The New Westminster Eleven and the Victoria Eleven,  in 1865 (click on the above thumbnail image to see a larger picture)

An 1863 Cricket bat

One of the constants of the British Empire was cricket.  Whether it was crews of the Royal Navy or squads of the British Army, cricket was spread about the Globe by these avid sportsmen. The Columbia Detachment was no different.  The British Colonist noted that in May 1859, only one month after the main body of troops arrived at the Camp, that the men had already cleared the land and were playing, using the local chain-gang to smooth out the pitch. The RE team played against the Local Cricket teams, the Royal Marine Light Infantry team and the teams off of the vessels of the Royal Navy which visited New Westminster. Unlike the Cricket Clubs in England, the Regimental and Ship teams were mixed - Officers and Men played on the same team.

This 1870 photo is of a match being played on the Engineers' grounds at Sapperton between townsfolk (some ex-RE, perhaps?) and the crew of a visiting ship.  Note the fellow who is probably a Royal Marine in his glengarry amongst the sailors!  Also, note the cedar arbour doing duty as a pavilion. (click on the above thumbnail image to see a larger picture)

The RE Cricket ground was west of the RE Camp and east of Queen's Park, in the vicinity of the present Woodlands hospital.

The British Columbian, February 28,1861 The Bee referred to in our last issue came on Saturday and although the weather was somewhat inclement, and consequently the ladies were not present, yet as regards the primary object of the gathering it was a decided success. At an early hour about one hundred of the Royal Engineers accompanied by their band marched to the field of battle. But it is due to them to state that they had the field almost entirely to themselves for some time, as but few citizens made their appearance for several hours. Owing to pressing business matters, we did not get to the ground till near two o'clock and upon entering the scene that met our gaze was the most animated and pleasing one we have looked upon in this country.  To see one hundred Royal Engineers including their officers, with nearly as many civilians ‘as busy as bees’, some cutting down trees, some grubbing out stumps, and others piling wood upon several enormous fires, kindled for the purpose of consuming the timber. It was pleasing indeed to witness the happy reunion of the military and the citizens; but especially to see the officers for the time laying aside all distinction, and heartily uniting with the men in the arduous but praiseworthy employment of clearing the cricket ground. Shortly after two o’clock, His Excellency accompanied by Colonel Moody came upon the ground, and while the former was making himself agreeable to the people, the latter was making himself useful by taking hold, like a good fellow, and working amongst these men. Wile we would not overlook the fact that many of our citizens acquitted themselves nobly from the clergy to the day laborer, yet we must confess that our military friends carried off the palm from the point of numbers, time and execution. And when at 5 o'clock the victorious army retired to Camp, the field was literally covered with the slain. During the afternoon a subscription list on behalf of the Cricket Ground was circulated and being headed by His Excellency Governor Douglas with $50, soon reached the very handsome amount of $650. In the evening Captain Bulen of the steamer "Hope" kindly made it known that he would carry down from the Camp all those who wished to go to the city to finish the day by a dance. Accordingly that steamer brought down a perfect crowd of men, women and children, who adjourned to Mr. Hick's new Hall and enjoyed themselves till 10 o'clock, when Captain Bullen again placed his steamer at their service and took them to the Camp. Thus closed the labors and amusements of a pleasant and exciting day. And while the handsome conduct of Captain Bullen deserves more than a passing notice, we would express a hope that we may have the pleasure of witnessing many a happy reunion and many a friendly contest upon our Cricket Ground. We trust it will be pushed through to completion so as to be in good order by the birthday of our Gracious Queen - God bless her!

 

The British Columbian reported the beginning of the Cricket Season of 1862 in this manner:

24th April - Easter Monday was a lively day on the Cricket ground.  At noon the Royal Engineers, headed by the Band and followed by a number of their wives and children, marched to the ground, where several Tents had been erected.  A number of Cricketers enjoyed a very good game, while the others amused themselves at football, quoits, etc.  The day was delightful and everyone appeared highly pleased with the day's recreation

17th May - Ho Cricketers!  Awake from your slumbers and prepare for the 24th of May!

24th May - Programme for To-day: One gun when the king of the day peeps over the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade range, the signal for the ringing of the church bells.  A Royal Salute at 12 o'clock, during which the bells will ring and one gun when the sun dips in the waters of the great Pacific, at which the bells will again ring.  On the cricket ground a match will come off between the Military and Civilians, commencing at 1 o'clock.  In addition to these there will also be canoe and boat races, Quoits and base ball, foot ball and other games and amusements too numerous to mention.   The whole to close with fireworks, kindly provided by the Royal Engineers.

28th May - ... At 11 o'clock the sport commenced on the Cricket ground, and was kept up with considerable interest until 5 1/2 p.m.  The contest was between 11 Royal Engineers and 11 citizens.  The game was a very close one and elicited much good playing on both sides, and towards the close excitement ran height as the issue appeared somewhat doubtful; but finally the superior playing of the Royal Engineers turned the scale in their favour, they winning by 2 runs and 2 wickets to go down.  At the announcement of this result three hearty cheers were given for the victors, and as heartily returned.

We think this photograph was taken *just* after the above mentioned match by Francis Claudet. Photograph courtesy BC Archives, call number B-03615 (click on the above thumbnail image to see a larger picture)

The Victoria Eleven, 1860

The Victoria Eleven, 1863 (click on the above thumbnail image to see a larger picture)