Matamata, Te Aroha, Morrinsville Clubs

10 of our 11 graduates were present on Graduation Day. We will make a special fuss of Sue Pothecary when she returns from overseas. Congratulations to all our new members and here they are pictured with their buddies who are going to guide them in their first steps at club bridge.
Alison and Tim
Alison and Ross
Jillian and Anna
Judy and Hermanna
Philip and Jane
Rochelle and Jake
Sheila and George
Shirley and Joan
Victor and Arie
Carolien and Greg

HermannaCongratulations to Hermanna, flying the Te Aroha club flag at the WAPs yesterday in Cambridge. In the last of 6 rounds of the Waikato Area Pairs, which boasts some of the best open players in the region competing, Hermanna teamed up with Rita Van Den Einden and showed the field their paces. With a 53.54% in the morning, just a whisker away from top spot North South, they followed up with a stunning afternoon result of 58.33%, second North South. Overall they came third for the day. A fantastic result in strong competition. We are all proud of you Hermanna - well played!

Our 2013 graduates from lessons played their first game of Tuesday night club bridge. All survived ... well played!
Class of 2013

Some shots from the tournament

Morrinsville: Ensuring etiquette and sensible bidding is upheld - our Director Jane Stearns!

Morrinsville Cream: "Bring it on" said Alison

morrinsville Cream: A formidable duo prepare for battle

morrinsville cream: Jillian Rubbing her hands with glee at the idea of calling a slam ... and making

Morrinsville Cream: what 1NT with 10 points????

Three brave pairs from lessons stepped forward to take part in a relaxed afternoon of bridge at the Morrinsville Bridge Club this afternoon. Whilst the Cream of the Country were battling it out in the main room, the Mini Moos played 9 boards in a separate playing area. Six tables, 24 beginners from lessons at Hamilton, Cambridge, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu and Te Aroha took part. Crib sheets were allowed and Phone A Friend. Carolien van Reekum and Judy Eichblatt finished a very commendable 5th out of the 12. Remember just 12 weeks ago, Carolien had never even held a playing card in her hand. Runners up were Alison Jones and Victor Kooter. The winners were our very own Rochelle van Heuven and Jillian O'Neill, the only pair in the room to be brave enough to bid and call a slam. All this, and they haven't even graduated from lessons and played a session of club bridge yet. CONGRATULATIONS to all of them. Full results in the pdf attachement.

Tuesday night sees our 11 brave students graduate from class to become QBPs (Qualified Bridge Players) Come along to join the celebrations this Tuesday at 7pm. Wine and nibbles to start, a short graduation ceremony, followed by their first night of club play. Come and meet and support your newest club members.

Anna still managing gremlins in the works but you can see the result for Tuesday night, although ladder for overall result of the 2 week series not yet available.

Apologies folks, took the wrong file home so no results until I can get back to the bridge club computer...

However, all i can remember is that it was memorable for Greg & Tim who managed 75% at the expense of others in club (no mentioning names).

The overall result of the two night will be tight ... I think Tim & Greg will have pipped Melba and Anne for the two night match win. However this will remain unofficial until we can confirm with accurate results to hand.

Looking forward to the start of the three night competition next week (starting with a small celebration to welcome new members to the table).

Cream of the CountryThe annual Cream of the Country bridge afternoon takes place at Morrinsville Bridge Club on Sunday 28 July. Just one session of bridge in relaxed conditions. Play starts at 1pm, so you need to arrive no later than 12.45pm. It is not a walk-in event, so you do need to pre-register to take part. Jane is happy to take entries so just flick her an email or ring. What better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon? Just a $5 entry fee. In a separate area beginners from lessons around the Waikato area are taking part in the Mini Moos, their first bridge tournament. Mini MoosA number of Te Aroha beginners are being brave enough to enter. Good Luck to all of them. Please support them by playing in the main event if you can so you are able to encourage them at their debut tournament. The list of entries is attached below.

Some pics from over the weekend . . .

Where's your shirt Greg???

From Left to Right: Lindsay Reid, founding member of the Te Aroha Club; Carol Wilson (daughter of Connie and Jack Jacobs also founding members) and Steph and Tom Jacob (half of the winning overall team and grandson of aforementioned founding members)

Jacob battling with the best

Competition begins

Hermanna and Henk find something amusing

Lesley Quilty, Matamata (foreground) and HErmanna Hemmes in the background.

Tim and Jane look pleased with themselves!

Ben Kalma, the caddy takes a break