Wild, Wild West

Sunny, beautiful Regina and that is exactly what it was this past weekend. Team Middaugh, with a bit of a spin as Kaitlyn Lawes from Winnipeg filled the big shoes of Kirsten who is relaxing at home, don't think so with a 22 month old and a new born, arrived late Thursday night to the welcoming arms of their 2008 Scotties driver Kenda Richards.

The format of five pools of six teams was great if you liked getting a guaranteed five games but not so great if you were one of the unfortunate ten teams in tie breakers for the last three spots. Thankfully Team Middaugh won their pool and avoided the Saturday night shoot out. The girls did very well with an overall 5-1 record, losing a close battle in the quarter-finals to the pesky Kleibrink squad, who went on to win the bonspiel.

Thanks to Kaitlyn Lawes who played fantastic, swept like a 20 year old energizer bunny should and was a joy to be around. I hope she enjoyed her weekend with the "mature" girls of the team, as many laughs were shared. You are number one on the speed dial if a spare situation arises again. Good luck in the rest of the season Kaitlyn as you defend your Canadian Junior Ladies title.

Thank you to the incredible organizing committee on a fantastic job. The curlers were treated to a pizza and drink night, Sunday brunch and a hospitality room downstairs all weekend. Dean Moulding did a wonderful job on the ice, not an easy feat in September. Thank you to all the handsome gentlemen who drove the team to and from the rink, great to see so many familiar faces. The committee was proactive in changing their date from late November and their efforts paid off with full entries and a very strong field. Great work.

The team would also like to thank all the supporters for cheering on the team all weekend, even the morning draws. Kim's relatives were aplenty, and even brought treats, thank you Auntie Bunnie: Uncle Gerry and Auntie Bunnie from Regina; Auntie Georgetta, Uncle Jim and Auntie Edna from Selkirk; Auntie Anne from Perth, Ontario; cousin Betty Ann from Saskatchewan. Sherry's dad, Jim and Sharon as well as the subdued Grandma McIsaac (if you knew her you would know that this is not possible), Auntie Joyce from Rosetown were also in attendance. Kaitlyn's mom, Cheryl, was on hand to take down the details of all the games so that coach Andrea would get the gist of the weekend. Thank you to Cheryl for doing all that work, much appreciated. Hope you and Kaitlyn had an uneventful flight home Tuesday morning.

See you next year Regina. Go Riders Go.