In December, 1907, a group of residents met at W.B. Walker's house to discuss the possibility of starting a sports club.
It was decided that committees should be set up for cricket, football, and tennis. The following were elected for
cricket: W.D. Walker, Captain; W. E. E. Mitchell, vice Captain; F. Thorniloe. The next year
Kelowna cricket team travelled to Revelstoke, playing against Vernon and Armstrong. In short time, KCC gained a strong
position in the Valley. While the cricket was developing in Okanagan Valley, the world war was declared in 1914.
As a result, the cricket clubs disbanded for their members to go overseas for war. Finally, the war was over and Canadians
retured back to their homes. After the war, the first recorded game was played against Vernon at Kelowna on Empire Day, May 24th, 1924.
Kelowna batted first, and made 166, but Vernon was all out for 26. That was a big win for Kelowna, and after that KCC moved on and
cricket started to build up again in the Valley. In 1927, Colonel Victor Spencer presented a cup for competition in the Kelowna valley.
The first members of the League formed to play for it, were Kelowna, Armstrong, Lavington, Oyama, Penticton, Salmon Arm, and Vernon.
Kelowna won the cup and became first valley champions, and Kelowna is still the valley champions.
To a great past belongs a great future. For Kelowna and District, we can expect years of cricket success. Based on the unswerving
loyalties and hard work of their predecessors, future cricketers can be expected to preserve the game and its traditions with no
lessening of the enjoyment and comradeship it promotes.
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