Armstrong back on top senior Okanagan lacrosse world, defeats Kelowna

The Armstrong Shamrocks are once again the top of the senior lacrosse scene in the Okanagan.

Armstrong defeated the Kelowna Raiders 11-10 in the deciding third game of the Thompson Okanagan Senior Lacrosse League (TOSLL) finals to win the Rowcliffe Cup for the first time since 2018.

The match took place on Friday, July 19 at the Memorial Arena in Kelowna and was a thrilling affair with some fierce play on both sides.

A great performance from Raiders star Andrew Garant, who scored six goals in the game, put the Shamrocks defence under enormous pressure.

Both teams scored eight times in the first two periods, leading to a nerve-wracking final period.

Kyle Versteeg and Jake Pelletier opened the scoring in the period, putting Armstrong up 10-8. A goal from Josh DuMont in short order increased the visitors’ lead to 11-8.

Garant scored twice to put Kelowna within one point with just five minutes left in the game.

Despite Kelowna taking their goalie off the field and applying pressure on offense, the Shamrocks defense held strong with goalie Conner Senn making key saves to give Armstrong the win.

“That was a complete and total team win tonight,” said Shamrocks head coach Ryan Williamson. “I’m a big believer in what you get and these guys worked hard to get this win.”

TOSLL Commissioner Joe Wong presented the Shamrocks with the Rowcliffe Cup and Shaw Cup trophies in a post-match ceremony. Captain Steve Clark and assistant captains Jarret Medhurst and Cam Nelson received the trophies for the 11th time since the competition restarted in 1994.

The Raiders had won the previous two championships, beating Armstrong in last year’s final. Since 2002, Armstrong and Kelowna have won 17 of the 20 championships held.

With this win, the Shamrocks will compete in the senior provincial championships in British Columbia, representing the TOSLL.

The Provincials will be held August 8-11 at Memorial Arena in Kelowna.

“Our journey this season doesn’t end with this championship,” Williamson said. “We now have a chance to bring home a provincial championship and it’s time for us to focus on that goal, but let’s celebrate this victory tonight.”