The website of the Australian Scrabble Players Association (Victoria) Inc.
Watch this space for the latest news and happenings in the Victorian Scrabble scene, and to find lots of information and to check on news from the past click on the links at left. Your social reporter is Marj Miller, and to pass on any news click here
mjwm9@bigpond.com
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS:
Sunbury ~ SATURDAY December 1 ~ 6 games ~ at Sunbury
Decathon ~ SUNDAY December 30 ~ 10 games ~ at Box Hill
Bil Rose Aestival ~ SUNDAY January 13 ~ 7 games ~ at Box Hill
Saturday Sessions #1 ~ SATURDAY February 2 ~ 5 games ~ at Reservoir
Summer Fun ~ SUNDAY February 17 ~ 7 games ~ at Box Hill
For full details of tournaments click HERE
The Trans Tasman Challenge - in Dunedin, New Zealand ~ November 16/18, 2018
Australia's team for this event is as follows - good luck to all!Bob Jackman (NSW), Rod Talbot (NSW), Ryan Sutton (NSW), Adam Kretschmer (SA), David Vanzyl (WA), Ron Baginski (QLD), Victor Tung (NSW), John Holgate (NSW), Karen Richards (QLD), Tony Hunt (NSW), Graeme Lock Lee (NSW) and Diane Brumby (TAS).
The Fairfield & Northcote Club Tournament ~ November 11, 2018
The second Fairfield and Northcote Scrabble Club tournament hosted 50 players in 4 sections on Sunday 11th November, being the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which was observed with a minute's silence at 1100 hours. (Special thanks to Tournament Organiser Rob York for this report, for organising and acting as the Standby Player, and for his thoughtful reading of the Ode, which was appreciated by all.) Division A - Naween Fernando, Geoff Wright, Shirley De Silva & Anand Bharadwaj |  Division B - John Parker, Angie Pearse, Paula Messer, Lorraine Thomas and Glen Chandler |  Division C winners - Dianne Gibson, Lynne Goodinson and Christiane McCann |  Div D Winners - Angie Winkler, Annette Casey, Eileen Mills, Marisa Nuccitelli, Elize Plaganyi and Latha Weerakkody |
Division B was won by Angie Pearse, winning six games ahead of Lorraine Thomas with five wins and John Parker leading the pack on four wins. The High Game award went to Glen Chandler for her score of 537, and Paula Messer won the High Word award for her play of Sequins for 105 points.
Division C was tightly fought with Christiane McCann finishing on 5 wins, beating Dorothy Barraclough on margin. Third place went to Dianne Gibson on 4.5 wins, again with a better margin than others. The High Game award was won by Lynne Goodinson for her score of 472, as well as the High Word for her play of EXAMINER for 104 points.
Division D was won by the ever-smiling Latha Weerakkody with six wins. Angie Winkler and Annette Casey took out second and third, separated by margin, whilst Eileen Mills had a High Game of 522. Well done Eileen! An extra prize had to be found, as Marisa Nuccitelli and Elize Plaganyi both had a High Word of 88 points!!
 Shirley De Silva played UPRAISED for 140 points Click to enlarge |  Paula Messer playing Rob York on Table 12, with Dorothy Barraclough playing Dianne Gibson at the next board |  In Division A, Gwen Lampre plays Mark Tully nearest the camera, and Katie Rowe plays Geoff Shepheard |  Tidying up at the end of the day - Barry Harridge, Norma Fisher, Geoff Shepheard & Rob York |
To see the full results of the 2018 FaNS Tournament click HERE
Saturday Sessions 8 ~ October 27, 2018
This was the final Session for this year, with eight more planned for next year - well done, Nick Ivanovski! Thirty four players competed in five sections, and at the end of the day all winners received medals for their efforts. Presentations were also made to players in various ratings bands who received the greatest number of cumulative points over the eight sessions this year, and these generous cash rewards were appreciated by all recipients. Overall winners: Christie Godby, John Rider, Glenys Dettmann, Noel Coulter, Andrew Fisher, Naween Fernando |  Division A winner, Naween Fernando |  Division B winner, Rod Casey |  Division C winner, Noel Coulter |  Division D winner, Christie Godby |  Division E winner, Balada Catanchin |
To see the full results of the final Session for 2018 click HERE
Vale Carole Eden ~ October 23, 2018
 Carole and Mal at the A.G.M. in 2014 |  Carole with Team Knickerbockers |  With Angie Pearse at Tumut |  Winners - fun with Marisa and Ann |
This was a life well lived, rest peacefully, Carole.
The South Australia - Victoria Border Challenge! Sat/Sunday 20/21st October 2018
 The South Australian players, too good again! |  The Victorian Team - we'll try again next year! |  Dinner on Saturday night - a bit of a wait, but worth it! |
Some of the Victorian players felt they had been drawn to play too many Vics, but this will always happen when one team has a considerably greater number of players than the other - in previous years the South Australian team has consistently been larger than the Victorian contingent, and they have been playing against each other much more than us Vics have been doing. Short of restricting the number in each team I can see no way to alleviate this happening, and I personally wouldn't be in favour of this.
On a lighter note we all thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in Horsham, and catching up with friends from both states. Bruce and his staff at the White Hart Hotel look after our needs very well, which adds to the enjoyment of the weekend. Thanks to Victoria's Carol Johnsen and helpers for organising this year, and South Australia's Adam Kretschmer for his extensive computer work. Well done to South Australia, we'll do battle again sometime next year!
 The overall winners - Michael Cameron (three prizes!), Antony Kimber and Trevor Tao, all from South Australia |  Rating band winners: Kjwanjai Thammaping (Vic), Julie Robins (SA), Helen Jones (SA), Dorothy Barraclough (Vic) and Glenys Dettmann (Vic) |  Trevor Tao with his ukulele, about to lead the South Australians in their victory song - my congratulations to the South Aussies! |  Our lunch spot following the conclusion of play on Sunday - Khwanjai enjoying her lunch beside the lovely Wimmera River in Horsham |
The Annual Victorian Country Championship and combined Ballarat Tournament - Saturday 13th October, 2018
Here is a report from Carol Johnsen covering this combined event - thanks Carol, and for the photos.What a wonderful day at the new venue for the Ballarat Club to host the Victorian Country Championship. The Greyhound Racing Club has plenty of parking, easy access, lovely big tables, comfortable and warm surroundings (remember, this is Ballarat!) and lunch was available around the corner at the equally comfortable Flying Horse bistro at the Trotting venue.
Peter Bauer came home late defeating his partner Heather Long by 6 points in the last game to push her from 2nd to 4th place and take out 2nd place in the section, giving him the title of Country Champion for 2018. Fair enough though, as Heather had already been Country Champion before!
Ballarat Club did themselves proud, along with the delightful and delicious snacks served throughout the day. There were three novices competing from the Ballarat Club with Vera Zylan winning best novice with 3 wins. With the smallish fields the day flowed quickly and was enjoyed by all.
To check the full results of this event click HERE
 A Division: Angie Pearse, Kris Howat, Champion Peter Bauer, Carol Johnsen. |  B - Vera Zylan (best novice), Marjorie Clark (1), Elize Plaganyi (3), Jenny Kearney (2) |  Vera Zylan plays Marjorie Clark, the Convenor of the Ballarat Scrabble Club |  The Greyhound Racing Club, where the Club meets on Tuesdays from 10-3pm |
The annual Seniors' Scrabble Day Out! October 11, 2018
The happy winners of all the sections, with winners of door prizes and other various things!
Players were divided into groups of four, and competed in 13 divisions named after various flowers - for example, A for Amaryllis through to M for Marigold. Three games were played and the winner of each section received a prize for their efforts, either a box of chocolates or a Scrabble notebook.
Morning tea was served after Game One, and we enjoyed a mix of dips, crackers, fresh fruit and cakes. Lunch was presented after Game Two and had been ordered from Subway and everyone enjoyed the lovely fresh salad rolls with ham, chicken, or tuna, with extra salad supplied for those with special dietary requirements.
Well done to Carol for her organisational and shopping skills, and thank you to the local players, especially Layhoon (pictured kneeling at left above) and Christiane (standing third from the left), who helped out in so many ways with setting up and tidying up at the end of the day.
Everyone seemed to really enjoy their day out, and if anyone would like to join one of the Scrabble groups which meet regularly at the Golden Age Community Centre the times are as follows: Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30am - 3pm, with a very short break over the Christmas period.
 Players from the U3A Kingston Scrabble Group - contact U3A on 9580 8328 to enquire about joining them in Mordialloc! |  Organiser Carol Johnsen, with Laura, Juanita, & Christiane McCann. All play regularly at the Golden Age Scrabble Club. |  Members of Scrabble Victoria - Mary Mackie, Dianne Gibson, Marisa Nuccitelli, Sita Dasika & Betty Egan. |
Saturday Sessions, the 7th event for 2018
The start of the day - Game One underway.
All arrived on time, and Organiser/Tournament Director/Standby Player Nick Ivanovski settled in to play to even up the numbers. Thanks to Nick for his hard work, to Clare Ivanovski for her contribution in keeping us well fed, and to Elizabeth McKean for her donation of her legendary jelly slice. Thanks also to all who helped with setting up and tidying up at the end of the day, your help is appreciated!
There were several good performances on the day, with the highest game score of 550 achieved by Andrew Fisher in A Division, closely followed by Mark Tully who scored 525 in Division B. I'm aware of one nice individual play for the day - DITZIEST was played as a four-timer for 122 points, and I'm sure there were many others. Geoff Wright and Naween Fernando opened their game with 5 consecutive bonuses - Naween played PINBONE, MAULGRED, and SATURANT, with Geoff playing GELATION and SWIVELED! What a great start to a game. Two players won all five games in their respective divisions, namely Glenys Dettmann and Marj Miller.
Below is the rogues' gallery from the event - missing is the winner of Division C, John Rider.
To check the full results of Saturday Session 7 click HERE
 Division A winner, Peter Kougi |  Division B winner, Marj Miller |  Division D winner, Glenys Dettmann |  Division E winner Ann Goodwin, with Rob Hutchinson |  Division F winner, Rajiv Armani |
The Annual Essendon Tournament ~ September 30, 2018
Here is a great report from Rob York, the Essendon Scrabble Club Convenor and Tournament Organiser - thanks, Rob! The Club meets on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at the Essendon Senior Citizens Centre, 5 Kellaway Ave, Moonee Ponds - all new players and visitors welcome for a great Scrabble experience!On Sunday 30th of September, following the devastating 2018 AFL Grand Final, 50 enthusiastic local Scrabblers turned out for the 2018 Essendon Scrabble Club Tournament. Despite a cancellation and the confusion of an extra late entry, by 9.40am the draw went up, the heads went down and the bingoes started flowing!!
 Division C's Clever Clogs! Dorothy Rice, John Metcalfe, Nicole Lowe |  The Brains in Division B: Rob York, Janet Bau, Phil Moller, John Rider |  Unstoppable in Division A: Noel Coulter, Norma Fisher, Dianne Davis, Mark Tully & Anand Bharadwaj |  The 2018 Victorian Committee: Nick Ivanovski, Anand Bharadwaj, Gwen Lampre, Christie Godby, Carol Johnsen, Peter Kougi, Norma Fisher |
Section B was very nearly an all-Essendon affair - Phil Moller played TRENDIES for 122 in the last game, to snare High Word from the clutches of Rob York, who instead had to settle for third place with 5 wins. John Rider and Janet Bau both had 6 wins, but John's margin of +271 paled before Janet's margin of +485. Janet also picked up High Game with 498!
Section C was also won by an Essendon player - young John Metcalf had a clean sweep with 7 wins, a margin of +882 and he also took out the High Game with 508! Second place went to Dorothy Rice with 6wins (+409) and Lynne Goodinson took out third with 4 wins (+303). Not to be outdone, Essendon's Nicole Lowe took High Word with FORTIFY for 93.
Norma Fisher, 3000
games! (file photo)
Special mention was made to Norma Fisher on achieving 3000 tournament games played in Australia (her medal is coming!). Norma has represented Australia in Trans-Tasman Challenges, and had played many uncounted games overseas, both in New Zealand and the United States, before settling here in 2001. Well done, Norma, a great achievement indeed!
People who made significant Rating gains included Mark Tully (+52), Norma Fisher & John Metcalf (both +44), Janet Bau (+41), John Rider (+36), Anand Bharadwaj +34, Rob York (+33) and Dilendra Nanayakkara (+31).
To check the full results of the 2018 Essendon Tournament click HERE
The 2018 Matchplay Kickoff Tournament
Qualifiers: Helen Hynes, Angie Pearse, Andrew
Fisher, Carol Johnsen, Matte Dunn. Front: Christie
Godby, Trevor Halsall, Peter Kougi
Matchplay Champ Andrew Fisher
Nick Ivanovski welcomed ex-Victorian player Helen Hynes from Queensland, and standby player Marj Miller was needed to even up the numbers. Nick moved the day along smoothly with help from his son and other players, and at the end of the day eight of the top nine finishers opted to contest the later rounds, with Helen Hynes unable to participate further due to her imminent return to Queensland.
Congratulations to all the qualifiers, and to the award winners on the day - many prizes were presented for various achievements including rating band prizes, high word and high game.
To check the full results of the 2018 Matchplay Qualifying Tournament click HERE
Update 30th July 2018: at the time of reporting the quarter finals have been completed, with Naween Fernando victorious over Angie Pearse, Andrew Fisher winning against Carol Johnsen and Peter Kougi winning against Matte Dunn. The most recently completed quarter final saw Trevor Halsall victorious over Christie Godby. Well done to all, more news will follow.
 Happy Lina Camilleri with Peter Kougi, also happy! |  Glen Chandler, Dianne Gibson and Betty Egan |  John Rider, Mark Tully, John Parker, and Rob York |  Geoff Wright, Natasha Podesser and Andrew Fisher |
Final standings in the 2018 Matchplay
Congratulations to Andrew Fisher on winning this annual event, as always it was a tough contest!
Trevor Halsall 3
Peter Kougi 3
Andrew Fisher 3
Naween Fernando 3
Christie Godby 1
Matte Dunn 0
Carol Johnsen 0
Angie Pearse 1
Trevor Halsall 1
Andrew Fisher 4
Peter Kougi 4
Naween Fernando 3
Andrew Fisher 5
Peter Kougi 3
The Geelong Tournament ~ September 15, 2018
This event was held earlier in the year than usual, but still attracted 30 keen players to contest the 3 sections played.A Division saw a great win to Kris Howat, who won five of the six games played, followed by Mary McMahon and Geoff Shepheard, both on four wins. Geoff took home both the High Game and High Word awards for the section, scoring 521 points and playing MINIBARS for 158 points. Well done Geoff! Barry Harridge remarked that he had been complaining about the rubbish he had been picking up in the 3 games before the lunch break, and then proceeded to kick off his 4th game with a bingo - RUBBISH (no blanks). And strangely, another of his games finished with neither blank being played. It is a strange game indeed!
In Division B local player Anne Menheere triumphed with the best margin of four players who finished on four wins each, a very close tussle. Second place went to Paula Messer, with Betty Egan third. Betty had a good day, winning the High Game award for her score of 505 points, and the High Word award for her play of OCREATE for 96 points.
Division C was won by Balada Catanchin on five wins, ahead of Marlene Ellis also on five wins, with Raelene Owen third on four wins. Marlene Ellis scored 473 points to win the High Game award, and Marisa Nuccitelli played RELAXED for 101 points to collect the High Word award.
People who made substantial ratings gains were Kris Howat +55, Anne Menheere +42, Balada Catanchin +34, Raelene Owen +32, Marlene Ellis +30, and Noel Coulter +27.
Thanks to Marlene Ellis and the Geelong Club members for their hospitality, and to Carol Johnsen for helping with the organisation, and acting as the Tournament Director.
To see the full results of the 2018 Geelong Tournament click HERE
The Australian Masters and State Team Challenge ~ September 8/9, 2018
 The Victorian players - Masters winner Andrew Fisher, Carol Johnsen, Trevor Halsall, Norma Fisher, Peter Kougi and Gwen Lampre. |  The winning team from the Australian Capital Territory - Noel Barrett, John Spaan and individual Challenge winner John Hamilton |  The spacious and pleasant playing area at Southport R.S.L. |
THE MASTERS: After 18 gruelling games the final positions were Andrew Fisher (Victoria, 1st on 14 wins), Peter Kougi (Victoria, 2nd/13), Cameron Farlow (Queensland, 3rd/12), Joanne Craig (New South Wales, 4th/11), and Trevor Halsall (Victoria 5th/10.5). Congrats to Andrew on his third win at this event, an excellent effort as this is always such a tough contest. Rael Hayman fron New South Wales scored 560 to win the High Game prize, and Adam Kretschmer from South Australia played MEDITATE for 158 points to secure the High Word award.
Previous MASTERS Champions: 2005 Trevor Halsall (Victoria), 2006 Bob Jackman (New South Wales), 2007 Naween Fernando (Victoria), 2008 David Eldar (Victoria), 2009 Andrew Fisher (Victoria), 2010 Peter Kougi (Victoria), 2011 Edward Okulicz (New South Wales), 2012 Edward won again, 2013 Alastair Richards (Queensland), 2014 Cameron Farlow (Queensland), 2015 Naween Fernando (Victoria), 2016 Joanne Craig (New South Wales), 2017 Andrew Fisher (Victoria), and again in 2018.
 Masters winner Andrew Fisher, with Jane Brown (Queensland) and Carol Johnsen (Victoria) |  Masters 2nd placed Peter Kougi with Jane Brown |  Jane Brown with third placed in the Masters, Cameron Farlow |  Joanne Craig from New South Wales, fourth in Masters (file photo) |  Fifth in Masters, Trevor Halsall with Jane Brown |  Jyoti Chandna, High Word in the Team Challenge, with Jane Brown, Judy Mason and Martin Waterworth |
The Victorian team improved greatly on the second day, and led strongly by Gwen Lampre worked their way up to finish in second place with 29 wins. Well done, Gwen Lampre, Norma Fisher and Carol Johnsen! South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania scored 28 wins per team, followed by Queensland on 20 wins and New South Wales on 19.
Individual place-getters in the Team Challenge were John Hamilton (Australian Capital Territory) on 16 wins, (well done, John!), Gwen Lampre (Victoria) second on 12 wins, and Dianne Brumby (Tasmania) third, also with 12 wins. Norma Fisher (Victoria) scored 525 to win High Game, and Jyoti Chandna (New South Wales) played DEVIATOR for 167 points to win High Word, well done to all.
Previous Champion Teams: 2005 South Australia (33 wins), 2006 Western Australia (38), 2007 Victoria (31), 2008 Queensland (32), 2009 Queensland (33), 2010 New South Wales (39), 2011 Queensland (33), 2012 New South Wales (31.5), 2013 South Australia (32.5), 2014 New South Wales (33), 2015 New South Wales (31), 2016 Western Australia (33), 2017 Victoria (31.5), and 2018 the Australian Capital Territory (37).
Congratulations to ASPA Queensland on your successful running of this event, all who attended were appreciative of your efforts.
To check the full results of the 2018 Australian Masters and State Team Challenge in the National Archive click HERE
The A.G.M. Tournament ~ Sunday August 19, 2018
Relaxing at lunchtime: Dominica Krstic, Angie
Winkler, Annette Casey, Mark Tully
Tournament Organiser and Association President Carol Johnsen welcomed everyone, with a special welcome to newish player Carolyn Miller who had played Club scrabble for some years, and in the Saturday Session tournament the previous week - I hope you enjoyed the day, Carolyn!
The A.G.M. saw all Committee members returned, with the exception of Treasurer Rob Hutchinson who has stepped down due to personal commitments - thank you for serving on the Committee for the past couple of years, Rob. The position of Treasurer is currently vacant so if you know of anyone who might like to do the job please let President Carol know. The meeting voted to increase the number of ordinary committee members to six, and Anand Bharadwaj is the new member - Anand's scholastic achievements are notable, and he has a particular interest in promoting Youth Scrabble. Good luck, Anand!
The tournament started punctually and was very enjoyable, with delicious food provided in the breaks by caterer Liz Mc Kean and her mum. Thanks to you both, we all enjoyed it!
Division A saw Naween Fernando win all 7 games, well done, Naween. Second placed was Nick Ivanovski on 5 wins, with Dianne Davis third, also on 5 wins. The High Game prize went to Nick Ivanovski (594 points, the highest overall on the day) and Mark Tully plyed NARTJIES for 119 points to take home the High Word Award.
Division B was strongly contested, with June Valentine the victor on 6 wins, followed by Elaine Capewell and Dorothy Barraclough who both won 5 games. Elaine took home both the High Game and High Word prizes for her score of 506, and her play of SWEETEN for 98 points. Well done, everyone.
Division C was won by Asley McKeown, who won 6 games to finish clear of Laura Khan and Annette Casey on 5 wins each. Annette scored 487 points to collect the High Game Award, and Laura played QUACKED for 130 points to win the High Word Award - this was the highest word score for the day, nice play, Laura.
Excellent ratings gains on the day were achieved by June Valentine +48, Rena Aitken +44, Dianne Davis +33, Annette Casey +31 and Dorothy Barraclough +31. Ashley McKeon increased his provisional rating by 182 points, well done, Ashley and everyone, a great effort from all.
 Division A: Naween Fernando, Dianne Davis, Nick Ivanovski, Mark Tully |  June Valentine, Elaine Capewell, multiple winners in Division B |  Multiple winners in Division C: Annette Casey & Laura Khan |  Second time tournament player, Carolyn Miller, with regular Lina Camilleri |
Saturday Sessions 6 ~ August 11, 2018
Thirty-four players took part in the sixth Saturday Session for the year, providing great competition for all who attended. Nick Ivanovski welcomed new players Carolyn Miller and Niki Misinale, I hope both enjoyed their day.Winners on the day were Andrew Fisher (A), Julie Belle (B), Kashi Thiris (C), Robin Steward (D) and Marisa Nuccitelli (E). Outstanding performances came from Andrew, Robin and Marisa, with all winning the five games played in their divisions. Robin played a great game to score 599 points and take home the High Game cash prize on the day, agonizingly close to the magical goal of 600! Well done to everyone, and thanks to all who helped Nick run the event!
 |  Marisa Nuccitelli, E Division |  Robin Steward, Division D |  Div. C winner, Kashi Thiris |  Winner Div. B, Julie Belle |  Andrew Fisher, Div. A winner |
The Peninsula Tournament, July 28, 2018
After a late change of date due to a mix-up with the bookings 14 people met at the Mount Eliza Community Hall to contest the event, under the able direction of Carol Johnsen - thanks Carol, and also for the delightful food you provided. After six enjoyable games Angie Pearse proved too good and took home the top-place prize, with Jane McDonnell and Dianne Davis in second and third places respectively. Angie also played SEIZING for 108 points, the highest word score for the day, and the highest game score overall was achieved by Marj Miller for her score of 502.Well done to everyone, and thanks for adjusting your weekend plans and coming on Saturday!
 The winner Angie Pearse with Tournament Director Carol Johnsen |  Lynne Goodinson plays Sandra Masel, in very pleasant surroundings |  From the left: Dianne Davis, David Robinson, Geoff Shepheard, Jane McDonnell |  Mike McDonnell, Oliver Podesser, Barry Harridge, Mark Tully |
Saturday Sessions 5 ~ July 21, 2018
Thirty-two players took part in the first of the Saturday Sessions for the second half of the year, with three more scheduled from August till late October. Two players competed in a tournament for the first time, namely Penny Mikulicz and Rajiv Amarnani, well done to you both. The usual format of five-game Round Robin groups resulted in five winners who received medals as awards, with the majority of the tournament revenue held over for the final 2018 Session in October, when substantial aggregate prizes will be awarded. Trevor Halsall, Division A |  Mark Tully, winner Div B |  Christie Godby, Division C |  Doreen Ivanovski, Div D |  Balada Catanchin, Div E |  New player Penny Mikulicz |  Rajiv Amarnani, novice |
To see the full results of Saturday Sessions 5 click HERE
Annette Casey is the Most Improved Victorian Player for 2017-2018
President Carol Johnsen with the
winner of the award, Annette Casey.
Congrats, Annette!
This year's excited and deserving winner was Annette Casey who gained a total of 228 rating points after playing 72 games in the allocated period. Annette received a "Map of Victoria" trophy and a cash prize for her brilliant effort, well done, Annette!
Other great rating gains over the year were recorded by Siva Sivapalasundram +186, Lynne Goodinson +163, Phil Moller +169, Christiane McCann +150, Cheryle Jerram + 150, and John Metcalf +146.
Three other Victorians also gained considerable points - Jeremy Yip, Oscar Ivanovski and Doreen Ivanovski, but as none had competed over the full 12 month period, they weren't eligible for the award.
Well done to everyone who improved their rating over the year, it's not an easy thing to do....and good luck in your Scrabble for the coming year.
Go to the top
The second McKinnon House Fundraising Tournament ~ July 24, 2018
The tournament attendees, with helpers
A raffle and donations helped to swell the final total raised, which by the end of the day amounted to $1000, a very pleasing amount indeed. Khwanjai and the McKinnon House residents are deeply grateful for the support received from all.
 McKinnon House residents and Scrabble players get together |  Player Dorothy Barraclough with Michaela and her sister Lisa |  Happy players Balada Catanchin & Elaine McGinnes with the jelly slice |  Relaxing after lunch - Geoff Wright, Rena Aitken and Jenny Brysha |
Shaun Donnelly with Khwanjai Thammaping
Ashley McKeon, new
player on the day
Barry welcomed Ashley McKeon to his first rated tournament - we hope you enjoyed your day, Ashley, winning 3 games is a great start to your Scrabble career.
Division A saw Geoff Shepheard win six games to emerge the victor (great result, Geoff), with Geoff Wright second on 5 wins, and Alan Burn third on four wins. Alan also won the High Game award for ONESELF (97 points), and Angie Pearse won the High Game prize for her score of 527.
Division B was won by Glen Chandler with five wins, followed by Paula Messer and Shirley de Silva, both on four wins. Dominica Krstic's great score of 535 won her the choccies for High Game, and Shaun Donnelly's mighty play of MIGHTILY for 119 points earned him the High Word prize. Both Dominica's High Game and Shaun's High Word were the best overall on the day, well done to you both.
 Division A: Geoff Wright, Alan Burn, Geoff Shepheard & Angie Pearse |  Div B: Paula Messer, Dominica Krstic, Shirley de Silva, Glen Chandler & Shaun Donnelly |  Division C: Elaine McGinnes, Elizabeth McKean and Glenys Dettmann |  Friends - Carol Johnsen, Fili and Suchada from McKinnon House, and Lina Camilleri |
It was lovely to see the McKinnon House people enjoying themselves, as did the Association members. Well done to all placegetters, and to those who made significant rating gains on the day: Geoff Shepheard + 62, Glen Chandler +49, Glenys Dettmann +41, Balada Catanchin +39, Elizabeth McKean +37, Christie Godby +6, and Betty Egan +30.
The Victorian Scrabble Championship ~ Trevor Halsall wins his third title!
June 9-10th 2018
The delighted 2018 Champion, Trevor Halsall
The major place getters: Rod Talbot (NSW equal High Word),
Esther Perrins (NSW 2), Trevor Halsall (Vic 1 & equal
High Word), Joanne Craig (NSW 3), Andrew Fisher (Vic 5) &
Naween Fernando (Vic 4).
Oh, the Melbourne weather, with a promising field of 52 players coming to the Victorian Championship it was going to be a good weekend. Well, by 8.45am on the Saturday, 8 players had phoned in to dip out - mostly because of sickness. Our first sign of winter, and we all fall by the wayside.
Nine games each day ran smoothly and provided continual challenges by at least 8 players to vie for the Championship until the end of the 17th game where Trevor Halsall had a very large margin lead, virtually ensuring that he was once again the 2018 Victorian Champion.
One of Trevor's games against Naween Fernando attracted international attention as it involved only a total of 20 moves with 7 bingos between them and the surprise was that a play of CAPIZ by Trevor for 87 points was more than any of the 7 bingos had scored. Also Glen Chandler and Paula Messer were delighted when the play of GOATEES fitted very nicely over the O of IVORIES.
Aside from the published results, our special prizes of $300 each went to John Rider for "Highest Placed Under 1400" and Jeremy Yip for "Highest Placed Under 1200".. Glen Chandler - RELATION - and Paula Messer - JEWELLED both scored 122 and were awarded $50 each for "Highest Word for Under 1400" and $50 was won by Angie Pearse - 529 - for "High Game Under 1400".
 Gwen Lampre, High Game Champs, with Rene Chelton |  Rod Talbot and Trevor Halsall, joint High Word winners in the Champs |  Angie Pearse, High Game Award Rated under 1400 - score 529 points |  Victoria's Jeremy Yip, highest finisher Rated Under 1200. |  Glen Chandler & Paula Messer, joint winners Under 1400 High Word Award |
 Our visitors from New South Wales |  Queensland players who made the trip |  From South Australia - Carmel and Jane |  Visiting from Tasmania, Dianne Brumby |  Table 1 - Alan Burn v Elize Plaganyi |
Notable rating gains were achieved by the following: Jeremy Yip (who is still on a provisional rating) gained 171 points, Angie Pearse +79, Keri Heart from Tasmania +78, John Rider +73 and Joanne Craig from New South Wales + 54.
To check the full results of the 2018 Victorian Championship click HERE
Vale Margaret Warmington 24/8/1930 ~ 25/5/2018
2010: Margaret with friends Lorraine Thomas
and Ann Hagley
Margaret at her 80th birthday, with Alistair Kane
Sad to hear of the passing of Margaret Warmington. She and her husband Jim, who died some years ago, were stalwarts of the earlier Scrabble scene in Melbourne. They both shared a great sense of humour and were loved by so many in the Scrabble scene. Rest in peace, Margaret.
Postscript: The funeral arrangements have now been made. The service will take place at Wattle Park Chalet on Wed 6 June at 11am.
The Cranbourne Tournament ~ May 20, 2018
Late in the day: Khwanjai Thammaping plays
Dominica Krstic, nearest the camera
Cranbourne's hard workers, in the kitchen!
Katie Rowe, Gayle Cameron and Sue Bridges
Morning and afternoon tea were provided by Sue Bridges and Gayle Cameron who also played in the tournament, and by Elaine Capewell who was not well enough to attend but nevertheless sent her usual delicious cakes and slices.
Two boxes of Harry Potter Scrabble Sets were awarded after Game 6. Dianne Davis took one home for the Smallest Winning Margin with just one point difference, and Val Wills won the other for the Lowest Winning Score of just 298. Taped under a "lucky chair" was a photo of the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Annette Casey was the winner of this third prize, a tall jar of unusual coloured and scented soaps.
 Division C winners: Annette Casey, Rena Aitken, Laura Khan |  Division B: Siva Sivapalasundram, Lorraine Thomas, John Rider |  Division A: Cheryle Jerram, Angie Pearse, Natasha Podesser, Geoff Wright |  Annette Casey, who won the Lucky Seat Prize after sitting on the hidden Royal Couple! |
The B section was won by John Rider with 6 wins and a margin of 392, followed by Siva Sivapalasundram who had 5 wins and a 349 margin, closely followed in 3rd place by Lorraine Thomas who also won 5 games. Her margin was 326. Dianne Gibson's score of 508 won the High Game award, and Siva Sivapalasundram scored 90 for FORINTS for the High Word prize.
Geoff Wright had a great day in Section A with 6 wins and the top margin of 547. Cheryle Jerram surprised herself with 5 wins for 2nd place with a margin of 206, and Natasher Podesser made a late run to finish 3rd with 4 wins and a margin of 284. Lynn Weaver had the highest scoring game in the A section with 504, and the High Word prize went to Angie Pearse who scored 95 points for ENDOWING.
 Katie Rowe with Noel Coulter, very proud of his 1000 game badge |  Siva Sivapalasundram v. Phil Moller, with Glen Chandler playing John Rider at the next board |  Tournament Director Katie Rowe at the end of the day, very happy that all is almost done! |  Jenny Brysha v. Dianne Davis, with Natasha Podesser playing Alan Burn next door |
Thanks to Katie for this great report, and thanks to the Cranbourne members for their hard work and yummy baking!
Some happy players, with excellent ratings gains after the event, were Cheryle Jerram + 45, John Rider +39, Annette Casey +39, Laura Khan +38, and Siva Sivapalsundram + 33. Well done to everyone!
To check the full results of the 2018 Cranbourne Tournament click HERE
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The 2018 Tri-State Challenge in Gundagai - Victoria Win again!!
The final standings - only games played between
the three states counted towards the team results.
Play commenced at 1pm on Saturday afternoon with 5 games followed by two after dinner. At the end of the night, Victoria had a handsome lead of 10 games.
But then, how the tides turn. On Sunday morning, NSW and ACT made their late charges and either could have overtaken Victoria.
Tremendous thanks are due to John Hamilton for his outstanding work in determining how best to format the tournament for fairness. Four sections with 3 playing round robins and one a straight Australian Draw with a King of the Hill worked out brilliantly.
Noel Coulter had a double with HEISTING for 158 and the Highest Game score of 552; and Norma Fisher was the winner of the Highest Ratings Gain with 59 points. Novice Hillary Wilde of Tumut competed and it was pleasing to see Arie Holla play before he moves from Tumut to Ballarat later in the year.
 The Victorian team, with Heather Long missing! Well done to you all! |  The team from the Australian Capital Territory - congrats on second place |  Team New South Wales, who came in a close third! Well done, N.S.W. |  The Victorian team singing their new theme song, penned by Peter and Glenys Dettmann |
The Victorian team stood up this year with a ditty sung to the tune of "On the Road to Gundagai" penned by Glenys and Peter Dettmann: VICTORIAN THEME SONG
There's a stack on my rack
That I want to throw back
At the Tri-State in Gundagai.
Where the Vics are competing
And winning without cheating
Beneath the cloudy sky.
Tho' Actrarians and Welshies are trying their best,
They will struggle to beat us 'cos we have the zest
So...we keep playing to win
Which is never thought a sin
Then return from Gundagai!
Next year's Tri-State Challenge (to be hosted by NSW) is booked in at the Junee RSL for May 4 and 5, 2019. Put it in your diaries now. Accommodation in town includes the Junee Motor Inn, The Crossing Motel and the Junee Tourist Park. Make sure you book your accommodation early. (Thanks to Carol Johnsen for this report.)
 Carol Johnsen with Div A winner, Bob Jackman from NSW |  Carol with Norma Fisher, winner of Division B and High Rating Gain |  Gary Pollard from NSW, winner of Div C, with Owen Randall (ACT) and opponent George Khamis (NSW) |  Carol congratulates Division D winner, Glenys Dettmann from Victoria |  Serious play in progress - Ronnie Bennett (ACT) plays Norma Fisher from Victoria, with Noel Coulter and Peter Bauer, both from Victoria |  First-time tournament player Hillary Wilde from Tumut, NSW |
To check the full results of the 2018 Tri-State Challenge click HERE
Vale Doug Ristic ~ May 7, 2018
 Doug, looking healthy and happy, in 2010 at the Marwal Centre in Balwyn North. |  The Vic Team at Wagga Wagga in 2011, with Doug on the right |  Doug in his element, after catching a heap of fish. |
Doug always spoke lovingly of his mother, who managed to keep all the family in touch in spite of time spent in homes in various places, such as Geelong.
His greatest interest, probably even greater than Scrabble, was fishing. One of Doug's best mates was Rex Hunt, well known AFL footballer, commentator and fisherman. Last week on his radio show Rex made the comment that Doug was a champion fisherman, and always ready to teach the sport to those with less knowledge.
Many remember Doug as a very difficult and outspoken person, but many also remember him as being a kind-hearted and caring person. He passed away on Monday May 7th after a series of health problems, and his ashes have been scattered over The Three Sisters fishing area off Sorrento pier, a favourite take-off place for many of his fishing ventures.
Thank you to Dianne Davis and Frank Csarics for attending the lovely service, held in a rotunda near Sorrento pier, following which ten of Doug's family and friends took to sea in a friend's fishing boat to scatter his ashes.
Doug is survived by his three sisters and three brothers. Rest in peace, Doug.
The annual Nunawading Tournament ~ April 29, 2018
 The Nunawading Players, front: John Parker, Cheryle Jerram, Elaine McGinnes, Fintan Conway. Back: Phil Moller, Geoff Shepheard, Margaret Hopstaken, Latha Weerakkody, Karen Harris and Fintan's carer Kate. |  Sixty keen players competed at our regular venue, the Box Hill Senior Citizens' Centre, in four divisions: Masters, Advanced, Intermediate and Recreation. |  Margaret Hopstaken from the Nunawading Club, who played (and thoroughly enjoyed!) her first tournament. |  Karen Harris, also from the Nunawading Club, who returned after a break from tournament play. |
A number of members of the Nunawading Club had success: Cheryle Jerram, Geoff Shepheard and John Parker were all in ‘the money’. Our Novice, Margaret Hopstaken, enjoyed her first competition, and Karen Harris played again after an absence. Other winners were Natasha Podesser, Paula Messer, and Ann Goodwin. Delicious food provided by our caterer, Elaine Capewell, was supplemented by generous contributions from club members. Our Director and computer operator, Marj Miller, again made an invaluable contribution with some help from Barry Harridge. Carol Johnsen and Norma Fisher were again stalwart supporters.
 The Masters winners: Natasha Podesser, first and High Word: EXPLAIN for 131 points, with Geoff Wright, third place. Missing: Gwen Lampre second and Andrew Fisher High Game 573. |  Advanced: Cheryle Jerram first (won all 7 games!), Geoff Shepheard second, Barry Harridge High Game 497 & High Word UNPLACED 98 points. Missing: Lynn Weaver third. |  The Intermediate winners: Tam Dasika second place and High Word JEERINGS 101, with Paula Messer first place, Dorothy Rice High Game 498 points, and John Parker third place. |  Recreation Champions: Del Stitz third, Ann Goodwin first, with Trish Magee, second place and High Game 504 and High Word BASTIONS 149 points, the best overall for the day. |
To check the full results of the 2018 Nunawading tournament click HERE
Saturday Session IV ~ April 14, 2018
The fourth and final session of the first batch of Saturday Sessions for the year saw forty players in attendance at St Gabriel's School in Reservoir , despite some rather inclement weather. Players were divided into six divisions, and all played five games. Winners on the day were Andrew Fisher, Julie Belle, Barry Harridge, Rob York, Robin Steward and Annette Casey. Congrats, everyone! Annette Casey, Div F |  Robin Steward, Div E |  Rob York, Div D |  Barry Harridge, Div C |  Julie Belle, Div B |  Andrew Fisher, Div A |
Prizewinners for the first four combined Sessions: in front, Oscar Ivanovski,
then from left to right: Andrew Fisher, Carol Johnsen, Geoff Shepheard,
Dorothy Barraclough, Shaun Donnelly, Elizabeth McKean & Ann Goodwin.
There were two Ratings Gain prizes overall, and these were won by Robin Steward and Carol Johnsen, well done to you both.
Points were also awarded over the four Sessions based on placings - first in a section was awarded 6 points, second - 5 points, third - 4 points, fourth - 3 points, fifth - 2 points, sixth place and below received 1 point. (In the case of ties the prize monies were equally divided between the players.) Saturday Sessions Awards were presented as per the above system:
For those rated above 1350 Carol Johnsen's aggregate was 22, with Andrew Fisher second on 19 and Geoff Shepheard third on 16.
For those rated 1000-1349 Robin Steward's aggregate was 23, followed by Shaun Donelly 19 and Dorothy Barraclough on 17.
For those rated Under 1000 Elizabeth McKean's aggregate was 17, followed by Ann Goodwin and Oscar Ivanovski who tied for second place on 16 points.
The concept of this series of tournaments has been well received by the players, and we thank Nick Ivanovski for his foresight in organising and running them, and thanks to Clare Ivanovski for looking after refreshments for us.
The next series of four Saturday Sessions commences on July 14, and we hope you can make it!
To see the full results of Saturday Session IV click HERE
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