ONTARIO DISTRICT FOURS WINNERS 09

UNOFFICIAL

The Districts are underway in the run to the Roses.

I follow with great interest the successful 32 Ontario qualifiers as they complete stage one in event one.

Will the favourites prevail or is there a dark horse team ready to burst to the fore?

I like to know as soon as possible and perhaps you do as well.

I will fill the list as names become available.

Do note above that this roster is not the certified version.

Check the OLBA website for the final word.

D1 Erin Roth (S), Laurie Roth, Verna Roth, Sue Duransky

D1 Tom Roth (S), Don Thornton, Frank Duransky, Fausto Angelini

D2 Sue Roth (S), Julie Foley, Rebecca McQueen, Joyce Dewey

D2 Brian Fowler (S), Doug Hoskin, Dylan Jacobs, Chuck Townsend

D3 Dorothy Forbes (S), Marion Payne, Sandra Jarman, Deanna Palmer

D3 Wayne Wright (S), Ryan Stadnyk, Bob North, Don Caswell

D4 Jo Anne Bugler (S), Maureen Thompson, Sharon Farrish, Carol Carter

D4 Dave Ducklow (S), Rick Woods, Dennis Schmidt, Neil Beuerman

D5 Marj Kells(S), Donna Kalaher, Marion Freeman, Anne Harris

D5 David Anderson (S), Matt Houtby, Greg Wilson, George Wilson

D6 Marg Lepere (S), Chone Chatterton, Wendy Devonshire, Sherry Riddick

D6 Bill Falconer (S), Jim Lepere, John Bush, George Lalicich

D7 Ann Dalziel(S), Jean Olsen, Catherine Grominsky, Andrea Corner

D7 Brian Broome(S), Les Houston, Mike Wagner, Peter Bauman

D8 Helen Kelley (S), Velda Francis, Marg Hillip, Anna Darroch

D8 Ian Jones (S), Mike Bester, James MacGowan, Bob Bester

D9 Laura Seed(S), Sheila Lumley, Christine Wild, Heather Comba

D9 Stuart Goodby(S), Bob Woods, John Chow, Dave Defoe

D10 Norma Phillips (S), Jan Ferguson, Betty Draycott, Marie Koster

D10 Bob Bates (S), Ken Uyesugi, Dave Carruthers, Eric Brands

D11 Helen Wright (S), Jeanne Christie, Jackie Hogan, Barbara Marks

D11 Rob Bartlett (S), Bryan Clare, Augustin Radovanovic, Don Westlake

D12 Emma Varga(S), Sandy Mackenzie, Sharon Jeffrey, Lyn Miller

D12 Roger Thompson(S), Arnie Markowitz, Gerald Lampert, Sum Tang

D13 Peggy Dundas (S), Carol Finlayson, Pat Weissflog, Chris Pingle

D13 John Hunter (S), Jack Norris, Raj Rajalingam, Ray Williams

D14 Laura Hawryskzo (S), Dianne Hawryskzo, Nan Hendren, Sharon Klan

D14 Alan Steffen (S), Bob Guppy, Rob Steffen, Bob Matthews

D15 Pauline Hill (S), Pat Gemmell, Linda Miller, Ursula Cooney

D15 Peter Wong (S), Steve Miller, Bryon Luther, John Cardinal

D16 Leone Brady (S), Gwen Kozar, Sandra Jefferies, Suzanne Savard

D16 Brian McCartney (S), Ron Wood, David Jefferies, Gerry LaPorte

VIEW FROM THE ATLANTIC RIM- LAURA HAWRYSKZO

I had an e-mail visit with Laura after her return from South Africa and competing in the Atlantic Championships.

It is always interesting to talk to a 'rookie' after participating in a new experience and especially one of this magnitude.

" I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of people to go with. Walking on the green at the opening ceremonies, meeting lifetime friends, to throwing my last bowl. I wouldn't change a thing. "

Final scores don't always tell the whole story.

" Harriette ( Pituley ) and I had a great first game against South Africa. We both played quite well. Most of our games went well, luck was a big factor there. Greens weren't very fast and ' the up and in ' game was hard to defend. " { 15-19 final vs S.A. }.

Our fours team blended quite well. I think we all made key shots in every game.

Laura touched on her personal results feeling that overall she played well but spent most of her words on talking up her teammates.

" Harriette is a super positive player that never gives up. 

Marlene ( Cleutinx ) made some fantastic shots to save some points. 

I watched David Anderson play England in Singles. What great bowls. I don't think I have seen a better game, both ways. Sam from England had good bowls and was lucky, David played great bowls and had no luck."

Numbers give you a taste but being there adds the full course.

" In the quarter finals against Wales, we were down 2 coming home, sitting one and if Marlene takes out the open second shot we would be sitting 4 or 5. Her drive popped the jack instead of the bowl. The jack goes 8 feet forward and we are down 3. Sad moment but we were there, could have been us. "

{ Wales went on to win the game 14 -19, played the USA in the semi-finals and won the gold medal. }

A great opportunity for one of our young up and coming bowlers to step onto the international stage and make discoveries about her game in the context of representing her country.

I sense a recognition by Laura that she can compete at this level.  

High level bowls is all about consistency. 

This trip to South Africa could be be the motivator and springboard to the ways and means of keeping her bowl's suitcase packed.

 

On The Cusp - Fours First Up

I have been thinking of you.

Trying to combine time with inspiration.

You know everything comes at once; bowls are seeking attention,

Sandy's garden needs tending,

hockey wanders far into spring,

fantasy fun,

have to see Adam win Idol - what!!!,

and that typical Canadian Kiefer to settle the score on 24.

And of course follow the trail of our bright and talented grand kids ( yours

too, how nice ) as they offer their view of the world.

Jagger gets up in the morning and asks me if I saw the Penquins "ought". My questioning look brings the reply, " you know ot in the game last night". Obvious but I missed the proper pronunciation. Dakota is always bringing a gift of daisy lions. Similar to those yellow flowers that grow all over your lawn without water. Two things we try to do every day is to learn something new and to have a good laugh. Much of my fresh knowledge is translated and transported from the minds of the young.

That is our grand boy Cameron in the photo. He comes over often. He is not a problem.

Thirty-two teams in Burlington for the Victoria Day weekend Fours tournament. It is always a spring training showcase for the upcoming Districts & Provincials. Unky Zangwill (S), Jack Siboni, Don Stokoe and Bruce Lynn from Willowdale/Toronto were the victors. A great job by the organizers to keep a SRO crowd full and up and playing to complete the tournament at around 5 PM. Those who want to dally can stay on and all who wish to hit the road are on their way for sometimes a lengthy journey back home. The Oshawa team of brothers Alan(S) & Rob Steffen with Bob Guppy and Bob Matthews also won 3 games but were edged +51-+49 to finish 2nd.

My inner pace clock estimated the greens to be running about 10.5 seconds. Perhaps more give than take with that mental measurement but they were good and will get better.

I have great respect for Charley Roach and every greens keeper who put in endless hours so I can show up shortly before and leave right after to play on a tuned grass carpet. The top greens only happen with dedicated knowledgeable caretakers with appropriate equipment and a budget that can cover the cost of supplies. The plight of small clubs is often the fact that some of the above isn't available or possible.

Bowls is a fantastic game when the playing field allows for the full range of deft and power shots.

It is a feel game with slight nuances adjusting weight and line. It is adding a yard or the full load when the time is right. It exhibits skills similar to the best golf putters or curling champions in the world. We are not talking about coming close but drawing cleanly through an angled narrow port or wresting the shot bowl back 6 inches to win the game or making that cold draw to a newly placed line bowl.

I love the challenge of a good green. I am not a fan of the game when conditions dictate good fortune will be your playing partner to-day. Saying that I still have my stated admiration for the volunteers/employees of the latter and I understand that circumstances may be the cause.

But I hope all that have tried this game have the pleasure of experiencing the true roll and rock

of finesse greens.

Which leads me to championship play. I believe there should be a minimum standard for greens to be accepted for District and Provincial play downs. Pace - minimum 10 seconds; running surface - flat with the majority of rinks with a minimum 4 foot draw on each hand.

That's it. Those are not stringent expectations. Minimal ( higher in mind ) but work to increase when and if possible. Split the events , men and women at different venues as the OLBA are now doing, if necessary. Reduce the expectations for the host clubs in regards to meals and other administrative functions if necessary. The game is all about the running surface.

Now that was easy. Listen to me set the state of championship play in order from a chair in my office. I do realize that reality has a way of dictating choice but I also sincerely believe that the appeal of this sport can be advanced with a dedication to providing the best for the best.

Two rule infractions I have noticed that bring me to comment. One damaging, the other annoying.

Players who take their bowls out of their bag and drop or toss them them 3 feet to the end rink surface where the grass is most delicate and will be the most used area in the game. Obviously an individual not helping with the green maintenance. We all can be aware and place our bowls gently on the rink.

Possession of rink

This happens especially in fours after the second has delivered the final bowl of the front end.

Not only do we start walking up the green as soon as the bowl has left the players hand, often it is directly in front of the player on the mat. Your possession and you have to play dodge man to try and see the result. It isn't intentional and it actually keeps the game moving along at a faster pace. However do be aware and seek permission or follow the rule.

By the way smokers be aware that city and town bylaws are extending their definition of smoking areas. They are moving you away from the entry to a building, if not off the property, even though you are outside. Designated smoking areas completely ( about 15 feet ) away from the green were the norm in Arizona.

Play on, play well and enjoy the competition.

BobB

THE BURLINGTON TRADITION CONTINUES

The Victoria Day weekend is the major coming out party for the men pretenders to give an indication if they are contenders in the hunt for Ontario Fours gold.

Many of the provinces finest teams will  be on site to not only have the opportunity to meet stiff competition but also to do it on top notch greens.

The Burlington LBC know how to host a bowling gathering and as they willingly share their excellent facility with a list of prestigious events, their reputation and recognition soars.

Sunday May 17 ,two full greens, a waiting list for this Atlas Care Invitational. 

The weather will be sunny but cool but the competition will be hot. 

Looking to gather information for early booking odds.

Speaking of weather St Marys took a bath last weekend and had to cancel their inaugural early bird Open Fours tournament. I have heard it has been rescheduled for Sunday May 24th so take the opportunity to get your team into more action before the Districts.

ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS PLAYOFFS ARE SET

May 14 - 'One of Three' is the play-off result of last game Round robin action. Marlene Cleutinx, JoAnne Bugler, Laura Hawrysko and Shirley Ko beat Brazil 22-11 and got help from Spain when they bested Namibia 18-10. That loss by Namibia dropped them to 4th in their section and allowed Canada to move up to 3rd. Now instead of facing the inspired host South African team ( they whacked the prior undefeated Wales squad 32-6 yesterday ) it will a Wales match-up. 

Not easy but a better match up.

Harriette Pituley's 10-21 loss to England still left her in a 3-way tie for 4th position but the Wales victory over Namibia left Wales at 2 Wins 4 Losses -8, Canada 2W 4L -26 and Cyprus 2W 4L -31. Despite beating Wales 21-19 in head to head action the tie-breaking formula initially considers the results of games with all opponents. Wales in, Canada out. 

The Keith Roney, Lyall Adams, Terry O'Neil, John Devonshire foursome were shuffled to the sidelines when they lost to Ireland 14-25 even with a winning record. Their 4 wins 3 losses were not enough when Scotland beat the USA as expected and South Africa 'upset' the undefeated Welsh squad 15-14. That meant the point differential wasn't needed to break a 4th place tie.

May 13 - 'Three Alive' as the two Women's teams and the men's Fours vie  to continue play past the RR schedule.

A look at each and as the list descends the task difficulty ascends.

Marlene Cleutinx, JoAnne Bugler, Laura Hawrysko, Shirley Ko

A two win day with the big one a 19-18 squeaker over the then undefeated, once tied Irish team. They also beat the Netherlands 22-10 to set themselves up for relatively smooth sailing to the 1/4 finals. The last opponent for skip Cleutinx's squad is the win less Brazil contingent. Simon says it will be a win but the top four teams will likely be England, Namibia, Ireland, Canada in that order. As you know #4 plays the top finisher from the other section.

Harriette Pituley split to-day winning over Wales in a close 21-19 afternoon game after Namibia won the morning match. Beat England to-morrow and Harriette plays on. However even with a loss her point differential is 5 better than Wales and 19 superior to Namibia, her two suitors for the dance. A solid game is the order of the day and if it can't be sunny side up over easy is still palatable. 

Four straight for Keith Roney, Lyall Adams, Terry O'Neil, John Devonshire. The USA were the latest to fall with the final score reading 23-13 for Canada. Similar to Pituley, a win to-morrow settles the issue with resolve and flair. Beat Ireland and case closed. However a loss and a current negative 13 point differential will negate the chance to win the tie-breaker and advance to the playoffs.

All in all the 13th was a good day for Canada - four wins and 1 loss. Three of a kind in the 1/4s would be a good hand.

May 12 - It is 3 straight wins for the Keith Roney, Lyall Adams, Terry O'Neil, John Devonshire quartet. They had a big win this afternoon over Scotland 20-18 after besting Cyprus in the morning. A big win to-morrow (13th ) against the USA is key in keeping their playoff hopes alive with 5 teams vying for the 4 quarter-final positions. Canada can step into the PO's by also beating Ireland in their last RR match. However the betting board indicates that  point differential will decide the 4th place team after the round robin and the Canadian crew are currently at -23 and looking up at the other contenders.

Marlene Cleutinx, JoAnne Bugler, Laura Hawrysko and Shirley Ko were edged by a strong England team 13-15 in their only match of the day. That now means a need to sweep their remaining 3 games to clinch a playoff spot or at least two big wins and a close lose to have a chance with their current - 11 point differential.  

Harriette Pituley will need a win over Namibia to-morrow morning ( 13th) and beat either Wales or England in her two final games to keep her play-off chances alive. 

David Anderson has a 1 win 5 loss record but 3 of the losses have been by the same 19-21 score.

Experienced singles players will recognize the closeness of these matches with winning or losing hanging on a single shot.

It is important in World Bowls' events to finish as high overall as possible. It isn't the section placement that is significant but rather where you stand when the total number of teams are ranked for each discipline. Since point differential often comes into play to determine the final placements , it follows that full effort is warranted in all ends. At the end of the event ( ie Atlantic Championships )the final gender results are tabulated by combining  the individual finishes of a country's competing teams ( Fours, Triples, Pairs, Singles ). If a team does not  qualify for the event play-offs, final placement is determined by comparing all team's records ( both sections ) in round robin play. Reaching the 1/4 finals not only assures a team of a top 8 finish but also the opportunity to move up based on continued play-off success. There is a change from the past in that the losers of a play-off round are now grouped at the same final position. For example four teams are listed as 5th after losing their 1/4 final match. The world bowls rankings are used to determine countries that qualify* for international events and domestically are signicant to determine Sport Canada grants.  

* The Asia Pacific Championships in Malaysia in August 2009 are a qualifying event for the 2012 World Championships.

These Atlantic Championships are not a qualifier.

May 10 Harriette Pituley ( Sask) is playing Singles for Canada and lost her first match to Scotland 12-21. The Men's Fours team of Keith Roney (Sask ), Lyall Adams ( Alt ), John Devonshire (ON) and Terry O'Neil ( NS ) lost their opening round to Wales 8 -24.

David Anderson (ON) playing Singles and the Fours team of Marlene Cleutinx (BC), JoAnne Bugler (ON), Laura Hawrysko(ON) and  Shirley Ko (ON) get into action later to-day.

This two section round robin action continues until May 16th.

May 9 - The Women's Triples team of Marlene Cleutinx, JoAnne Bugler and Shirley Ko were no contest for Wales in the 1/4 finals as they lost 4-17. But that dominance was continued by Wales as they soundly defeated the host South Africa 21-12 and Namibia 19-10 on there way to the gold medal. That left Canada ( 4 wins - 3 losses)  in this event with a 5th place overall finish of the 14 entries.

The other Canadian teams results:

Women's Pairs -Harriette Pituley and Laura Hawrysko ( 1 W 5 L ) 11th of 14 

Men's Pairs - David Anderson, John Devonshire ( 2 W 5 L ) 12th of 16

Men's Triples - Keith Roney, Lyall Adams, Terry O'Neil ( 2 W 5L 1T ) 12th of 16 

I am keeping my eye on the action in South Africa.

The Triples and Women's Pairs move into the final day of Round Robin play tomorrow morning ( 6 hours ahead on your clock ). The 1/4 finals [ top 4 finishers in each section ] follow in the afternoon. May 9th will have the semi-finals in the AM and finals to follow after lunch.

Canada's team of Marlene Cleutinx (S) (BC), JoAnne Bugler (ON) and Shirley Ko (ON) have qualified for the play-offs with a 4 win 1 loss +19 point differential before their last RR game.

The Canadian men with Keith Roney (S) (Sask), Lyall Adams (Alt) and Terry O'Neil (NS) will keep playing if they can best or tie the favoured Israel team. Their other opportunity for advancement is if Namibia and Guersney tie which would leave the point differential as the deciding factor. 

Both Pairs teams have been relegated to the spectator seats. The men with David Anderson (S) (ON) and John Devonshire (ON) have finished their schedule. They were 5th in their section with a 2 wins 5 losses -35 pts. and 12th overall of the 16 teams.

The women's team of Harriette Pituley (S) (Sask) and Laura Hawrysko (ON) have a game against Brazil remaining but at 1 win 4 losses -10 pts ( some close losses ) , they will be resting until May 10th.

BobB 

OLBA SPRING MEETING

A big crowd ( 428 ) anxious to kick off our favourite summer pastime made their way to Brampton to officially signal the start of the new season. News and views, a chance to check out the game's equipment and , of course, a reuniting with the summer social circuit.  

I sure do appreciate the time and effort of the Board to organize and fine tune the operational guidelines for the playing season. It is a volunteer group whose compensation is measured in satisfaction not dollars.

I hadn't attended a meeting for a few years so it brought back memories of  past involvement.

I enjoyed hearing the presentations, the ideas, the discussions first hand. 

Similar topics with enthusiastic responses to solve the same problems: Retention and increase of membership, programme and revenue balance, membership benefits, sponsorship pursuit, satisfying all the constituents. 

Good people doing a good job leading the way.

A lot of information was distributed to club reps and it is accessible to all members at your home club. Take the opportunity to be aware and be involved. Or as my and many others good friend Billy Boettger would say, " if you have the knowledge, you have the responsibility". 

I didn't know this until April 25th of 2009 but Hall of Fame skilled Bill donated over $100,000.00 to bowls. I am operating from my notes so I don't know the details. I do know that there is the Bill Boettger Volunteer of the Year Award presented annually  to the the club foundation types. No direction and no fanfare needed. They simply do the jobs that are necessary.

The recipients for 2008 were Fred and Mary Patterson from the West Toronto/ Etobicoke clubs. They received a certificate and $500.00 . They earned no investment interest on their new income but a high percentage of admiration and a smile and a nod from above by immediately donating the money to a small membership West Toronto  group.

DISTRICT/PROVINCIAL PLAYDOWNS

The original plan was to change the games to 18 ends with no trial ends.

Logical since similar or the same number of ends will be played at the Canadians.

And longer games , in theory, should identify the better team in most cases.

The lack of trial ends was in deference to shortening the total time to play a game.

BCB will be enforcing a 3 1/2 hour time limit at this years Canadians.

This topic topped the microphone visits list.

I understand  the merits of veteran competitive bowler Ian Jones' recommendations. 

But I believe more importantly we need to boost the appeal of the game but making our product a more compact event.

It takes , on average, 12 minutes to play an end of a fours game. Eighteen ends X 12 minutes = 216 minutes or 3 hours and 36 minutes. Have you watched a baseball game or any sport that went that long and was able to retain interest? The only people , if it is close, that maintain their concentration on the match are the participants and I would dare say even some of that group have drifted mentally away.

Three and 1/2 hours a game - 9 AM to 12:30, Lunch to 1:30 , Game 2 -1:30 to 5:00 PM, Break ( more food but just 45 min ) Game 3 - 5:45 PM to 9:15 PM. That is 12 hours without adding on earlier arrival time for players and even earlier for event organizers.

Too long. We are running the marathon rather than a middle distance race.

I am a fan who enjoys watching  good bowls but I lose interest with slow paced play,  lingering team discussions and lack of energy in the game.

The trend in curling is towards shorter games - fewer ends - guess why. Baseball is working on speeding up games. International bowls went to sets to speed up results and a preferred time of game for marketing purposes. Curling has time clocks. Bowls are enforcing time limits.

The goal is entertainment for all parties involved.

Further, trial ends are significant for most bowlers. 

My read from the comments made at the meeting was a majority preferred  the 2008 conditions.

Subsequent to the April 25th meeting, the Championship Committee revisited the length of games and Chairperson Karen Peart has issued a memorandum to the District Reps that District/Provincial games will revert to 15 end with trial ends.

I have been watching hockey as I typed. My Red Wings, actually Rita's team, have moved ahead by 2 so feel safe to go to bed.

BobB 

SEASON 09 UNDERWAY POTPOURRI

SPRING TRAINING @ NIAGARA FALLS L.B.C. is the ' only game in town' this time of year. 

Eight rinks, about a 10 second pace, a dandy clubhouse with bar, two televisions to help keep one eye on the NHL playoffs - Molson Canadian you know - and the weather has been good to boot. Where did 'to boot' come from? Kudos to the greenskeeper. The running surface is overall B+ ( perhaps should be an 'A' this early in year) with a quirk here and there to prevent boredom. Two weekends, 3 tournaments completed , with the May 9/10 schedule to come. I mention Molson because I get a kick out of their hockey ads - probably because it is a memory trip. I don't need a venue that provides alcohol but it is an appreciated option for many bowlers - more worldwide than in Canada.

Three matches, 3 winners. April 26 OF Wayne Wright(S), Mark Sandford, Bob North, Don Caswell;

May 2 F Ron Geniole(S), Gord Legacy, Chris Dixon , David Llewellyn May 3 OF Ian Jones (S) (I am guessing positions) Mike Bester, Chris Bester, Bob Bester. I listed these results because I was toying with establishing a seasonal ranking system and because I may not be on it again.

My mulling has produced, so far, this criteria: Minimum of 14 teams entered ( an exception if 4 or over rated teams are entered ), entry fee minimum is $10 ( not including lunch ) , a weighted scoring system based on number of entries ( in progress) . I will have to consult with the guru of numbers Dave Burrows. Mind you I didn't say I was going to do this, just working on a system. However if you want to send me the results of tournaments that fit the criteria ( top 3 finishers, all team members ) I will fiddle with an unofficial rank & file.

St. Marys has entered the early bird realm by hosting an OF tournament May 9th. I spoke to James McLellan at the OLBA Spring Meeting and he informs me the greens will be running well IF the weather doesn't add too much moisture. The St Marys club is another one of our small hidden gems. Great location on the river plain , greens that will be running 12-13 seconds mid-season and in a relaxing setting surrounded by the beauty of the stone historic town.

CANADA IN ACTION AT WORLD BOWLS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ontario bowlers JOANNE BUGLER, SHIRLEY KO, LAURA HAWRYSKZO plus DAVID ANDERSON AND JOHN DEVONSHIRE are in Johannesburg competing at the Atlantic Championships May 3-16. MARLENE CLEUTINX ( BC ) and HARRIETTE PITULEY round out the Women's team. KEITH RONEY( Sask.), LYALL ADAMS (Alberta ) and TERRY O'NEIL 

(NS ) complete the Men's side.

Check out the results on http:// www.worldbowlsltd.co.uk  - Enter/Results/Results Summary for Pairs and Triples.

The countries are divided into two sections. A team must finish in the top four in their section to

 play in the 1/4 finals on May 8th in the afternoon. The time difference is 6 hours ahead of Ontario time.

I must help in the garden now or my wife will ground me for the weekend.

I will continue with news from the OLBA meeting.

BobB