North American Tournament takes place in Vancouver (10 Jul 1999)

9 July 1999

North American Tournament takes place in Vancouver

The North American Tournament, which West Coast cricket enthusiasts claim is the strongest of its kind on the continent, is taking place this week in Vancouver.

The prestigious event of which is the final is being played today (July 9), started out with six participating teams - British Columbia, British Columbia Under 23s, Vancouver Island, Alberta, Hawaii and California.

Although open to all provincial and state teams in North America, the five-year old tournament is traditionally a West Coast affair, with the venue alternating between British Columbia and California.

British Columbia defends the title on home territory, having taken out the 1998 version in Los Angeles.

The British Columbia Under 23 side will reflect the increase in Canadian-born participation in BC cricket, with the majority of the side being nationals.

Cricket in British Columbia has established a strong base, with three separate leagues - the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League, the Victoria and District Cricket Association and the Mid Island League.

The BCML is the strongest of these with 23 clubs fielding 49 teams in five divisions.

The BCML's Premier Division, which started in April, consists of seven teams - the premier Ismaili C.C., Maralomas C.C., North Shore C.C., Richmond C.C., University of British Columbia, Seattle C.C. and Brockton Point.

Eleven clubs comprise the Victoria & District Cricket Association competition - Albion C.C., Alcos C.C., Carico C.C., Castaways C.C., 1998 champion VDCA Colts, Cowichon C.C., Incogs C.C., Metchosin C.C., Nanaimo C.C., Oak Bay C.C. and Saonich C.C.

Four teams contest the Mid Island League - Arrowsmith C.C., Comox Valley C.C., Nanaimo C.C. and Willows C.C.

Ismaili C.C. and VDCA Colts were due to represent B.C. in the recent western section of the John Ross Robertson Trophy, the symbol of club supremacy, but the tournament was called off after Albertan clubs withdrew.

Edmonton is having an exciting season in its two divisions. Three teams in each division are closely matched in the standings with half of the season remaining. Edmonton C.C. has lost one game while second placed Victoria Park has lost two and last year's champion, Gujarat, has lost three in the "A" Division. In the "B" Division, Millwoods leads by one game over Strathcona and two over Victoria Park.

The Calgary League play is not as definitive as some games have been abandoned due to a wet summer.