Campbell Bocce League is in full swing with two matches played and our third match of five this coming Friday.

Its early days for the CBL Standings and TPS (Total Points Scored) but already two teams have taken the lead, Rumba led by Captain Chris Cattich is tied for first place with Clay Lingo’s renamed High Rullers. Captain Lingo decided to rename his team in keeping with this year’s league tribute to Rupert. Apparently High Rollers was a bit too subtle or perhaps too sardonic for general taste…

Captain Cattich and Captain Conor of Ru Ollerz have both found permanent replacements and new Bocce League members for their teams. Nelly Almeida granddaughter of John & Kris Costa (inaugural Bocce League Players) has joined Ru Ollerz and Blake Smith, longtime school friend of Captain Cattich will be playing for Rumba.

Round two kicked off with Captain June Weaver (two time Champion) and her team Ru Barbs playing High Rullers. Ru Barbs’ key roller Rich Weaver played left handed due to a recent injury allowing the High Rullers with Travis, Leanne, Chris Coates and Captain Clay to break Captain June’s eleven game winning streak by a resounding 12-4. Oh well, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Next up was Conor’s Ru Ollerz and the Ru Balls led by Captain Jill. The Ru Balls were hot battling Captain Conor as he led two rookies, Nelly & Miss Lauren Halsey through a tough game. Despite some admirable rolling by both girls and Ace Jim Woodcock, Jill’s Ru Balls with Teddy, Brooke and Jack defeated Ru Ollerz 12-8.

The final night’s game saw the first season appearance of Captain Lynne Missin with her Ru Morse teammates Leslie, Carla and Jim Leon fiercely competing against Cattich’s Rumba, stalwart Kelly Simmons, rookie Blake and substitute Leanne. A guest appearance by Kay Missin with her truly accurate ball handling were not enough to save Ru Morse from a narrow defeat 12-10.

The Standings are:

Our next Bocce night is August 20, beginning at 6:30 with Ru Balls and Ru Morse for the first game. The theme will be Take Me Out to the Ballgame, baseball caps optional. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

• Popcorn- need volunteer
• Peanuts – Jill & Jamie
• Ruffles and Onion Dip- Leanne
• Veggies with Dip- need volunteer
• Hot Dogs- Chris & Jack
• Chili- Lynne & Jim
• Toppings, Ketchup, Mustard,Relish, Onions, Sauerkraut, grated cheese- Clay
• Potato salad- Karen & Brooke Halsey
• Coleslaw- Leslie
• Adult Lemonade- Chris & Jack
• Ice Cream sandwiches- June & Rich

Campbell Bocce League got off to a roaring start last Friday, almost as if we hadn’t missed a year. 

On a beautiful summer evening, Captains were appointed, June, Clay, Lynne, Conor, Jill and Chris Cattich and teams selected. Led by Captain Conor’s example, team names were quickly nominated, each in memory and tribute to our recently departed Rupert:

Ru Balls –  Captain Jill Milliner

Rumba –  Captain Chris Cattich

High Rollers –  Captain Clay Lingo

Ru Morse –  Captain Lynne Missin

Ru Barbs –  Captain June Weaver

Ru Ollerz –  Captain Conor Pullman

The first games of our 9th season were terrific, closely fought battles, with some standout playing by Chris Cattich, Jaime Milliner and Kelly Simmons. And we had a guest appearance from Carol Lingo who played with the Ru Ollerz.

Results of Round 1

RUMBA 12 – RU BALLS 10

HIGH ROLLERS 12 – RU MORSE 9

RU BARBS 12 – RU OLLERZ 6

The schedule will be slightly abbreviated this year due to our late start. We will skip the Playoff round and go straight to Championship with places determined by games won and total points scored. So the two teams with the best standing after Round 5 will play for the Championship.

The schedule and teams are posted on our website, CampbellBocceLeague.com. Please note we will play every other Friday, EXCEPT for Round 5 on September 10, which will be played only one week after Round 4.

Our next Bocce night is August 6, beginning at 6:30 with Ru Barbs and High Rollers for the first game. 

The theme will be Viva La Mexico. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

• Chips – Lynne & Jim
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted – Lynne & Jim
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – Gail
• Spicy Shrimp appetizer–  Leslie
• Watermelon skewers – need volunteer
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris & Jack
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris & Jack
• Tortillas , corn 6″- June & Rich
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled – June & Rich
• Refried Beans – Jill & Jamie
• Mexican Rice – Jill & Jamie
• Black bean, corn, and tomato salad –  Lynne & Jim
• Mexican fruit popsicles – Clay
• Margaritas – Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer – LeAnne

FINALLY!, this coming Friday July 23, Campbell Bocce League will begin a new season of good food, good fun, and fierce competition. It will be an abbreviated season, Captain and teams will be picked from a hat, team names will be announced and three games will be played. It all kicks off at 6:00 pm for team selection. First game begins at 6:30

Please let me know if you can join us Friday for the season opener, or if you can’t make it but still want to be on a team, let me know and we will be sure your name goes into the hat.

Please let me know what you can bring and I will post on our website CampbellBocceLeague.com

The menu is Bocce Italiano

• Salami & Cheese – Carla
• Olives, Peperoncini, Artichoke Hearts, etc.- (antipasto platter)
• Prosciutto & Melon – Kelly & Travis
• Figs with Gorgonzola – Karen & Brooke
• Grilled Italian Sausage- Chris & Jack
• Onions & Peppers- Chris & Jack
• Hot Pasta – Leslie
• Green Salad – LeAnne
• White Bean Salad- Jill & Jaime
• Tomato with Mozzarella and Basil
• Garlic Bread – Clay Lingo
• Italian Cookies
• Beer – June & Rich
• Wine
• Pellegrino
• Aperol Spritz- Jack & Chris

Who will the Force be with this Friday? Previous battles have shown the Force is strong with Chewbocce but the young Luke Skyroller have powers they are just starting to discover. Jedi master Yoda Weaver has proclaimed “Do or do not. There is no try” but will Luke’s growing belief in the Force allow them to banish the Weaver Empire?

Stay tuned, because at 6:30 the first game starts rolling between Fugetabocce and the Bocce Bunch both defeated during the playoffs and now relegated to a match that will determine 3rd and 4th place.

At 7:15, the Championship commences between the undefeated Chewbocce Wookiees  and Luke Skyroller of the Rebel Alliance.

The outcome is written in the Stars.

RESULTS

Our theme is High Steaks and the menu is as follow. Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post.

• Deviled Eggs – Karen & Brooke
• Cheese platter – Leslie
• Charcuterie platter– need volunteer
• Veggies & Dip – Clay
• Ribeye Steaks- Chris & Jack
• Twice baked potato- Chris & Jack
• Summer Tomatoes – Weavers
• Green Salad – LeAnne
• Gin & Tonics – Chris & Jack
• Cupcakes  – Cris M.
• Wine – Travis & Kelly, LeAnne

Who will be singing, “We Are the Champions” in three weeks?

Queen June and her remarkable Chewbocce team of Jim Leon, Lynne Missin (and her two time substitute Kay Missin), with the always consistent Moisha Smith? Yes, truly a remarkable achievement, Chewbocce is undefeated walking into this Friday’s Playoffs.

A quick primer on Friday’s Playoffs. Standings are determined first by the win-loss record, and in case of a tie then by Total Points Scored (TPS). The night will begin with  the 5th and 6th place teams playing for the Wooden Spoon, the ignominious trophy awarded to the loser. Then 2nd place plays 3rd place with the winner advancing to the Championship. The final match of the night will be between 1st and 4th place, again with the winner moving into the Championship.

STANDINGS

Our theme will be Mediterranean Nights. Please let me know what you can contribute for the evening’s menu.

• Hummus & pita chips – Jill & Jamie
• Veggies with Tsatki – Karen & Brooke
• Falafel Platter- Michelle & Mo
• Meze Platter – Olives, Stuffed grape leaves, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini- Weavers
• Baked Figs with Gorgonzola- Chris
• Shish kabobs, Beef & Chicken- Jack & Chris
• Tomato, Cucumber & Feta salad – Clay
• Arugula & Fig salad- Jack & Chris
• Orzo salad-Leslie
• Baklava – Chris
• CBL Negroni’s- Chris & Jack

Campbell Bocce League returns to Campbell World this Friday after our mid-season break. It will be our final match of regular season, and with four of the six teams sporting an identical 2-2 win-loss record, its truly a toss up to see who will end up in the Playoffs and who will be competing the following week for the Wooden Spoon.

The destiny of only two teams is assured. June Weaver’s undefeated Chewbocce team of Jim Leon, Lynne Missin and Moshia Smith will be competing in the Playoffs in first position. Even if the unthinkable should occur, a loss this week will still leave them with a 4-1 record, something that no other team can touch.

And sadly La Bocce Vita despite a spectacular effort each week, and a tremendous Total Points Score (TPS) of 42 bettered only by first place Chewbocce, will inevitably be competing for the Wooden Spoon during the Playoffs. La Bocce Vita’s Captain Michelle’s team of Jim Woodcock, Leanne and Chris Coates have lost every game to date but only by 1 or at most 2 points. So even with a win Friday their Win-Loss record will be bettered by every other team.

A word about Round 4, though the play was as competitive and spirited as ever, their was one remarkable roll that I must describe. Substitute KC playing for La Bocce Vita against Fugetabocce rolled the final ball of the fifth frame, pushing Fugetabocce out of scoring position and landing his red bocce alongside the pallina just a few mere inches from the wall. Though Captain Conor’s Fugetabocce went on to squeeze out the win 12-11, we all agreed game ball goes to KC Hunt!

STANDINGS

This Friday our theme will be Asian Luau. Game 1 is at 6:30 between Luke Skyroller and La Bocce Vita. Please let me know what you an bring and I will post.

• Eggrolls – Cris
• Potstickers – Clay
• Maui Onion potato chips & dip – Lynne & Jim
• Asian Ribs – Chris & Jack
• Teriyaki Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Fried Rice – LeAnne
• Tropical Fruit Salad – Weavers
• Crazy Asian Salad – Leslie
• Coconut cupcakes – Kelly & Travis
• Asian Beer – Nate
• Wine – Lynne & Jim
• Pina Coladas – Chris & Jack

 

Well it wasn’t sweet potato pie, but I sure shut my mouth after Game 3 finally concluded at 9:30pm. Never again will I say that a game was the longest ever played. There wasn’t just one, but two remarkably hard fought, very long drawn out battles in Round 3.

The headliner showcasing our two first place teams, Chewbocce and Luke Skyroller went well past an hour. Chewbocce’s Captain June wisely tapped substitutes Brooke and clinch roller Kay Missin, for the absent  Jim Leon and vacationing Lynne Missin. Lynne you can enjoy your holiday, Mom came through, assisting a dead accurate Moshia and June, along with Brooke to battle back from six points down to eventually defeat the impressive Skyroller team 12-11. Poor Captain Nate, I hope your teammates Bobby, Leslie and Rich Weaver can forgive your missing this epic battle.

Game 2 was played and won in a more reasonable time between Captain Conor’s Fugetabocce and Captain Ted’s Balls of Steel. Conor, Travis, Barb and the returning Kelly Simmons managed their first win of the season defeating fairly decisively Balls of Steel’s Clay, Jack and Rupert 12-7. With the win, Fugetabooce jumps from the bottom of the standings to tie Balls of Steel for 4th place.

Roll Tide Roll just about sums up the eventual outcome of the night’s final game. La Bocce Vita with Captain Michelle, Chris Coates and Leanne ably assisted by a late arriving Jim Leon as sub led the entire game. However, an Alabama ringer stepped in at Captain Jaime’s invitation and with Carla and Jill, well at the very last moment the score ended up 12-11 Lets’ just say it was a Confederate victory. Where’s Neil Young when you need him?

STANDINGS

Next Bocce night is July 26, beginning at 6:30 with La Bocce Vita and Fugetabocce for the first game. Our theme will be Viva La Mexico. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

• Chips – Travis
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted –  need volunteer
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! –  Nate & Travis
• Spicy Shrimp appetizer–  Clay
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″- June & Rich
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled –  Karen & Brooke
• Refried Beans – Deborah
• Mexican Rice –  LeAnne
• Black bean, corn, and tomato salad –  Leslie
• Mexican fruit popsicles – Kelly
• Margaritas- Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer-  Brooke & Karen

It was a long night, it was a late night, it was a night to be remembered as Game 2 nearly took the Campbell Bocce League record for longest game ever. Luckily we had fabulous food and wine to sustain us throughout the night, thanks to an incredible response and participation by everyone who contributed to the feast.

The recap will be short this week, but do check out the tab RESULTS on our webpage to see where your team is now placed. June Weaver’s Chewbocce is tied for first place with Nate’s Luke Skyroller. Remember when the win-loss record is tied, it is TPS (total points scored) that determines the final placement.

Bocce Bunch 12 –  Balls of Steel 7

Chewbocce 12 – La Bocce Vita 10

Luke Skyroller 12 – Fugetabocce 9

This Friday we begin at 6:30 pm with our first placed teams Chewbocce and Luke Skyroller.  This is one we should all watch.

Our theme is Southern BBQ, think Lynyrd Skinner & the Allman Brothers. Please let me know what you can contribute, and I will post.

• Deviled Eggs – Jill & Jamie
• Southern Pimento Cheese and Club Crackers – Karen & Brooke Halsey
• Pickled Veggies – need volunteer
• BBQ Chicken – Chris
• Corn Bread – Kelly & Travis
• Mac & Cheese – the Weavers
• Potato Salad – Leslie
• Coleslaw – Gail
• Corn on the Cob – need volunteer
• Corn Pudding – Michelle & Mo
• Watermelon – Carla
• Peach Crumble Bars (recipe on our website) – need volunteer
• Beer & Wine – LeAnne
• Spiked Sweet Tea – Chris

 

 

The tape measure was out in our very first round of the season. Never have we begun a season with such highly competitive matches, with players keenly anxious to place the ball perfectly, to squeeze every point from any opportunity, to battle fiercely  maintaining a lead or gaining the advantage.

Chewbocce led by last year’s Championship Captain June Weaver defeated Captain Conor’s Fugetabocce 12 to 2.  The score certainly didn’t reflect some precise rolling by Fugetabocce’s own Barb K and Travis. Nonetheless, Jim Leon, Lynne and an extremely accurate Mo, assured Chewbocce won with a wide margin.

The evening’s second game featured Luke Skyroller winning by a 4 points against Jamie Milliners’ Bocce Bunch. Skyroller’s Captain Nate along with his teammates Leslie, Bobby & Rich Weaver fought a protracted battle against Bocce Bunch’s Jill, Carla and Chris Cattich finally winning 12-8.

Balls of Steel captured the win in the nights final game, coming from behind to defeat La Bocce Vita 13-10. LBV was severely heckled at both court ends with captain Ted of BOS putting last year’s Substitute of the Year Leanne off her normally accurate game, while Balls of Steels Rupert & Clay successfully dented Jim Woodcock’s deadly aim. With Jack Campbell strategically allowing the visiting Luke Darwin to substitute, Balls of Steel racked up the points and the win.

Round 2 begins Friday June 28 at 6:30 with Balls of Steel facing off against Bocce Bunch. Our theme is Bocce Italiano and the menu will be

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

“It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.”  A. Bartlet Giamatti

Today, though is just the beginning, we can leave that impending heartbreak to the future, when the last ball has been rolled and the dust settles, when someone walks off with the trophy and the rest of us look to another spring, another beginning.

We begin with Game One Friday June 14 at 6:30. First teams up are Chewbocce and Captain Conor’s yet unnamed heroes. Remember Captains and Players to have your team names to me by next Monday. Team members please contact your captains by Wednesday to let them know if you will be present or absent.

The Teams are as follows:

Our theme for Round 1 is “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. Please let me know what you can contribute via email and I will post.

• Popcorn, Buttered – Gail
• Peanuts in Shell – Nate
• Ruffle Chips and Onion dip – Lynne & Jim
• Hot dogs & Polish- Chris & Jack
• Buns- Chris & Jack
• Chili – Travis & Kelly
• Toppings, Onions, sauerkraut, hot peppers, grated cheddar – Leslie
• Condiments, Ketchup, mustard, relish – Leanne
• Old Fashioned Coleslaw – June & Rich
• Potato salad – Michelle & Mo, Karen & Brooke
• Ice Cream sandwiches – Clay
• Beer – Leanne
• Wine – Lynne & Jim
• Adult Lemonade – Chris & Jack