Rugby returns in a big way this week.
In men’s and women’s play, the University of Victoria Vikes men and women compete in the National University 7s atWesthills Stadium today amd Saturday, March 17 and 18.
The Vikes women face Calgary today (Friday) at 11:28 a.m., followed by York at 2:40 p.m. and Regina at 4:50 p.m. The menopen play today (Friday) against UBC Okanagan at 10 a.m., followed by Mount Royal at 12:30 p.m., and Regina at 3 p.m.
In Oak Bay rugby this week the Castaway Wanderers 3 team takes on the Westshore 2 team at 1 p.m on Saturday, March 25at Juan de Fuca.
UVic soccer is also back on the pitch week with both the men’s and women’s teams playing in the Keg Spring Cup onMarch 18 and 19. The women take on Alberta at 2 p.m. March 18 with the consolation and final taking place on Sunday, March 19 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The men take on Fraser Valley at 4 p.m. March 18 with the consolation played at 12 p.m. and the final at 4 p.m. March 19.
The Tier 1 men’s soccer, the Bays United team hosts the Vic West FC on Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m. at Oak Bay High.
With spring break on the way, the boys and girls of summer can’t be far behind. Baseball season returns Thursday when theVictoria Eagles regional high-performance club hosts the annual Ice Breaker Weekend tournament March 23 to 26. Firstup is an all-Greater Victoria match-up Thursday, when the Eagles take on Oak Bay’s Mariners. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. at Lambrick Park and games continue through Sunday. Visit victoriaeagles.com for the full schedule.
At press time, the second round of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League playoffs between the Victoria Cougars andthe Kerry Park Islanders stood at 2-1 for the Cougars, so it’s unknown how many games will be played. If needed, game sixwill take place up Island in Kerry Park on Saturday, March 18 and game seven will be played on Sunday, March 18 at 3:30p.m. at Archie Browning Arena.
Saanich Minor Hockey will be hosting a Swap and Shop on April 1 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Fieldhouse at Pearkes Arena.Come out and support the local hockey community and get some great deals on next season’s hockey gear.
The Victoria Shamrocks host the St. Paddy’s Shootaround and barbecue Sunday, March 19 at Braefoot Park from 12 to 4p.m. Come meet players, executive, coaches, volunteers and others from the senior, intermediate and junior Shamrock teams.
The Shamrocks also host a women’s box lacrosse daycamp on Saturday, March 18 at Eagle Ridge arena from 4 to 8 p.m.The camp offers female players age 15 and older the opportunity to hone skills, have fun and scrimmage with Victoria Shamrocks coaches and players.
The deadline also approaches for the Shamrocks’ annual spring break lacrosse camp hosted by Rhys Duch March 20 to 22.Held at Eagle Ridge arena, the camp hosts two age groups: seven to 10 from 9 a.m. to 12: p.m. and 11 to 14 from 12:30 to3:30 p.m. Register at 250-478-7625 or victoriashamrocks.com.
Victoria Track and Field Club, in conjunction with Pacific Athletics Track and Field Club, begins their spring trainingApril 4 for ages 10 to 15. For more details and to registration forms visit victrack.ca or pacificathletics.ca.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Send your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.