Sometimes no matter how had we try, things just don’t change. Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be, will be. Hence the conclusion of our usually tumultuous playoffs resulted in no change in league standings.

Interesting enough, the night’s first game for the dreaded Wooden Spoon between fifth and sixth place Bollabridgidas and Ru’s GEDs resulted in the first ever league shut out, 12 -0. Desperate to avoid a repeat of their last place finish in Season 2, Captain Lynne, Chris, and Leslie with Jim Leon subbing for the normally indefatigable Barb completely stymied Rupert and his ladies. Carla, Susan and Kris Costa just couldn’t make up for Captain Rupert’s worst showing of his career. Though the Bollas won the game, and ended the season with a respectable 3-3 record that matched the 4th place Minions, they could only avoid a last place finish, as they didn’t qualify as one of the top four teams at the conclusion of regular season play.

Game 2 of the playoffs pitted our second place team, SWT Fishes against Captain Conor’s third place Minions. And this game was the highlight of the playoffs, Captain Jim, Bobby, Chris Cattich and Michelle just could not be beat. Conor and his Minions’, Jack, Luke and Jim Leon rolled point after point, but were blocked, knocked, and eventually mocked by the unstoppable Fishes 12-8. The Minions end the season with a 3-3 record and an overall Total Points Scored of 67, matching SWT Fishes for TPS, but it is Sleeps with The Fishes with their playoff win, and 5-1 record who will go on to the Championship round.

The final game of the Playoffs was between first and fourth place teams, No TAC and The Mangiamos. The Mangiamos who had nudged the Bollas out of fourth place at the end of regular season play, by scoring 9 more TPS, forgot to bring their shoes to the Playoffs. No TAC’s Captain Clay with his sharp shooters, Sheryl, Moisha and Captain Conor substituting for the missing Carl gave no ground and mercilessly hammered Deborah, Kay and Ted and Captain John. Though they never lay down, the beleaguered Mangiamos only managed 2 points, losing 12-2 and their opportunity to play in the Championship to Clay Lingo and his No Talent Ass Clowns.

So it is nearly the end of the season, the Championship is looming and we are all wondering who will walk away Friday with the trophy. Will it be No TAC or will it be a repeat for Captain Jim with his SWT Fishes?

Be There or Be Square and please send your RSVP’s.

Results – Playoffs

Bollabrigidas 12,  Ru’s GED’s 0

SWT Fishes 12, The Minions 8

No TAC 12,  Mangiamos 2

Standings after Playoffs & TPS- total points scored

1. No TAC                      5-1    TPS 71
2. SWT Fishes              5-1    TPS 67
3. The Minions            3-3    TPS 67
4. Mangiamo                2-4    TPS 54
5. Bollabridgidas        3-3    TPS 55
6. Ru’s GEDs                 0-6   TPS 44

Championship Schedule

6:30 Cocktails & Dinner

7:30 SWT Fishes – No TAC

8:30 Awards Ceremony

Menu “High Steaks”

• Costa Eggs-Kris
• Hors d’ oeuvre- Barb
• Cheese Assortment- need volunteer
• Ribeyes- Chris & Jack
• Twice Baked Potatoes  – Chris & Deborah
• Green Salad- Susie
• Summer Tomatoes- need volunteer
• Chocolate Cake- Leslie
• Beer &  Red Wine – need volunteers

It Couldn’t Be Done

Jim scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;

At least no one has done it”;

But No TAC, put down their drinks and picked up the ball,

And the first thing we knew they’d begun it.

With Carl & Sheryl and Taylor’s sly grin,

Without any doubting or quiddit,

They scored point by point as they tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done, and they did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you one by one,

The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle it in with a bit of a grin,

Just roll those balls like you know it;

Rack up the score as you tackle the thing

That “couldn’t be done,” and you’ll do it.

With apologies to author Edgar Albert Guest,  Game 1 between the seemingly indomitable SWT Fishes and No Tac just demanded a poetic tribute. Captain Jim and his fabulous team of Bobbie, Chris Cattich and Luke substituting for Michelle in this game, had an absolutely amazing season up to last Friday night. Not to be outdone or even slightly  intimidated Clay Lingo with teammates, Sheryl, Carl and Taylor standing in for Moisha managed the near impossible with a smashing win over Sleeps with The Fishes. We said It Couldn’t be Done- but they did it!

John Costa’s Mangiamos with Deborah, Teddy and Kay definitely had their groove on as they decisively  won Game 2 against Ru’s GED’s. Ru and his Ladies, Carla, Kris and Susie were completely surprised by the swiftness of the court surface. Though in last place, the GEDs have one more chance in the infamous Wooden Spoon game that kicks off the playoffs on August 22.  The Mangiamos with this win now have moved into fourth place in the standings which gives them a chance at the the Championship.

With the return of Captain Lynne and her energetic coaching for the final season game pitting her Bollabridgidas against The Minions, I thought we might finish regular season play in fourth or even third. But once again despite an excellent 5 point performance by battl’in Barb and the lovely Leslie, a fast court surface and perhaps my bum leg, did not help us reach our true potential. Conor assisted by substitute Chris Cattich for the primping Jim Leon, held our end of the court to just 2 points in favor of the Bollas. While on the opposite end Jack and Luke held their own and then some against Barb & Leslie. Final score The Minions 12 Bollas 7

Results Round 5

No TAC 12,  SWT Fishes 7

Mangiamos 12 Ru’s GEDs 5

The Minions 12,  Bollabrigidas 7

Standings after Regular Season play (when there is a tie in the Win Loss record, total points scored in regular season play are used to determine place)

1. No TAC                      4-1    with a total of 59 points
2. SWT Fishes              4-1    with a total of 55 points
3. The Minions            3-2
4. Mangiamo                2-3    with a total of 52 points
5. Bollabridgidas         2-3    with a total of 43 points
6. Ru’s GEDs                 0-5

Playoff Schedule

6:30 Bollabridgidas – Ru’s GEDs, for the Wooden Spoon

7:15 SWT Fishes – The Minions, winner advances to Championship

8:00 No Tac – Mangiamos, winner advances to Championship

Menu “Southern BBQ”

• Costa Eggs-Kris
• Southern Pimento Cheese and Crackers –  need volunteer
• BBQ Chicken- Chris
• Corn Bread- Leslie
• Mac & Cheese  – Michelle & Moisha
• Coleslaw- Clay
• Corn on the Cob- need volunteer
• Watermelon- Deborah
• Brownies- Luke
• Beer & Wine – need volunteer    

To quote Captain Conor, Round 4 were the best games of the season. We had it all,  The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat!
The human drama of athletic competition. This was Campbell Bocce in Round 4.

The nights ultimate heartbreaker was game 1 between Captain Clay’s No TAC and Ru’s GED’s. What started out as an almost embarrassing rout, with a score of 0-8 in favor of No Tac, almost became the comeback game of the season. Carla, Susie, Kris and Rupert never gave up, and point by point brought the score back to nearly even. However, No TAC with Moisha, Sheryl, Clay and a very adept substitute Luke  finally won the day 12 to 8. Tears but no fears Ladies, Rupert and his Garden of Earthly Delights have one more chance in the upcoming Round 5 to pull themselves up from the basement.

Game 2 was an epic battle, if Homer hadn’t the Trojans, the game beween SWT Fishes and The Minions would have inspired his Iliad. Perhaps this wasn’t a ten year siege but it certainly ran long, as competition was fierce and neither side showed their Achilles heel. But all stories and games do come to an end, and SWT Fishes with Moisha substituting for missing captain Jim, along with Bobbie, Chris Cattich and Michelle, barely defeated Conor, Jack, Luke and Jim Leon 12-11, retaining their number one spot in league standings.

The evening’s final game, was played out more like one of my favorite movies “Galaxy Quest”. This Star Trek parody ended each episode “never give up, never surrender! And the Bollabridgidas secured their second win of the season, by never quitting even when they were down more than 6 points, holding Captain John Costa, Kay, Teddie and substitute Chris Cattich pointless for five frames. Finally, Barb, Leslie, Chris and Lynne’s skillfully chosen substitute Jim Leon, squeaked out the last two points to victory, winning 12-10.

In honor of Carla, Susie, Kris Rupert and all the players who have experienced the Agony of Defeat, I am attaching a link to one of the most famous poems of American Sports. http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/casey-bat#

And in keeping with the poem, the theme for Round 5 will be Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Let me know what you can contribute and I will post it on this page.

Results Round 4

No TAC 12, Ru’s GEDs 8
SWT Fishes 12, The Minions 11
Bollabrigidas 12, Mangiamos 10

Standings

SWT Fishes              4-0
No TAC                      3-1
The Minions            2-2
Bollabridgidas         2-2
Mangiamo                1-3
Ru’s GEDs                 0-4

Menu “Take Me out to the Ball Game”

• Popcorn-Chris
• Peanuts in the shell-Carl
• Costa Eggs- Kris
• Ruffle Chips and Onion dip- Chris
• Veggies with Spinach dip- Lynne
• Hot dogs- Susan
• Buns- Susan
• Toppings, onions, relish, ketchup,  mustard, hot peppers- Chris
• Toppings, sauerkraut,  grated cheese- Clay
• Three Bean Salad- Leslie
• Rita’s Macaroni Salad- Chris
• Potato salad- Kris
• Cracker Jacks – Deborah
• S’Mores- Chris
• Honey Graham Crackers – Kay
• Beer – need volunteer    

We are now just past the half way point of regular season play. Standings are no surprise, with Captain Jim Woodcock and his indomitable Sleeps with the Fishes leading the league standings. Aided by stalwarts Bobbie Corso, Chris Cattich and The Italian Gal, they absolutely destroyed the Bollabridgidas 12-4 in Game 3. Despite some well rolled balls by the Bolla’s Barb and Leslie, at their end Coach Lynne and Chris just couldn’t out perform Jim and Bobbie.

Rupert and his Garden of Earthly Delights were assisted by substitutes Mr Smith and Captain Woodcock standing in for the vacationing Carla and Kris Costa, but as in their last two games Rupert, Susie and the subs put up a valiant effort but in the end were defeated by the competent coaching of captain Conor and his Minions, Jack, Luke and Jim Leon. Given the home court advantage for three of the Minions it is really no surprise.

Clay and his regular No TAC team  of Carl, Sheryl and Mr. Smith all on hand and working the court like pros, soundly defeated the Mangiamos. Captain John was MIA, but the Mangiamos were lucky to have the visiting Judy Thomas joining Deborah, Kay and Teddie. The Mangiamos fought well and  even looked like they might come back for the win, but it was not to be and the Mangiamos now join the Bollabridgidas with just one win to date for the season standings.

FYI, there is a new section to our Campbell Bocce League website, RECIPES. Just look on the Navigation bar on the far right.

Our next dinner theme for Round 4 will be Mediterranean Nights. Let me know what you can contribute and I will post it on this page.

Results Round 3

SWT Fishes 12, Bollabridgidas 4
The Minions 13, Ru’s GEDs 10
No TAC 12, Mangiamos 8

Standings

SWT Fishes              3-0
The Minions            2-1
No TAC                      2-1
Mangiamo                1-2
Bollabridgidas         1-2
Ru’s GEDs                 0-3

Menu Mediterranean Nights

• Beef Shish Kabobs – Deborah & Bobbie
• Chicken Skewers – Chris
• Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion & Feta Salad- Susie
• Arugula & Fig salad – Chris
• Fig and gorgonzola hors d’oeuvre – need volunteer, recipe posted on Campbell Bocce League website, under RECIPES
• Hummus and Pita chips – Barb
• Veggies with tzatziki – Leslie
• Olives & The Eggs! -Kris
• Dessert – Michelle
• Wine – need volunteer
• Beer – need volunteer

OK Everyone, here we go again. Round 2 showed a lot of spirit and just like Round 1, each game was closely fought. There was one exception, the game between Lynne’s Bollabridgidas and Lingo’s No Talent Ass Clowns was nearly a run away with Mr Smith, aided by substitutes Jim and Matt Coates skillfully winning 3 and 4 points in a frame.

But the big news, (and gang it is time to pay attention), is that Captain Jim Woodcock’s Swims With The Fishes has an early lead in the standings. SWT Fishes, with teammates Mrs. Smith, Chris Cattich and Bobby Corso is 2 wins to 0 losses. I know it may seem early, but beware, previous seasons have proved that Captain Jim rarely gives up a lead.

Finally, a big thank you to Captain Jim for his awesome Asian styled BBQ ribs, Matt’s Lumpia, and to everyone who contributed to an absolutely wonderful Asian Luau dinner.

Results Round 2

Mangiamo 12, Minions 10

No TAC 12, Bollabrigidas 8

SWT Fishes 12, Ru’s GEDs 11

Standings

SWT Fishes               2-0

No TAC                       1-1

The Minions             1-1

Mangiamo                 1-1

Bollabridgidas         1-1

Ru’s GEDs                 0-2

The theme for this Friday’s dinner is Fiesta Mexicana!

• Chips- Kay & Lynne
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted- Kay & Lynne
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – Barb, Bobby
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″- Kay & Lynne
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled- need volunteer
• Beans- Deborah
• Rice- need volunteer
• Leslie’s corn, jicama and tomato salad- Leslie
• Mexican fruit popsicles- Luke, Cattich & Leon
• Margaritas (just need Blanco or Reposado 100% Agave Tequila)- Susie
• Mexican Beer- Jim Woodcock, Bobby

At the conclusion of Round 1, it was apparent that with two seasons of experience, our players have become even more competitive. Captains, Lynne, Rupert, Jim, John and Clay were very vocal in their coaching and their teams listened! As a result, each game was a closely fought battle, point by point, stretching well past dusk. I think we got the new court lights installed just in time.

First game of the evening pitted Rupert’s Garden of Earthly Delights against Lynne’s Bollabridgidas with the Bollas winning by just 2 points, 12 -10. Thanks to Barb who her got her mojo on, and both Carla and Rupert, it was rarely more than 1 or 2 points per frame. The next game saw the Minions, supported by substitute Brad Coates in lieu of captain Conor defeating the No Talent ass Clowns, 13-11. Until the Minions managed to roll three points in the last frame to win,  the lead had belonged to No TAC with both hugely talented teams strategically placing every ball for maximum scoring ability. The night’s final game was played between John Costa’s Mangiamos, with Deborah, Kay and Teddy losing 10-12  to our league’s most successful captain Jim “The Godfather” Woodcock  and his Swims with the Fishes teammates. Jim called on daughter Taylor as substitute and along with regular teammates Chris Cattich & Bob the foursome was unbeatable.

This Friday, June 27th is our second round of games beginning promptly at 6:30. Playing first are The Minions and Mangiamos.

Asian Luau is the theme for this Friday, June 27. Our menu is:

• potstickers – Rupert
• lumpia – Matt
• veggies & sweet chili – Susie
• Teriyaki Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Asian Ribs – Jim Woodcock
• fried rice – Bobbie
• Asian Caesar salad – Leslie
• Pineapple – Deborah
• Coconut cupcakes – Luke
• Mai Tais – Clay

and there was Light

Genesis 1:3

New Bocce Lights

Our Kickoff dinner was another successful evening of food and wine, highlighted by the famous Costa Eggs and BBQ Ribs contributed by Barb. Our captains, Conor, Clay, Lynne, Rupert, Jim and John (With Kris Costa standing in ) selected their teams from the green pitcher. Six new teams have now been formed and we are just waiting on the names. All teams are posted under the “Teams” tab on the navigation bar.

Captains, you have until this Thursday night to get your team’s name into the head office by phone or email. I will be updating the schedule, so we all know who plays first second and third each evening. First game begins at 6:30 pm.

Bocce Italiano is the theme for this Friday, June 13. Our menu is:

• salami & cheese – need volunteer
• peperoncini & olives – Deborah
• famous eggs – Kris Costa
• grilled sausage & rolls – Chris & Jack
• onions & peppers – Chris & Jack
• pasta – Susie
• tomato, mozzarella & basil – Leslie
• green salad – Kris Costa
• garlic bread – Carla
• italian cookies – Brad
• wine, beer – need volunteers
• limoncello – Carl

Well the Fat Lady was hitting the high notes on Friday! Without four of our Team Captains Jim Woodcock, John Costa, Lynne Missin and Clay Lingo in the pit, the Playoffs were an evening of high drama and upsets.

The evenings first game was a duel for last place and the dreaded Wooden Spoon. Once again Winning Colors with Michelle the Italian back in town rolled some beautiful balls, but typically were only able to score one point at time as the Ramones, with Carla, Chris Cattich and substitutes Deborah Garcia and Rupert, successfully knocked their potential extra points into the back wall. Fabulous accuracy by both Carla and Deb set the Ramones up for a 12-7 win and a fifth place finish for the season.

The second match of the night was between our Second and Third place teams, Checkered Napkins and Trinity Plus. Coach Conor lead his original team of Moshia, Sheryl and Matt against the Captainless Checkered Napkins in what started as a rout with Trinity up 10-2 very early in the game. But Checkered Napkins with Chris Cattich substituting for the missing Jim Woodcock quickly pulled themselves together and fought back with their usual competitive spirit and nearly tied the game. Unfortunately their rally was just a bit too late and Bobby, Kris and Jim Leon  finally succumbed to the relentless Celtic drive 12-10. It was quite a moment when first year Captain Conor Pullman and his team realized they will be playing in the Championship match.

Our final match up of the evening pitted John Costa’s first place Mangiamos against Rupert’s fourth place BBCs. Unfortunately unlike the lucky Trinity Plus, having their original team altogether didn’t do the trick as Captain Rupert leading Ted, Susan and Barb displayed nowhere near their usual level of skill. The Mangiamos with Jack, Kay and substitutes Matt Coates, Jim Leon (both doing double duty) continued their relentless drive and secured their well-earned spot in the Championship round with a 12-3 win.

The Championship Game, Award Ceremony and Victory Dinner will be held Friday September 6. Hors d’Oeuvres and Cocktails (Champagne?) at 6:30 and Game at 7pm. At the conclusion of the game we will have the Award Ceremony. Please send RSVPs by Friday August 30th.