Bocce Tournament fun for all participants

<< Back to archives | Saturday, August 18, 2007

The above scene shows the fun atmosphere that existed from 9 am to 2 pm on the Village Green today.  The 4th annual Bowler Hat Bocce Ball Tournament was a fine success - even though the organizers were worried about it being flat right up to the day before.  When you get lemons - make lemonade.  Organizer Jim Doran had only 13 teams because the August vacation time made it difficult for sponsors to get 4 players for the day long event.  So, Jim switched the competition from single elimination to double elimination and - and we had a full day of very close and enjoyable competition.  Teams got to play at least two games and many played 3, 4 or more games. 

The day started out cool - in the 60s - and slowly warmed up with the sun out about noon.  You can see some of these players still wearing their fleece vests.  The bumpy ground of the Green creates an equalizer betewen experts and beginners and makes the competition closer. 

The throw - so simple that first time players have no trouble.  But then the idea is to have your balls closed to the small white palino ball after each team has thrown their 4 big colored balls.  Green against red.  And the competition is so much fun. 

The champion team.  They called themselves ‘Explosive & Corrosive’.  From the left, Aaron, Ryan, Collin and P. Huck with tournament organizer Jim Doran holding the permanent trophy.  Yes, each winning player received a bronze miniature of the hat on the Dirty Dan statue.  As they say, a fun time was had by all.  Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who participated.