Comeback curling games seemed to be the theme of the 100 Mile Curling Club's Mixed Bonspiel, says club spokesperson, Wayne Venos.
The Mixed Bonspiel was back in 100 Mile House after a long layoff with a good turnout of 12 teams on Nov. 13-15.
In the “A” final, Bill Pratt reunited his old mixed rink from Tuesday's Mixed League to come out on top. Down 6-4 after seven ends, it looked like John Atkinson's rink had the final in the bag.
But Pratt's rink had a little magic of their own to spin on their opponent and make a comeback of great proportions, says Venos.
“Pratt's strategy was putting rocks in the house under partial cover, thereby tempting Atkinson's rink to keep going for takeouts, which they missed by a hair. Before they realized it, the house was full of their opponent's stones and skip John could not save them.”
The final score was 8-6 for Pratt. Other members of the winning rink were Sherillie O'Brien, Rich O'Brien and Mavis Reid.
In the "B" final, Met Boyson proved that age can overcome youth when he used patience to defeat Duane Ney's rink, 6-4, Venos says.
“His judicious use of well-placed guards proved to be Ney's downfall in the end. Met's strategy of continually keeping the pressure on his opponent paid off in spades for him. Boyson had a lot of help from his hardworking rink of Lorraine Young, Bob Kelly and that halo-wearing fairy, Millie Halcro.”
Meanwhile, Jim Mitchell finally found the secret of eternal youth. He stopped fighting old age and started thinking like his young proteges – Ashley Holyk, Ethan Sikiric and Natalie Hefer, all members of the local junior program, Venos says.
“The combined ages of the other three curlers on his rink still do not add up to his golden years. This did not hinder his rink's chances as they defeated Mel Dodge's foursome, 8-4. We all look forward with anticipation to see where these young people go in their curling careers. They should feel very proud of their achievement.”
Venos adds, “All the curlers had a great time and are already looking forward to doing it again next year.”