As part of its celebration of its 40th season, Metchosin Cricket Club has unveiled a new junior hardball cricket team, the Predators.
The team began on-field practices recently and is open to junior cricketers 21 and under from the West Shore and Sooke. The core of the team consists of some international players, those with provincial experience, young players from Metchosin’s Division 1 and 2 teams and ‘graduates’ of the Metchosin Junior Cricket League. Players currently range in age from 10 to 16.
“We faced significant demand for a higher level of youth cricket on the West Shore, especially in the 12 to 18 year range,” said team manager Rick Gardner. “This new local junior team will allow players to develop the skills they need to play at higher youth levels, and later on as they move into adult cricket.”
The Predators are slated to challenge other junior teams from Victoria, Oak Bay and Saanich in this inaugural season. Practices take place every Thursday at the Metchosin Cricket Ground, behind the fire hall on Happy Valley Road from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Weekend games will be scheduled for later in the summer.
“As our young players matured physically, they needed a greater challenge and that’s exactly what this new team setting provides,” Gardner continued. “We’re very proud that our governing body, the Victoria District Cricket Association, saw the success of our youth program and has generously provided us with assistance for a professional coach and some new equipment.”
New and experienced players, both male and female, are encouraged to come out and have some fun this summer. Please contact the club for further information, by email at metchosin.predators@gmail.com or Rick at 250-588-2490.
– Submitted by Metchosin Cricket Club