The 100 Mile House blind curling team placed third at the West Coast Blind Curling Association 2016 Provincial Play Downs in Kelowna, Jan. 9-10.
In Draw 1, Kelowna beat 100 Mile House, 12-2. In Draw 2, Vancouver edged 100 Mile House, 9-8. In Draw 3, 100 Mile House edged Prince George, 9-8.
Draws 2 and 3 were tied at eight points at the start of the eighth end with both opposing teams having the hammer, which made for exciting and close games, says team member Lori Fry.
Kelowna finished first place. Vancouver was second. 100 Mile House was third. Prince George finished fourth. This outcome was identical to the 2015 provincial competition held in 100 Mile House last year.
The final total points earned 100 Mile House a spot at the Western Blind Curling Association 2016 Championships, to be held in Saskatchewan, Feb. 24-28. However, 100 Mile declined and passed on this opportunity to the Prince George team, explains Fry. Because 100 Mile is already competing in Ottawa, representing the province at the 2016 Canadian Visually Impaired Curling Championships on Feb. 7-13.
“This gesture also gives the other teams additional opportunities to compete and gain experience outside the province.”