Off the Broom: First half of curling season completed

The annual Kincardine men’s bonspiel was held at the beginning of the month with a full slate of curlers participating and that is always a good thing to see. As always, the day was a good one but particularly good for two Kincardine teams. Peter Newton, Tim Church, Mike Bunker and Steve Palmer were the early draw winners, while David Plourde, Noel MacIntosh, Bob Blackwood and Dan Showalter took first place in the late draw. Many thanks to the sponsors and volunteers who make this bonspiel happen - we couldn’t do it without you.

The Grey Bruce Seniors were at it again. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Chesley Curling Club, the team from Kincardine moved to 10-0 this season by winning both games at the event and finishing second overall. Kincardine’s entry was skipped by Jim Roberts, Mark Luckhardt was vice, Art Doughty threw second rocks and Bryan MacDonald was lead.

The first half of our curling season has been completed and winners have been declared for two of our draws. The Monday night champs were David Plourde, Dan Showalter, Val McTavish and Meredith Harron who, unfortunately, has been injured and so spares were recruited to take her place. Finishing in second place, was the team of Robert Ross Sr., Barb Ross, Gail Wright and Linda Humphrey. The Thursday early draw also ended last week with a playoff night. The top dogs were Robert Ross Sr., Sharon Cross, Dan Norman and Gail Wright who defeated Barb Kester, Mike Meraw, Louella Ryder and Rick Biggar. New teams have been chosen and the second half is now under way.

A gentle reminder to the curlers who take a little break about this time of the year to escape to the warmer climates, please don’t leave your team in the lurch by not finding spares to take your place while you enjoy your holiday.  And not just if you are going away—please find a spare at any time when you will be absent.

The Brokerlink Insurance Grey Bruce Major Curling League is winding down and the playoff round will begin this week with games in Hanover and Walkerton. There are 10 teams in the league and the top eight will be involved in the playdowns. Kincardine’s team of Peter Newton, Scott Nicholson, Glen Curtis and Tim Church, is looking good to make it into the quarter-finals. The championship game will be held in early February at Tara.

We will  be hosting a FamFest Open House, Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to help celebrate Family Day. Adults and kids can drop in and try curling with guidance from our members. We provide all the equipment! Guests just need a pair of clean indoor shoes! So curlers, encourage your friends and neighbours to come and try out this great sport. There will be drinks, chili and buns available for sale as well, with the proceeds going to our “Raise the Roof” fund.

The mixed bonspiel will be held Feb. 22 and if you are interested in entering, there is a sign-up sheet on the board. The Ripley ladies bonspiel is also that day and there is a flyer with the contact information at the club.

Taking part in the Hanover ladies bonspiel this past weekend, was the team of Shelley Henderson Duchene, Beth Mimnagh, Judy Watt and Sharon Cross. The Kincardine ladies won their first game against the host club by a score of 20-1! Their second game was back to reality with a 10-5 loss against Goderich. When all was said and done, they took third place.