’m sure next time we play them it will be a different game.” 

The Snipers will have to wait until Mar. 19 to try to avenge their loss against the Outlaws. That’s the next time the two rivals will square off. That match will be in Oshawa.

With its eight points Six Nations is tied for top spot in the league with the now 4-1 Timbermen. The Peterborough squad though has played one less game. Tyler Brown was the Snipers’ top goal-scorer and point-getter on Sunday. He netted a hat trick and also earned an assist. Tamas and Mike McGlaughlin scored two goals each for the Six Nations side. And singles were provided by Johnny Powless, Ross Hill, Tye Argent and Kevin Owen Hill. Meanwhile, Scott Del Zotto had the hot hand for the Snipers on Saturday as he racked up nine points, including four goals. Travis Longboat also had a spectacular outing as he popped in five goals and chipped in an assist as well. Vern Hill also got in on the points parade, scoring three times and adding four assists. Justin Martin and Kevin Owen Hill added a pair of goals each while Wes Whitlow, Jeremy Bomberry, Josh Miller, Darris Anderson, Boedy Shields and McGlaughlin provided singles.

The Snipers return to action this coming Saturday, March 5 for a road contest against the Whitby Steelhawks. That game, which has an opening faceoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m., will be held at Children’s Arena in Oshawa. The Snipers’ next home game is set for Mar. 13 versus the Paris RiverWolves. That game, at the ILA, is set for 4 p.m.