The Oceanside Sharks senior team made an impressive home debut when they sank the River Rats 9-4 in Vancouver Island Lacrosse League action at Howie Meeker Arena on Sunday afternoon (April 27).
It was an exciting and promising win for the newly formed senior Sharks, who are in their first season in the VILL.
"It was very electric in the dressing room, filled with nerves and joy of what we built and what was about to come," said team captain Rick Popplestone. "It was very special for most players to throw on the Sharks jersey once again, something many thought was in the past for good. Taking the home win was something else, against my old team too, so that made it every more special for myself."
The Sharks dominated at the start netting three successive goals, with Branden Farrell leading the charge with two goals and Popplestone scoring a goal and two assists. They added four more goals in the second, with Farrell completing a hat trick and Kyle Heiling finding the back of the net twice. In the final frame, Jayden Haftner notched two goals for the Sharks to secure the win.
Goalie Jake Colley faced 38 shots and made 34 saves to earn the win between the pipes.
The Sharks will be back at Oceanside Place when they host the Cowichan Thunder on Sunday, May 4 at 5 p.m.
"We're looking forward to keeping the momentum going next weekend," said Popplestone.
