Warriors lose home opener

SIX NATIONS -- A slow start, and an even worse finish likely cost the Whitby Warriors a victory in their home opener on Saturday night.

Playing host to the Akwasasne Indians, the Warriors opened the scoring, but found themselves trailing by a 6-2 count after the opening 20 minutes.

Then three goals in the final 1:17 of the second allowed the home side to climb back within two, and even cut it to one early in the third frame. However, after Mark Matthews scored at 11:57 of the third to make it 9-8, the Indians took it to the Warriors and scored the final four goals in a 13-8 final.

The Warriors employed a much different looking roster Saturday than they did in their opener just over a week ago in Peterborough. No fewer than 10 players, including veterans Justin Fox and Mitch McMichael, joined the roster after missing the season opener for various reasons.

But it wasn't near enough despite three goals and four points from Adam Derks, and goals from Brett Bridges, Luke Carson, Matt Cockerton, Mark Cockerton and Matthews.

Unfortunately the Warriors had little time to correct their miscues as they were right back at it Sunday against the power house Six Nations Arrows.

An anemic showing through two periods saw the Warriors trail 12-5 through 40 minutes before ultimately losing 17-6.

Wayne VanEvery was dominating for the Arrows, scoring just as many goals individually (six), as the Warriors managed as a team.

Accounting for the Warriors' scoring were Mark Cockerton with a pair and Matt Cockerton with one, while three others, Matthews, Bridges and John Lafontaine, also scored single tallies.

In addition to VanEvery's six goals and seven points, the Warriors were unable to keep Cody Jamieson (eight points), Randy Staats (six points) or Mitch Nanticoke (six points) under wraps.

The Warriors were at home Tuesday night against Mississauga (after our deadline) and will host St. Catharines on Friday at 8 p.m.