Rugby fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the Americas Rugby Championship, bringing two days of international play to the West Shore Feb. 4 and 11.
In the meantime, catch men’s Div. 1 and 2 rugby action this weekend, cheering on Westshore 1 at the University of Victoria Saturday (Jan. 28) when they challenge the Saxons at 1 p.m.
Bear Mountain Resort has announced its new Bear Mountain Bike Festival, set for March 4 and 5, with exciting cycling events for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The festival will include elite-level XC and Enduro racing, challenging events for enthusiasts and kids’ activities. A bike expo will also showcase the top mountain bike brands in the industry. The highlight event will be the UCI Bear Mountain Canada Cup MTB Race March 4, featuring Canada’s finest athletes, including Olympic bronze medallist Catharine Pendrel. Learn more at bearmountain.ca.
Hockey returns to the West Shore in a big way this week.
On Friday (Jan. 27) the Victoria Grizzlies welcome West Kelowna to The Q Centre for a 7 p.m. puck drop. The Grizzlies hit the road to Port Alberni on Saturday, taking on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before returning home Saturday, Feb. 4 to host Penticton. Catch the game at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre.
With the Grizz on the road Saturday, Westshore Wolves fans can take in junior B hockey Jan. 28, when the Saanich Braves come to play. Head to The Q Centre for a 6:30 p.m. start. Play continues Monday, Jan. 30 when they head out on the road to challenge the Peninsula Panthers at 7:30 p.m. at Panorama Recreation Centre. Returning home Wednesday, the Wolves host the Nanaimo Buccaneers at The Q at 7 p.m. The Wolves finish their week in Campbell River where they’ll take on the Storm on Feb. 3.
High school senior boys basketball returns for Belmont next Tuesday when they head to Oak Bay High for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off. Returning home, the Bulldogs host Parkland at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.
Royal Bay also opens play for the week on Tuesday, hosting Mount Doug at 7:30 p.m., then a second home tilt happens on Thursday, Feb. 2, when Pacific Christian is welcomed for a 7:30 p.m. game.
On the senior girls’ side, Belmont has their last game of the regular season when they host Stelly’s at 5:45 p.m. next Tuesday.
In Div. 2 men’s soccer, Westcastle United returns to the pitch, hosting Cowichan United on Saturday (Jan. 28) at 6 p.m. at Westhills Stadium.
Triangle Baseball is accepting online registrations for the 2017 season at triangleathleticassociation.com. Little League registration is also underway, with Hampton welcoming players age five through 13 from the West Shore. Visit hamptonll.pointstreaksites.com or head to Hampton Park from 1 to 4 p.m. this weekend, Jan. 28 and 29, and again Feb. 4, 5 and 18.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Send him your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.
