Distressful, disruptive and dramatic, Friday’s playoffs were anything but dull.

Distressful watching Captain Connor Pullman, our two-time league champion and his current roster of Erin Go Bocce get soundly defeated by Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters 12-8. Pullman will be joined by teammates Burke, Alderete and Garcia at the awards ceremony on September 2, as they climb the podium to accept the ignominious Wooden Spoon. Meanwhile Captain Barb and the rest of the BBB’s Nate, June and Bobby will watch in relief as their season ends saved by just 4 points.

Disruptive Ball Breakers led by Captain Chris Cattich jumped into the upcoming Championship match by destroying the hopes and plans of Captain Carla and the Hot Rollers 12-8.

What a ride the Ball Breakers have had this season. In last place after Round 2 with an absolutely dismal TPS of 9, Chris, Rich, Lynne and Michelle battled back winning every subsequent game to earn a playoff berth against number 2, Cozzie and The Hot Rollers. The last time these two teams faced off the Ball Breakers suffered a devastating loss 12 – 4. But this time was different, aided by substitutes Clay Lingo and Captain Conor, who perhaps stung by his mediocre performance earlier in the evening, showed the true brilliance of a two-time Campbell Bocce League Champion, assisting in the decisive victory.

Meanwhile, Carla also down two regulars, Moshia and Woodcock relied heavily on the skills of substitutes Nate and Clay. With one regular player Jamie Milliner, 2015’s Rookie of the Year, the quad rolled deep and long but couldn’t keep pace with Cattich’s Ball Breakers. Heartbreaking for Captain Carla who for the second year running as a new Captain has managed to get her teams so close to a championship.

Drama was the watchword of our final playoff game Friday. Captain Ted’s Balls Deep started strong with DeGiere and Campbell living up to expectations and hype nearly destroying Captain Jill’s Game of Throwns, with Chris, Carol and Rupert. At 8 points down and nothing on the board, GOT Captain Jill exclaimed “they’re f***ing shutting us out”! Finally Jill and Rupert chalked two points followed by an emotional four point casino rolled by Chris & Carol and closely examined by Balls Deep’s Leslie. Now only 4 points down GOT turned the pollina over to Ted and Jim Leon. With perfect accuracy and speed Ted and Jim pulled off the evenings second casino, ending the frame with an additional 4 points, winning the game 12-6 and launching Balls Deep into the 2016 Championship.

So Friday, September 2 it will be a pair of balls, Balls Deep and Ball Breakers rolling for the CBL 2016 League Champion.

The night will begin with Cozzie & The Hot Rollers playing Game of Throwns for 3rd and 4th place. This swan song for both teams will commence during Cocktails and Appetizers at 6:30pm. Then we will light the BBQ and thrown on the Ribeyes. We will keep an eye on the steaks and enjoy the rare opportunity to see two great teams Balls Deep and Ball Breakers battle for the right to clam the Teddy and have their names emblazoned on the Campbell Bocce League perpetual trophy.

RSVP to Chris 415.893.0153 or cmcoates@aol.com

Results Playoffs

Barbs Bocce Ball Busters 12, Erin Go Bocce 8

Ball Busters12, Cozzie & The Hot Rollers 8

Balls Deep 12, Game of Throwns 6

Menu “High Steaks”

• Ribeyes – Jack & Chris
• Twice Baked Potatoes – Deb & Chris
• Classic Green Salad- Carol
  
• Tomatoes with Basil – Lynne
• Cheese Plate  – Bobby
• Salami & Olives –Lori
• Chocolate Cupcakes– Leslie
• Champagne –June & Rich
• Red Wine – need volunteer

 

The key to a Balls Deep championship. The big-game difference maker. Rollers you can build a playoff around.

Don’t look now, but is it possible that the force of September has been under the Captain Ted’s nose all along?

“Right now the way Jack & Leslie are rolling, their stuff plays anywhere,” Balls Deep Captain Ted Lusher said of Jack Campbell & Leslie de Giere, the so-called old timer and stalwart who might be rolling better than anyone in bocce right now.

Pairing that performance with the consistent play of Jim Leon, Captain Ted has brought his team to first place. Ted praising Leon stated, “His stuff is unbelievable. It’s always been unbelievable. Now he’s just really putting it where he wants, and it’s fun to play behind him.”

With Friday’s dazzling performance in a 12-9 victory over Erin Go Bocce, Balls Deep earned their fourth victory in five decisions and essentially retained their league lead by one point in TPS over Cozzie and the Hot Rollers.

With the Playoffs looming, Captain Carla and Hot Rollers Jamie & Woodcock shanghaied this years leading candidate for MVP, Jim Leon as substitute for Moshia in Friday’s face off against Game of Throwns.

The season’s slowest match dragged on in single point frames. DePhillips controlled his end for GOT stating afterwards . “It’s just about simple thoughts and placing balls.” It’s also about command and confidence that seem to get better with every start and a slow ball that looks as accurate as anything Leon rolls.

“We fell behind Cozzie 12-7, and I said, There it goes” Captain Jill said with a laugh. No matter, GOT is ending regular season with a 2-3 record and retains a playoff berth.

With a 3-2 standing after defeating Barbs BB Busters 12-6, Ball Breakers moved up to third place. “It’s a good stat I guess, to have going into the playoffs, but I’m not focused on that,” said Captain Cattich, who tapped Clay Lingo as the night’s substitute for the vacationing Michelle Smith. “When you’re rolling like this you just try to stay in that same mindset,” he said, “and keep doing your same work.” Rookie Weaver and veteran Lynne were essential to the win, “Rich’s known how to roll since he’s come to the league, and you just see his confidence getting higher and higher”.

A win loss record of 1-4 doesn’t tell the heartbreaking story of EGB’s season. Speculation then was two-time Champion Captain Conor Pullman was poised to deliver the League first hat trick with a strong veteran lineup joined by crossover bowler Lori Burke debuting in her rookie year.

Though nearly defeating both first and second ranked Balls Deep and Cozzie & the Hot Rollers, each and every EGB game was just a near miss. Their season TPS of 45  matching third place Ball Breakers neatly tells the story. Just two weeks ago EGB veterans Carl & Deborah stunned the League with spectacular throws we haven’t seen in years. Reviewing his team’s performance, Conor stated “No one promises you anything, it all has to be earned, and this year we just didn’t deliver”.

Captain, O My Captain award winner Kutschinski was hampered by no-shows in her line up. Barb’s BB Busters started the season remarkably strong, defeating second place Cozzie and The Hot Rollers in Round 1 for their only win, and what was anticipated to be a strongly competitive year. Corso, and Castillo never quite got their mojo, though rookie June Weaver showed steady improvement in both technique and strategy. Captain Barb ever kind and gracious, ended Friday’s night game declaring “ no matter the outcome, it is not just a game, its friendship, and when the game is forgotten the friendship endures”.

Entering the Playoffs, there has been just one change in the previous standings. Ball Breakers moves up one place to Third.

Playoffs begin Friday August 19^th at 6:30 pm with the Wooden Spoon match between Erin Go Bocce and Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters. Then second place Cozzie and the Hot Rollers plays third place Ball Breakers. The nights final game is first place Balls Deep playing Game of Throwns. The winners of Game 2 & 3 advance to the Championship.

The top four teams all have an equal chance at becoming the 2016 Champions.

Results Round 4

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12, Game of Throwns 7

Balls Deep 12, Erin Go Bocce 9

Ball Breakers 12, Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters 5

Standings                                                                       TPS

Balls Deep                                                 4-1                 57

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers             4-1                 56

Ball Breakers                                          3-2                 45

Game of Throwns                                 2-3                 45

Erin Go Bocce                                         1-3                 44

Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters                1-3                 29

 

The playoff dinner theme will be Southern BBQ. Let me know what you can bring, and I will get it posted.

• Pickled Veggies- Chris
• Pimento Cheese & Crackers– need volunteer
• Southern BBQ Chicken- Chris
• Mac & Cheese- need volunteer
• Coleslaw- Clay
• Corn on the Cob- Lori
• Cornbread-Carol
• Watermelon- June & Rich
• Red Velvet cupcakes-Jill & Jaime
• Alabama Slammer-Chris
• Wine- need volunteer
• Beer- need volunteer

Well the apple cart wasn’t upset, but  Carla and her Hot Rollers managed to steal a few shiny ones when they bruised the perfect record of Balls Deep last night. Captain Ted of BD was ably replaced by Clay Lingo who joined, Jack, Leslie and ace Jim Leon for a closely fought game against Captain Carla, Moshia, Jamie and Jim Woodcock. Woodcock and Moshia rolled some beautifully placed balls, managing to score and strategically block any opposition. Jack and Jim Leon attacked strongly for Balls Deep, but when the game ended it was still Cozzie & the Hot Rollers 12, Balls Deep 9.

Game of Throwns with captain Jill and Rupert anchoring the south end , got off to fast start against Captain Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters. BBB players Bobby and Nate by the second frame  were able to hold Jill & Rupert,  and with some unbelievable rolls by captain Barb and teammate June, the 3B’s quickly brought the score to near even 8-7. Finally Chris & Carol working the north end for GOT found their pace and chalked a few on the scoreboard. Final tally-Game of Throwns 12, Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters 7

Luck finally turned for Captain Chris Cattich and the Ball Breakers in the nights final game. Perhaps it was  the newly learned antipodean skills of Taylor Missin subbing for her Mom, or the impressive play of rookie Rich or even the brilliance of former 2014 Champions Michelle and Captain Chris but all in all, it was the night’s biggest upset. Erin Go Bocce moved down two places in League standings despite some of the most aggressive, inspirational and down right amazing  bocce rolls we have seen in our 5 years of history. No one who missed the pool shark accuracy of Carl Alderete will forget the night’s bank shots, stops shots or caroms. With Erin Go Bocce teammate Deborah rolling the ball like rolling on silk stockings, the two looked to be invincible. Yet somehow it  was not their night, eventually Captain Conor ably supported by Lori conceded defeat for their third time this year. At the conclusion of Round 4, Game 3,  it was Balls Deep 12 -Erin Go Bocce 8

With one round left in regular season play, its important to remember the top four teams will all have an equal chance at becoming the 2016 Champions. When the Win- Loss record is tied, placement is determined by Total Points Scored (TPS). Current standings with TPS are posted below.

Results Round 4

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12, Ball Deep 9

Game of Throwns 13, Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters 7

Ball Busters 12, Erin Go Bocce 8

Standings                                                                       TPS

Balls Deep                                                 3-1                 45

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers             3-1                 44

Game of Throwns                                2-2                 38

Ball Breakers                                          2-2                 33

Erin Go Bocce                                         1-3                 35

Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters                1-3                 24

 

Our Round 5 dinner theme will be Mediterranean Nights. First game is at 6:30 between third ranked Game of Throwns and second place Cozzie and the Hot Rollers.

• Veggies with Tzatziki- Lori
• Hummus & Pita chips – Lynne & Jim
• Olives, Pepperoncini, Artichoke hearts, stuffed Grape leaves- Deborah
• Shish kebobs- Chris
• Arugula & fig salad- Chris
• Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion and Feta salad- Carol & Clay
• couscous or Orzo salad- Leslie
• Baklava-need volunteer
• Negronis-Chris
• Wine- June & Rich

Remember when CBL games were a thrill a minute- hotly contested, no holds barred sporting competitions? Well Mis Amigos, last night’s third game in round three, between Cozzie & the Hot Rollers and Erin Go Bocce, was all that and more. With the night’s theme Mexican Fiesta and Ricky Martin blaring “Living in La Vida Loca”, the playing was hot, hot, hot!

The night opened cool and windy, with the first game between Cattich’s Ball Breakers and Jill and her Game of Throwns’ teammates, Carol, Rupert and Chris Coates. A quick 4 point lead by GOT was quickly shattered by Rich and Michelle (playing in her fist game of the season) with Captain Chris Cattich and his wisely chosen substitute Jim Leon (for Lynne Missin).  Rich and Michelle at the north end were consistent, shutting down Chris & Captain Jill to only a couple points after their early lead. Ru and Carol were hard pressed against the accuracy of partners Jim & Chris and just managed to close the BB lead slightly.  In the end, GOT succumbed with a  final score Ball Breakers 12- Game of Throwns 7

Ted and his Balls Deep teammates, Jack,  Jim Leon and Clay (subbing for Leslie) quickly took the court and faced off against Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters for game two. Barb and June ably manned the north end, while Bobby with the lovely Jessica ( Cattich’s plus one and first time sub) held the scoreboard end for 4B. June and Barb together had some truly inspired frames while Jessica and Bobby also earned their share of points, but it seemed Jack, Ted, Jim and Clay were channeling Shakira’s “Baby, This is perfection” as point after point was chalked on the board. The Balls Don’t Lie, final score Balls Deep 12- Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters 4

Game three was the night’s premier performance, a Lucha Libre without the masks and skintight outfits. The drama of the point by point battle was watched by all of CBL with Jamie’s volo tosses and Carl’s deadly accuracy offering some of the evenings highlights. Captain Carla, Mo and Jamie were ably assisted by Chris Cattich as he filled in for the missing Jim Woodcock. Not easily deterred Conor’s Erin Go Bocce teammates Deborah, Lori  and Carl played tag team, posting point after point. Of course never one to lay down, Captain Carla drove her team hard and unmasked Erin Go Bocce 12-9.

Interesting enough the evenings wins and losses did not result in any changes in the overall standings. There are two rounds to go and with 4 teams with matching  win-loss records, anything is possible.

Results Round 3

Ball Breakers 12, Game of Throwns 7

Balls Deep 12, Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters 4

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12, Erin Go Bocce 9

Standings

Balls Deep                                               3-0

Cozzie and the HotRollers             2-1

Erin Go Bocce                                       1-2

Game of Throwns                               1-2

Barbs Bocce Ball Busters                1-2

Ball Breakers                                          1-2

Our Round 4 dinner theme will be Take Me Out to the Ballgame. First game is at 6:30 between second ranked Cozzie and The Hot Rollers and first place Balls Deep. This could be a hot one folks!

 

• Popcorn- Lori
• Peanuts in the shell-Lynne & Jim
• Ruffle Chips and Onion dip-Carla
• Nachos- Michelle
• Hot dogs & buns- Chris
• Ketchup, mustard, relish- Chris
• Toppings, Onions, sauerkraut, hot peppers, grated cheddar-Jill & Jamie
• Chili-Deborah
• Old Fashioned Coleslaw-June & Rich
• Potato salad-Leslie 
• Ice Cream sandwiches-Carol Lingo
• Adult Lemonade-Chris
• Beer-need volunteer

It was beautiful evening at the Campbell Bocce Grounds Friday night. The balls were rolling, the wine was flowing and the music had us swaying. Really it was only the music, not the wine. I think.

First match was Barb’s BB Busters vs Erin Go Bocce , and it was definitely an example of practice makes perfect. With two of Captain Conor’s EGB players, Lori and guest Jeff (subbing for Carl Alderete) having had more than a few hours of practice the previous night, it was a lopsided win. Barb and regular team player Nate were ably assisted by substitutes Rupert and Carla but the foursome could not put any combos together and lost miserably 12-1 against the accurate rolling of Conor, Deb, Lori & Jeff.

The second game of the evening pitted Cozzie and the Hot Rollers, with super competitive Captain Carla and teammates Jamie, Jim Woodcock and Jill (subbing for Moshia) against the Ball Breakers. With a quick three point lead, BB Captain Chris Cattich and his strategically picked substitutes Jim Leon, Nate and Carl (better late than never Alderete) looked to be real threat to Carla and her ace veterans. However, in very short order, the Hot Rollers got their game on and never looked back. Final score Cozzie 12- Ball Breakers 4

The evenings final game matched missing Captain Teds’ Balls Deep and Game of Throwns with Captain Jill, Rupert, Carol and Chis Coates. Carl (thanks for the gorgeous wine Alderete) filled in for the missing Ted and paired with teammate Jim Leon dominated the scoreboard end of the court. Jack and Leslie did the same on their end, although Jack graciously granted a couple points to his wife in honor of their 21st anniversary early in the game. Balls Deep 12- Game of Throwns 6

Results Round 2

Erin Go Bocce 12, Barbs Bocce Ball Busters 1

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12, Ball Breakers 4

Balls Deep 12, Game of Thrones 6

Standings

Balls Deep                                             2-0

Cozzie and the HotRollers             1-1

Erin Go Bocce                                       1-1

Game of Throwns                               1-1

Barbs Bocce Ball Busters                1-1

Ball Breakers                                          0-2

Our Round 3 dinner theme will be Mexican Fiesta, Ole! Let me know what you can contribute and I will post it on this page.

• Chips- Carol
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted- need volunteer
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – June & Rich
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″- Barb
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled- Jill & Jamie
• Beans- Deborah
• Rice- Deborah
• Black bean corn, and tomato salad (recipe posted on our website)-Michelle
• Mexican fruit popsicles- Lori
• Margaritas (just need Blanco or Reposado 100% Agave Tequila)- Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer- need volunteer

Once again we kick off tomorrow night at 6:30 pm sharp. First game will be between Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters and Conor’s Erin Go Bocce.  Our theme is Asian Luau.

• Eggrolls- Lynne & Jim
• Potstickers- Carol
• Fried Wontons-need volunteer
• Asian Ribs- Chris & Jack
• Teriyaki Chicken- Chris & Jack
• Fried Rice- Deborah
• Tropical Fruit Salad- Chris & Jack
• Asian Salad- Leslie
• Coconut cupcakes- Jill
• Asian Beer- Conor
• Wine- need volunteer
• Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

Comment, or call or email to let me know what you would like to bring, and I will get it posted.

The theme is Italian Night, as we celebrate all things Italian in our first round of the season with:

• Cheese- Lori
• Salami- Rupert
• Olives- Jill & Jaime
• Peperoncini- June & Rich
• Green salad- Leslie
• Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil- need volunteer
• Italian Sausage- Chris & Jack
• Sauteed Peppers & Onions- Chris & Jack
• Hot Pasta- Lynne & Jim
• Garlic Bread- Deborah
• Italian Cookies- Chris
• Beer- Conor
• Wine- Carol
• Limoncello- need volunteer

Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post here on the website.

First game begins at 6:30 promptly with Teams Cattich and Lusher rolling. Dont forget, we need Team names by Thursday evening 5pm.

 

The Polo Grounds, Wembley Stadium, even the Emirates have nothing on the newly remodeled Campbell Bocce Grounds. As we begin our Fifth season, the Campbell himself is busy engineering a new marvel for players and fans alike. The only question is will it be ready in time. High hopes people, the proof will be in the pudding in two short weeks when the first games commence on June 10 at 6:30 pm..

Following our traditional kickoff dinner and cocktails this past Friday, six captains were appointed and teams selected. This year’s league captains are:

Captain Conor Pullman– returning League champion, Mr Pullman is known for his dedication and focus, consistently leading his team to the top end brackets.

Captain Barb Kutschinski -2015 winner of the “Captain, O My Captain” trophy, the indefatigable Barb is raring to go, and vows to lead this year’s team to their best season ever.

Captain Ted Lusher– creator of the inimitable Teddy, awarded to the League’s first place team, Captain Ted is also our behind the scenes consultant for the new Campbell Bocce Grounds.

Captain Jill Milliner– from “2015 Rookie of the Year”to captain in just one season, Jill is know for her decisive play and innate understanding of Bocce strategy.

Captain Chris Cattich– will last year’s “Wooden Spoon” award upset the dead eye accuracy and perfect timing of new Captain Chris Cattich?  Let’s see if CCC can share his skills with his new team members and reclaim some of his former glory.

Captain Carla Brouillette– can you say Competitive? How else to describe the drive and determination (even with cocktail in hand) of this one woman dynamo. With perhaps the strongest lineup in this year’s league, Captain Carla will be the one to watch.

All Team members you are all responsible along with your Captain to come up with a name for your team by Thursday, June 9. Teams are listed under the website tab, TEAMS.

Captains you are responsible to communicate game dates and times to your teammates, assign substitutes when needed and coordinate who plays at each end, and which of your teammates is responsible for the scoreboard.

A roster with contact details, will be sent to all captains and players by Wednesday this  week.

This year the first round of League games will begin on Friday June 10, at 6:30 pm. Regular game nights will be on alternate Fridays beginning at 6:30pm. The full 2016 season schedule is posted on our website under the tab “SCHEDULE”

There will be 5 rounds, with three games each evening, concluding with a round of playoffs, and then a final Championship game.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

 

CHAMPIONSHIP & AWARDS

Once again another Bocce season has come to a close. This was our fourth season and we have witnessed some significant changes in our roster. At the end of last year, we said a sad good by to the Kris & John Costa, Sheryl Landi and Luke Darwin and this year we were joined by several new players. Carol Lingo, Nate Castillo and the magnificent Milliners, Jill and Jamie are all now CBL regulars.

We have had a great season of competition, exciting games and wonderful meals, a combination that makes for an outstanding league, the one and only Campbell Bocce League.

Tonight’s Championship match was as exciting as they come…. But before we get to that game and announce this year’s Champion, it is time to acknowledge some players with some very special awards

TOP SCORING SUB

Formerly part of the regular roster, this substitute attended nearly every game and was at the ready whenever called. She admirably filed the role of missing players for several teams this year and in appreciation and acknowledgement of her contribution, Kay Missin is awarded CBL Top Scoring Substitute.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Every Rookie hopes to make a good showing in their first year in the League, but this player was truly outstanding and played the game as well as any seasoned veteran. Accuracy and speed combined with an innate understanding of strategy helped her bring her team to a first place standing early in the season. Campbell Bocce League awards Rookie of the Year to Jill Milliner

MVP

Our most valuable player has most typically been a seasoned veteran with an excellent skill set. This season our MVP not only demonstrated outstanding Bocce skills, more importantly he was an invaluable asset to both his Team and the league when he filled in for his missing Captain on at least three separate occasions. And as this was just his first year with the league we are even more impressed with his contribution. Jamie Milliner you are Campbell Bocce League’s 2015 Most Valuable Player.

O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

Captains play an important role in CBL. They have significant responsibility to organize their players, to direct strategy and promote teamwork while the game is in progress. It is a position that indicates honor and respect from one’s teammates and recognition as a leader by one’s peers. O Captain, My Captain is one of the most recognized works by poet Walt Whitman and honors the accomplishments of his Captain while lamenting his loss in battle. Though not every Captain can take home The Teddy after winning the Championship, we still wish to call attention and say thank you to a Captain who has the true spirit of CBL in her veins. Barb Kutschinski you are awarded the League’s O Captain My Captain trophy.

THE CAMPBELL TROPHY

For the second year we are awarding, The Campbell Trophy. Like its imitator the Heisman, The Campbell is awarded to the most outstanding player in the league whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.

Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. We have a player who has demonstrated these attributes over all 4 seasons.

As a First year coach, he was considered hopeless, yet he brought his all woman team to the playoffs. In his Second season he improved even more with a respectable 3-3 record. Last year he and his team earned a championship berth by defeating the towering dynasty of Jim Woodcock and his Sleeps With The Fishes. In his Fourth and final season he once again was in the Playoffs, winning the Championship and coveted Teddy, along with his Dragon Ballz teammates.

For these accomplishments and more we are proud to present The Campbell Trophy to Clay Lingo.

THE WOODEN SPOON

For every winner there must be a loser. Though they played each game with determination and true passion, the season was not kind to this team. It wasn’t the worst record ever in CBL and as a matter of fact this team won the very first match of the season against the infamous Captain Woodcock and his Funky Cold Pollinas. The season definitely turned sour when the Girls lost game after game, although sometimes by only a few points. With a 1-4 regular season record, Girls with Balls lost in the playoffs to 5^th place Funky Cold Pollinas and retired the season in last place. To Captain Lynne, Chris Cattich, Leslie deGiere and rookie Carol Lingo, we present The Wooden Spoon.

THE TOAST

There is one more thing to say before we recognize this year’s Champions, and that is to say good by to two very dear friends who have moved far from the beautiful lit court of the Campbell Bocce League. Susan Chaney left after the playoffs to return to her home country and resume her career and life as an artist. Tomorrow Clay Lingo leaves us to begin a new adventure in work and life in Sunny Florida. We wish them both success and happiness. A Campbell Bocce League toast, May your Balls never hit the Walls to both Susie and Clay!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Once again the Championship match was a superb performance of ball rolling, trash talk and some anxiety. The final score of 12-9 hardly depicts the competition that ensued between Conor Pullman’s Dragon Ballz and Carl Brouillette’s Easy Rollers. The Roller’s Moshia and Ted anchored the south end, playing against Dragon’s Clay and Carl. While at he north end of the court, Captain Connor with Jim Leon faced off against captain Carla and her homey Lynne Missin substituting for London’s Lady Susie. Though relatively close Dragon Ballz never relented, repeating plays that stood them in good stead through the entire 2015 season. When the dust settled, it was Dragon Ballz on top completing an outstanding season with only 1 loss in 7 games.

Congratulations to Campbell Bocce League’s 2015 Champions! Dragon Ballz -Captain Conor Pullman, Clay Lingo, Jim Leon and Carl Alderete.

Tomorrow night after an amazing season, the fat lady will have had her moment and a new Champion will be crowned. Whose name will be engraved on the towering Campbell Bocce League perpetual trophy? Which players along with their captain will take home the Teddy? Well don’t miss the excitement Friday night beginning at 6:30 pm.

Our last major event was the Playoffs with the fierce competition between all six teams. The night’s first game was a tooth and nail biter as the 5th place Funky Cold Pollinas faced off against 6th place Girls with Balls for the dreaded Wooden Spoon. With both Captains Woodcock and Missin missing, Jamie Milliner and Chris Cattich filled in to exhort and coach their players, utilizing subs Rupert and Mo for the FCP and Conor subbing for the missing Missin. You may all well remember the first game of the season when Girls with Balls and the Funky Cold Pollinas battled point by point for over an hour with GWB emerging victorious 12-11. Well not this time! The Girls were emasculated 12-4 and appropriately enough will be awarded The Wooden Spoon for Last place. The Funky Cold Pollinas saved their dignity and have retired the season in Fifth place.

The Playoffs next two games pitted 2nd place A Bocce Problem against 3rd place Easy Rollers, and 1st place Dragon Ballz and 4th place East Coast Cosmos. All four teams had an equal chance at the Championship if they won their match.  Captain Barb with her full ABP team, Michelle, Nate and Jill playing like a well oiled machine nearly had the game clinched when Easy Rollers, Ted, Susan and Mo, led by the competitive Captain Carla roared back and clinched a championship berth 12-10.

The night’s final game couldn’t have been more different. With two 4 point combos, Dragon Ballz, Clay Lingo and Jim Leon utilized red hot sub Kimberly (once Captain Conor wisely begged for her assistance) to absolutely burn the struggling East Coast Cosmos 12-1. Led by Captain Bobby, Jack, Chris and Rupert of the Cosmos turned in their worst performance with only a single point earned by Jack early in the match saving them from total annihilation. The Dragon has earned their Championship berth, and will be facing the Easy Rollers Friday night.

Friday night will begin with A Bocce Problem and East Coast Cosmos playing for 3rd and 4th place. This swan song for both teams will commence during Cocktails and Appetizers. Then we will light the BBQ and thrown on the Ribeyes. We will keep an eye on the steaks and enjoy the rare opportunity to see two great teams Dragon Ballz and Easy Rollers battle for the right to clam the Teddy and have their names emblazoned on the Campbell Bocce League perpetual trophy.

Results Playoffs

Funky Cold Pollinas 12, Girls with Balls 4

Easy Rollers 12, A Bocce Problem 10

Dragon Ballz 12, East Coast Cosmos 1

Menu Championship

• Ribeyes – Jack & Chris
• Twice Baked Potatoes – Jill & Chris
• Classic Green Salad- Carol
• Tomatoes with Basil – Chris
• Cheese Plate – Michelle & Mo
• Salami & Olives – Clay
• Lemon Bars – Leslie
• Champagne – need volunteer
• Red Wine – need volunteer
• Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – Lynne, Rupert
• Beer – need volunteer