Team Clendenan

When all is lost, ask the tax man to help out. He’ll find something. Or in the case of Team Clendenan, when you lose you simply find a way to rename the experience as a way of meeting your bigger goals so that all is not really lost!

The annual open bantam event at Glendale has been subject to some scrutiny with a bracketing system that separates the sexes in pool play but crosses over if you advance to playoffs. The appeal of the OJCT status, meals included with entry fees and the chance to have ice time immediately prior to most Bantam Zones seems to outweigh the grumbling of unfairness because the event is always full with a waiting list. That being said, winning your way to the A final and then going home with nothing in your pocket (partially) because the boys clobbered you, stings a little.

The girls went undefeated in their pool and out-smarted their quarter-final male opponents with a “W” as well which was definitely a feel good moment for the periwinkle twinkles. Once in the semi-finals, however, the brawn and the lights out execution of the second boys team was a mountain simply too big to climb and the girls dropped to the consolation round as a result of an 8-2 loss. Somewhat rattled but excited to face off against Team Auld who had had a similar experience, the competition lit up with the opponents matching each other shot for shot until the very last rock – in an extra end no less. Sitting with a potential single steal stone for the win, a guard was needed that could straddle both the steal stone and an op stone that could be run back. The guard stone was so close to perfect, but the runback was called regardless and both stones rolled out. The tie was broken with an opposition biter that previously hadn’t mattered.

In the end, runner up in the A consolation event is still a testament to the hard work that the girls have put in throughout their season and playing together again (without illness this time) was like putting on a favourite sweater. The results could be decorated with words like “they didn’t lose, they got second place” but since the bigger goal was to properly prepare for zones, they can be considered winners in either case.