Well the Bocce season officially opened April 14 with the Easter Challenge being played off the East Shores of Lake Simcoe.  Home of the finest rounded pebbles since 1987.  Our first match featured "Lefty" representing Team Bear, versus J-Dub representing Team Lucy. 

 

The referee for the match was a special guest making their first appearance in the Black and White: Tonka.  This reporter has not seen a ref call the play from so close to the ground before!

 

With both players trying to shake off the winter rust, this game got off to a slow start.  After exchanging points in the first 4 frames, the game was tied 3-3.  Then, perhaps due to home court advantage, Lefty took control of the game hammering home 5 points over 3 frames and taking a commanding 8-3 lead.  With the game almost out of reach, J-Dub responded with 4 points to an awkwardly placed Pee that Lefty just couldn't find.  But, it wasn't enough as Lefty kept up the pressure right to the final frame.  With the score showing 11-8 in favor of Lefty, J-Dub had placed a rock almost on top of the Pee and possibly keeping his hopes of a victory alive.  But today was Lefty's day!  With his third shot, he split the rocks and placed for the winning point.  12-8 was the final score.

 

It was a decisive victory for Lefty who played the full game showing off the rejuvenated strength in his reconstructed right shoulder.  It looks like he is ready to shed the Lefty handle an establish himself as a contender this year.

 

The next game will likely be The May 24 Open Tournemant.  With as many as 12 participants, this could turn out to be a showcase of fresh young talent.  Who will emerge as this years powerhouse!