Match 16 was not pretty for any of Canada's 3 teams.

In the Bermuda Bowl, Sweden made almost no mistakes in a 31-6 triumph.  They picked up one swing in a tricky 3NT that about half the field made (Canada wrongsided it) and two more swings by staying low on boards where Canada overstretched to bid low percentage games.  Jeff & JZ were again the best Canadian pair, but neither they nor Wally and Piotr played as well as their Swedish counterparts. 

In the Venice Cup, Francine and Julie finally faltered, with a bad (but not horrible) set against China.  Linda and Pamela had an average minus card and Canada lost 40-18 (20-10 VPs.)

In the Seniors, it was Fred and Don's turn to finally turn in a stinker, and Canada lost a close match to USA 1, 30-26 (16-14.)

Friday Butler

After 18 matches in the Bermuda Bowl, Canada is in last place among the 'serious' teams (or arguably in first place among the 'Jamaican bobsled' teams,) leading only Trinidad and Tobago.  The team goal should be to play well enough today to get out of that ignominious position. 

Jeff and John need to bear down and play their best bridge today.  Forget Wally and Piotr.  Forget Nic and Kamel.  Pretend you're playing in the finals and that Meckwell is your other half.  Just get the job done and finish with a positive Butler so that you can hold your heads high regardless of how the rest of the squad performed.  (I notice that we play Trinidad and Tobago tonight.  Hopefully Nader will let the boys draw straws to see who plays that match, since it's likely to be a Butler bonanza and if it's not selected randomly, it'll be a tad cheesy for Jeff/JZ to go over the top that way.)

After 18 matches in the Venice Cup, Canada is alone in 5th, 14 VPs ahead of 9th place Netherlands.  45 VPs tonight (equivalent to 3 ties) should be enough to make the quarterfinals.  50 VPs virtually guarantees a spot.

Guess who we play in our first match tonight?  9th place Netherlands.  Obviously Izzy and Sylvia need to sit this one out.  If we win 20-10 or better, we're almost a lock for the playoffs.  This match will be on Vugraph on BBO, so be sure to tune in.

After Netherlands, the ladies play perennial powerhouse Germany, before closing against relatively weak Argentina, who might get the chance to play spoiler.

After 18 matches in the Seniors Bowl, Canada's geriatric warriors are cruising to victory.  The only remaining unknown is their margin of victory.