The 2012 Karlberg Tournament by the WPLBC
The Annual Karlberg Open hosted by the Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club, September 15,2012, was rewarded with the beauty of a beautiful Denver fall day. Guests from Sun City Arizona, New York City and Cornwall, England joined the WPLBC members to compete and to honor Ralph Karlberg for his services over the past 40 years. The closeness of all the matches spoke to the improvement and high level of bowling by the club members.
Geoff and Keith Loadman (Geoff Loadman’s dad from Cornwall England), returned that morning from competing in the United States Lawn Bowls Association US Open in California. This father and son team provided a high bar for the competition.
Matches were played in four end matches in a round robin to try and match skill and competition created by President Ron Eccles
Master Greens Keeper and bowler, Steve Talkington sacrificed his bowling matches to don his “Chefs Hat” and supply an abundance of food for all. He whipped up steaks, chicken, baked potatoes, beans, salad and corn on the cob, provided by Gail Kilyk, on the tiny club grill.
As always dessert was served with a great cake from Melissa Barrett, Brownies from Suanne Dell and cheesecake from Jim Smrz. Wine was provided by Ken Hopper treasurer of the New York City Lawn Bowling Club in Central Park, NYC. Ron Eccles of Croquet Marketing of America provided water and Beer. And Jim Smrz brought lemonade for all.
No doubt about it The Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club values it’s Social Side of Bowling!
Members and guests battled under sunny skies competing in four end rounds to the finish. Some of the best looking heads you can picture occurred with many close measurements. With the exception of Gale, being stuck on rink one; a scheduling error, combatants rotated through the five lawns. The day slowly unfolded displaying the strength of the field. A strong performance was given by all.
Presentation of awards were given to:
1st Keith Loadman Cornwall, England
2nd Ralph Karlberg Denver Colorado
3rd Geoff Loadman Denver Colorado
4th John Buckley Castle Rock Co. & Sun City Arizona
5th Earle Howey Grand Lake Colorado & Sun City Arizona
6th Ken Hopper New York City, New York
7th Jim Smrz Denver Colorado
8th Matt Tuffli Denver Colorado
9th Dale Robson Golden Colorado
10th Ron Eccles Denver Colorado
11th Melissa Barrett Denver Colorado
12th Suanne Dell Denver Colorado
13th Gail Kilyk Denver Colorado
14th Steve Talkington Denver Colorado
15th Sue Howey Grand Lake Colorado & Sun City Arizona
The Tournament concluded with a “Waterford Doubles”, won by the team of Earle Howey and Steve Talkington. The second place team was Ken Hooper and Sue Howey with the third place finish to Geoff Loadman and Melissa Barrett.
Jim Smrz and other players worked as Markers when not in a game and all thank them for their help.
A special thanks to Suanne Dell for creating all the awards and special certificates. And a BIG SHOUT-OUT to all the Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club members and guests for helping and participating in the 2012 Karlberg Open.
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