Stage set for championship curling this week

April 2, 2018 · 0 Comments

By Shellee Morning
King Curling Club
Now there are two.
When playoffs began three weeks ago, each league of King’s curling club started the first game with teams all vying for that ultimate final game spot, with a chance for the championship title. Although there were memorable moments of great shot making and surprising misses, each week a team would be eliminated. Where an inch on either side of the broom can make the difference in a shot that could change the end, in or away from your favour, precision and accuracy had to be there by all members of the team. Last week, there was more of the same exciting curling that this club is now accustomed to as the stage is now set for the final two teams in each league that will play for the title.
Men’s League
This league’s story has just opened a new chapter, with two new teams going head-to-head for the trophy.
Skip Al Scott will be trying to out-smart the strategic ways of his opponent, Doug Brown and company, for the League’s A Division Title. With Team Davis not in the running to defend their title, a new face and team will be given the honour of overall league champion and the right to represent the King Curling Club at the Ontario Men’s’ Club Tankard next Fall.
The B Division game will be decided between Teams George Gerrits and Jim Smith. Veteran Skip Gerrits and his draw to the button will be put to the challenge by the soft-weight take-outs of Smith, that has undoubtedly help pave the way to victory.
Ladies’ League
The underdog story continues as the last remaining top team of the season, Team Sinclair, was over taken by Team Stronach, while Team Brown found the winner circle over Team Oakley in last week’s A-group semifinal action.
These two teams, that were ranked in the lower half of the ladies’ roster, have found their way into the A Division championship final game that promises to come down to the last rock of excitement.
Skips Kelly Stronach and Cindy Brown will be master minding the house and going broom-for-broom in their quest to be crowned ladies champion.
The B Division will feature last year’s A Division final game participants (champion) Skip Fran Bones and (runner-up) Shellee Morning. Friends and Spiel partners, these two skips will make the game interesting as they play for the B Division title.
Mixed Team Entry
When the playoffs began, Skip Larry Sheardown and his team were among the lower ranked teams in the 18-team roster of the Mixed Team Entry League.
After the three-game playoff series, Sheardown, undefeated, has earned his spot in the main event. The match against last year’s defending champion Team Steve Broad will be a game of hits and who will make the first mistake. Both teams are strong in the takeout department and will strategize toward the shoot for the button.
This Cinderella story is just about to unfold as to who will live happily ever-after.
The B championship will be just as exciting, as Skip Doug Brown will take on Skip Shellee Morning in her debut year as skip in the league. Accuracy and weight control of the rock will be key for these two teams as they battle for the eight-end decision.
Social League
The social leagues have once again completed an exciting season full of personal bests and game-winning shots.
The veterans have played with the rookies and as the challenges were presented each week, the new friendships and memories have been solidified with greatness.
Wednesday will see a familiar face in George Gerrits, as he leads his team against the veteran Peter Wasylikw in the championship draw, while the consolation draw will highlight Teams Sinclair and Mussato.
The Friday night league concluded their championship finals between Teams Jim Smith and Scot Stewart for the A group, and Teams Gerry Duffy against Joe Becker for the B Title.
The evening contained excitement, as well as a high intensity of nerves as players descended to the ice for their final challenge of the year. There’s a saying that goes, “If something stands (a rock) between you and success, then move it.”
And move it they did, as Team Smith carried control throughout their game, earning the win and the A Championship title. Team Duffy persevered and used patience through their game to claim the win and collect the B Champion trophy.
The calibre of curling has grown to new heights at every level of the club, as leagues that have been dominated by a few select teams now have multiple teams that can challenge the best of the best.
At the conclusion of this week, the scores will have been recorded and the winning Teams will be engraved in the history books.