Durston nets four to lead Chiefs over Excelsiors

photo by Darryl Smart

Jordan Durston continues to lead a very spread out offence.
Durston scored four times and added a helper, while Ryan Benesch scored three goals and two assists as the Six Nations Pro-Fit Chiefs cruised to a 15-5 win over the Brampton Excelsiors Wednesday at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.
Durston opened the scoring in the first minute of the game, with Mike Burke replying for the Excelsiors 11 minutes later. A minute later, Dhane Smith gave the Chiefs another lead heading into the first intermission.
After Jordan Dance tied things back up 39 seconds into the second period, the Chiefs exploded for eight-straight goals. Benesch led the charge with three goals, while Durston, Craig Point, Smith, Dave Brock and Vaughn Harris added singles.
Burke again replied for the visitors.
In the third period, the Chiefs outlasted their guests, who outshot them on the period. Durston scored two more goals, with Harris, Johnny Powless and Jeremy Thompson picking up singles.
Tyson Bell and Phillip Caputo scored for the Excelsiors.
Newly named National Lacrosse League Goalie of the Year, Dillon Ward made 46 saves for the win and Nolan Clayton was forced to make 47 saves down at the other end.
The 7-1 Chiefs are on the road Wednesday when they take on the Brooklin Redmen, before the two teams play the back end of a home-and-home set June 4 at 8 p.m. at the ILA.

NOTES: Dan Coates, Powless and Thompson played in their first games of the Major Series Lacrosse season. Brandon Miller returned to the lineup, and was Ward's backup. On July 15, the Chiefs are hosting its 25th anniversary Alumni Day. The Chiefs are hoping for its alumni to take in the 1 p.m. game against the Oakville Rock, with a reception to follow at MontHill Golf & CC at 4 p.m. Alumni are asked to RSVP to Darryl Smart at darrylsmart1@yahoo.ca or call him at 519-865-8089.