War Impact (1918–1939)
World War I dramatically reduced player participation. By 1916, only three clubs remained active in the league: Burrard Cricket Club Brockton Point Cricket Club Vancouver Cricket Club Out of necessity, these clubs cooperatively assumed responsibility for maintaining the Brockton Oval, rotating duties to keep the ground playable. During this time: Military teams were invited to use the grounds without subscription fees, Honoring the spirit of the Dominion Grant of 1888, which required the area be maintained for public recreation. This period highlighted the resilience of the cricket community, united in maintaining the sport and facilities despite wartime challenges.
Between the Wars (1918–1939)
The L.D. Taylor Cup awarded to the 1st Division champion of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) quickly became the symbol of cricket supremacy in Vancouver. Taylor Cup Champions (1914–1918): 1914 – Vancouver Cricket Club 1915 – Burrard Cricket Club 1916 & 1917 – Vancouver Cricket Club 1918 – Brockton Point Cricket Club For several years, Vancouver, Burrard, and Brockton Point dominated the league. Their streak ended in 1921, when C.P. Rail won the Taylor Cup, marking the first major challenge to the established clubs. By 1920, five clubs were registered in the BCMCL, and nearly every match was played at Brockton Point or the Brockton Oval.
Growth of Organized Cricket in B.C.
1922 – The first Western Interprovincial Tournament was held in Calgary, where British Columbia emerged as the winner. This achievement led to the formation of the British Columbia Cricket Association (BCCA). 1924 – BCMCL membership expanded to 14 clubs, with 24 teams across two divisions. 1926 – The Aurora Cricket Club became the league leader, winning the Taylor Cup. Memorial South Park also began hosting games. That same year, BCMCL formally affiliated with the BCCA, preparing the groundwork for a future national (Dominion) cricket structure. 1929 – BCMCL grew to 20 member clubs and expanded to four divisions, including the creation of a mid-week “Wednesday League” played at Brockton.
The Bradman Tour (1932): Brockton on the World Stage
In 1932, Sir Donald Bradman and a team of Australian players toured North America, sponsored by C.P. Rail. The tour schedule was ambitious: 51 matches in 76 days, With only 25 days allocated for travel across the continent. Little-known historical highlights: Lady Jessie Bradman, Don’s wife, was the only woman on the tour. During the return leg, the Australians played a Vancouver XV at Brockton Point. Vancouver played with 15 men and handed the Australians their only loss of the tour. As recorded in The Province (November 9, 1946), journalist Noel Robinson wrote: “This was notable in that Vancouver… inflicted the only defeat sustained by Australia… That day Terry Rivers was unplayable… It was Reid who caught the redoubtable Don Bradman before he had scored.” Bradman later wrote in his book: “Brockton Point… I can not imagine a lovelier spot for cricket… If a world tournament required a neutral ground, Brockton Point may be the place chosen… It is just about impeccable.”