Oak Bay tennis players take note: the New Year's Tennis Classic is open for registration until Friday, Dec. 18. Adult play runs from Jan. 4 to 17 while the juniors take to the court from Dec. 28 to 30. To register and for more details visit tennisbc.org.
While high school sports are winding down for the holidays, the 2015-16 basketball season is heating up the hardwood. Senior girls' action starts on Tuesday, Dec. 15, when Oak Bay travels to play Reynolds at Spectrum. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
On the senior boys side, St. Michaels University School heads to the West Shore on Tuesday, Dec. 15 to take on Belmont at 7:30 p.m.
Those still shopping for their Christmas tree can spread a little holiday cheer at the University of Victoria Vikes men’s and women’s cross country teams’ annual Christmas Tree Sale. The popular annual campaign supports one of UVic’s most successful varsity programs. Athletes will be at Centennial Stadium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 22. After the holidays, the Vikes will also host tree chipping at Centennial Stadium, scheduled for Jan. 2 to 3.
Vancouver Island Women’s field hockey has a quieter weekend, playing all games on Saturday, Dec. 12. Starting the day at 9:30 a.m. the Renegades take on the Lynx 3, the Ravens play the Pirates at 11 a.m., the Cardinals play the Sailors at 12:30 p.m., Lynx 2 play the Blue Jays at 2 p.m., and at 3:30 p.m., the Flickers play Lynx 1.
In men’s field hockey Sunday, Dec. 13, the Rebels 2 start the play at 10:30 a.m. taking on the Tigers, followed by the Rebels 1 and the Hawks at 12 p.m., and at 1:30 p.m., Oak Bay takes on the Mutineers.
The Victoria Cougars start a slow week on Saturday, Dec. 12, heading up Island to take on the Kerry Park Islanders.
In Vancouver Island Soccer League play Friday, Dec. 11, Bays United FC MC hosts the Prospect Lake Lakers MB at UVic at 7:15 p.m.
On the women's pitch, Lower Island Women’s Soccer League Premier play kicks off Friday, Dec. 11, when the the Castaway Wanderers FC face Victoria Athletics at PISE at 8 p.m.
In Division 1 play, Bays United FC hosts Vic West FC at UVic at 7 p.m on Sunday, Dec. 13. In Division 2 play Sunday, Dec. 13, the Castaway Wanderers hit the UVic pitch against the Victoria Athletics at 9 a.m. before Bays United FC hosts Gorge FC at Henderson at 10 a.m.
Oak Bay rugby fans will want to mark their calendars: Americas Rugby Championship has announced the dates and cities for the 2016 updated competition featuring six of North and South America’s top-ranked international rugby union teams. Canada will host Uruguay on Feb. 6 and Brazil on Feb. 20. Both games will be played at Westhills Stadium in Langford at the home of Rugby Canada’s Centre of Excellence. Canada will travel to the US, Chile and Argentina for their remaining three fixtures.
Colin Gall is a Saanich athlete, avid sports fan and Grade 11 student at Mt. Doug Secondary.