Burlington Singles Pretenders and WOBAMax - BELIEVE IT

Can you believe this!
Laila Hassan is coming to the June 25th Open Singles and she has emailed to tell me she will show no mercy when I play her. Good golly the youth of to-day.
Listen, I know she is one of the best bowlers in the country,but really, she is a women and against , how do I say this and be modest, the king of singles. In fact, a few ends of comeuppance will do her well this summer season.

VSM Abrasives Canada

122nd O.B.A. Open Singles

Burlington L.B.C.

Double Draw

$500 First ( You will like 2nd Prize ).


Speaking of Prize Money

Can you believe this!

W.O.B.A. has ADDED $4,000 , that is big extra money, to the total prize package due to this being the 115th  Tournament in its long and dynamic history.

Six days of high level bowls including Open Fours, Open Singles, Women's Pairs, Men's Pairs and Mixed Pairs. Since it is Flight Play and you are guaranteed 4 games, you settle into your level of competition and have a good chance to reach into that money bucket.

115th W.O.B.A.

July 18-23

London Fairmont & Woodstock L.B.Clubs

Entries to Noreen Welsh

http://wobaweek.com/

Ranking Rules For 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 10, 2010

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

ONTARIO DISTRICT FOURS WINNERS 10

The ONTARIO DISTRICTS 
Qualified For PROVINCIAL FOURS BURLINGTON

Unofficial

WOMEN

D1 Lynne Newton(S), Anja McKenzie, Jan Brown, Barb Bellmore

D2 Sue Roth(S), Debbie Archer, Julie Foley & Jeniffer Fisher

D3 Tilley Mannen(S), Jan McLean, Eleanor McDonell, Elaine Clayton

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

D5 Julia Farrell(S), Wendy Buick, Lenore Roach, Karen Peart

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

D7 Jean Brighton(S), Beverly Houston, Carolyn Cook, Ellen Edwards

D8 Helen Kelley(S), Velda Francis, Ann Darroch, Marilyn Rogers

D9 Sheila Lumley (S), Mary Meldrum, Donna McCallum, Christine Wild

D10 Jeri Lynn Lamb (S), Faye Henderson, Lillian Krajcik,  Joanne Smith

D11 Barbara Marks(S), Barbara Mann, Helen Gillis, Helen Corkell

D12 Doreen Semple(S), Gloria Cheung, Brooke Reid, Sandy McKenzie

D13 Jean McCron(S), Elaine Stevenson, Brenda Farthing, Deb Hare

D14 Anna Panton(S), Maureen Simmons, Maureen Guppy, Mary Mininch

D15 Pauline Hill(S), Pat Gemmell, Sylvia Poulain, Donna Mcleese

D16 Joelle Russell ( S ), Sandra Jefferies, Pat Lamoureux, Edith Pedden

MEN

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

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

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

D4 Brad Fleming(S), Rick Woods,Dave Ducklow, Neil Beuerman

D5 Malcolm Whyte(S), Trevor Whyte, Dave Ball, Greg Wilson

D6 Dave Houtby, Herb Nesbitt, Hugh Branston, Craig Thompson

D7 Darryl Fitzgerald(S), Andrew Wagner, Kevin Schinbein, Derrick Bruder

D8 Ian Jones (S), Mike Bester, Bob Bester, Chris Bester

D9 Stuart Goodby (S), Bob Woods, Jim Curley, John Chow

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

D11 Steve McKerihen (S), David Anderson, John Devonshire, Fred Wallbank

D12 Dave Johnson(S), Rick Matthews, Anthony Ko, Angus McKenzie

D13 Gord Legacy(S), Ron Geniole,  Martin Foxhall, Dave Llewellyn

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

D15 Jack Gemmell(S), Doug Mcleese, John Sager, Jim McLaughlin

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

SPRING CLEANING

Outstanding tournament at Burlington Friday June 25th. Big Bucks in Ontario terms for the winner and I intend to fill my satchel and drag those $500 dollar bills right back to Dresden.

It is the

 VSM Abrasives Canada

122nd O.B.A. Open Singles

Burlington L.B.C.

Double Draw

My nemesis Dave Burrows will suffer the indignity of losing on his home green this year to me. We always play even with the approximate 64 players and an equitable opening game draw. He just gently smiles, tells me good shot even when it isn't and helps me put my bowls in my bag after another defeat.

Not this time, no, not him nor even Ryan Bester. This Bester heard of the big payoff and flew back from Australia thinking I was tied up at another event and wouldn't be on site to 'make my day.'

Well I hope you brought your straight bowls Ryan because you are going to be playing on real greens for a change. I trust you are practicing daily, adhering to your 10 PM curfew and reading the Ontario players scouting reports hoping for a favourable draw. 

Enough of this banter. I'll do my talking with my royal purple bowls fit for a king for the day.

If you love the game of one on one, the make no excuses and take no guff event ,this is where you should locate near the end of June.

An amazing history, well organized, a good pace of play, great open competition and on a surface that plays with the best in the country.

Contact Julia Farrell to register  She'll take your name now and beat you later.

Check: http://burlingtonlbc.org/blbc_yearly_schedule.htm

***

Made the Huron/Perth Tour stop on Wednesday in Exeter. Nine greens, 18 men's teams and no result.

Had to get to the announced 1 game and  at least 7 ends of game two to constitute a tournament. We made it to 1 game and 17 teams completing 7 ends before the predicted thunderstorm made its entrance. True to his word , draw master Peter McFalls had to refund all the bowls entry fee minus a small payment for a big lunch.

I will again recommend the 'Wright ( Wayne ) Way' of handling partial tournament days.

Usually, if the tournament gets underway , one game will be completed. Take the allotted total prize money and divide it equally ( the sample is too small to rank the teams ) and give to all the winners of the first game. 

The host club does receive their tournament share after planning and preparing for the event.  Otherwise, in most cases, it is lost revenue for the club since the the tournament can't be rescheduled.

There is some return for the effort of players to attend.

It reminds us to get off to a good start.

***

It is always a tough call for tournament directors or umpires to decide when to call teams off the green during threatening weather. You want to try and complete the event but you certainly don't want to put anyone in harms way.

Bowls Canada have "An Action Advisory" on "Electrical Storms - When Should we Clear The Green?" . It is found in the Conditions of Play for the Canadian National Championships (Majors), Appendix 'C'.

Some excerpts:

With the storm at the limit of audible range it will take approximately 28 seconds for the sound of thunder to follow the flash of lightning.

• 
  
  
  
  Count the number of seconds between seeing the second flash of lightning and hearing the associated thunder. If the interval is less than that for the first incident then the storm is headed your way.

• 
  
  
  
  When the time interval between “sight” and “sound” is 12 seconds the storm will be about 5 km (3 miles) away. All play should be terminated immediately and the players instructed to leave the green.

When multiple lightning flashes are detected, the situation should be treated as one requiring the exercise of extreme caution. These are storms showing signs of being dangerous and they should be given greater consideration, even if still distant.

1. 
   
   
   
   On leaving the green, the players should move inside a safe structure. A safe structure is one consisting of four walls and a roof and which is electrically grounded. Do not seek shelter in a work shed - such structures do not usually meet these criteria. An enclosed vehicle such as a car, van or bus with the windows rolled up is an excellent alternative.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   NOTE: One important qualification to the foregoing - Any player who feels uncomfortable being outside with lightning present should feel free to leave the green without fear of penalty or repercussions.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Vigilance is required even as the storm leaves the area. Environment Canada’s standard for the end of a thunderstorm is 15 minutes after the last roll of thunder.
   
   
   I recommend you read the entire advisory.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

CANADA'S TEAM IN INDIA OCTOBER 2010

Commonwealth Games Team Announced

The BCB High Performance Committee has announced the 2010 Commonwealth Games Team that will compete in Delhi India, October 3-13, 2010. The selection camp was held May 23 - 28 in White Rock BC at the White Rock Lawn Bowling Club.

MEN

Ryan Bester (ON) - Singles

Fred Wallbank (ON) - Lead - Triples

Hirendra Bhartu (BC) - Vice -Triples

Steve McKerihen (ON) - Skip - Triples

Michel Laure (QC) - Skip - Pairs

Keith Roney (SK) - Lead - Pairs

Tim Mason (BC) - Alternate

WOMEN

Josephine Lee (BC) - Singles

Amanda Berg (AB) - Lead - Pairs

Shirley Fitzpatrick-Wong (MB)  - Skip - Pairs

Erin Roth (ON) - Lead - Triples

Rachel Larson (SK) - Vice - Triples

Harriette Pituley (SK) - Skip - Triples

Clarice Fitzpatrick (MB) - Alternate

David Millard (Australia) - Coach

David Mathie (BC) - Manager

THE EXCITMENT OF HEADING TO A PROVINCIAL FINAL - NEVER OLD

Ontario Fours  - District Playdown Weekend

 

For many competitive tournament bowlers in the Province the first dates set aside on their playing schedules are the District Playdowns weekends. No decisions to contemplate here . . Fours, Pairs , . . maybe Singles. These weekends are booked and locked up early . . forget entering any other events . . . Oh no, an invitation for cousin Matt’s wedding on June19 . . . . . what an inconsiderate couple . . .  that’s the same day as the District Pairs.. How do I get out of this one  . . I’ll figure out a way . . he’s just a bloody 2^nd cousin anyway. 

 

OK, some family occasions may take precedent . . and other special times too. I did go to Matt’s wedding in Beaver Creek Alberta (250 miles NW of Edmonton) for a week in 2008 and missed some bowling . . and my poker groups gambling wkd at the cottage has kept me and friend Eric out of the Fours several times . . . but on a whole the playdowns usually take priority.

  

All across Ontario this past weekend was the time for the best of the best to gather for their local District’s Fours Playdowns . . and I don’t like to miss it.

- Some travelled from afar to get to their local club (McKerihan & Wallbank from B.C.) so as not to miss their chance.

- Some crossed County lines to play with old friends or better their chances at the big prize.

- Many grabbed their bowls and headed for the local club willing to put out $20 just to play a couple good games of bowls knowing they had only a slim chance to move on.

 

Most Districts have the same rivalries carried forward from year to year. You pretty well know who’s going to be there  . . .  who’s going to be tough to beat . .  .  .  who beat you last year that you owe one to. In our District, although most clubs have similar membership numbers (5 hovering around 100 and a couple smaller ones) we normally only get entries from 3 clubs. In the Fours this basically held true . . 2 from Cosburn, 5 from Balmy Beach, 3 from Agincourt, 1 from Kew Beach. (with a couple Cosburn players filling in as 4^th men on Balmy’s teams). For some reason this has been the case over the last 15 yrs.

 

In any event, one thing is usually certain. The last one out of the clubhouse when its over will be the District Chairman, sitting trying to get all the paperwork wrapped up while others are celebrating with a few cold refreshing beverages (not iced tea). Sometimes a thankless job, but truly appreciated by those who have been there before.

 

All my experience in District play has been in District 10 (Basically all clubs in Toronto east of Yonge Street) . . . .  sometimes wonder what’s the story in other areas . . maybe you do too . . probably all run quite similarly. I thought I’d give you a quick replay of how a typical Playdown weekend (this years Fours) goes by in my home base.

 

 Fours Playdowns – District 10 – Balmy Beach Style

 

Planning starts early . .  can’t wait til game day to do everything. Must keep the masses informed. The week before the first jack is thrown the edict had been eMailed out to all participants. “Come early . . . new check in rules on bowls . . new District Convener . . limited parking at Balmy Beach . . . hot weather expected so lather up with lotion”. 

 

I arrived early at 8:35 for a 9:30 start. Playing at Balmy Beach or Kew Beach on a warm spring or summer day means searching for parking which is sometimes non existent if you get there after 9 am. Coming down to watch later, my wife had to go a mile away to find a parking spot . . . something you get used to in the beaches area . . but didn’t mind as it meant a nice long walk along the boardwalk to the club. Say what you will (and many do) about Balmy’s greens in May . . but the location and clubhouse are 2^nd to none.

 

Once there I was surprised to see I was just about the last one to arrive as most had obeyed the early arrival request. Was also surprised to see such a long line up at bowls check in. Umpire for the day, Eric Brands (who has tirelessly done most District 10 playdowns the last few years) had a busy agenda as the new bowls checking procedure included recording the make, colour, year and serial number of every player’s bowls. After initial mumblings about the necessity of this new requirement and the long wait in line (44 bowlers to check) most settled in to the usual pre game chatter at our playdowns . . much of it from the grumblers . .  

- Why are the Ladies playing all in one group (5 Team Rd Robin) while the Men have to go in 2 Groups (of 3)?  - How come it costs $20?  - Why are we on the east green and the Men on the West . . isn’t the West better? . . . .Why don’t we play Double K.O. (if we were playing Double K.O, the same people would say “Why don’t we play Rd Robin) . . . and so on and so on. After 7 years as District Chairman I learned to let most minor grumblings go in one ear & out the other. (Good luck Jan . . taking over this year).

 

Convener Jan Ferguson was busy recording OLBA card numbers and taking money. Could be heard many times saying “Go away . . come back when you have your whole teams money” Club rep Joe Green had his best 6 rinks set up for play and co-coordinated with Jan on green assignments for game 1.

 

When the appointed time arrived and Jan called for everyone’s attention . . . the rules were read from the OLBA script . . . and the games were underway. Men quickly checked who was in their group. Damn, we drew Larry Wales & Albert Wu . . won’t be easy getting to Day 2.

 

Got a bye in game 1 therefore wouldn’t be playing until about noon. Had a decision to make. Stay and watch the 1^st game . . or walk along the boardwalk down by Kew Beach (only 15 minute walk away) where a women’s volleyball tournament was on. Very tough decision . .NOT.   By the time I got back most games were in about their 10^th end. Lots of time to go and throw a few before my game.

 

As is normal in our District, the players were supported by their family, friends and club mates. Over the course of the 2 days there was usually about 15-20 spectators watching the proceedings at any one time. (Some between trips to the main clubhouse for refreshment breaks . . .which usually included the bowlers with a Bye).

 

Now . .The bowling: If not spectacular (very tough greens) the play was truly exciting as all the action came down to nail biting finishes.

 

Ladies: On day 2 of the round robin the only undefeated teams met in the morning with the Jeri Lynn Lamb team winning out over Debbie McCourt. Lamb however lost her final Rd Robin game, giving Debbie a 2^nd chance as they both finished at 3W 1L in Rd Rbn.

 

In an exciting playoff match the two teams were tied going in to the last end. A bowl rolled right on the jack by Jeri’s front end managed to stay there despite the opponents best efforts to dislodge it (I knew Fours was a front end game) and the victory for Jeri was sealed. Good luck to a nice group of ladies heading to the provincials for the 1^st time.

 

Men: Day 2 morning action couldn’t have been any closer. In Single K.O. competition both semi final games went to an extra end. Tom Marley of Balmy Beach stepped up for the last bowl of the extra end in his game against Albert Wu down one and facing a clogged head. His Hail Mary bullet caromed off 3 bowls before coming to rest . . . beside the jack for the win.

 

Eric Brands had to make a great takeout in the 15^th end of his game against Joe Green to preserve a tie (way to go skipper!) . . . then in the extra end, down 2, Joe’s vice Bert Harvey threw a heavy bowl hitting the jack dead on and looked like it would carry it to the ditch for the win . . . but it bounced off another bowl and went about 3 feet forward to the shortest bowl on the rink (mine) . . where it stayed for shot the rest of the way.

 

Brands then went on to win the final match over the Marley four who had run out of steam. An ‘Opening of the Deck’ party at the lakeside clubhouse with strict security (Members Only Please) couldn’t keep the Brands team from finagling their way in for a few brown pops in celebration . . . . but judging from the list I just saw of who the opposition will be in Burlington, the celebration may be a short one!

 

Sound a lot like what went on in your District this weekend?  Probably . . . except for the Volleyball!

 

BB in the GTA

Bountiful Burlington Bowls

A little catch up here. 


'Open it and they will come'.
The premier provincial Fours test tournament prior to the road to Provincial glory. And it culminates on June 12,13 right on these same grounds.
I am referring to the Burlington Men's Fours, The Edward Jones Investment Invitational  held on a wet May 22nd. No matter, we played and played and actually didn't see anymore wet from the sky in the last game. To cover a potential weather problem Draw Master, how do you say that Draw Mistress?, Lenore Roach explained that the tournament was moved from Sunday to Saturday to allow for a Sunday rain day. However the rebound effect of impacting other District tournaments led Lenore to announce that next year the Burlington Fours will return to Sunday with no rain date.
It wouldn't impact other tournaments if the competitive masses didn't want to play against a stellar field on quality greens. Mind you the latter is always going to suffer when the grass is being nourished at the wrong time of the day.
A full two greens, a dandy lunch included, a membership that know how to host a party and the quest to put your name on a beautiful trophy.
Was it close? You bet. Lenore said in her 12 years of doing the draw never had two teams ended tied ( +49 ) after their 3 games. It took the tie breaker of total points against to clinch the victory for Herb Nesbitt, Dave Houtby, Hugh Branston and Craig Thompson from Niagara Falls. Some young blood in the person of Craig and he sure has some excellent champions all for his mentors.
Just nipped at the wire was the team of Gord Legacy, Ron Geniole, Martin Foxhall and Dave Llewellyn. Martin a waiver pick up with neither Mark Sandford nor Martin Haalstra in action at this time leaving Jeff Harding without a team after his National Team  Camp.Keep your eye on both of these foursomes come the Districts. 
Third went to the young and young at heart. The Whyte boys, Malcolm and Trevor at the back end and Greg Wilson and Dave Ball at the front. You know, the settling influence of an elder.
The other 3 game winner on the day was the mainly local team of George Wilson, Nick Vanwessel, Charley Roach and Doug Hoskin from London.
In a time of a trend towards a reduction in tournament entries, Burlington continues to hold fast to appeal and satisfaction.