From Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 Carlyle was host to 22 teams of curlers entered in the 8th Annual Oilman's Bonspiel.
The format of the tournament was a Creelman draw, which saw each team guaranteed four games over the course of the tournament. From here teams were seeded according to four events meaning the top 16 teams would advance to playoffs held on Sunday, Feb. 24 for the final curling action of the tournament.
As this was the Oilman's Bonspiel teams were asked to have at least three people in the oil field or oil field related occupations. This included spouses of those who work in the petroleum industry.
Teams were created and people were competing from Lampman, Estevan, Arcola, Stoughton, and Carlyle.
As the games were played the winners received a cash prize each time; while the winners of the tournament would get a larger cash prize.
Due to the large number of sponsors for the tournament there were also a number of door prizes and raffle items to enjoy.
"We couldn't do it without our sponsors," Anita Delalleau, organizer, explained.
Delalleau headed the organization of the bonspiel with help from the Carlyle Curling Board.
The event was not only a fun way to spend a few days, but was a social gathering of people with interests in the petroleum industry providing kinship amongst the group making the bonspiel particularly enjoyable to those competing.
Each of the days saw lunch put on by the History Book Committee who were fundraising for their project, Black Top to Black Gold.
In addition to the good hearted competition at the curling rink the teams took in socials. Friday night saw curlers attend a banquet at Memorial Hall where they were treated to delicious food. There was a Calcutta held auctioning teams off. Once supper and the Calcutta auction finished those in attendance enjoyed a dance which began at 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, curlers were treated to a wing and pizza night courtesy of sponsors to the bonspiel.
There were four finals on Sunday. The "A Event" was won by Champion Bunz consisting of Michael Bunz, Kevin Wilson, Colton Wilson, and Aaron White. The "B Event" was won by South East Electric #1 with Glenn Gress, Garth Newell, Cheryl Newell, Terry Hengen and Nora Hengen on the team. The "C Event" was won by Enbridge made up of Brandy East, Duane Lahota, Joanne Lahota, David East and Blake Slykhuis. Finally the "D Event" was won by Tervita consisting of Gerald Clark, Nedra Clark, Kelly Martin and Clint Brownridge.
Overall the bonspiel was a great success and all are looking forward to next year's action.
