It’s the week lacrosse fans have been waiting for: the start of Shamrocks season.
While the intermediate A and junior A teams kick off their regular seasons on the road this weekend, both have their home openers next Saturday, April 29. The intermediate ’Rocks host New Westminster at 1:30 p.m., followed by the juniors against the Port Coquitlam Saints at 5:00. Both games are on the floor at The Q Centre.
The senior A Victoria Shamrocks get a few more weeks of practice before they open the 2017 Western Lacrosse Association season at home against the Langley Thunder on May 19. Visit victoriashamrocks.com for full schedule and ticket information.
Younger lacrosse players interested in the Team B.C. box lacrosse program can take in evaluation sessions this Saturday, April 22, at Fuller Lake Arena in Chemainus. Peewee players start at 9 a.m., followed by bantams at noon and midgets at 3 p.m. For information visit bcla.imeetcentral.com.
The Victoria and District Cricket Association returns next week with the Div. 1 Metchosin men heading to Oak Bay’s Windsor Park to face the Alcos this Sunday (April 23) at noon.
High school sports action opens next week with senior girls soccer on Tuesday, April 25 when Royal Bay plays St. Margaret’s at 3:45 p.m. at Beckwith Park in Saanich. The Ravens are on the road again Thursday when they play St. Michaels University School at 3:45 p.m. at SMUS.
The fifth event in the School Bike League happens Tuesday, April 25 as West Shore cyclists compete against others in the region in the Enduro race at Hartland. The race begins at 4:45 p.m. but riders should arrive by 3 p.m.
Senior girls rugby kicks off at home in the West Shore as Belmont plays host to Esquimalt, SMUS A and SMUS B next Friday, April 28. On the boys’ side, league play has Tier 1 Belmont visiting Claremont on Thursday, April 27 while Tier 2 Royal Bay hosts Glenlyon Norfolk. Both games open at 3:45 p.m.
Island senior men’s rugby is in playoff mode, and this Saturday (April 22) has the Div. 1 Westshore 1 visiting the Surrey Beavers AA. On the women’s side, the Div. 2 Westshore women host Ridge Meadows at Juan de Fuca this Saturday, with an 11:30 a.m. kick-off.
Register for the eighth annual KidsRun Victoria (May 7) by Tuesday, April 25 to be guaranteed a shirt commemorating this year’s event, in support of pediatric oncology. Donations are also welcomed in person and online – visit solesistersvictoria.com/kidsrun-victoria for more information.
In B.C. Premier Baseball League action, the Victoria Eagles play their home opener Saturday, (April 22) when they take on the Langley Blaze in a doubleheader starting at 12:05 p.m. at Lambrick Park. Also Saturday, the Victoria Mariners host the North Delta Blue Jays in a doubleheader at Henderson Park at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug secondary. Send your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.