Rock Rough-Up Roughnecks
January 16, 2004 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release
With a historic 4-0 record against the Calgary Roughnecks, some thought that this win would be easy, but when Calgary's Tracey Kelusky opened the scoring against the Rock only 1:24 seconds into the game, the realization hit that this would be a truly challenging game. An atypical performance was delivered by the Rock in the first moments of action, not indicative of past Rock play. Jim Veltman quickly rectified this situation. In answering Calgary with his own goal just 2 minutes later, the true sense of "Rock Lacrosse" began to surge through the team. They battled back and fourth with the first quarter ending with the teams tied at three. Additional goals for Toronto were scored by Manning and Doyle.
After closing the scoring in the first quarter for the Rock, Colin Doyle also opened the scoring in the second quarter. Calgary picked up one more marker before the Rock began their attack which resulted in 3 goals by Doyle and 3 for Manning before the end of the half. Not to be completely outdone, Calgary was able to bulge the twine for four more goals in the second making the score 10-7 in favour of the Rock at the half.
And the onslaught continued.
The typical Toronto play re-appeared for the second half. Goals by Doyle, Manning, Driscoll and Veltman compared to the two goals of Calgary vaulted Toronto into a rather commanding lead with only one more quarter to play.
The aroma of victory was in the air, and on the minds of players and fans alike. Three last minute goals by Calgary were simply not enough to surmount the commanding lead the Rock were able to build. Three more goals for the good guys kept the attack neutralized and the Rock emerged with their first victory on the season, not to mention Toronto's perfect 5-0 record against the Roughnecks. Final score on the evening put the Rock on top by a score of 18-12.
Blaine Manning was the player of the game with an impressive 13 point night. Please join Blaine and the rest of the Rock team Friday, January 23rd, when the Rock take on the Vancouver Ravens. Game time is 7:30 pm at the Air Canada Centre.
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 16, 2004
- Rock Rough-Up Roughnecks - Toronto Rock
- Anaheim Storm Notes - Anaheim Storm
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