The B.C. Junior Okanagan Playdowns was a hard learning experience for the Penticton Curling Club’s lone entry.
Skip Mathew Stubban, with Tane Kita, Keiji Kita, Daylin Crickett and Luke Tumlinson, lost 18-2 against Steven Schafthuizen’s Kamloops rink and 19-3 against Thomas Love’s Vernon rink. Penticton coach Sherrie Burechailo didn’t hesitate to admit they were outplayed against more experienced teams.
“It was just a tournament that we probably bit off a little bit more than we could chew,” joked Burechailo. “My boys never lost their enthusiasm or enjoyment. They actually learned a ton.”
Burechailo added that seeing how good the other teams were gives them something to strive towards.
“I don’t think they knew that the teams would be so good,” she said.
Burechailo said they need to come with a better game plan because they have skilled curlers. The group has good sweepers and shooters. Being a new team, they also haven’t had a lot of time to work on strategy.
George Horner, governor of districts three, four and seven, which stretch from Osoyoos to Kamloops, for Curl B.C., said he felt Penticton’s rink did quite well being beginners. He didn’t expect them to compete with the high calibre teams.
“It’s experience,” he said. “Hopefully they keep going.”
Leading up to the weekend Burechailo said the local club was selected by Curl B.C. to host and felt it was important to have a team representing the community.
Love’s rink won the play down with a 3-1 record, while Schafthuizen finished second.
The girl’s side won by Corryn Brown from Kamloops Curling Club.
Overall, Horner said the Okanagan Playdowns went well in Penticton.
“I enjoyed seeing the curlers, the up and coming generation,” he said.