CANDT Wins Physical First Game at 2023 IIJL Commonwealth Cup

photos courtesy of Luke Hanna

Ken Read took part in the ceremonial face off with Melbourne Storm Captain Eden Hannah-Roberts from Melbourne and Canadian Lacrosse League's Will Angus. This marks the first international junior box lacrosse game in Australia history. Ken was Head Coach of the 1978 box team that competed at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and was along with Mal Taylor from Williamstown Lacrosse club the pioneers of Box in this country. Ken is also the Honorary Patron of Australian Box Lacrosse. 

The full game is available for fans to watch who missed their 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM alarms. 

While CANDT rushed out to an early 3-1 lead in the 1st Quarter, Melbourne's physical play kept them in the game for the 3rd and 4th Quarters. Ultimately, narrowing the gap to 2 Goals, which they only saw in the 1st Quarter, for a 12-10 Final in favour of Canada. A full boxscore is available here (click).  

Canada was led in scoring by Mason Williams who finished with 3 Goals and 2 Assists, with two of his goals coming Shorthanded. Canada's Player of the Game (pictured below) was Goaltender Shane Friesen finished the game with 18 Save in the 1st Half.

[PHOTO: Players of the Game, for Canada Shane Friesen (left) and for Melbourne Blake Watson (right).] 

In the 2nd Half Goaltender Ty Petersen came in relief for Friesen and made some spectacular and timely saves (16) to keep the depleted Canada roster in the game to hold on for the win, earning himself the "Outback Lacrosse Award".

[PHOTO: Ty Petersen Outback Lacrosse Award]

CANDT's next game is Thursday, March 16th, at 8:00 PM AEDT against the Adelaide Thunder at the home of Altona Lacrosse Club and the Alan Lewer Box Court. The game will be streamed live on the Victoria Box Lacrosse Facebook Page.