Over the weekend our OBLBC entered the Flora Martin BSI Lawn Bowling Tournament at Burnside with one simple goal: survive the heat and win  a few games. Our team consisted of Brent Jansen (skip), Ray Dilba (vice), Karen Evans (second) and  Rick Cohen (lead). The weather was borderline cooperative at about 28° with a bit of a breeze. The sun was definitely intense and by the end of the second game it was less about winning and more about surviving. It was definitely a test for everyone’s deodorant.

The competition was good. Most matches were close enough to raise blood pressure and potentially lower life expectancy. Somehow, through a combination of skill, determination, and what we can only assume was heat-induced confusion by our opposition two Oak Bay teams finished in the top three. The games we’re close with spectators squinting through the heat waves rising off the green. Several players claimed they could see a mirage of a cold beverage at the far end of the rink. We all aimed for it.

By the end of the day, exhausted, sunbaked, and slightly dehydrated, we finished in second place. Gordon Head won the honors,  Mary Forster’s team came in third. The real champion though was the sun, which defeated everyone equally. Our team didn’t take home first place, but we did earn bragging rights, a healthy respect for sunscreen, and proof that we can still roll a bowl reasonably well in a sauna. We won two games and tied one. There was no heat exhaustion. No one collapsed on the green and there was no spontaneous combustions. It seemed like a good time was had by all. It was a fun, well run tournament. Thank you Burnside Lawn Bowling Club.

 

– Submitted by Rick Cohen