The Langley Thunder hammered the New Westminster Salmonbellies 10-5 to pull two points ahead of their next opponent, the Victoria Shamrocks, for top spot in the Western Lacrosse Association standings.
Langley's victory over the ’Bellies — which came on June 27 at the Langley Events Centre — was made closer by three late New Westminster goals after the Thunder had build a commanding 10-2 lead.
Garrett Billings marked his return to the lineup with first star honours thanks to a goal and four assists. The Langley resident, who lives and works in Toronto, has 15 points in three games.
The Thunder took control early, scoring 40 seconds into the game, one of their four first-period goals on just six shots.
The middle frame saw both teams pot a pair of goals before Langley opened the third with another four-goal onslaught.
Lewis Ratcliff (one goal, three assists), Tor Reinholdt (two goals, one assist), Shayne Jackson (two goals, two assists), Athan Iannucci (two goals, one assist), Alex Turner (one goal, two assists) and Joel McCready (one goal) also found the scoresheet.
Ian Poole and Ryan McMichael each had an assist.
Steve Fryer made 31 saves in goal for the Thunder.
Langley (7-4-0) hosts second-place Victoria (6-2-0) at the LEC on June 30 in the first meeting between the two senior A lacrosse clubs since last season's WLA opening round playoff series.
The Thunder won that series 4-0 en route to the organization's first WLA championship.