More students from across the Sooke School District are coming together to play the sport of cricket; and the teacher behind the program says he is bowled over by its success.

First launched at Langford’s Spencer Middle School in 2023 with seven players, the Spencer Cricket Club has grown to 26 curious cricket athletes, with students from Centre Mountain Lellum Middle (CML), Ruth King Elementary and Belmont High joining them.

“This has been my goal, to integrate the schools,” said James Roy, a teacher at Spencer Middle School and organizer of the cricket team.

The cricket club, inspired by two Spencer Middle students who approached Roy with the idea for the team, first started playing on the school’s baseball field. They have since gone on to play at Metchosin Cricket Club and Cowichan Cricket Club.

To celebrate the growth of the club, the team played their first game on the artificial turf at Goudy Field on Sept. 27.

“Our main aim is to expose students to different environments,” explained Roy.

One CML student, who Roy says is destined for big things in the world of cricket, 13-year-old Divyanshu Shekhawat, says he has loved the sport for three years. He explains he especially enjoys the opportunity the club gives him to mix with students from other schools. A sentiment shared by many at the celebratory cricket match at Goudy Field.

Alongside Roy, the team is supported by teachers and parents from across the district, including Huw Griffiths, their cricket coach and a teacher from Spencer Middle and CML. With both Griffiths and Roy originally from countries with a strong passion for cricket – Australia and India respectively – the pair sometimes have a hard time leaving the deep-rooted, but good-spirited, sporting rivalry of their nations off the field.

“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie,” chants Griffiths, when posing for a photo with the team. “India, India, India,” responds Roy in retaliation.

According to Roy, the popularity of cricket in the district is continuously growing, and he has big plans for the future of the sport in the district, including a school cricket tournament. The cricket enthusiast says he is also receiving support and guidance from Alphonso Franco, manager of the Canadian national team for the T-20 World Cup.

But ultimately, Roy wants the students to have fun and build relationships through their love of cricket.

“It is great to see them enjoy themselves,” he said.