Top-notch curling action graced the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena last weekend, when the Island Master Playdowns came to town.
Of the 14 visiting teams, eight were men’s and six were women’s – competing in different leagues, on the arena’s four rinks, at the same time.
It made for some great viewing, Cowichan Rocks Curling Club chair Thor Repstock said, with a decent local crowd turning up on Saturday.
Although none of the teams were local, the visiting teams that showed up were some of the best from throughout the Island.
By the time the bonspiel ended, Sunday, January 30, three rinks had qualified for the provincial bonspiel, to take place March 10 to 13, including two women’s teams and one men’s
“It was really well organized, and the ice was... interesting,” Nanaimo skip Sally Noonan said.
Clarifying, Noonan said that the ice wasn’t bad, it just took a while to get used to.
“I thought the teams were evenly matched, so all the games were tough.”
Noonan’s rink was one of two women’s rinks to qualify for provincials.
The fellow Nanaimo-based Margaret Obee-headed women’s rink also qualified for provincials.
Winning both the A and B events, the Qualicum-based Rick Dunn rink ended their run a game early, rather than competing against itself in the final B-event game.
The Dunn rink won’t have far to travel for the provincial bonspiel, March 10 to 13, as it’s taking place in Qualicum.
Ladies’ Spiel
Next up for local curling fans will be the One Day Ladies Fund-raiser Spiel, Saturday, February 5.
“It’s not just curling, there’s ping-pong, shuffle board, and many other games,” organizer Morreen Coulter said.
All participants must compete in four to five things, of which curling is one.
There are no men allowed at the annual event, which will begin at 9:30 a.m., and conclude by 4:30 p.m.
“The girls that come are very dedicated, and look forward to the event,” Coulter said.
In addition to the event being about having fun, the fund-raising component will come about through raffles, draws, an auction, $25 registration fees, and other things going on throughout the day.
The funds raised during the day will go to the Lake Cowichan Food Bank Society.
Registrants will be accepted all the way up to the day of the event, through calling the arena at 749-6742.