The oldest Little League Baseball park in the region is playing host to the District 7 minor (age 8-10) all-star playoffs this week.
National Little League, formed in 1953, is welcoming teams from Beacon Hill, Layritz, Lakehill, Hampton and Central Saanich, as well as playing the host team role for the tournament, which got underway Saturday at Jerry Hale Field at Cook Street and Hillside Avenue.
After Tuesday’s play, Layritz led the round robin standings at 4-0, followed by Central Saanich and Lakehill at 2-1, Beacon Hill at 2-2, Hampton at 1-3 and National at 0-4. Preliminary round games happen at 3 and 6 p.m. daily through Thursday, then playoffs get underway Saturday at 11 a.m. (second place versus third) and 2 p.m. (first versus fourth).
The championship final gets underway at 11 a.m. Sunday (July 8), to determine which team advances to the provincial tournament, hosted by Layritz July 14 to 18 at their park in Saanich. If Layritz wins the districts, the second-place finisher will also qualify for the B.C.s.
Meanwhile, teams from the same six leagues are gearing up to compete in the District 7 major (age 10-12) all-star tournament, July 7 to 15 at Central Saanich’s Centennial Park. The winner there advances to the B.C. championships, July21 to 29 in Trail.