The Rayburn Construction Junior A Northmen are one game away from going to the final in the Minto cup national lacrosse championship.

The Northmen suffered their first defeat in the west coast tournament on Tuesday losing 15-12 to the host team Coquitlam Adanacs.

They now go to the semi-final against the third place New Westminster Salmonbellies.

The Northmen won their first game 9-3 over the Salmonbellies on day one of the tournament.

In their second outing on Sat., Aug. 22, they dispatched the Okotoks Raiders 7-3.

But it was game three against the undefeated Adanacs that forced the Northmen back into the fray to earn a spot in the final after the Adanacs scored nine goals in the second period to lead 12- 10 going into the final frame.

Three more goals in the third period gave Coquitlam the win.

The host team now has a spot in the final and will wait the outcome of the semi-final.

The Northmen must win over New Westminster to advance.

The Salmonbellies lost their first two games but won 10-1 over the Okotoks Raiders to hang on to third place in the four team tournament.

The Raiders are now out of contention for the top spot.

The final will be a best of three series with the top team claiming the championship as early as Saturday if it goes only two games.

The championship series that will get underway on Fri., Aug. 27, in British Columbia with games two and three scheduled for Sat., Aug. 28 and Sun., Aug. 29.

The Northmen are defending their national title after winning the Minto Cup in 2008 and 2009.