A much different Bengals squad defeated a much different Six Nations Rebels squad in late March pre-season play on the same carpet they will tread on tonight at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, with Hamilton now down two games to nil in a best-of-five series.
Both teams have improved a great deal following the usual player migrations which occur over a Jr. B lacrosse season, as rosters tighten and core players gradually return from school residence. Currently the Rebels and Bengals each boast some of the deadliest snipers, solidest goalies and toughest defenders in the OJBLL.
Few positives emerged from game one at this site where Bengals' frustrations mounted through two periods while falling behind 4-1. They did summon a sufficient third period effort to score the minimum four goals they needed but while dropping nine against; three beating late-entrant Mitch Dunham who rescued Lucas Nagy from the unenviable situation.
Game two looked entirely different with equal momentum and both ace defences in top form but it seems like the Rebels 'D' has a slightly quicker jump than any other I've seen in OJBLL West and that appeared to make the difference at the Cat House Tuesday night where few forwards from either team ever penetrated to the crease-front and where Bengals shooters could rarely manage a full wind-up on shots but from the farthest outside lanes. The Rebels meanwhile managed occasional rockets from a little closer range and when several of these beat Nagy early on, it solidified the game-two victory which now puts the B's on the verge of elimination from this historic playoff season. It's must-win time.
Hamilton practised last night at The Dave where they aim to host a game four tomorrow. Will they have a new strategy in terms of offence? Two of the deadliest sticks in the league belong to Luke Robinson and Tye Argent who have combined for one single goal in two games.
There is no doubt that the Hamilton Bengals have immense depth at every component of the game and there is no limit to what they might achieve, even as the Rebels have appeared almost flawless. "Can we still win this series?" assistant coach Derek Campbell was asked.
'Of course," he says. "You just gotta believe."
