The Saanich Midget A lacrosse team is on its way to provincials, but they’d like to do it with an Island title in hand as well.
After securing the league championship, the Tigers received a bye through the first round of playoffs, where Juan de Fuca eliminated Cowichan. Saanich and JDF now square off for a best-of-three series for the Island title. Game 1 was Wednesday night, after press time, and Game 2 goes Saturday at 11 a.m. at Panorama Rec Centre. Because the Island has two berths to provincials – July 22 to 26 in Prince George – both Saanich and JDF will attend.
It’s a light week in local baseball with several teams off for tournaments. Following a weekend away from league play, Saanich’s Junior Eagles head to Henderson Park Tuesday to take on cross-town rivals the Victoria Mariners. First pitch is at 6 p.m.
The Victoria HarbourCats are also in the middle of a long stand on the road, but come Thursday, the ‘Cats look to sweep the Bellingham Bells in a three-game series through July 18.
It’s a busy weekend on the cricket pitch with two games on the weekend calendar. This Saturday, United takes on the Colts for a 12:30 p.m. start at Beacon Hill Park. Sunday has the Islanders CC taking on Albion at Beacon Hill, also with a 12:30 p.m. start. In Division 1 play, University takes on the Alcos at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Windsor Park.
The Sailors Field Hockey Club continues summer drop-in sessions for anyone, age 14 years or older who would like to try field hockey with some of Victoria’s best coaches and players. Drop-in is $5 per session for about 90 minutes of skills and drills on the University of Victoria turf field on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, email leeronnie19@gmail.com.
Beacon Hill Little League, which also welcomes players from southwest Saanich, hosts the 2015 Softball National Championship Tournament July 25 to 29, welcoming teams from all over the country at both the major and junior level to Hollywood Park. Teams will vie for the opportunity to represent Canada at the Little League’s Softball World Series in August.
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition is hosting the Farm Fresh Flavour Trail ride Saturday, July 25, It’s a chance to visit local farms, markets and bakeries. The ride begins at Saanich Commonwealth Place at 10 a.m. and ends there at around 2 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 km. Pick up your lunch at one of the stops or bring your own.
Registration is also under way for Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria, which will wind its way along the Saanich coastline as part of its travels around the Capital Region. Choose from three levels – 45 km, 85 km or 140 km – and see www.tourdevictoria.com for more information. Can’t ride but still want to be part of the fun? Volunteers are also needed.
Devon Gall is an avid sports fan and a former Carnarvon baseball player. Send your sports events news to jocktalk@telus.net.