Final Result For 2006 @ Georges

The day for the last hurrah @ Georges for 2006 dawned like any other average day in Sydney for the last 2 months. Miserable, cold and sprinkling with rain. It was teasing rain for a drought stricken Sydney, its environs and the whole country in general. I awoke thinking I was in Melbourne, the only other destination where I had experienced such morbid weather.

               But, we ( the royal we ) had a backgammon tournament to attend / run @ Georges. Donning a jumper and carting my backgammon apparatus and goodies I departed the house singing in my Churchly voice (being a Sunday mind u) " Hi ho, hi ho to Georges we go ". The things I do to cheer and motivate myselk(f) amazes even me.

               Enough of the rambling, lets get to the nitty, gritty. Quality of weather, miserable. Quantity of turn out minimal. Attitude of people excellent, enhanced by the the new recruits William, Peter, Nicki & friend ( must apologise the unusual name slips my memory----getting old my friends). All of u made Georges afternoon, but William, u brought vim, vigour & excitement into the game later that night. You are one incorrigible dude. Life of the party.

                We also had one other new guest, but an old stalwart of backgammon in attendance. Welcome to Tony Hutton. Good to see u back on the scene. But, I did miss my good friends Stefan, Zvi & Andrew whom, unfortunately, were not able to make their presence felt that day. Thanks John for coming up from the coast and Maurice from the country. Appreciate your support. Tribute to Marijo & Ian who have been to every tournament @ Georges. Cheers guys.

                It was very much a social day with Kim, Ian's better half putting in an appearance as well as Peter's party. If only the Sydneysiders would make more of an effort to support backgammon. Still, I am glad to see there are people who appreciate Georges special backgammon meal. I suppose backgammon is not much of an attraction anymore with poker being the main distraction. Gabby & Mimi, when are you girls coming back ? Isn't the price right ? Next tournament I might auction the entry amount. Idea, courtesy of Sean of Zoe & Sean fame.

                An initial field of 10 started the day rolling where yours truly had to make up the numbers. With buybacks a 16 person field was achieved with some interesting games. Because of the lack of numbers it was a relaxed day with people opting to play chouettes instead of a secondary tournament.


                Results   Marijo and Jay played the finals with Marijo careening away with the honours. Congrats *Marijo* on winning two events in a row.

                Prize        Winner       $900 plus $100 Voucher
                                  Finalist     $300 plus $100 Voucher
                                  Zoe           $100  plus $50   Voucher
                                  John         $100  plus $50  Voucher

                The RSVP prize---a bottle of red--- was won by Tony Mac.


               Ideas   Any fresh ideas will be entertained. Format change, promotions @ malls or plazas, social gathering of backgammoners. Anybody fancy a Chrissy party maybe even @ Georges to spend the vouchers ? I am hoping to have discussions with George for sponsorship @ future tournaments. Also, maybe, lets try for a major event. These are only
possible with grassroot support.


               Finally, on behalf of all the players & myself, we would like to thank you George, for your support in providing a venue and donating the prizes. Also, a big thank you to the staff for their gracious service under duress especially @ the last event. We do look forward to next year with maybe more support from the backgammon community as well as more effort promoting the event.


                         Till we meet again salubrious salutations.

               A Happy X'mas and a Merry New Year to One & All

Jay Deva November 2006