The Ontario Bowl's season really started this weekend.
Oh, we had the X(ceptional) Games in Niagara Falls and James Gardens with that dandy artificial carpet offered a preview performance but the Open Gates were prevalent from Barrie in the north to Leamington in the south.
I made the trip to the St Marys Classic Open Fours. A beautiful town on the Thames River filled with limestone buildings.
So did a strong field of competitors , many using this event to ready for the upcoming Provincial Fours play downs. Steve McKerihen, David Anderson, John Devonshire and Fred Wallbank captured the tournament and the $400 first prize. They were but a few of National Team caliber bowlers out for a dry day and a dry run to the Districts. A calculated guess makes that number to be 20 of the 64 players on hand to be either current or former wearers of the Canadian uniform.
I had a first hand view of why the McKerihen rink is a consistent Provincial winner. They don't take one bowl off. Every shot is important, they are on the same page in strategy and they don't give up big ends. They are serious but they enjoy playing a competitive game in each others company. Did I mentioned they are all skilled bowlers.
Malcolm Whyte, Trevor Whyte, Dave Ball and Dave Falconer from Burlington were the other 3 game winners showing early season finesse.
The tournament format was an interesting change. It is not surprising that creative thinking emits from the McLellans, Larry and James, of 'The Stone Town'. They are always thinking of a different way to approach the game and experiment to see if it makes it better.
I like the altered format.
It is a form of preliminary play to establish the playoff teams. The concept is to group like ability teams together for a competitive finale. Thus every team has an opportunity to win a prize in the last round of the day.
I believe I have grasped how it was run. We will see if I can explain it so you understand.
The McLellan Matrix
Sixteen teams and the usual draw for your opponent. After the first round the 8 winners are ranked - one to eight with the opponent draw being 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5 in the 2nd game. The same procedure for the 8 losing teams in the 1st round.
After the 2nd game the teams are now ranked again and placed in 4 groups of 4 teams. 'A' group is the 2 win 0 loss teams ranked by the win plus system - ie #1 Team X 2W +28, #2 Team Y 2W + 27 et cetera.
Follow the same process for establishing Group 'B' and Group 'C' the 1W 1L teams and Group 'D' the 0W 2L teams. This time #1 will play #4 and #2 vs #3 in game three. There is a reward for being a higher ranked team by theoretically getting an 'easier' opponent.
The prize money was distributed to the top two teams in Group 'A' and the top team in the other 3 groups.
Opportunity right to the last game and equitable opponents seems to me to be a solid base of operation.
Larry also announced at the start of the day a time schedule to keep the day moving at a good pace.
The next round would start 20 minutes after the last teams finished their game.
Boy, do I ever agree with this. People often tell me they don't play golf because it takes too long.
Well we won't get them at a bowls tournament either then. Mind you I relish the day with the the interaction with fellow participants, but we still can do that and finish prior to 5 PM. If I noted the time correctly this tournament with a start time of 9:30 AM, 3 X 14 ends finished shortly after 4:00 PM. You can get on your way if need be or sit back and catch up with the talk of the greens.
Speaking of noteworthy news, Chris Johnson has attended 26 Blue Rodeo Concerts. Wouldn't you think he would change the colour of his bowls?
We are really on our 2010 way.
Coming up, Our expatriates are winging their way home.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
SPRING TRAINING - I See Clearly Now
Brent Beacroft and Peter Clarke
Appreciate the efforts of all that allow us to participate in an activity we enjoy
Thursday, April 29, 2010
WORLD JUNIOR CUP Results
Thursday, April 29
A Bronze medal for Vince Mai. He lost his semi-final match to the eventual Gold medalist, Leif Selby of Australia.
Tuesday, April 27
It is official. No playoff in the Junior Division. The medals are based on the final Round Robin Standings.
Sam Shannahan claims Gold with her final round win over Kelly McKerihen . Genevieve Baildon switches medals with Shannahan from last year due in part to Kelly beating the defending Baildon in the RR in a classic match. Sharmeen Lim of Singapore won the Bronze based on a "countback" , ( Kelly and Lim tied with 5 win-3 loss records so "counting back" to the next determining stat, Lim's win-loss set record of 10.5 - 5.5 to Kelly's 7.0-9.0) Kelly McKerihen finishes fourth in the 2010 World Junior Cup.
Dylan Jacobs will be disappointed with his final match loss to India and his overall 3W-9L record. But records don't tell the whole story. Let's "countback". His set record was 10-0-14.0, Dylan lost 4 games in a tiebreaker and he gathered invaluable experience at an international event. You always 'win' when you learn something new about yourself and your pursuit that helps you grow as a person and a player.
I was reading an interview about the firing of CBC's Barbara Budd, As It Happens, and she said her best advice to get over the disappointment was on a bumper sticker on a car," Remember Who You Wanted To
Be."
Setbacks shape us, they don't defeat us.
Vince Mai has qualified for the Semi-Finals in the Men's Indoor. He plays Australia's Leif Selby again which should be another close encounter. Selby won their RR contest in a tiebreaker 12-3, 6-10, 3-1.
Monday, April 26
Unofficial
It will be play for a World medal for Kelly McKerihen. Kelly won her 'must win' game against South Africa before dropping her final Round Robin game against the top finishing Samantha Shannahan from Australia.
Kelly's final placement was 4th position based on 5 wins 3 losses, 7.0 sets W/ 9.0 sets L, 111 points for/ 122 points against. Shermeen Lim from Singapore finished with the same win- loss record, 5-3/ 10.5-5.5/ 133-101, as Kelly but is placed in 3rd based on the tiebreaking rules.
I have been unable to confirm how many teams will be in the medal round but it must include the top four players.After Australia in 1st, Genevieve Baildon from New Zealand finished 2nd to round out the top four.
I had a visit with Kelly's dad Steve in Niagara Falls on Sunday and he was telling me that Kelly felt that her back and forth, extremely close, tiebreaker ( 7-7, 7-7, 3-1) win over Baildon might have been been her best game ever. She had to draw within 4 inches of the jack on her last bowl to win the game. Now measure 4" with your fingers and take a look so you will be able to do the same this summer.Just like her dad.
Although after the Niagara Falls opener was cancelled I was on a team( and match scorekeeper )that defeated the McKerihen foursome. I think I now take Steve's place at the National Team Selection Camp in BC.
Dylan Jacob's record may be declining but his experience is rising. It is interesting that Dylan generally comes out strong in the first set, losses the second and hasn't wrestled the tiebreaker from the opponent.
Kelly is just the opposite. Lose the first, stretch and shift gears and grab the fleeing goose by the tail.
Is a win and a loss a skinny difference? You bet! Check Dylan's losses to the Cook Islands and Brunei.
On the adult side and indoors Vincent Mai from the Pacific Indoor Club has finished 2nd in his section. My read of the conditions indicates that the first place finishers of each of the 3 sections qualify for the semi-finals and the three 2nd place finishers have a 3 way playoff to decide the final semi competitor.
Sunday, April 25
Kelly McKerihen is becoming the master of tiebreakers. Four of her six games have been decided in that fashion and she has won three. Her latest was a 5-9, 11-3,2-1 win over Hong Kong China which continued Kelly's steady climb to a medal playoff berth. That doesn't mean it will be easy with an important match against South Africa ( 3-3 ) and her final Round Robin game against Australia.
Out the door of her classroom directly onto the World stage is not an easy lesson plan. I surmise that Kelly is now dreaming of what has to be done to complete this bowls unit.
Dylan Jacobs started with 3 straight wins, lost the next 4 in a run of games against the tournament's top dogs and now has a chance to tilt his record back to the plus side.With a hefty schedule of 12 round robin games Dylan still has the playoffs within his grasp.
This blog has its focus in Ontario but I am keeping an eye on the parallel indoor adult competition.
Vincent Mai from British Columbia is showing his skill by making a run for a top position in his section. Vincent has a 'must win' game against Fiji and ' can't lose' contest vs Norfolk Island and he will be ready to do some serious playoff work.
Marie Taylor has a 0-5 record but 3 of her defeats have been in tiebreakers. 'Close but no cigar'. How did that saying come about?
Both Vincent and Marie are members of the Pacific Indoor Lawn Bowling Club in Vancouver.
I suspect that James MacGowan, from Ontario, desired opportunity to work in a new environment but his excitement really peaked when he stepped on the greens at the Pacific Club.
Awake at 5:30 AM so no staying in bed because our bowlers are playing against the world.
Scoured the official site, you know, enter , leave, refresh, back again, but not seeing anything posted officially. I believe they are playing 3 games on Day One so official results perhaps coming by noon.
So grandma Noreen is up and down in the middle of the night keeping in touch with daughter Tracey and the computer operator, grandson Jordan to bring us breaking news.
They have been kind enough to attach me to the bowls news from Warilla.
Round 1
Dylan Jacobs 14-3, 7-6 over Singapore
Kelly McKerihen Lost to Singapore 4-9, 2-9
Round 2
Dylan Jacobs 12-3, 10-6 over South Africa
Kelly McKerihen 7-7,7-7, 3-1 over New Zealand
Great start for the 2-0 Dylan and a sterling win for Kelly over the defending champion Genevieve Baildon.
Round 3 April 23, 10AM ( Apr 22, 8PM EST)
Kelly McKerihen BYE
Dylan Jacobs 18-1,19-1 over United Arab Emirates
Dylan retains his overall first place standings with a win over a newcomer to World Bowls.
Round 4 April 23, 2PM ( Apr 23, 12AM EST )
Kelly McKerihen lost to Ainie Knight , Philippines, 10-3, 4-11, 1-2
Dylan Jacobs lost to Kenta Hasebe, Japan 5-9, 3-12
Kelly had another close match this time being edged in a tight tiebreaker.
Dylan dropped his first of the tournament.He is still near the top of the standings at 3 wins 1 loss.
Round 5
A challenging day coming up for Dylan. Kelly has strong opportunity to pick up a pair of wins.
Dylan Jacobs lost to Salahdin Razili, Malaysia, 8-6, 5-11, 1-3
Malaysia now producing some of the top bowlers in the world.A close match with the Malaysian bowler edging Dylan in a tiebreaker.
Kelly McKerihen win over Rupa Rani Tirkey India 9-6, 9-7
Round 6
Kelly McKerihen win over Emma Firyana Saroji Malaysia, 6-9, 16-4, 3-0
A dandy win over one of the pre-tournament title chasers.Kelly is moving up the ladder.
Dylan Jacobs lost to Brendan Aquilina Malta 5-7, 0-24
Many bowlers of Maltese heritage moved to and developed their skills in Australia.
A battle against the undefeated Aquilina in the first set, I'll have to check with Dylan to see if his foot is sore after getting stomped in the second.
Round 7
Kelly McKerihen over Vaness Ng Hong Kong China 5-9, 11-3, 2-1
Dylan Jacobs BYE
Round 8
Dylan Jacobs lost to Mathew Pietersen Australia 6-11, 6-12
Kelly McKerihen beat Brunhilda Roussow, South Africa 4-7, 11-6, 2-1
Round 9
Kelly McKerihen lost to Samantha Shannahan Australia 3-16, 3-9
Dylan Jacobs lost to Anthony N Ahfo Jnr Cook Islands 7-6, 6-7, 1-3
Round 10
Dylan Jacobs lost to Md Zainurin Brunei 11-4, 8-9, 1-2
Round 11
Dylan Jacobs lost to Andrew Kelly New Zealand 5-11, 2-12
Round12
Dylan Jacobs lost to Alex Kwok, Hong Kong China 6-5, 7-8, 0-4
Round 13
Dylan Jacobs lost to Chandan Singh, India 2-11, 2-11
WORLD JUNIOR CUP WOMEN 2010
WORLD JUNIOR CUP MEN 2010
A Bronze medal for Vince Mai. He lost his semi-final match to the eventual Gold medalist, Leif Selby of Australia.
Tuesday, April 27
It is official. No playoff in the Junior Division. The medals are based on the final Round Robin Standings.
Sam Shannahan claims Gold with her final round win over Kelly McKerihen . Genevieve Baildon switches medals with Shannahan from last year due in part to Kelly beating the defending Baildon in the RR in a classic match. Sharmeen Lim of Singapore won the Bronze based on a "countback" , ( Kelly and Lim tied with 5 win-3 loss records so "counting back" to the next determining stat, Lim's win-loss set record of 10.5 - 5.5 to Kelly's 7.0-9.0) Kelly McKerihen finishes fourth in the 2010 World Junior Cup.
Dylan Jacobs will be disappointed with his final match loss to India and his overall 3W-9L record. But records don't tell the whole story. Let's "countback". His set record was 10-0-14.0, Dylan lost 4 games in a tiebreaker and he gathered invaluable experience at an international event. You always 'win' when you learn something new about yourself and your pursuit that helps you grow as a person and a player.
I was reading an interview about the firing of CBC's Barbara Budd, As It Happens, and she said her best advice to get over the disappointment was on a bumper sticker on a car," Remember Who You Wanted To
Be."
Setbacks shape us, they don't defeat us.
Vince Mai has qualified for the Semi-Finals in the Men's Indoor. He plays Australia's Leif Selby again which should be another close encounter. Selby won their RR contest in a tiebreaker 12-3, 6-10, 3-1.
Monday, April 26
Unofficial
It will be play for a World medal for Kelly McKerihen. Kelly won her 'must win' game against South Africa before dropping her final Round Robin game against the top finishing Samantha Shannahan from Australia.
Kelly's final placement was 4th position based on 5 wins 3 losses, 7.0 sets W/ 9.0 sets L, 111 points for/ 122 points against. Shermeen Lim from Singapore finished with the same win- loss record, 5-3/ 10.5-5.5/ 133-101, as Kelly but is placed in 3rd based on the tiebreaking rules.
I have been unable to confirm how many teams will be in the medal round but it must include the top four players.After Australia in 1st, Genevieve Baildon from New Zealand finished 2nd to round out the top four.
I had a visit with Kelly's dad Steve in Niagara Falls on Sunday and he was telling me that Kelly felt that her back and forth, extremely close, tiebreaker ( 7-7, 7-7, 3-1) win over Baildon might have been been her best game ever. She had to draw within 4 inches of the jack on her last bowl to win the game. Now measure 4" with your fingers and take a look so you will be able to do the same this summer.Just like her dad.
Although after the Niagara Falls opener was cancelled I was on a team( and match scorekeeper )that defeated the McKerihen foursome. I think I now take Steve's place at the National Team Selection Camp in BC.
Dylan Jacob's record may be declining but his experience is rising. It is interesting that Dylan generally comes out strong in the first set, losses the second and hasn't wrestled the tiebreaker from the opponent.
Kelly is just the opposite. Lose the first, stretch and shift gears and grab the fleeing goose by the tail.
Is a win and a loss a skinny difference? You bet! Check Dylan's losses to the Cook Islands and Brunei.
On the adult side and indoors Vincent Mai from the Pacific Indoor Club has finished 2nd in his section. My read of the conditions indicates that the first place finishers of each of the 3 sections qualify for the semi-finals and the three 2nd place finishers have a 3 way playoff to decide the final semi competitor.
Sunday, April 25
Kelly McKerihen is becoming the master of tiebreakers. Four of her six games have been decided in that fashion and she has won three. Her latest was a 5-9, 11-3,2-1 win over Hong Kong China which continued Kelly's steady climb to a medal playoff berth. That doesn't mean it will be easy with an important match against South Africa ( 3-3 ) and her final Round Robin game against Australia.
Out the door of her classroom directly onto the World stage is not an easy lesson plan. I surmise that Kelly is now dreaming of what has to be done to complete this bowls unit.
Dylan Jacobs started with 3 straight wins, lost the next 4 in a run of games against the tournament's top dogs and now has a chance to tilt his record back to the plus side.With a hefty schedule of 12 round robin games Dylan still has the playoffs within his grasp.
This blog has its focus in Ontario but I am keeping an eye on the parallel indoor adult competition.
Vincent Mai from British Columbia is showing his skill by making a run for a top position in his section. Vincent has a 'must win' game against Fiji and ' can't lose' contest vs Norfolk Island and he will be ready to do some serious playoff work.
Marie Taylor has a 0-5 record but 3 of her defeats have been in tiebreakers. 'Close but no cigar'. How did that saying come about?
Both Vincent and Marie are members of the Pacific Indoor Lawn Bowling Club in Vancouver.
I suspect that James MacGowan, from Ontario, desired opportunity to work in a new environment but his excitement really peaked when he stepped on the greens at the Pacific Club.
Awake at 5:30 AM so no staying in bed because our bowlers are playing against the world.
Scoured the official site, you know, enter , leave, refresh, back again, but not seeing anything posted officially. I believe they are playing 3 games on Day One so official results perhaps coming by noon.
So grandma Noreen is up and down in the middle of the night keeping in touch with daughter Tracey and the computer operator, grandson Jordan to bring us breaking news.
They have been kind enough to attach me to the bowls news from Warilla.
OFFICIAL
Round 1
Dylan Jacobs 14-3, 7-6 over Singapore
Kelly McKerihen Lost to Singapore 4-9, 2-9
Round 2
Dylan Jacobs 12-3, 10-6 over South Africa
Kelly McKerihen 7-7,7-7, 3-1 over New Zealand
Great start for the 2-0 Dylan and a sterling win for Kelly over the defending champion Genevieve Baildon.
Round 3 April 23, 10AM ( Apr 22, 8PM EST)
Kelly McKerihen BYE
Dylan Jacobs 18-1,19-1 over United Arab Emirates
Dylan retains his overall first place standings with a win over a newcomer to World Bowls.
Round 4 April 23, 2PM ( Apr 23, 12AM EST )
Kelly McKerihen lost to Ainie Knight , Philippines, 10-3, 4-11, 1-2
Dylan Jacobs lost to Kenta Hasebe, Japan 5-9, 3-12
Kelly had another close match this time being edged in a tight tiebreaker.
Dylan dropped his first of the tournament.He is still near the top of the standings at 3 wins 1 loss.
Round 5
A challenging day coming up for Dylan. Kelly has strong opportunity to pick up a pair of wins.
Dylan Jacobs lost to Salahdin Razili, Malaysia, 8-6, 5-11, 1-3
Malaysia now producing some of the top bowlers in the world.A close match with the Malaysian bowler edging Dylan in a tiebreaker.
Kelly McKerihen win over Rupa Rani Tirkey India 9-6, 9-7
Round 6
Kelly McKerihen win over Emma Firyana Saroji Malaysia, 6-9, 16-4, 3-0
A dandy win over one of the pre-tournament title chasers.Kelly is moving up the ladder.
Dylan Jacobs lost to Brendan Aquilina Malta 5-7, 0-24
Many bowlers of Maltese heritage moved to and developed their skills in Australia.
A battle against the undefeated Aquilina in the first set, I'll have to check with Dylan to see if his foot is sore after getting stomped in the second.
Round 7
Kelly McKerihen over Vaness Ng Hong Kong China 5-9, 11-3, 2-1
Dylan Jacobs BYE
Round 8
Dylan Jacobs lost to Mathew Pietersen Australia 6-11, 6-12
Kelly McKerihen beat Brunhilda Roussow, South Africa 4-7, 11-6, 2-1
Round 9
Kelly McKerihen lost to Samantha Shannahan Australia 3-16, 3-9
Dylan Jacobs lost to Anthony N Ahfo Jnr Cook Islands 7-6, 6-7, 1-3
Round 10
Dylan Jacobs lost to Md Zainurin Brunei 11-4, 8-9, 1-2
Round 11
Dylan Jacobs lost to Andrew Kelly New Zealand 5-11, 2-12
Round12
Dylan Jacobs lost to Alex Kwok, Hong Kong China 6-5, 7-8, 0-4
Round 13
Dylan Jacobs lost to Chandan Singh, India 2-11, 2-11
WORLD JUNIOR CUP WOMEN 2010
| Final Placing | ||
| 1 | AUSTRALIA | Samantha Shannahan |
| 2 | NEW ZEALAND | Genevieve Baildon |
| 3 | SINGAPORE | Shermeen Lim |
| 4 | CANADA | Kelly mcKerihen |
| 5 | MALAYSIA | Emma Firyana Saroji |
| 6 | PHILIPPINES | Ainie Knight |
| 7 | SOUTH AFRICA | Brunhilda Roussow |
| 8 | INDIA | Rupa Rani Tirkey |
| 9 | HONG KONG CHINA | Vaness Ng |
WORLD JUNIOR CUP MEN 2010
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A PREVIEW OF 2010 COMMONWEALTH PLAYING CONDITIONS
This event was held on the greens that the Commonwealth Games will be played on in October.
From the Bowls New Zealand website
Almost a day after leaving Delhi and the first 8-Nations Invitational Lawn Bowls Event, the tired, tested but successful New Zealand team landed in Auckland Airport last Thursday and rolled their weary way through the gates. They struggled with intense heat (over 40 degrees at times), excessively slow greens, debilitating stomach troubles, and the best bowlers the sport has to offer, but returned victorious with four medals (a gold, two silver and a bronze medal) and a feeling of confidence about their place in this year's Commonwealth Games.
Gold medalists in the Men's Pairs, Dan Delany (skip) and Richard Collett are in good spirits, despite the long journey home, and have managed to avoid the gut-wrenching effects of 'Delhi Belly' that brought down the likes of Women's Pairs player Jan Shirley and played havoc with Genevieve Baildon's game in the Fours. “The men weren't touched, but the women copped it,” explains Delany, unsure as to the reason. Collett suggests his penchant for hot curries may have warded off the worst of it and then shakes his head in wonder as he talks about the other trying conditions during the tournament: “I didn't think carpet [greens] could be that slow, and it was about 50 degrees out on the green. It was especially hot on your feet.” As for the rival players, he admits it was “always going to be a tough competition. But we beat the Aussies, which is the main thing.”"
From the Bowls New Zealand website
"Trials and Tribulations At India's 8-Nations Event
Almost a day after leaving Delhi and the first 8-Nations Invitational Lawn Bowls Event, the tired, tested but successful New Zealand team landed in Auckland Airport last Thursday and rolled their weary way through the gates. They struggled with intense heat (over 40 degrees at times), excessively slow greens, debilitating stomach troubles, and the best bowlers the sport has to offer, but returned victorious with four medals (a gold, two silver and a bronze medal) and a feeling of confidence about their place in this year's Commonwealth Games.
Gold medalists in the Men's Pairs, Dan Delany (skip) and Richard Collett are in good spirits, despite the long journey home, and have managed to avoid the gut-wrenching effects of 'Delhi Belly' that brought down the likes of Women's Pairs player Jan Shirley and played havoc with Genevieve Baildon's game in the Fours. “The men weren't touched, but the women copped it,” explains Delany, unsure as to the reason. Collett suggests his penchant for hot curries may have warded off the worst of it and then shakes his head in wonder as he talks about the other trying conditions during the tournament: “I didn't think carpet [greens] could be that slow, and it was about 50 degrees out on the green. It was especially hot on your feet.” As for the rival players, he admits it was “always going to be a tough competition. But we beat the Aussies, which is the main thing.”"
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
NEW WORLD JUNIOR CUP DRAW, SIX NATIONS OUT
Dylan Jacobs will play 12 and Kelly McKerihen 9 games as the transportation disruption in Europe has reduced the field by 6 countries.
England, Scotland and Northern Ireland along with the Netherlands Jersey and Spain players will now be checking the scores from home like you and I.
There are 10 women's teams and 13 men's entries left standing on the mat.
They will play two sets, 9 ends each round in a single section.
I haven't confirmed the starting time for games so the Canadian EST is approximate.
Kelly plays her Round 1 morning game ( April 21st, 8:00 PM ) against Singapore's Shermeen Lim and takes on the defending champion Genevieve Baildon of New Zealand in the afternoon ( April 22, 12:00 AM ).
At the same time ( the more games the better ) Dylan starts his long trek with a Round 1 match against Singapore's Hiu Kai Wong and plays Pierre Breitenbach from South Africa after lunch.
For full results and the draw click here.
England, Scotland and Northern Ireland along with the Netherlands Jersey and Spain players will now be checking the scores from home like you and I.
There are 10 women's teams and 13 men's entries left standing on the mat.
They will play two sets, 9 ends each round in a single section.
I haven't confirmed the starting time for games so the Canadian EST is approximate.
Kelly plays her Round 1 morning game ( April 21st, 8:00 PM ) against Singapore's Shermeen Lim and takes on the defending champion Genevieve Baildon of New Zealand in the afternoon ( April 22, 12:00 AM ).
At the same time ( the more games the better ) Dylan starts his long trek with a Round 1 match against Singapore's Hiu Kai Wong and plays Pierre Breitenbach from South Africa after lunch.
For full results and the draw click here.
WORLD CUP/WORLD JUNIOR CUP ANNOUCEMENT
The World Cup/World Junior Cup are going ahead despite the current Iceland volcano travel restrictions.
Dylan's grandma , Noreen Welsh, tells me the officials are re-working the schedule as some of the players are unable to make connections.
It is ironic that you could fly out of Iceland ( below the high rising volcanic dust ) and not out of Scotland ( the home base of World Bowls ) to get to the event.
Keeping an eye on the ticker tape and my ear to the ground.
Dylan's grandma , Noreen Welsh, tells me the officials are re-working the schedule as some of the players are unable to make connections.
It is ironic that you could fly out of Iceland ( below the high rising volcanic dust ) and not out of Scotland ( the home base of World Bowls ) to get to the event.
Keeping an eye on the ticker tape and my ear to the ground.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
2010 SEASON OPENERS - NEAR AND FARRRRRRRRRRRRR
Polish your bowls and hop on a flight because we are set to zoom off to the 2010 outdoor bowling season in Ontario.
" Leaving On A Jet Plane" isn't our usual mode of travel to tournaments on the provincial scene but two of our young bowlers are not usual.
They are world class people travelling half way around the globe to play in a World Championship event.
Kelly McKerihen from Toronto and Londoner Dylan Jacobs leave the country to-day for Warilla Australia to start play in the WORLD JUNIOR CUP beginning on Thursday April 22nd.
" Leaving On A Jet Plane" isn't our usual mode of travel to tournaments on the provincial scene but two of our young bowlers are not usual.
They are world class people travelling half way around the globe to play in a World Championship event.
Kelly McKerihen from Toronto and Londoner Dylan Jacobs leave the country to-day for Warilla Australia to start play in the WORLD JUNIOR CUP beginning on Thursday April 22nd.
Getting there isn't easy and it wasn't easy. They beat out that dandy brother sister bowling act, the Scott's, Alex and Fran, from Saskatoon in Saskatoon last August to claim their "Ticket To Ride".
I will be following their progress and you can too at the World Bowls site.
www.worldbowlsltd.co.uk , Enter, Results, 2010 World Junior Cup Men S2, Results Summary
and Women, Results Summary.
You might also like to take a look at the facilities at www.warillabowls.com.au
***
Niagara Falls doesn't seem nearly as far now as I head to the Ontario traditional opener on the 25th.
Always a joyous occasion to start with lots of greetings and hugs, catch up conversation and a bowl in the hand is better then one in the bag. However a frown may appear as you discover that object of admiration in your hand has abandoned all of its tricks over the winter. How soon they forget.
The Niagara Falls Club is a great place to get the kinks out and add twice as many. Warm and fuzzy facilities with its bar and lounge and greens that always play near mid-season form. That's good but popularity and one green make it difficult to break the entry logjam.
***
Speaking of bowls spring training, check out the newest indoor facility , Major League Sportsplex , where you have an invitation to roll bowls and catch up to the Arizona and Florida snowbirds.
This preview is this coming Tuesday, April 20th starting at 11:00 A.M. Do contact Bowls Coordinator Mario Battista ( battista@rogers.com ) if you can make it. If he hasn't already, Mario will send you information that will raise your eyebrows with interest. And remember it is 641 Danforth Road not Danforth Avenue.
***
I mentioned I was going to keep tabs on Warilla this week and will do that as I drive up and down 401 checking on the status of the renovations of the service centres. I'm going to Scarborough on Tuesday , back home and to Burlington on Friday to try to switch a hockey grand boy to bowls, over to Woodstock on Saturday to applaud the OLBA Board for its hard work all winter and honeymoon at the Falls on Sunday.
See you around.
BB
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