Finesse, balance, precision targeting, and the ability to sweep hard enough to further a rock or keep it from curling are keys when playing Saskatchewan's provincial sport, curling.
The Carlyle Curling Club was busy for the weekend of Feb. 7, 8, and 9, as the Men's Bonspiel brought curling action to the town.
Though the bonspiel saw only five teams compete it remained a weekend of fun, camaraderie, and curling.
Taking on a five team round robin format the teams, "hurried hard," looking for the win. Though the number of teams participating was down from past bonspiels, those who did participate fought hard for the win with most games remaining rather close in score.
"The weekend went rather well for only having five teams," Kirk Himmelspach explained.
"We usually don't hold the event when there's only five, but we decided to go ahead with it to have some fun."
Action began on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by games at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Saturday's action also involved supper before the late night draw for the curlers, while extra tickets were sold for spouses who were found watching the tournament from the upstairs viewing area.
Teams included one Arcola rink, three Carlyle rinks, and one "Manor/Kisby, all over," according to Himmelspach.
"They were mostly good games," Himmelspach stated. "There were a few blowouts but that's to be expected now and again."
In the end the five team round robin came down to a tie between teams skipped by Kent Holland and Himmelspach, each having records of three wins and one loss.
"They beat us, so that's how they won the tie breaker," Himmelspach smiled.
In third place was the team skipped by Larry Chapman.
Overall the weekend, though low in numbers, was a success as those who participated thoroughly enjoyed their time engaging in an activity they love with like minded people.
"The Men's Bonspiel was a good time had by all and wasn't too serious."
The next curling action at the rink will be the Oilmen's Bonspiel on Thursday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 23.
"We've got a good fourteen teams already," Himmelspach explained. "We usually hope for 24, so spots are limited."
Teams must consist of three people involved in the oilfield or their spouses and teams may have one non-oilfield player.
If interested Himmelspach said registration is open until Tuesday, Feb. 18, by contacting Anita Cutler.
An open invitation to all oilmen has also been extended for the dance on Friday, Feb. 21, beginning at 9 p.m. in Memorial Hall with tickets available at the door.
