For 34 years, Rick More was never the lucky one to take home the title at the Farmer’s and Farmerette’s Bonspiel in Red Deer.
His team, while Bob Gummow’s team that More filled in as skip for in the A final on Saturday were victorious 7-5 over John Buyks.
The moment things turned in the final for More was when they put up five to take a commanding lead in the fourth end.
“(The rocks) were starting to pile up a little bit. We were struggling the first three ends, it was tricky. They left a port open for me and I managed to get through it and just bump them out,” he said.
In the eighth and final end, More had the hammer and a draw to the button with his second last shot made things too tough for his opponent.
“I said to the guys, I want to make my first shot not my second,” More added with a laugh.
“We stuck it there to make it tough for them, that’s what you have to do, put pressure on the other skip.”
In the women’s A final, Kim Lewis was victorious over Colleen Thomas. Connie Lougheed won the B final over Helen Leduc, while Kerri Towers beat Laurie Duncan in the C final and Mary Linnell won the D final against Melodie Belich.
In the farmer’s B final Scott Cruickshank took the win over Ken Hubbard. Mike Sulzle was the top team in the C final, getting the victory over Don Bonham. Brian Whittemore beat Gary White in the D final.
Overall 43 teams competed on the farmer’s side, and 16 on the farmerette’s side.
The bonspiel has been a staple in the community since 1945, growing to over 90 teams in the mid 80s, but every year brings a welcome experience for the competitors.
For More, who represented the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce and has curled with a collection of teams over the years, said the friendships and fun keep him coming back year after year.
“It’s really cool, been in it for 34 years… it’s been a great bunch of people that I’ve known for years,” he explained.
“You never care what team you get picked on. It’s always fun, a great week of camaraderie and urban meets rural.”