Following last week’s quarterfinal disposal of Assumption, E. C. Drury’s senior field hockey team learned that they would avoid facing the six-time defending champion Notre Dame Irish in the last hurdle to the Halton finals.

The news came as great relief to the 7-2 Spartans, who finished second in the Richardson Division.

However, the Nelson Lords — who were also unbeaten this season, though tied twice and actually scored upon — offered just as insurmountable a challenge in Burlington Tuesday afternoon.

With a number of players up from last year’s junior Halton championship squad, Nelson jumped ahead in the opening half and added two late goals by standout Lauren MacKenzie to decisively oust its younger guests, who had four Grade 10 players in the lineup and were no match in terms of overall high-stakes experience.

Drury did measure up in terms of early scoring opportunities, although a soft field and cool conditions seemed to stymie its attack.

The Lords gradually tightened the noose after provincial carded player Paige Johnson put them ahead on a low shot from the top of the circle, and took full advantage of their speed advantage.

Nevertheless, coach Geoff Sheppard looks back on the season in a very positive light.

“They came a long way and achieved above expectations. I’m proud of them,” he said. “It’s very difficult to be competitive when you have Grade 10s playing. All in all they learned a big lesson on how to be a team.”

Defensive anchor Jenny Strank delivered another exceptional performance, while also standing out with some tenacious play was Jessica Liske.

The Spartans were at Oakville’s Appleby College Wednesday for a friendly exhibition game against a team from Scotland and close out 2008 play today with their third annual Milton Senior Cup, looking to pull off the three-peat.