2011 ONTARIO FOURS CHAMPIONS CROWNED IN SARNIA

Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like both with bowls two days old.
Sarnia gave it all to us and the bowlers gave it right back with same old, same old, some surprises  and games that weren't decided to the last bowl.
We had  Lumley, Nesbitt and McKerihen gather the medals but not. We saw the break through of the Roth clan, nearly by the Fitzgerald group and short by inches by the experienced Welsh.
Another well run Provincial by the Sarnia Lawn Bowling Club, a location that is becoming a fixture in Championship play. 

D9 Sheila Lumley(S), Mary Meldrum(V), Linda Baron(2), Heather Comba(L) GOLD

Round 1 D9 (20) D6 (16); Round 2 D9 (15) D7 (7); Round 3 D9 (18) D13 (7); GOLD D9 (16) D3 (4)
An important match to start the tournament and the winner would have a rolling start down the golden hill. The number 5 ranked Lumley team were up against the top ranked Marg Lepere, Katherine Smith, Wendy Devonshire, Sherry Riddick Niagara Falls group and it was as advertised. Lots of scoring but Sheila and friends prevailed and they sailed to the crown by steadily increasing their margin of victory each game.
An interesting side story was Heather played with Laura Seed last year and with both on new teams, it is a double success story. Off they both go to Toronto in August.

D6 Dave Houtby(L), Hugh Branston(V), Weston Nesbitt(2), Herb Nesbitt(S) GOLD

Round 1 D6 (23) D14 (1); Round 2 D6 (13) D13 (12); Round 3 D6 (21) D3 (12); GOLD D6 (15) D4 (9)

Of course when you are playing in the event, you miss all the exciting finishes. However it is easy to see that The Niagara Falls team had a battle with Gord Legacy, Ron Geniole, Martin Foxhall and David Llewellyn from D13. The verdict was in doubt to the last bowls of the game. Gold or not often only inches of difference. Many people told me that although the gold game was 6 shots apart at the end, it was nip and tuck with two ends to go. Larry and James McLellan along with Chris Johnson were on the cusp of victory along with Skip Jurgen Fessler who was waving the magic wand  this game and doing a lot of tucking to keep the suspense high until near the end. But the methodical, consistent skilled play of 3 vets and Nesbitt the younger was again a proven winning formula.Speaking of Weston he played very well over the two days with limited time to chase the tournament schedule. And I must mention Dave Houtby playing lead.What a skilled player to have setting the table for his teammates to dine. 

D11 Laura Seed(V), Lisa McKerihen(2), Kelly McKerihen (S), Heather Battles (L) SILVER

R1 D11(11) D14(10); R2 D11(18) D12(9); R3 D3(15 D11(13); R4 D11(18 D16(2); R5 D11(14) D3(13)

 SILVER D11(18) D2 (16)

Did I say a McKerihen made it to the Canadians!That is usual but not one but two and both aren't Steve. 

Now that will catch your attention.The female two aren't surprising when you see these offspring put down a smooth bowl with a distinct genetic connection. Kelly is now well known in her own right with her international experience and along comes Lisa who has the technique to follow the family tradition.

Talk about an interesting road these ladies followed to get to the GTA for a summer treat.. Up 11-0 in Game 1 they held on to edge the 2010 Provincial Novice Champs + 1 by one point. Doreen Souch(S), Sue Logeman ,Priscilla Downs, Nicky Chamois from D14 showed this next level is within reach.

Along comes  D3 Laura Ritchie(S), Elaine Clayton,Yvette Vanderpost, Jan McLean in Round 3 and lo and behold this put together team at the last moment won their 3rd straight game on Day 1. Off to the Gold game go the Ritchie team and the McKerihen team will have to start a new climb toward the podium.

Just one round later these same two teams meet again and the drama is even heavier.

D3 are up 1 in the game, last end. D11 are laying 1, 8 inches in front of the jack with Laura Ritchie having both bowls to come. Laura continues her deft tournament touch by curling around the shot bowl to lie 1 and game 6 inches in front of the jack.

One bowl and tournament continuance rested in Kelly's hand. She surveyed the head, stepped confidently to the mat and with her drive caught the side bowl and picked the shot clean without jack movement.

Laura came up just short with her final bowl and with a measure D11 were in the 'B' final.

A dandy final it was. D2 Noreen Welsh(S), Julie Fowler, Cathy Townsend and Karen Robinson kept battling back until with the last bowl in Noreen's hand the final result was in doubt. Earlier Lead Heather Battles drew two beauties for D11 just in front of the jack and although D2's Cathy Townsend did cut it to 1 point down , the Battles' shot bowl prevailed and bumped the final margin to 18 - 16. 

D1 Tom Roth(S), Wray Roth(L), Ron Whitehead(2), Jim Roth(V) SILVER

R1 D1(20) D5(12); R2 D3(18) D1 (14); R3 D1(23) D15 (8); R4 D1(13) D12(12); R5 D1(17) D2(7);

SILVER R6 D1(16) D7(12)

Family feud is upon us. The Roth's are claiming squatters rights to new Provincial territory and the Besters might not take kindly to this intrusion. It is Dad Wray with his sons Tom and Jim and Tom's son in law Ron married to his daughter Michelle. I know,I know, the woman folk have long ago made their presence known with Canadian gold for Erin, Canadian Silver for Jim's wife Sue, Provincial titles for Michelle, Laurie and Verna but this is mano a mano on the fields of green.

It is one of those situations where Dad Wray has been playing a long time and playing well but never had the opportunity to play in the Majors. Well he and the boys have made it happen. 

They lost in the 2nd to D3 Wayne Wright(S), Don Caswell, Kody Olthof, Bob North  and  edged 

D12 Dave Johnson(S), Bruce Lynn, Rick Matthews, Aldo Milani by a 13 -12 score  and otherwise sailed 

to the "B' final against D7 Darryl Fitzgerald(S), Andrew Wagner, Kevin Schinbein and  Derrick Bruder.

The match was tight and going into the final end D1 were in front 14-12. Wray was around the jack with his pair and after Kevin raised some hope, Jim drew shot, a pattern repeated all weekend. Andrew was close but still 2nd shot and Jim drew another. The verdict was sealed and no man was going to put asunder.

Your first one is always a surprise but the clan is good and the parade has just started.

BRONZE

Karen Robinson (L), Cathy Townsend (2), Julie Fowler (V), Noreen Welsh (S)

BRONZE

Darryl Fitzgerald (S), Andrew Wagner (V), Kevin Schinbein (2), Derrick Bruder (L)

    

CHALLENGE 11- A BOWLS FUND RAISER TO BEAT CANCER

 I am back to prime the campaign pump for CHALLENGE 11.
Bowls R Us and we continue to support the search for a cure for cancer.

This is to announce the game is on for another season.

You can donate a minimum of $10 to the cause.

OR - You can donate and play 'Pick The Provincial Winners , The Big Three'. It involves predicting the 2 Ontario qualifiers in Fours, Pairs and Singles. Details below.

When you donate a minimum of $10 to the Cancer Society the real cash goes to charity but you end up with #10,000 'bob'.

It is your stake for some fun wagering. Just pick the teams, assign how much you are wagering and voila, a genius is discovered.

By the way the Fours Ratings to June 7th are posted on the blog. Study the teams and the odds and make your selections.
You just send me your pick(s) and I will post and send you a copy.

Here is what will happen to your donation this year:
1.You donate and request a receipt ( I will do the paperwork).2.You donate and you don't want a receipt. This group then have the  option to be in on a group purchase of tickets supporting the Annual Cancer Society Lottery.
All prizes are converted to cash and divided equally after prorating your contribution. For prizes that can't be converted we will have our own draw to determine the winner. One share ( BOB) for each $10 donation.
3.You donate , don't want a receipt but prefer not to be involved in the lottery.



If you are up to it and want to match wits with worldly wisdom, here is your opportunity.
This is similar information but in more detail.


THE CHALLENGE: Have the biggest deposit in the BOB ( Bank of Bob ) when the Big Three {Fours, Pairs, Singles } 2010 Provincial Championships are completed.

THE COST: Ten dollar $10.00 entry fee but you can donate any amount you wish. All fees ( no administrative expenses, no cash to winners) will be donated to the CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY.  Receipts will be issued by the Canadian Cancer Society if requested.I will tabulate and submit at the end of the Challenge and make the request for you.
ENTRY: Submit your name to me at any time but preferably before the Fours ( June 11, 2011) so you can participate in the 3 events. You can pledge your entry fee by email and then either wait to catch up with me somewhere in Ontario this summer or we will make individual arrangements. Multiple entries are accepted.You can be identified by your name, a team name or a numbered account ( a modern game ).
THE TASK: You will have $10,000 bob credited to your newly opened account for every $10 donated on entry.  Your mission, "should you choose to accept it ...", will be to parlay that amount into a substantial profit. The method of your madness is to wager any amount of your dollars( minimum bet of $1000 ) on the upcoming BIG THREE Provincial Championships. This isn't the easy win, place, show as at the races but rather you have to pick the winners of the event. But to make it a cinch to be successful you win if your selections qualify for the Canadians ( 1st or 2nd ). If you lose all your money, game over and placed on the bankrupt list. Despite baseball's Pete Rose rule you can, are even encouraged, to bet on your own team.
THE ODDS: You have and are creating them as we speak by submitting your ranking predictions. They are ever changing so you can submit your 'bet' when you judge the odds are best for your maximum return.
PAYOUT: the Parimutuel system will be used but with no 14.25% commission deducted before the winning distribution. Wikipedia has a clear explanation of the calculations but, of course, I don't understand them so I do whatever I want.
PRIZES: The enjoyment of the camaraderie and the satisfaction of doing something for others without credit. 

In Memory of Bob Saunders

Our greeting was always brother Bob. The nose, the mustache, the glasses. It never failed, enthusiastic, smiling, interested. Memories will keep Bob by our side. 

Robert Bruce Saunders
(November 8, 1935 - May 29, 2011)

Sign Guest Book

At the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital after a short courageous battle with cancer, on Sunday May 29, 2011, Bob Saunders age 75 years. Beloved best friend and companion of Marjorie Kells. Loving father of Barry Saunders (Donna) and Brent Saunders. Predeceased by his daughter Brenda Roy (1978) and his son Daniel Saunders (1973). Cherished grandfather of Robert (Megan), Joanna and Ryan. Dear brother of Laura, Barbara and Bonnie. Fondly remembered by Carol Saunders. Dear friend of Jeff Kells (Roni) and Mark Kells (Sandra). Grampa Bob to Lucas, Bailey, Eric, Alexandra and Declan. Bob was a retiree of Wallace Barnes Associated Springs, Burlington and an active member of the Burlington Lawn Bowling Club. Bob will be missed by his many bowling friends here and in Florida. Visitaiton at the DODSWORTH & BROWN FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON CHAPEL, 2241 New Street (at Drury Lane), Burlington 905-637-5233 on Tuesday May 31st from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday June 1st from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Private cremation to follow. Interment St. Andrew's Anglican Church Cemetery, Grimsby at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. 

A SEEDING EXERCISE - HOW GOOD ARE YOU? ONTARIO FOURS

Here we go again. Time to test your expertise in the field of Ontario Bowls.
The first event of the Big Three. Fours, Pairs, Singles
You are invited to rank the Provincial Fours qualifying teams as you predict they will finish.
The individual rankings are averaged to establish the Cumulative Provincial Rankings.Numerically list your selections with #1 being your top choice You must list a minimum of 10 teams but do list all 16 teams if you choose.You can select men only, women only or both groups.Don't be wishy washy. No ties.If you are a participant in the Provincial Fours 2010 , you cannot select your own team.Your selections are kept confidential. I cannot prevent individual bragging of personal wisdom.
Deadline Thursday June 9, 2011
What does this all mean - nothing.
If you looked at past rankings/results stats you would see falls down the ladder and wonderful shimmies up the pole. The podium conclusion hasn't been altered. You win on the field, not on paper.Just a fun task that generates interest for the event and awareness of the participants.In fact many of us do this exercise mentally for the major competitions. This time you can compare your long distance thoughts with others.


So take a look at the entries, do your analysis and send to bgnorth@sympatico.ca
LOOK ON THE BLOG FOR THE DISTRICT WINNERS

FRIDAY NIGHT SPICE

What if:
         At the Provincials there was a set time for the Reception.
        Receptions are meant to host a crowd of people which allows the opportunity to mingle with  the hosts, the players and other interested guests in attendance.
         It makes it much easier for the good people who organize the event to plan and facilitate with a definite start and finish.  
         And to add some sizzle, conduct the positional draw for Saturday's play.
RECEPTION 7:00 PM    DRAW 7:30 PM
All team reps will first draw for selection position. Any team not represented will have their draw conducted by the host Committee Chair or delegate - in front of the gathered masses.
Have a big board available and in the next round post the selected positions as they are drawn.
Have some fun. A witty MC, an involved audience could be a energetic start to the weekend.
There is still no team obligation to be there but I am wagering a 'bob' that the participants would be peppered with players.
And isn't it much easier for the draw master to be able to prepare the scorecards and scoreboards the night before.

Just a thought.

DISTRICT FOURS WINNERS 2011

Unofficial
WOMEN
D1 Laurie Roth(S)Sue Duransky, Pat Chute, Bettyanne Rankin
D2 Noreen Welsh(S), Julie Fowler, Cathy Townsend, Karen Robinson
D3 Laura Ritchie(S), Elaine Clayton,Yvette Vanderpost, Jan McLean
D4 JoAnne Bugler(S), Kay Johns, Sharon Farrish, Marilyn Lancaster
D5 Julia Farrell(S), Shirley Vidler, Wendy Buick, Karen Peart
D6 Marg Lepere(S), Katherine Smith, Wendy Devonshire, Sherry Riddick
D7 Connie Steinman(S), Beverly Hitchman, Ellen Edwards, Betty Mayne
D8 Liz Geurtjens(S), Vi Young, Joyce Ruddell, Theresa Bester
D9 Sheila Lumley(S), Mary Meldrum, Linda Baron, Heather Comba
D10 Erin Chambers(S), Karen Marley, Elaine MacSween, Janet Luke
D11 Kelly McKerihen(S), Laura Seed, Lisa McKerihen, Heather Battles
D12 Doreen Semple(S), Gloria Cheung, Brooke Reid, Sandy McKenzie
D13 Peggy Dundas(S), Carol Finlayson, Pat Weissflog, Chris Pingle
D14 Doreen Souch(S), Sue Logeman,Priscilla Downs, Nicky Chamois
D15 Pauline Hill(S), Pat Gemmell, Sylvia Poulain, Donna McLeese
D16 Leone Braby(S), Sandra Jefferies, Esta Brock, Flo Barclay

Unofficial
MEN
D1 Tom Roth(S), Jim Roth, Ron Whitehead, Wray Roth
D2 John Bezear(S), Brian Fowler, Martin Haalstra, Dylan Jacobs
D3 Wayne Wright(S), Don Caswell, Kody Olthof, Bob North
D4 Jurgen Fessler(S), Larry McLellan, James McLellan, Chris Johnson
D5 Charlie Roach(S), Nic Van Wessel, George Wilson, Larry Anderson
D6 Herb Nesbitt(S), Hugh Branston, Weston Nesbitt, Dave Houtby
D7 Darryl Fitzgerald(S), Andrew Wagner, Kevin Schinbein, Derrick Bruder
D8 Mike Bester(S), Chris Bester, Bob Bester, Ken Bester
D9 Eldon McFayden(S),Frank Sneider, Blair Munshaw, Alex Graham
D10 Ken Uyesugi(S), Bob Bates, Eric Brands, Dave Carruthers
D11 Steve McKerihen(S), David Anderson, John Devonshire, Fred Wallbank
D12 Dave Johnson(S), Bruce Lynn, Rick Matthews, Aldo Milani
D13 Gord Legacy(S), Ron Geniole, Martin Foxhall, David Llewellyn
D14 Andrew Hudson(S),Robert Smith, John Hawryszko, Jim Smith
D15 Steve Miller(S), Bryan Luther, Jack Gemmell, Dave Miller
D16 Brian McCartney(S), Ron Wood, David Jefferies, Gerry LaPorte

CANADIAN IDLE

It's Time.
The Victoria Day Weekend.
The Bowls Bell tolls for the traditional start of the Ontario lawn bowling season.
I have spent the winter producing and starring in a new series of Canadian Idle.
We were on location in Orlando/Kissimmee and Treasure Island on the Gulf in Florida. But we didn't want to miss the opportunity to experience the fun of snow in Ontario so did some hard time in Dresden during January and February.
But that was then and this is now.
Of course before the Queen's Day action I take my hot and cold wardrobes and head to the lee of the escarpment. I love the Niagara Falls openers. It is like a high school reunion without name tags but planned activity to give you space and interval to remember everyones name.
And St Marys was an oasis in the desert of rain.
By the way the greens ran very well both in the Falls and The Stone Town. Excellent work Jeff Clapp and Larry McLellan. Play both for a treat this summer.
Saturday and Sunday we did our traditional doubleheader. Fairmont first, what a beautiful day, and off to Burlington the next day for the premier preDistrict  gathering of the Provincial pretenders. I am not sure of District 15 but every other District in this province, 1 to 16, Windsor to Ottawa made the trek to central casting and turned around and went home after. Thirty two teams drawing and driving , laughing and frowning. What a great group of people for social interaction to be serious competitive yet loose and relaxed. It works for me.
And again my thanks to the greenskeepers at these facilities for outwitting Mother Nature and creating a surface that played well and will only get better.

My health- many know but if you don't, I am a prostate cancer selectee. I have had surgery and radiation in the hope to eradicate those frisky, evasive little cells. My PSA is the barometer that measures the search for zero but I am slowly creeping up the ' what do we do next ladder'. I feel good, do what I have always done , don't fret over what I can't control and greet each day with the same enthusiasm.
I tell you all this because many ask me when we see each other after the winter and besides I want to repeat the preventative message.
My PSA was in the 30's before I received treatment. I had been going for the blood test on a regular basis but notification of the results were not forwarded in a timely fashion.
Number 1, be responsible for yourself.
One in six men will be a prostate victim. Next time you are in a crowd start counting and asking.
It isn't an exceptional case, it is part of your neighbourhood.
Number 2, don't wimp out. Get the blood test and the rectal examination.
This cancer has a high cure success rate when detected early.
Number 3, is there a choice?
I will be running our Cancer Challenge again this year. Many have joined in to have some fun and help the fund.
As last year's Cancer Bowls Challenge Supportors know, many have money held in escrow for disposition as you wish.
By all means join us when the Challenge 2012 opens for business. Details to follow.

Huron Perth Men's Circuit
Men's tournaments can survive and thrive.
Bowling to-day in St Marys. Awaiting the results.