Early-bird registration for the 37th annual Oak Bay Merrython ends today, Friday, Nov. 18, but general registration continues. The fun run and walk leaves from Henderson Recreation Centre Sunday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. with an 8km, 4km and 1km kids’ run/walk. Call 250-370-7200 for registration info.
The University of Victoria’s CARSA facility hosts the second annual Squash Open Nov. 18 to 20. Participants will showcase their squash skills in a tournament format to see how they fare against the local squash community. The tourney is open to all levels of play and will include a $2,000 open event featuring some of the top B.C. players. Register online or at the CARSA membership services desk.
This week in high school sports brings the 2016 senior girls volleyball Island championships, with 4A matches at Mount Douglas Secondary, and AAA games at St. Michaels University School, Nov. 18 and 19.
Turning to the rugby pitch, Barnard Cup play has the UVic Vikes premier rugby squad hosting James Bay AA at 7 p.m. at UVic tonight (Friday, Nov. 18). On Saturday, Nov. 19, head to Windsor Park when the Castaway Wanderers host Westshore at 2:30 p.m. Div. 2 play has the UVic Norsemen taking on Port Alberni Saturday for a 12:45 p.m. start at UVic.
On the women’s side, the premier Castaways women host Cowichan at Windsor Park for an 11:30 a.m. kick-off Saturday. Premier women’s soccer has the Castaway Highlanders FC hosting Victoria Athletics in an 8 p.m. tilt tonight (Friday) at UVic field No. 2, while the Div. 1 schedule has the Castaways facing the Lakehill Reds at Braefoot at 6 p.m.
On Sunday, the Div. 1 Bays United FC hosts Juan de Fuca at noon at a field still being determined at press time.
For minor hockey in Oak Bay, the Saanich Braves Midget Tier 1 team, which includes Oak Bay players, comes off a first-place finish in the Greater Victoria Midget Hockey Classic with one game at home this weekend. The Braves host the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies Midget Tier 1 Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at Pearkes Rec Centre before heading to Duncan’s Island Savings Centre Sunday for a 2 p.m. exhibition game against Cowichan Valley Midget Tier 2.
The Victoria Royals continue their eight-game home stand with three games this week. Play starts Saturday, Nov. 19 when they welcome the Reginald Pats at 7:05 p.m. at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Play continues Nov. 20, when the Kelowna Rockets visit at 7:05 p.m. before Tuesday, Nov. 22, when the Royals face the Rockets again.
The Victoria Cougars visit the Kerry Park Islanders Saturday, Nov. 19 before hosting the Nanaimo Buccaneers at Archie Browning Arena at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24.
“Canada’s Most Challenging 10k” returns to Bear Mountain this Saturday, with a half-marathon and relay option. Register for the Bear Mountain 10K through race day – see bearmountain10k.ca for details.
Oak Bay lacrosse fans can enter to win a chance to join the Victoria Shamrocks in the Victoria Santa Claus parade Nov. 26. Enter for the chance to win a ride for you and a guest in the Shamrocks’ truck and/or walk with players. Additional prizes include a Shamrocks player jacket and gift cards from Country Grocer, Butchart Gardens, Browns Socialhouse and Beacon Drive-in.
Purchase tickets at the Shamrocks office, 120 – 967 Langford Pkwy., or at 250-478-7625. Proceeds benefit Santas Anonymous.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Send you coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net
