Ladysmith Cannons finish fourth at provincials

The Ladysmith Cannons Mosquito AA ball team won three games and lost three at the provincial championships.

The Cannons celebrate their fourth-place finish at provincials in Surrey Aug. 6.

The Cannons celebrate their fourth-place finish at provincials in Surrey Aug. 6.

After a first-place finish at the Vancouver Island Zones at the end of July, the Ladysmith Cannons Mosquito AA team has finished its season in fourth place.

Their final matches were played out at provincials in Surrey during the August long weekend. Facing 30-plus-degree weather, the Cannons managed to pull off three wins and three losses over the weekend.

“They had a good shot at second and third, but we just kind of ran out of pitchers by the end of the weekend,” said coach Brian Reiber. “We passed a certain point where we couldn’t compete with the mainland teams, but they’re still fourth out of 10 in the entire province — that’s pretty good.”

Reiber said the team, made up of 10- and 11-year-olds, has had a short but fantastic season.

“These kids were all on different house teams, so it’s a very short time for them to come together and get to know each other’s strengths, weaknesses and styles,” he said. “They all got an opportunity to play at a higher level than they would in house ball and learn some new skills.”

Reiber added that the coaches have had a great experience as well.

“We had an opportunity to work with some keen young boys and girls,” he said.

Ladysmith Chronicle