A first period hole proved be too big for the Richmond Roadrunners to climb out of in their home opener on Sunday afternoon.
The Roadrunners fell behind 7-2 in the opening 20 minutes and never could recover in a 14-10 loss to the Victoria Shamrocks in Junior Junior “B” Tier One Lacrosse League action at Minoru Arenas.
The visitors jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Thomas Dickinson pulled Richmond within one. However, the Shamrocks answered just 22 seconds later and two more to take full control.
The Roadrunners finished strongly with four of the game’s final five goals but the comeback bid came up short.
Jordan Roberts led the way with four goals and a five point outing. Captain Josh Bourne added five assists while Brock Jung was credited with four helpers. Stuart Ahara, Liam O’Connor and Tyler Moxin had the other tallies.
The Roadrunners now sit 1-2 after picking up their first win on Friday night — a 7-4 triumph over the New West Salmonbellies on the wooden floor at historic Queen’s Park Arena.
Richmond broke a tight game open with four unanswered goals in the third. Finnish import Riku Jokela was terrific in net with 37 saves.
Josh and Jaden Bourne each had two goals and one assist. O’Connor, Roberts and Ahara had the others. Midget call-up Andrew Cowan chipped in with a pair of helpers.
The Roadrunners have a home-and-home series with the 3-1 Nanaimo Timbermen this weekend, including a Sunday meeting at Minoru slated for 3 p.m.
