Due to my scheduling mistake, we are cancelling Bocce this Friday and postponing Round 4 until August 3rd. This means we will have Bocce two Fridays in a row, August 3rd and August 10th. The schedule then resumes as normal every other week through the Championship.

Last week’s bocce matches were inspiring. We saw some new talent emerge, a couple upsets and some very looooong games. A shoutout to new Captain Jamie Milliner and his M$ney Balls, they are currently undefeated, a great start for rookie Captain Jamie. We had guest roller Olivia Lingo stepping in for Cozzie’s missing Captain Carla. This young woman continues to amaze us each summer with her guest appearances and fabulous skills. And quiet but deadly has been Mo, he sits silently along the sidelines then steps into the court and unleashes with deadly accuracy. Jamie and team were wise to tap Mo as their sub for the vacationing Kelly. For brevity, I am just going to list the individual results and the new standings.

Game 1  M$ney Balls 12 – Lords of the Rolls 9

Game 2 Sausage Rollers 12 – Cozzie & The Hot Rollers 11

Game 3 The Incrediballs 12 – The Honor Rollers 6

STANDINGS

Menu for Round 4, August 3rd will be Asian Luau. Once again please let me know what you can contribute and I will post:

• Eggrolls- Lynne & Jim
• Potstickers with Dipping sauce -Michelle & Mo
• Maui Onion potato chips- June & Rich
• Asian Ribs- Chris & Jack
• Teriyaki Chicken- Chris & Jack
• Fried Rice- Cris
• Tropical Fruit Salad- need volunteer
• Asian Salad- Leslie
• Coconut cupcakes- need volunteer
• Asian Beer- Travis & Kelly
• Wine- need volunteer
• Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

It really was the sweet life Friday June 29th for Round 2 of CBL. With numerous guests, a gorgeous Italian meal of antipasto, grilled sausages,warm pasta, summer tomatoes, salad and garlic bread all washed down with Aperol Spritzes and Carl’s bubbly the beautifully warm night was the classic example of “Noi non possiamo avere una vita perfetta senza amici.” Look it up!!

Bocce was also nearly perfect, at least for the three teams who won their night’s game.

Game 1 featured Carla’s Hot Rollers assisted this round by British import Alex Moody in excellent form. A reprise of the Hot Rollers first round win showed them quickly defeating June Weaver’s Incrediballs. Rich Weaver and Chris Coates managed to place several points on the board for the IBalls but the effective rolling of Jack and Nate suppressed the scoring potential of the Iballs Clay, Michelle and June at the north end of the court. Cozzie & The Hot Rollers 12, Incrediballs 5

Lords of the Rolls and The Honor Rollers truly battled out the evening’s second game. Jim Leon’s Lords displayed their true potential with Leslie, Barb, Chris Cattich and Kay effectively rolling point after point to capture the win over Captain Carol’s Honor Rollers. Despite their eventual loss, The Honor Rollers made a very impressive showing assisted by Travis, Jill and Leann substituting for Jim Woodcock. The long game finally concluded with Lords of the Rolls 12, The Honor Rollers 10. Correction from our scorekeeper, the Honor Rollers impressive showing was a rally near the end of the game that resulted in a win for the Honor Rollers!  The Honor Rollers 12, Lords of the Rolls 10. Congratulations Captain Carol, Travis, Jill and Leann. The standings have been updated and Honor Rollers are now in third place.

Our evening concluded with another interesting match between M$ney Balls captained by Rookie Coach Jamie Milliner and DePhillip’s Sausage Rollers. When we spoke of the fine ball skills displayed by Sausage members, Conor, Ted, Carl and Mo, Captain Ru said if they were all that good they would have won. Alas, so true, so true. However, with Missin at the absolute top of her game, ably assisted by Milliner and a really hot Corso there was no stopping the inexorable mounting tally of M$ney Balls as they slowly but surely reached the magic 12, deflating the Sausage Rollers drive and hopes. Final score M$ney Balls 12, Sausage Rollers 8.

We now have standings to report:

Friday our theme will be Viva la Mexico aka Holy Guacamole. First teams playing at 6:30 are Lords of The Rolls and M$ney Balls. The menus is:

• Chips- June & Rich
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted-  Lynne & Jim
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! –  Gail, Bobby
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″-  Michelle & Mo
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled-  Jill & Jaimie
• Beans-  Rupert
• Rice-  Barb
• Black bean corn, and tomato salad –  Carol
• Mexican fruit popsicles-  Lori
• Margaritas- Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer-  need volunteers

Let me know via this website, email or text what you can bring and I will post.

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.

The Playoffs were an outstanding success with competition fierce and banter high. There was no change in the standings. First place team The Rolling Stones defeated fourth place   Game of Throwns, and second place Holy Rollers defeated third place Cozzie and The Hot Rollers. Labor Force retained fifth place by defeating Deboccery and so have avoided the Wooden Spoon. which will be awarded to Captain Conor et. al.

Friday nights festivities will begin at 6:30 with Cocktails and Appetizers while Cozzie and the Hot Rollers battle Game of Throwns for 3rd and 4th place. Once the BBQ is lit and the ribeyes are sizzling , the main event begins with The Rolling Stones playing Holy Rollers for the 2017 Championship.

The night will conclude with the Award ceremony and one team having their name emblazoned on our Campbell Bocce League Perpetual Trophy. But who will win the MVP, Rookie of the Year, or Ace Bowler?

Please everyone call or email to let me know if you will be attending. As always your contributions towards the night’s menu will be appreciated.

RSVP to Chris 415.722.7067 or cmcoates@aol.com

Menu “High Steaks”

• Veggies and dip – June & Rich
• Chips and dip – Kelly & Travis
• Cheese Plate  – need volunteer
• Salami & Olives –need volunteer
• Ribeyes – Jack & Chris
• Twice Baked Potatoes – Jack & Chris
• Classic Green Salad- Leslie
• Tomatoes with Basil – need volunteer
• Chocolate Cupcakes– Cris MacKenzie
• Champagne –Nate & need additional volunteers
• Red Wine – Carol & Clay

Is a two game shut out a record? In the world of Campbell Bocce League it sure is. Last Friday, Game 1 and Game 3 went 12-0 for two very stunned teams, Cozzie and the Hot Rollers and Deboccery each decisively defeated by Labor Force and The Rolling Stones respectively.  So shocking and quickly played were both games, the evening’s play concluded by 8:00 pm, when Game 3  is normally just kicking off. So who were the players that earned the Big 0? The Hot Rollers with Captain Carla along with Bobby and substitutes JC and Matt. And Deboccery led by Conor with Kay, Cris and substitute Taylor assisting.

Have we ever before had a game end with a goose egg? Perusing the dusty tomes of Campbell Bocce League history, it appears that in over 100 games played on our dead flat oyster court, a shut out has occurred just twice previously.

Who were these former teams and players who hit rock bottom? How did they deal with the dreaded naught, the zilch, the scratch, the nullity,  the oblivion of zero? Read and learn all you who intend to avoid repeating this tragic history.

In the first season of CBL, our fourth game was a classic match between that year’s dominant team The Woodies led by Captain Jim Woodcock against our very first Captain, Courageous award recipient  John Costa and his La Famiglia. The Woodies after defeating La Famiglia in the most decisive manner possible went on to win the league championship that inaugural year. La Famiglia’s Carla, Mo and Barb rallied behind John after that devastating night but lost once again in the final season game to conclude the  season 2-3 in fifth place. The rally was revived when they won their critical playoff match against the Workers  and avoided the dreaded Wooden Spoon.

Two years later in 2014, our playoffs featured another Wooden Spoon match. This time the  teams were Ru’s Garden of Earthly Delights with Captain Rupert and his delights,  Kris Costa, Carla and Susie. They faced off against Captain Lynne of the Bollabridgidas along with her teammates Chris Coates, Jim Leon (subbing for Barb) and Leslie. In a quick and decisive victory, the Bollabridgidas smashed Ru’s GEDs 12-0 resulting in a second consecutive Wooden Spoon for Susie.

A record to be sure but certainly one no-one wants to repeat; And certainly not twice in one night. Lets hope this coming Friday is a showcase of our usual competitive back and forth, the one or two points per frame battles to which  we’ve grown accustomed. Remember our fifth and final regular season game is this Friday. The teams in the top four places all will have an equal chance at winning the Championship while places 5th and 6th will have their final battle at the Playoffs for the Wooden Spoon.  This year with three teams having the same 2-2 win loss record, Friday’s will results will be absolutely critical.

NOTE: The Playoffs are scheduled for August 11, just one week after our fifth and final  game.

Results from Game 4

Labor Force 12 – Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 0

Holy Rollers 12- Game of Throwns 4

The Rolling Stones 12- Deboccery 0

Standings

This Friday’s theme is Asian Luau, please let me know what you can bring and I will post. At 6:30 the first match kicks off between Game of Throwns and Cozzie and the Hot Rollers.

• Eggrolls- Kelly & Travis
• Potstickers- Clay & Carol
• Maui Onion Chips & dip- June & Rich
• Asian Ribs- Chris & Jack
• Teriyaki Chicken- Chris & Jack
• Fried Rice- Gail & Lori
• Tropical Fruit Salad- Deborah
• Asian Salad- Leslie
• Coconut cupcakes- need volunteer
• Asian Beer- need volunteer
• Wine- Gail & Lori
• Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

Yes folks it was a holy guacamole night and for the very first time in Campbell Bocce League’s history we didn’t run out of the essential guacamole before the tacos were ready. It was a terrific night for everyone who attended, fabulous tacos , Garcia’s homemade beans and rice, killer Margaritas, Marc Antony & The Gypsy Kings blaring and great bocce.

So with very little fanfare and being short on time and energy this week. The results from Round 3 were:

The Rolling Stones 12- Game of Throwns 10

Labor Force 12 – Holy Rollers 9

Cozzie and The Hot Rollers 13 – Deboccery 8

But before I get to the current Standings, I have to admit to a serious mistake. Due to a transcription error, I incorrectly reported the results from Round 2 between the Rolling Stones and Cozzie and The Hot Rollers. The game was actually won by Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12-8, not the reverse as I reported and this of course effects the standings. So after Round Three we now have Game Of Throwns in first place and amazingly three teams exactly tied for second, The Rolling Stones, Holy Rollers and Cozzie and the Hot Rollers. Labor Force has moved up from the basement after defeating the Holy Rollers in Round 3. Deboccery is improving with each Round, so be on the lookout this Friday for their first win when they play the Rolling Stones in the night’s opening match.

Our Round 4 dinner theme will be Mediterranean Nights. First game is at 6:30 between last place Deboccery and second place The Rolling Stones.

• Veggies with Tzatziki- Barb & Matt
• Hummus & Pita chips – Cris & Michelle
• Olives, Pepperoncini, Artichoke hearts, stuffed Grape leaves- Deborah
• Shish kebobs- Chris
• Arugula & fig salad- Chris
• Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion and Feta salad– Cris
• Couscous  salad- Leslie
• Baklava- Jill
• Cookies-Lori
• Negronis-Chris
• Wine– need volunteer

Our Summer of Love theme night turned into a spectacle when Kay “Light My Fire” Missin nearly burned down the backboards. Kay was hot, hot, hot rolling a nearly perfect game with every frame. Coached by Captain Conor, Kay, with teammates,  June and Cris, holding the south end for Deboccery together took an early lead against The Holy Rollers. Second year player June Weaver rolled like an MVP destroying any scoring opportunity while  the Rollers’ Lori and Jim Woodcock turned “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. When Roller’s Captain Carol called out to the heavens for mercy, there was “Dancing in the Street” as Coates and Carl managed to bring the score even and finally win by one point. Holy Rollers 12, Deboccery 11

When the Rolling Stones took the stage facing off Cozzie and the Hot Rollers, Captain Chris was down two players, so he strategically pulled in “I’m a Man” Daniel Boone to join bandmates, Degiere and Leon. Captain Carla, along with rookie Gail and Kelly played like they were “Happy Together” but it was Rich Weaver who was “Somebody To Love” as he fielded point after point for the Cozzie’s. It was “Up, Up and Away” as Boone, Leslie, Jim and Cattich scored the Stones’ second victory this season. Rolling Stones 12, Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 8

The nights final match, was an exhibition by Barb Kutschinski of “Groovin”. With only Clay and Barb, Game of Throwns was down three players and “For What it’s Worth” wisely tapped league favorite Jim Leon as substitute. Barb, Clay and Jim couldn’t go wrong against Labor Force with Captain Ted, Jack, Rupert and “White Rabbit” killer Daniel Boone playing sub for the second time. Labor Force lost their second game of the season and really need to “Get Together” if they are aiming for the playoffs. Game of Throwns 12, Labor Force 5

Thanks to everyone and the Electric Kool-aid for a night that might be described as a “Purple Haze”. Per several requests, the evening’s 1967 Playlist follows:

Results Round 2

Holy Rollers 12, Deboccery 11

Rolling Stones 12, Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 8

Game of Throwns 12, Labor Force 5

Standings                                                                       TPS

Game of Throwns                              2-0                 26

The Rolling Stones                           2-0                 25

Holy Rollers                                         2-0                 24

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers         0-2                 16

Deboccery                                           0-2                 14

Labor Force                                         0-2                 9

Tomorrow’s theme is Mexican Fiesta. Please take a look and let me know what you can bring, so I can post.

• Chips- June & Rich
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted- Lynne
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – Cris, Nate, Bobby
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″- Clay & Carol
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled- Jill & Jamie
• Beans- Deborah
• Rice- Deborah
• Black bean corn, and tomato salad – Leslie
• Mexican fruit popsicles- Lori & Gail
• Margaritas- Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer- Clay, Conor, Cattich, Leon

Campbell Bocce League’s first round of the season got off to a spectacular start on a windy Friday night. Popcorn, Peanuts, Red Hots and our new CBL baseball caps were all featured at Campbell Field while a rousing crowd cheered their favorites.

Just as our Champion Warriors took a dive in Cleveland, so did Captain Ted and his Labor Force to the impressive Rolling Stones. With Captain Cattich absent, ace bowler Jim Leon and Deborah Garcia were hot as dogs on the grill, with Michelle and Leslie also contributing to the Stones first win. The Labor Force with their full complement of players, Jaime, Jack, Nate and Rupert just couldn’t put a frame together and lost 13-4.

The evening’s second game was a surprisingly quick debacle for Deboccery. Yes that’s right, absent Captain Conor’s championship style, teammates Lynne, Kay and June quickly fell to the onslaught of Game of Throwns. Although Deboccery tapped all time high scorer Jim Leon as their substitute, GOT led by Captain Jill, with Rookie Travis accompanied by Clay, Moshia and Barb slaughtered Deboccery 14-3.

Holy Rollers and our newest Captain Carol Lingo with Burke, Coates & Woodcock  fought a drag out battle with Cozzie and The Hot Rollers, gaining no more than one point per frame for what seemed an eternity.  Holy Roller Jim Woodcock was back in epic form controlling angles and spin in a style that was reminiscent of his early years and multiple Championships. Carla and Rich were extremely effective for the Hot Rollers knocking Jim & Coates’ balls out of multiple scoring opportunities. At the opposite end of the court Rookie Kelly had an impressive showing for her first outing, and along with stalwart Bobby chalked up several points. Though The Holy Rollers were missing ace roller Carl and the Hot Rollers didn’t have their Rookie Gilbert,  when the dust settled the final score was Holy Rollers 12- Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 8.

Round 2 begins prompts at 6:30 with the Holy Rollers facing off against Deboccery and in recognition of that epic battle our theme will be “The Summer of Love”.

And in true 1967 fashion, we will have an authentic potluck. Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post here. Brownies anyone??

• Flower Power Hors d’oeuvres – Barb
• Digger Chicken- Chis & Jack
• Organic Mediterranean Farro Salad- Rich & Junehe shell- June & Rich
• Magic Mushroom Salad- Leslie
• “Baked” Beans -Jill & Jaime
• Wasted Watermelon- Clay
• Hot dogs & buns- Chris & Jack
• Ketchup, mustard, relish- Chris & Jack
•  sandwiches – Nate
• “Pot Lucky” Brownies – Lori
• Electric Kool-aid- Chris & Jack
• Beer or Wine- Volunteers needed