NORTH SAANICH — A record crowd of parents and friends were in the seats for Sunday’s gold medal game at the 18th annual Matt Underwood lacrosse tournament at Panorama Recreation Centre.
The Peninsula Midget A squad snagged the top spot in the event — during what could be the final Matt Underwood tournament.
Peninsula Lacrosse spokesperson Kelly Bull-Tomer stated in an email this week that there are two things that could see the tournament’s end — planned renovation of the arena floor next year and the coming of age of the tournament namesake’s daughter.
“Matt Underwood’s daughter, to whom the proceeds for the tournament are donated, is now 18 years old,” Bull-Tomer stated.
Underwood was a high level lacrosse players from the Saanich Peninsula when he was diagnosed and would eventually die of cancer. A lacrosse tournament was held in his name, with donations going to both his daughter and to the B.C. Cancer Society.
On the weekend, the event and a head shave raised more than $1,000. Four members of the winning team from Peninsula Lacrosse — Justin Geddes, Ryan Tomer, Brett Cooper and Quinn O’Conner — had their heads shaved as well. O’Conner was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for performance and good sportsmanship.
There were two divisions in the tournament, Midget A and Midget B, and six teams in each division.
Peninsula Midget A lost to Semiahmoo on Friday but then won their next three games versus New Westminster, Nanaimo and Campbell River. They finished first in round robin play and moved on to the gold medal match, defeating Nanaimo.
For more information on the tournament, contact tournament co-ordinator Krista Hale at 250-920-6499.
— News staff, with files from Peninsula Lacrosse Association
