Competition will be stiff as usual for all four local schools competing in this weekend’s Bridgman Cup field hockey tournament.

Senior girls teams from Lambrick Park, St. Michaels University School, Mount Douglas and Glenlyon Norfolk School make up the local contingent in the field of 16 for the event, which runs today (Oct. 10) through Sunday on the turf at the University of Victoria.

The Bridgman, which dates back to 1937 but was inactive from 1975 to 1991, has grown into the most prestigious senior girls field hockey tournament in the province. It now provides the highest level of competition leading to the girls provincial AA and AAA championships later this fall.

Headlining the event from the mainland are last year’s champions West Vancouver, joined by Argyle, South Delta, Carson Graham, Crofton House, Handsworth, Little Flower Academy and Collingwood.

Since the tournament’s re-establishment in 1992, only two Island teams have prevented the cup from going to the mainland. Mill Bay’s Brentwood College has won twice while Duncan’s Cowichan secondary have three titles. Both teams will be in action this weekend, along with squads from Shawnigan Lake and Frances Kelsey schools.

Round robin play starts today at 10 a.m. and goes through to Saturday morning. The top two in each four-team pool advance to the championship flight Saturday afternoon. The third-place game is set for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. followed by the championship game at 2:30. All games take place at the University of Victoria field hockey turf.

Adding to the weekend’s schedule, the Vikes women’s field hockey team hosts the University of B.C. Thunderbirds Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

sports@vicnews.com