Round 1 of Campbell Bocce League was played like an All Star mid-season showcase for the league’s top players. It certainly wasn’t the slow tentative rolling we have witnessed in previous season openers. Accompanied by ballpark franks, popcorn, peanuts and plenty of beer it was a fine night to start our seventh season. A surprise appearance by 2014’s Captain Courageous John Costa and his talented offspring certainly added to the evenings fun and very competitive play.

Game 1 ran overtime as Lord of The Rolls and Sausage Rollers strategically blocked extra point opportunities and limited scoring in each frame to an absolute minimum. Sausage Rollers led by Captain Rupert DePhillips narrowly clinched the win,  11- 8.

The Incrediballs with newbie Captain June Weaver did not have as much luck through a protracted and carefully measured scoring battle against Jamie Milliners M$ney Balls. Game 2 was truly dominated by M$ney Ball player Lynne Missin who showed outstanding accuracy and perseverance despite or perhaps inspired by several glasses of Carl’s finest bubbly. Final Score M$ney Balls 11 – Incrediballs 6.

Captain Carla may have finally put together her dream team. As Game 3 progressed her Hot Rollers were down a disappointing 6 points to The Honor Rollers led by seasoned Captain Carol Lingo. However with Jack Campbell, Nate and substitute Johnny Costa, The Hot Rollers rallied to victory 12-8.

Tomorrow Round 2 begins at 6:30 with Cozzie and the Hot Rollers facing off against The Incrediballs. Our theme is Bocce Italiano, and the proposed menu is:

• Salami & Cheese- Lynne & Jim
• Olives, Pepperoncini, Artichoke Hearts, etc.- (antipasto platter)-Cris
• Prosciutto & Melon- Cris
• Figs with Gorgonzola- need volunteer
• Grilled Italian Sausage- Chris & Jack
• Onions & Peppers- Chris & Jack
• Hot Pasta- Michelle & Mo
• Green Salad- Leslie
• White Bean Salad- Jill & Jamie
• Tomato with Mozzarella and Basil- Carol & Clay
• Garlic Bread- June & Rich
• Italian Cookies- Jill & Jamie
• Beer- Cris
• Wine-need volunteer
• Champagne- Carl
• Pellegrino- Kelly & Travis
• Aperol Spritz- Jack & Chris

The Captain’s dinner and team selection was a fun evening with a  chance to get together with good friends, enjoy some lively conversation,  a wonderful dinner and wine. A shout out to June and Rich Weaver’s talented #1 child Katie Weaver for some extraordinary ribs. Thanks Katie for stepping in, shopping and cooking our best ribs yet. Also Gail and Rupert thanks for some great appetizers. Gail send in that recipe for your artichoke  dip and it will be published under our recipe section.

The evening’s purpose was to anoint this season’s captains, Jim Leon, Rupert DePhillips, June Weaver, Carol Lingo, Carla Brouillette and Jamie Weaver and have them draw their teams.  With Clay Lingo acting as official recorder, the teams for 2018 are:

Team 1 –  Captain Jim Leon, Leslie deGiere, Barb Kutschinski, Chris Cattich, and Kay Missin

Team 2 – Captain Rupert DePhillips, Conor Pullman, Ted Lusher, Carl Alderete, Moshia Smith

Team 3 – Captain June Weaver, Clay Lingo, Rich Weaver, Michelle Smith, Chris Coates

Team 4 – Captain Jamie Milliner, Kelly Simmons, Bobby Corso, Lynne Missin

Team 5 – Captain Carla Brouillette, Jack Campbell, Nate Castillo, Gail Gilbert

Team 6 – Captain Carol Lingo, Jim Woodcock, Jill Milliner, Travis Simmons

Teams and Captains, please select your name by Friday June 8. Also per last year’s new rule, teams that have five players are required to play all team members attending that evening. Captains are responsible for selecting the starting line up and deciding when to make the substitution.

First match of the season is Friday June 15. Team 1 will  play Team 2 starting at 6:30 pm.

Our menu for Round 1 is Take Me Out To The Ball Game. Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post.