The Merit Ford Sales Saskatchewan Women's Curling Tour (SWCT) Bonspiel held in Carlyle from Friday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 7, saw Penny Barker's team take first place and earn an SWCT provincial berth.
A total of 16 teams attended including teams Barker, Despins, Eberle, Englot, Fleming, Hanson, Inglis, Peterson, Selzer, Tisdale, Vey, and Williamson.
Competition began on Friday at 6 p.m. and continued for the weekend with the final hosted on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m.
The final saw Team Williamson and Team Barker, both went undefeated through the draw into the final.
This match saw Team Barker take a quick lead in the second end with two points. Team Williamson clawed back with one point in the third and fourth ends. Team Barker took the lead once again earning two in the fifth end, while Team Williamson again fought back with a single point earned in each the sixth and seventh ends.
Going into the eighth and final end, the score was tied. Difficult shots were made throughout the day and Williamson's final throw was just shy of the button, leaving Team Barker to win by one with a score of five to four.
Team Barker celebrated their win, which came with a provincial berth. Happy with the overall weekend, Team Barker explained they were not only pleased with the Carlyle Curling Club, but with the town overall.
“It was really great,” Amanda Craigie said. “The town was really good, we got to take in some of Dickens, and the hosts here, Kristen (Mitchell) and Natalie (Bloomfield) did a nice job putting this all together. Hopefully next year they'll host again.”
Penny Barker added, “It was a great weekend, the ice was good, and the town was really great.”
One of the organizers, Mitchell, said that she was happy with how the weekend went and had a lot of positive reviews from those attending.
“I thought it went really good,” Mitchell said. “The curlers had lots of fun and they loved Dickens weekend. The ladies have already said they would like us to host again and to possibly host play down events.”
“I think the city teams were surprised with the amount there is to do in our small town. There was good shopping, great restaurants, the Dickens festival, and nice hotels which all helped. It was a huge success and I think we'll be able to do it again next year.”
