Great Final Shot

Such a close call...a draw to the 4 foot for 3 and the WIN! Unfortunately, it was against me. I played with a new team last night against the team I usually with. The smack talk was intense!

It was a close game every end, we traded 2 points back and forth every end...great shots by everyone. I am not sure how the other sheets were, but we had about 6 feet of curl. The rocks really moved...it was fun to watch (sometimes frustrating because we missed some easy shots). We had the option of making similar shots to Martin or Bernard...I repeat, we had the option, no always the ability.

I think we are at the point of being able to coach ourselves a little, for example "I know what i did wrong there." As we are progressing though, I think that more help in strategy is needed. Not just strategy from shot to shot, but more so how to set up an end, when to start with high or low guards or when to start an end with putting rocks directly into the house.

On another note, I had the chance to spare in the Wed night cash league, played lead on one of our instructor's team. I felt quit confident until I stepped out on the ice. Then the pressure of not wanting to miss a shot, hearing people call of numbers for draw time measured in tenths of a second. Way to precise and advanced for me. Then I threw my first rock...i was asked to take out a rock in the house. It should have been easy...nope i missed. It was like throwing an air-ball from the foul line. It took me a few ends to gather myself I managed to threw a couple of good stones and we pulled out a victory. I can hardly wait to another chance.

Robyn - for next time, waving your broom around from 110 feet away...I interpreted as takeout, not a guard. If that is what you wanted...it was a good takeout. Sorry!

Last note: Huge day for Canada....4 medals!!!!!

Battle of the Thirds

After a challenge issued by Kristina 5 days ago...I answered! A glorious 6-3 victory. Sorry Kristina your new broom and curling kilt were no match for my new broom, shoes and white belt. I think if we went to the stats I might edge you out there too...not that I think there is a game-breaking difference between 68% and 71%.

I thought we were going to be in trouble going down 1 in the first end and not being able to judge the ice in the second end. It seemed that the ice turned to slush...literally 'stopping' our rocks half way down the ice. A rock that looked fast or "heavy" after a delivery, we were sweeping hard to to get it across the hog line.



Tactically we played strong, when we finally got in front on the score board, we were to protect our stones and made the other team attempt difficult shots. Seems very elemental, but executing it doesn't always work!

I learned a couple of valuable lessons: a slower rock spin the more it curls and don't tell Glenn to throw "take out weight" - even in full sprint we couldn't keep up.

Some worthy notes:

I have got to make mention of Norway's pants in the first game against Canada. GORGEOUS. I am a supporter of relaxing rules of the traditional plain combination of black pants and plain black shoes. I have bright white shoes and wear pants that are a little more like the Norwegians (not as clown-like)...I am such a rebel. It is nice to see it on the international stage. Join the revolution!

Check this out...

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/player/woly/Curling/18182615#woly/Curling/18182615

Back To Form

It was a more successful outing last night. We had consistency, quality shot making plus good calls from our skip...all added up to WIN WIN WIN! 8 - 4, maybe? I find it odd that I generally don't know the actual final score of most of the games we play. I am generally very competitive by nature, but now get so involved in the whether we are making good shots or understanding the strategy, I forget about the score. Well,
I know if we are winning or losing just not by how much. Maybe its the start of a midlife thing or maybe a Paradigm shift.

There are lots of discussions on the ice during the other games of ice conditions, the weight of shots and general curling lingo. In contrast, when we started I heard someone say "oh look, this is played on ice, I didn't know that". Our group of 32 has come a long way. GREAT JOB!

I finally bought my own broom and registered for a bonspiel. I think we will have 4 teams from our club challenging other clubs in Ottawa. I am fairly certain that TSN will not pick up any of the games...too bad, there will be lots of drama!

Sorry Luc, but I have to mention that last shot of the night. Our instructors have used the words like balance, square your shoulders, clean release when pushing out of the hack. Not once do I remember "the sprawling superman".

BTW - Anna, I still think the hack weight, come around hit would have been the better call. Drawing to the button didn't allow for a good Plan B - something we rely on with most of our shots. As I remember we went with a draw and they scored 2....just saying! :)

AND I have something fancy for next weeks game...it's a suprise!

If Your Going To Lose, Lose BIG!

What a bad night for us!!! Sameer was able to exact his revenge for the beating we gave him last week.

I reluctantly announce the score was 9-1. Even more reluctant to say 6 out of the 9 points they got we had the hammer. Not sure if it was because the ice was impossible to read or there were mexican steroids at work...or maybe it was this guy who distracted me:



I am not even sure what to to say about it...so I am looking to others to add some comments! PLEASE HELP