Six Nations Powers Past Ennismore Behind Offensive Explosion

Photo courtesy of Andrew VanEvery

By Gary Groob 

The Ennismore James Gang (0-4) traveled west to face the Six Nations Rivermen (5-0) in Ontario Series Lacrosse action at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Haggersville, Ontario. 

The goaltending match-up had Cole George in net for the James Gang facing Sam Forbes in net for Six Nations. 
 
Six Nations showcased its depth and transition game from the opening faceoff, building a commanding lead with relentless offensive pressure. After an early exchange of goals, the Rivermen seized control behind tallies from Thunder Hill, David Peterkin, Mitch VanEvery, Ryan Andrews, Nolan McNeil, and Rolando Henderson. Ennismore battled hard and received strong performances from Liam Vollans and Mason Tardiff, but Six Nations' ability to capitalize in transition and create scoring opportunities in all situations led to a 7-2 lead after the opening period and a comfortable 13-5 advantage through forty minutes.

The James Gang refused to back down, continuing to push offensively in the second half with Vollans leading the charge, finishing with four goals on the night. Caleb French, Robbie McGrayne, and Dalton Hill also contributed as Ennismore showed plenty of resilience despite the deficit. However, Six Nations had an answer for every surge, with Thunder Hill, Ross Hill, Marshall Powless, Tyler Brown, Nolan McNeil, and Brody Thomas helping maintain control. The Rivermen's balanced attack and strong special teams performance proved too much to overcome as Six Nations came away with an impressive 17-9 victory.

To The Game:

Six Nations got on the board first with Ross Hill at 0:36 seconds, but Liam Vollans evened the game for the James Gang at 1:02.

Thunder Hill gave the Rivermen the lead once again with a low to high laser at 2:07, followed by a highlight-reel goal from David Peterkin 0:35 seconds later.

Mason Tardiff got one back for Ennismore on the power-play at 5:57, but Mitch VanEvery finished a Ross Hill feed at 6:41.

The Rivermen showed how strong a transition game they had with both Ryan Andrews and Nolan McNeil adding to the score midway through the period.  Rolando Henderson added a shorthanded marker at 14:05 to give Six Nations a five goal lead.

After one period, Six Nations 7 Ennismore 2.

Second Period:

The James Gang came out rolling in the second with Liam Vollans and Aaron Bradshaw scoring on the power-play inside the first two minutes. 

Marshall Powless stopped the Ennismore run with an outside blast at 3:47, followed by back to back goals from Thunder Hill still early in the frame.

Liam Vollans and Mitch VanEvery traded power-play goals, but the Rivermen plowed forward with Ross Hill and Hanah Brant scoring late in the period.

After two periods, Six Nations 13 Ennismore 5.

Third Period:

The Rivermen kept the pressure with Tyler Brown and Nolan McNeil adding to the total.

The James Gang kept fighting with Caleb French and Robbie McGrayne both scoring shorthanded, but Marahall Powless stopped the momentum with a sidearm snipe at 10:04.

Liam Vollans got his fourth of the game for Ennismore at 12:50, but Six Nations replied with a shorthanded marker from Brody Thomas at 16:42.

To their credit, Ennismore fought until the very end with Dalton Hill scoring on the power-play at 18:05 for the James Gang's ninth tally of the game.

Final score, Six Nations 17 Ennismore 9.

The Three Stars:

1. Thunder Hill 
2. Liam Vollans 
3.  Mitch VanEvery