It's a Wrap

Sunday's quarter finals started off bright and early at 9 a.m. with Ross and Peter taking on +5 Ted and John Rekrut.  The 3 game match went 2-1 in favour of Ross and Peter as Peter shot the lights out in the win.






Four fine looking gentlemen

 Quarter final 2 between giant killers Mike Donnelly and Brent Hurtubise against Norm Crook and Jeff Morton didn't go according to early predictions.  Brent fresh off the karaoke circuit (okay maybe not so fresh) played the dot in the I formation employed by his team.  Norm played almost flawlessly with only one error in the match and Morton hung in on the right wall cutting off Mike's attempted passes.  The lads got a little heated in this one but cooler heads prevailed.  Quite a learning lesson for sure - Crook and Morton win 2-0




Smiling faces (taken before the match)

 The third quarter final started late as John Bodnar struggled with reading the schedule and showed up 15 minutes late.  Bods shot the lights out but team errors caused Dean and John to lose two close games to Al Scott and Ivan Hunt. 

Convenor Nate "You know that Bodnar fellow looks pretty thin from behind"

The final quarter final saw Chris Barrett and Dave Peters take on Gord Dowbiggin and Gary Long.  The game featured long rallies and solid play out of both teams.  Gord and Gary won two long games for a 2-0 win.

Stand up straight Chris

Linesman Dave van Wely and Mike Donnelly
"A thankless job"

The first semi saw Norm and Jeff take on Peter and Ross.  This was a battle of keep away from the two shooters and one guy thinking he was a shooter when he, and everyone else, knew better.  Ross and Peter won the first game after erasing a 12-10 deficit.  Norm and Jeff came back to win the second game.  In the third game, trailing 14-13 a controversial let call had that key point replayed (well at least Norm and I thought it was controversial).  The next rally saw Mercury Morton move from the right wall to mid court as Norm went for a ball in the back right corner.  The next thing we knew the match was over as Norm's defensive shot hit me in the back of the head.  Spectators were heard to say that's  the only time Morton used his head all game."  Ross and Peter prevail 2-1

The second semi featured Gary Long and Gordo against Al Scott and Ivan Hunt.  This was a great match with Al's deft hands keeping the ball alive and Ivan cat like in the front.  Gord and Gary shot well and Gord hit the winning shot in the third game to win the match and send them into the finals.

The 3/4 game was dominated by Al and Ivan versus Norm and Jeff with a 2-0 win.  The crowd was okay that this match ended quickly as they were eager to see the final

Norm Crook, Al Scott, Ivan Hunt, Jeff Morton

The final team of Gary and Gord was owned by what I like to refer to as Team Idiot.    Clearly Team I are not that logical in their thinking.  Ross and Peter were owned by the 13 man group lead by bidders Morton and Bellm. 

The crowd was right into this one from the get go with Ross and Peter getting most of the support (except for the questionable let call in game one which resulted in them going down one game versus up one game).  Game two saw Ross and Peter overcome the 5 point spread by finally getting the lead late in game two to force a third and deciding game.  The boys got animated and there was a heated exchange between the left wallers - something about get the frick out of the way.  Congratulations must go out to Gord Dowbiggin and Gary Long for there 2-1 victory and title of first winners of the Burlington Fitness and Raquet Calcutta

The first look that Gord gave Gary in the match

Dean Lloyd (yes Dean was there in case you missed him) ended up winning the individual pool as he was the only person to pick Gary and Gord to win it all.  Congrats Dean - and thanks from all the guys in the bar for the jugs that you picked up.

Following is the full group shot taken at tourney end

Back Row (L to R)  Gord, Gary, Mike, Sully, Mark, Super Freak Rick, Gerald, John Graham, Ted, Al, Frank, Jeff, Ivan, Norm, Paul, John Rekrut, Chris, Rob, Ross
Front Row (L to R)  Peter Naughton, Dave, Brent, Nathan Drew Tourney Convenor, Dave Peters, Peter Lemieux, Richard



Presentations took place in the cafe shortly following the final match.  There was a lot of backslapping and tom foolery and believe it or not, real humility shown by both Gary and Gord (love ya guys).

Gord and Gary with Nate (Gary you can open your eyes now)



Runners up Peter and Ross with Nate and Brent looking on in bewilderment

Norm, Nate and Jeff and Brent wondering where it all went wrong

A big thanks to Nathan Drew for having the vision to try the Calcutta at our club. 

Thanks also to Cameron brewery out of Oakville for the samplers the night of the auction and the donation of the keg to winning team Gord and Gary.

Thanks also go out to Pat and Brad for really great food all weekend. 

And a final thank you to Pasword Protection for providing the balls and tee shirts for the tourney. 

Cheers - it's been fun!

Saturday update

The feature match of the day betweeen Nate and Sully vs. Brent and Mike lived up to the crowd's expectations.  Brent and Mike came back from an 8-2 defecit in game one to win 15-12.  Game two looked like it might be a repeat as Sully and Nate got an 8-1 lead as Nate was shooting lights out.  The game also ended 15-12. 

Gary Long had predicted a 3 game match prior to the start.  Bedlam summed it up for his group - "This is a very important match."

In game 3 the lead see sawed back and forth.  Sully and Nate hit a bunch of winners - course they hit a bunch of tin too.  Tied at 14, Nate hit a power serve to Brent who took it off the back wall to go side wall -side wall and barely getting to the front wall where a lunging Nate was unable to get to the ball.  Final score 15-14 for Donnelly and Brent.

Ross and Peter then took on the twin towers.  Paul came out kind of nervous and the towers got blown out in the first game.  Midway thru the second it did not look good for the towers.  Rob's coaching seemed to really work and a much steadier Paul worked well with Rob's shot making to force a 3rd game.  Up 13-6 the towers looked like a lock to move on.  Peter then started shooting and Ross was getting everything.  A couple of unforced errors and Peter was serving at 14-14 for the match.  His lob serve handcuffed Paul and the comeback was complete 15-14 for Peter and Dancin man.

Chris and Dave then took on the top handicap team of beater boy Nick and Greg Rae.  Dave needs to get some girth like our friend Mr. Bodnar if he's going to continue to dive around like a madman. Chris and Dave won 2-0 -- we'll see if they have anything left for the Sunday matches

Norm Crook and yours truly then took on Peter Naughton and Mark Braden.  This was the first time I met Peter - ya gotta love a guy who has a Keith's as his pregame and mid game source of liquid.  A steady effort from Norm and I resulted in a 2-0 win.

The final match of the day saw Dave van Wely and his bad back team up with Gerald against everyone's favourite lawyer Ted Charuk and John Rekrut.  This match was very entertaining - lots of winners and lots of unforced errors.  The high handicap team ended up winning in the third game.

There was lots of discussion following the final match about some trades of teams.  Dave Peter's represented his group of misfits and clearly is not a math major.  Offered a chance to be guaranteed two semi final teams he got greedy and will have just one at the end of the day - too bad guys - clearly we thought you were brighter than that.

Sunday's matched start at 9 with the championship slated for 2:15
See ya at the courts.

Don't hit the back wall

I can't see it

The linesman had an active role in the match between Frank Thomson and Rick James vs John Bodnar and Dean Lloyd.  Lets became no lets, no lets became lets - all very confusing.  John Bodnar came out shooting and hit 12 winners in the two game sweep of Rick the quick and Frank. 

Bedlam did comment on John's game after a great shot and then four bouncer to the front wall "It's the same guy." 

This twosome looks tough -we'll see what stamina Dean has tomorrow after his family reunion tonight.

Peter Lemieux the prognosticator picked this one correctly when he declared before the match "I can't see it" in response to my question whether Rick and Frank could win.  Yours truly felt it was going to be a close match

so long Super Freak

"It was a shit kicking"

Wednesday night doubles Commissioner summed it up succinctly when he proclaimed mid way thru game two "It's a shit kicking."  Gary Long and Gord Dowbiggin won two straight over Mark Litton and John Graham.  Mark and John were unable to apply consistent pressure to Gord and the five point deficit proved too much to overcome.  Gary and Gord both made lots of good shots with Gord's boast very successful

First match results

Al Scott and Ivan Hunt prevailed in a tight match 15-13 and 15-14 over the Good Ray and Byron Goodwin.  Al's lobs and ability to keep it in play and Ivan's winners proved to much for Ray and Byron.  IN the second game Ivan took over at 10-10 with some great winners.  Leading 13-11 in the second game, Ivan hit a couple of tin shots to give the serve back to Byron.  Tied at 13 Al used his frame to put his side up one.  Tied at 14 Ivan hit a passing winner to win the match

Bedlam

Richard

How appropriate is it that the last entrant to the BRFC Calcutta is Richard Bellm? (assuming Dave van Wely is injured and unable to play).  John Graham has appropriately nick named Richard as Bedlam.  Well the weekend is sure to be all of that and more

Good luck to all - I'll be there with my laptop to give up to date info -feel free to provide me some anecdotes

Mark Braden and Peter Naughton



Mark Movember Braden



Peter Naughton
Well what do you wants me to call him?



Mark Braden Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?  We'll be in top 8.  (game on as Mr Mark has to go thru me to get there - good luck pal)

What's your favourite sport?  Professional Women's  Beach Volleyball tour (gotta agree this is good entertainment)

What's your favourite golf hole?  #5 hole at the Diplomat in Hallandale Florida - my 2nd hole in one!  (18 hole mini putt course- #5 is the clown's head hole)

Where did you grow up?  The Hammer. 

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose?  Pamela Anderson a good Canadian girl!

Who is the funniest person you know?  Sully - I find him very funny looking (Sully this is not an editor's note but I do tend to agree)

Peter Naughton Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?  Shit

  

When and where did you start playing squash? on a squash court a long time ago

What's your favourite drink? Alcool - great for Purple Jesus

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?  Queen

Boxers or briefs? Boxers

Favourite sport? Soccer (poofter)

Favourite golf hole? nineteen

Where did you grow up? England

University/College/Neither Neither

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?  Christine Aguilera so we could get Dirty

What's your advice for anyone who faces you in the tourney? 

I'm one tough gazookas that hates all palookas that ain't on the up and square. I biffs 'em and buffs 'em and always out-roughs 'em and none of 'em gets nowhere. So keep good behavior, it's your one lifesaver, with Popeye the Sailor Man.  (I'll try and be good)





Frank and Super Freak

Frank Cheers Thomson

Rick "the politician" James



Frank Thomson Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

We will retire to Aruba on our winnings!!

When and where did you start playing squash?

A famous Scottish distillery in 1946

What's your favourite drink?

Alcohol

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

John Wilkes Booth & The Pistol Packers (Frank you'll never drive a Lincoln)

Boxers or briefs?

Nada

Favourite sport?

Rough sex

Favourite golf hole?

The one closest to the “Porta John”. I have a weak bladder.

Where did you grow up?

Nunavut

University/College/Neither

The School of Hard Knocks

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

Hillary Clinton. I hear she is needy! (who isn't)

Rick James Profile

I had a chance to catch up with Rick today - no wonder he ran for council - he was really deliberate on answering any of the questions.  I watched him play against Towel team and the boy has got some game.  If Frank plays ok, this team has got a shot.

Rick started playing doubles about 15 or 16 years ago and is quite accomplished (according to Rick).  He was ranked 12th in the world in mixed doubles just five years ago - a hell of an accomplishment - congratulations Rick.  I'll leave the rest of you to make the jokes

Favourite drink - some sort of gay martini (not that there is anything wrong with that)

Rick grew up up in Mississauga

If he could see one band in concert - Dave Matthews.

Let's enjoy a little Rick James and Eddie Murphy singing Party all the time

Party all the time

Ivan Hunt and Al Scott

Ivan the Terrible
(recently tracked in Ivan's family tree)

Al "hair coifed" Scott

Ivan Hunt's profile (provided by Mike Donnelly)

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?   Based on what I have heard about my partner, I will be available to ref the quarter final, semi final or finals

When and where did you start playing squash?   My squash career started in the late 80’s at Kingston Penitentiary while doing time for being involved with a minor (I am still convinced he was older then he really was)

What's your favourite drink?   Anything liquid mixed with Rohypnol (love the dating scene)

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?  I am still a huge fan of when the Backstreet Boys first came out (looking to replace AJ Maclean when the Boys go out on tour)

Boxers or briefs?  Anything from Victoria Secret

Favourite sport?  Anything that deals with a handle and balls

Favourite golf hole?   Back 9

Where did you grow up?  Kingston

University/College/Neither  University of Kingston – Hard Knox

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?Macaulay Culkin

Al Scott Profile

Al how will your team do in the Calcutta?  Clearly the fix is in  -Nate how come we only got 4 points?  Really Nate where are your principals?

Al how many lets will there be in your matches?  On average about .44 lets per point

Al what's the secret to your success in the Wednesday night house league?  I hit it to where the opponents aren't

What's your favourite golf hole?  17th at Sawgrass (every man is an island)

Dinner companion - Cat woman

Long Paul Grootendorst

Paul Grootendorst

Paul the friendly Giant Grootendorst's Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

Not sure.  For some reason, we have to give a bunch of points away to the legends Peter Lemieux / Ross Vipond so we will need to get very lucky to win. (go get 'em Paul - you can do it!)

When and where did you start playing squash?

Embarrassed to say that I played my first game in 1987 at the University of Victoria.  Playing this long, you’d think I’d be good. (That comment is not an editor's note)

What's your favourite drink?

Tag 5 vodka + freshly squeezed orange juice

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

Led Zeppelin (with Bonzo on drums)

Boxers or briefs?

Boxers

Favourite sport?

Aussie Rules Lawn Darts (Bet you did not know that on December 19, 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lawn darts from sale in the United States due to their hazards as a flying projectile with a sharp metal point. - Paul you are such a rebel!)

Favourite golf hole?

#1 at Furry Creek, BC  (wow this is spectacular)

http://www.worldwidegolfguide.com/hgg_home/furrycreek/pages/furrycreek1.html

Where did you grow up?

Victoria BC

University/College/Neither

Victoria/Queens/McMaster

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why? “having dinner” … so that’s what they’re calling it now!  Lindsey Vonn, because she’s an amazing skier.  (Nice ski outfit too!) 

Shortly after, in 1989, they were also banned in Canada

Team Towels - Dean Lloyd and John Bodnar

John Bodnar

Dean Lloyd

The Sully and Nate of the top half of the draw - Dean and diver boy John

Dean Lloyd Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?  

I'm only worried about the powerful team of Sully and Drew. (editor's note - clearly Dean had not seen the draw - neither you or Nate's team is going to meet in the finals)

When and where did you start playing squash?

1983 Hamilton Thistle Club (at the ripe old age of 3)

What's your favourite drink?

Ginger Ale (It's a British thing)

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

Ben Harper  (Nick's theme song at the following link)  Nick's theme song

Favourite sport?

Football  - Oskee wee wee

Favourite golf hole?

The one with the beer cart (that serves Ginger Ale Dean?)

Where did you grow up?

Hamilton/ Burlington

University/College/Neither

Western Ontario

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

The Queen…Just for the story.

John Bodnar Profile

John will your ass be recovered in time for the Calcutta?  No comment

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

Top eight, if I don’t fuck up (good luck with that)

When and where did you start playing squash?

1969 at the Hart House at the University of Toronto

What's your favourite drink?

It used to be rye and coke but the last few hundred drinks it’s been gin and tonic

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

The incomparable Bozz Scaggs (Also spelled Boz for those that want the Lowdown) Boz performing Lowdown

Boxers or briefs?

There is nothing brief about my underwear

Favourite sport?

Football and golf and then hockey

Favourite golf hole?

Any hole that I can shoot par on; but I do the like the 17^th at Burlington’s Golf and Country Club

Where did you grow up?

In the Parkdale area in Toronto

University/College/Neither

Univesity of Toronto (honest that's how John spelled University)

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

Jenna Jameson. She has a great mouth for conversation.  Enough said (Editor's note - she wrote How to make love like a Porn Star)

Norm Crook and Jeff Morton



Jeff chip off the old blog Morton



Norm ya gotta carry the team Crook

Norm Crook Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta? Semi-finals

When and where did you start playing squash? – Cedar Springs 1982

What's your favourite drink? - Wine

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be? -  Earth Wind & Fire (editor's note - just like when Norm goes on the court, it's showtime when EWF hits the stage)

Favourite sport? - Golf

Favourite golf hole? – 18th at Pebble Beach (don't hit it left of the pin)

Where did you grow up? Hamilton/Burlington

University/College/Neither – George Brown College

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

Madonna, sexy, wild, smart, and I am the only one she hasn’t had. (Gary is that true)

Jeff Morton Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?  I'm just happy to be invited to participate in the event.  I think we can do okay and can get into the top 8 with a little luck.  Of course that is assuming we get by the first match and Sully or Brent drink too much on Saturday (the second part is a pretty good bet) and I don't piss off my partner too much.

What's your favourite drink? Corona and Margarita Tequila.  It's known as a loaded Corona.

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?  Sheryl Crow if I could get a backstage pass.

Favourite sport?  I love most sports including Slo pitch, basketball, golf, hockey, baseball, squash, fitness, rugby, football

Favourite golf hole? 18 at Heron Point from the tips

Where did you grow up? Ancaster

University/College/Neither -  Western

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?  Rene Russo – loved her performances in Major League, Get Shorty, Tin Cup, The Thomas Crown Affair (yeah baby) and Lethal Weapon 3 and 4.  All great flicks



 

John Rekrut and Ted Charuk profiles





John Rekrut
(he doesn't have a lazy eye, he's just a little lazy)

Ted Charuk

John Rekrut Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

We'll be in Finals

When and where did you start playing squash?

1977 at Hamilton Thistle Club

What's your favourite drink?

Rum & Diet coke (he sure drinks a lot of draft beer for a guy who prefers Rum)

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

The Eagles (John's been heard to sing "One of these nights")

Favourite sport?

Football

Favourite golf hole?
19th

Where did you grow up?

Hamilton North end

University/College/Neither

McMaster

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

Charlize Theron…… she’s close to my age!!

John what's with that squash outfit you always wear?  Well Jeff, the clothes are just getting broken in - especially the sweat band.

Ted Charuk profile

How do you think you and John will do in the Calcutta?  We should do pretty well.  I've guaranteed the Calcutta committee excellent rates for life and as a result John and I have been awarded plus five. 

When and Where did you start playing squash?  1981 at the Olympia in Hamilton

What's your favourite golf hole?  18th at Hamilton

Favourite drink?  Manhattan (editor's note any drink with a maraschino cherry is damn fine)

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?  Angelina Jolie - she's a prime candidate to become a client

Ted how many times are you going to give John the eye during the Calcutta?  No comment

Dave Peters and Grin and Barrett Captain Chris



Chris Barrett





Dave Doubles fisted Peters





Oh yeah

Dave Peters Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

WE’RE IN TOUGH BUT WE COULD DO SOME DAMAGE

When and where did you start playing squash?

1986 IN KINGSTON, ONTARIO

What's your favourite drink?

THE MORNING HANGOVER CEASAR (ah the skin tightener -good choice and available at BFRC)

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

THE VILLAGE PEOPLE – I THINK THE COP IS NATE’S DAD….

Boxers or briefs?

BOXERS AS BRIEFLY AS POSSIBLE

Favourite sport?

HOCKEY

Favourite golf hole?

18^TH AT ROCCO KEY

Where did you grow up?

KINGSTON, ONTARIO (Rock 'em sock 'em)

University/College/Neither

UNIVERISTY OF WATERLOO

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

JESSICA ALBA. HAVE YOU SEEN HER IN THAT FANTASTIC FOUR COSTUME?…..NUFF SAID ( Editor's note - Jessica included above for your convenience)

Chris Grin and Barrett Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?   We'll be top 8 but watch out for Nate and Sully (apparently Chris agrees with Nick's assessment about who will be refereeing)

What's your favourite sport?  Softball (Morty is my hero - this is not an editor's note)

Where and when did you start playing squash?  Toronto Squash Club in 1981.

What's your favourite drink?  Coors Lite (not really considered a beer)

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?  Cat Stevens (really?)

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?   Cameron Diaz - she's funny (nice choice)



The Best team? Nick and Greg

Nick after a long day laying bricks

Greg (before meeting Nick)



Nick Stryland Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

We will win, and Donnelly will ref all our matches, since he will lose first round.

When and where did you start playing squash?

Last week, under Mike Donnelly’s tutelage.  Lol – When I was 22 at the Dunfield club in Toronto

What's your favourite drink?

Absinthe - neat (BFRC cafe does not offer this Nick - have a few shots before you play)

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

Milli Vanilli (editor's note - long term weather forecast is rain for the 22/23 Nick - u know what to blame it on)

Boxers or briefs?

Commando

Favourite sport?

Squash, obviously.

Favourite golf hole?

The 19th

Where did you grow up?

I still haven’t grown up.  Toronto

University/College/Neither

School of Hard Knocks

BBA from York University

MBA from UBC

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

Just one?  Angelina Jolie – Because after dinner comes dessert (editor's note - with her three adopted children and Brad)

Greg Rae's Profile

How do you think your team will do in the Calcutta?

I haven’t met Nick but with a name like that he must be good.

He has Donnelly rattled so I think we have a (long) shot.

When and where did you start playing squash?

Cedar Springs in 87

What's your favourite drink?

Free Beer

If you could see one group/musician in concert, who would it be?

Elvis (Don't Cry (Big) Daddy

Boxers or briefs?

Silk Panties. (editor's note - I agree)

Favourite sport?

Squash

Favourite golf hole?

The 6^th at Putting Edge

Where did you grow up?

Started to in Montreal but gave up

University/College/Neither:

John Abbott College – Police Technology til I got busted

Other than your wife, if you could have dinner with any female celebrity, who would you chose and why?

My girlfriend. She is a lot more fun than my wife.

Good luck Nick and Greg - you appear to be a good pairing.