~ News Archive 2019 ~

The Decathon, last tourney for the year! December 29th, 2019

Scrabble at the temporary home of the Balwyn Scrabble Club - we meet on Mondays at 1.00 pm

Serious concentration from some of the players

Carol Johnsen at work

Fifty-eight players gathered at the Balwyn Community Centre to play this ten game event, a popular finish to the 2019 tournament calendar. All players were welcomed, including three visiting players from Queensland - Liz Blanch, Karen Richards and Paul Richards. Thank you all for coming, its always good to have some interstate players in the field. Four divisions were organised by Carol Johnsen on computer duty, and I thank Carol, Barry Harridge and President Nick Ivanovski for their untiring efforts in this area during the day - your help was greatly appreciated, as was that of many others who helped set up and tidy up at the end of the day. Barbecued sausages were cooked for lunch by Jack Miller, and Jen Miller returned after a considerable absence to take on catering duties - thank you all!

Division A - Edward Okulicz and Geoff Wright

Division B - Dianne Davis, Jeremy Yip and Liz Blanch

Division C - Kris Howat, Rob York and June Valentine

Division D - Dorothy Barraclough, Angie Winkler and Elize Plaganyi

DIVISION A: A strong performance by Edward Okulicz saw Edward take out first place on nine wins, followed by Geoff Wright on seven and Naween Fernando on six wins. David Eldar, back in Australia for a break from the English winter, took out the High Game and High Word awards for his score of 683 points, and his play of CAFFEISM for 212 points.
DIVISION B: Another good day's play from Dianne Davis saw her win 9 games to win Div B, ahead of Jeremy Yip and Liz Blanch, both on 7 wins. The High Game award went to Liz Blanch for her score of 526, and Jeremy Yip played GREYING for 112 points to win the High Word award.
DIVISION C: Kris Howat continued her good form to win this division with 8 wins, ahead of June Valentine also on 8 wins and Peter Bauer on 7 wins. Rob York took home both the High Game and High Word awards for his score of 488 and his play of SNACKED for 104 points.
DIVISION D: Dorothy Barraclough played well to take out D Division, winning 7.5 of her games. Second was Angie Winkler on 7 games, with Elize Plaganyi third, also winning seven. Dorothy Barraclough won both the High Game and High Word awards for her game score of 500 and her play of HEEDERS for 104 points.

Elaine McGinnes & Oscar Ivanovski

Geoff Shepheard returned from W.A.

Glen Chandler & Oliver Podesser

Jeremy Yip, happy to be playing

Excellent ratings gains were achieved by Dianne Davis +76, Geoff Wright +55, Kris Howat +50, Angie Winkler +48 and June Valentine +46. Well done to all, and thank you to everyone for making this year's Decathon such a pleasant day out, and best wishes for 2020 - we hope Scrabble is kind to you in the coming year!

For full results check the National Archive HERE

VICTORIAN CLUB CLOSURE AND REOPENING DATES OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD 2019 ~ 2020

CLUB	BREAKUP DATE	RETURN DATE 2019
Ballarat	Tuesday December 10	Tuesday January 7 at new venue - Sebastopol Bowling Club
Balwyn	Monday December 23	Monday January 6
Bentleigh	Monday December 16	Monday February 3
Box Hill	Tuesday	Tuesday
Cranbourne	Monday December 16	Monday January 13
Essendon	Tuesday December 10	Tuesday February 4
FaNS	Monday December 16	Monday January 6
Scrabble in Fitzroy	Thursday December 12	Undecided - check with Nick
Frankston	Wednesday December 4	Wed January 14, if temperature less than 35 degrees
Frankston Nth	Saturday	Saturday
Geelong	Saturday December 21	Saturday January 18
Golden Age	Wednesday December 18	Monday January 13
Greensborough	Tuesday December 17	Tuesday January 7
Langwarrin	Tuesday December 3	Tuesday January 28
Mt Martha	Tuesday December 17	Tuesday January 7
Paynesville	Tuesday	Tuesday
Rosanna	Thursday December 12	Thursday February 13
Sunbury	Wednesday November 27	Monday January 13 - new venue etc. - Sunbury Global Learning Centre, 3-6 pm
Watsonia	Wednesday December 4	Wednesday January 29
Welshpool	Monday	Monday
Wodonga	Thursday	Thursday

The 2019 South Australia/Victoria Border Challenge - November 23/24

The Team from South Australia

Team Victoria

Watching presentations at the White Hart Hotel

This year the Victorian team (with high hopes of a win!) travelled to Horsham to play against the South Australian team, at the White Hart Hotel. Thanks to publican Bruce and his team for their hospitality, it was appreciated as always. Adam Kretschmer, Antony Kimber and Jacqui Pearce from South Australia did a great job running the event and keeping us well fed between games. Thank you all.
The S.A. team steadily pulled ahead in the standings, with the final result being South Australia 83.5 games to Victoria's 66.5, a very convincing win, making it nine consecutive victories. Ouch! Congrats to the South Australians, we'll have to wait another year to win this event!

Individual winners - Peter Kougi (2nd), Antony Kimber (3rd), Edward Okulicz (1st)

Rating band winners - Jacqui Pearce (2nd), Suzanne Healey (3rd), Carol Colwill (1st), Shaun Donnelly High Game (613) and High Word PRISONED 158

Antony Kimber and Adam Kretschmer with the perpetual trophy

Multi-talented Trevor Tao singing the South Australian theme song, with his trusty guitar

The FaNS Annual Tournament - November 17, 2019

The Convenor of the Fairfield and Northcote Scrabble Club, Rob York, organised a very pleasant tournament for 32 competitors at the Watsonia Community Hall, a spacious venue in Lambourn Road, Watsonia. Play moved along very smoothly once an unusual computer glitch was sorted, and the tournament finished in good time.
Rob had help from his club members, with Christie Godby organising the catering, and President Nick Ivanovski doing his usual very competent job on computer duty. This did not distract Nick from playing some excellent Scrabble and taking out the top section, with Kris Howat triumphing in Division B. Best performances for the day came from Ann Goodwin who won six games to win Division C, Marisa Nuccitelli who also won six games to place second in Div C, and great High Words were played by Kris Howat and Marisa Nuccitelli - see below for details.

Division A: Nick Ivanovski, Rob York, Jenny Brysha, Natasha Podesser

Division B: Kris Howat, Dianne Gibson and John Parker

Division C: Ann Goodwin, Elize Plaganyi and Marisa Nuccitelli

Rob York's final play of Wankiest gave him a 486 - 294 win. Click pic to enlarge

Division A: First Nick Ivanovski on 5 wins, second Natasha Podesser also on 5 wins, and third Jenny Brysha, 4 wins. The High Game Award went to Jenny for her score of 547, and Rob York played WANKIEST for 98 points to win the High Word Award.

Division B: First Kris Howat on 5 wins, with John Parker second on 5 wins, and Dianne Gibson third on 4 wins. Kris Howat won both the High Game and High Word Awards for her score of 489 and her play of TRAMPLED for 167 points, a great score, Kris.

Division C: First Ann Goodwin on 6 wins as mentioned, with Marisa Nuccitelli second on 6 wins, and Elize Plaganyi third on 4 wins. Ann scored 437 points to win the High Game Award, and Marisa's play of REGISTRY for 149 points won her the High Word Award - well done, Marisa.

Great rating gains were achieved on the day by Marisa Nuccitelli +81, Ann Goodwin + 32, and Jenny Brysha +31.
Well done to all winners, and thanks to Rob and crew for running the event.
For full results check the National Archive HERE

Final Saturday Session (#4D) for 2019 ~ November 2

Thanks to Nick Ivanovski, Tournament Organiser and Director of the Saturday Sessions for this report, and for organising the eight Saturday Sessions conducted this year! Your players are very appreciative of your efforts.

Hi everyone,
You can view a video of yesterday's event HERE
Thank you to all the players who have supported the Sessions throughout 2019. It will be back in 2020 and I hope to be able to emulate and improve on what has occurred this year.
Today's final event was the day where cash prizes were also distributed: all up, a little under $800 was handed out to the players who won prizes!
The major prize winners for the 4 Saturday Sessions held over the second half of 2019 were as follows:
Ratings Points Prizes - overall winners: John Rider and Oscar Ivanovski
>1350 Rating Band Sessions Points: 1st Naween Fernando, 2nd Julie Belle, 3rd Edward Okulicz
1000-1349 Rating Band Sessions Points: 1st John Rider, 2nd Noel Coulter and Christiane McCann (tie)
<1000 Rating Band Sessions Points: 1st Oscar Ivanovski, 2nd Ann Goodwin, 3rd Betty Egan and Lina Camilleri (tie)
Today's Saturday Sessions 4D Division Winners:

Division A, Edward Okulicz, 4 wins

Division B, Julie Belle, 5 wins

Div C, Christiane McCann, 4 wins

Division D, Betty Egan, 4 wins

Div E, Latha Weerakkody, 5 wins

Congratulations to all winners, both today and over the longer-term - the full results from today's tournament can be viewed HERE

Go to the top

The WESPA Championship and side-tournaments in Goa, India ~ October 15-20, 2019

These exciting tournaments took place over 6 days, attracting many Scrabble players from around the world. A total of six events were incorporated, with the major one being the WESPA Championship which took place over five days, with the fifth day showcasing the best of seven final. This was played between the top two finishers, Nigel Richards from New Zealand who lives in Malaysia, and Jesse Day from the U.S.A. Jesse led 3-2 after 5 games, but Nigel took the final two games to again give him the title of Champion. Congratulations to you both. 140 players contested the Championship, with Australia's best finisher being Russell Honeybun from Western Australia who finished 9th with 20.5 wins from the 32 games played. Well done, Russell. Cameron Farlow from Queensland was well placed early, and ended up in 14th position on 20 wins, a good effort in a world class field!
Other events on the schedule were the First Gear Wespac Warm Up, The Last Chance Qualifier, Goa One Day International, the 3 day Indian Open, and the Final Frenzy Pro-Am. The organisers and helpers worked extremely hard in presenting this event, and the many hours spent were well worth the end result. In total 19 Australians competed at various levels, and all seem to have enjoyed the experience.

The Aussie players, standing: Sharon Sorenson, Wayne Jones, Russell Honeybun, Carol Johnsen, Adam Kretschmer, Susan Rayner, Karen Richards, Keri Heart, Tony Hunt, Trevor Halsall, Bob Jackman, Dianne Brumby, Liz Jackman, Victor Tung, Cameron Farlow. On the floor: Graeme Lock Lee, Andrew Hamblin, John Hamilton and John Holgate.

At the conclusion of the Championship - Jesse Day, runner-up: Chief organiser and Tournament Director Michael Tang from Singapore: and the 2019 WESPA Champion Nigel Richards.

The expansive playing area at the venue in the Peddem Sports Complex, Peddem Mapusa, Aldona in Goa, India - how exciting this looks!

Saturday Session 4C ~ October 12, 2019

Thirty two players contested the second last Session for 2019, with one more to be played on November 2nd at St Gabriel's Primary School in Reservoir. Major prizes will be awarded then to those who have done well over the four sessions in the second half of this year, but in the meantime the 4C Session winners are pictured below. Congratulations to you all, well played indeed!
The highest game scores were recorded by Carol Johnsen and Rob York in Divisions B & C respectively, with each scoring 524 points. John Rider was the only player to win all five games played on the day. Good ratings gains were achieved by Lina Camilleri +42, John Rider +42, Barry Harridge +35 and Carol Johnsen +23, and regular player Betty Egan was presented with her badge for 1000 tournament games played! Well done, Betty and everyone, and thanks for organising and directing, Nick Ivanovski, and for the use of your photos.

Division A, Edward Okulicz

Division B, Carol Johnsen

Division C, John Rider

Division D, Glen Chandler

Division E, Lina Camilleri

A social day out for Seniors! Thursday October 10, 2019

44 players assembled at the Golden Age Senior Citizens' Club in Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley, for the annual Seniors Tournament, a non-rated event hosted by Scrabble Victoria and open to the public. A grant from the Department of Health and Ageing allowed the day to be run free of charge, and we thank Mr Chris Reidy and the Department for their generosity.
Players were divided into groups and played a Round Robin, with each group bearing the name of a flower - Amaryllis, Bluebell etc. Morning tea was served early in the day, followed by a generous lunch which all enjoyed. Prizes were given to the winner of each section, as well as door prizes.
Carol Johnsen was in charge of the organisation of the event, and would like to thank Christiane McCann, Lynne Goodinson, Angie Pearse and Lay-Hoon Ng and anyone else who helped on the day, your assistance was greatly appreciated!
Scrabble is played regularly at the Golden Age Community Centre and the meeting times are as follows: Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30am - 3pm, with a very short break over the Christmas period. Please drop in if you'd like a game!

The Annual Essendon Tournament - September 29, 2019

This year's event was held for the first time at the home of the Essendon Scrabble Club, at 5 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds, a very comfortable venue - the Essendon Club meets there on Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm, and all players are welcome to drop in for a game.
Thirty-four players were divided into three divisions, with Club Convenor Rob York doing a great job of organising, and Barry Harridge doing a sterling job on computer duties. Sadly several of the Essendon Club were unable to attend, mainly due to ill health - we hope all are feeling better. Christie Godby looked after the kitchen duties as well as playing, and we thank all the Essendon members who contributed to making the tournament such a pleasant day out.

Division A winners - Geoff Wright, Edward Okulicz and Anand Bharadwaj

Division B - John Rider, Noel Coulter, Marj Miller and Rob York

Division C - Annette Casey, Betty Egan, Mohammed Hegazi and Oliver Podesser

Division A saw an unstoppable Geoff Wright in fine form with 6 wins, followed by Edward Okulicz and Anand Bharadwaj, on six and five wins respectively. Anand scored 565 to achieve the High Game Award, and Carol Johnsen scored 102 for JOUSTED to win the High Word Award.
Division B was an interesting tussle with John Rider triumphing on 5 wins, as were second and third placed Rob York and Marj Miller. John's score of 490 won him the High Game Award, and Noel Coulter's play of FISHIER for 113 won the High Word Award.
Division C was also closely fought, with Betty Egan winning six of the seven games played to take first place, followed by Oliver Podesser also on six wins, and Mohammed Hegazi on 4 wins. Mohammed scored 455 to win the High Game Award, and Annette Casey's play of JELLIES for 84 points won the High Word Award.
Excellent ratings gains were achieved by Geoff Wright +41, Betty Egan +39, Rob York +30, Oliver Podessedr +29 and John Rider +28.
Congratulations to all who played so well, and to see the full results of the tournament click HERE

The Geelong Tournament - Saturday September 14, 2019

Once again the Geelong members hosted this annual event at the Uniting Church in Sydney Parade, thank you to them all. This is the home of their Scrabble Club - drop in for a game on a Saturday afternoon, you will be made very welcome.
Thirty players participated in three divisions, with Carol Johnsen directing. Carol welcomed all players, including Suzy Mizzi and Jo Barry who played in their first tournaments. Well done to you both, we hope you enjoyed the experience.

First-time player Suzy Mizzi from the Geelong Club, with Carolyn Miller from Bentleigh Club

Relaxing between games - Rob York, Eileen Mills & Balada Catanchin

Players take time out in the tea room

The highlight of the day was Norma Fisher's high game score of 749-164 in Game Two, creating the highest score and margin for the current year. This is also the second highest score and the record for the largest margin in Australian Scrabble history. Well done, Norma, this is an outstanding achievement and well deserved after your many years of service to the game!

Division ABLETT was won by Marj Miller on 5 wins, followed by Norma Fisher and Rob York, each on 4 wins. As mentioned Norma Fisher had the highest game score for this division, and Shaun Donnelly played INDENTER for 130 points to achieve the High Word score for the day.
Division BARLOW was won by local player Anne Menheere with 5 wins, with Dorothy Barraclough and Cherry Chapman in second and third places respectively, winning four games each. The High Game and High Word accolades went to Dorothy Barraclough for her score of 489 and her play of QUIZ for 120 points, an amazing score for a non-bonus word.
Division CATS saw Janet Matthews victorious on 5 wins, followed by Balada Catanchin and Suzy Mizzi, both on 4 wins. Tessa Knight had the High Game score (427) for this division, and Janet Matthews play of DASHERS for 93 points was the best for the day.
To check the full results of the 2019 Geelong Tournament click HERE

Division Ablett: Norma Fisher, Shaun Donnelly, Marj Miller & Rob York

Division Barlow: Dorothy Barraclough, Cherry Chapman & Anne Menheere

Division Cats: Marlene Ellis presenting awards to Janet Matthews, Suzy Mizzi, Balada Catanchin & Tessa Knight

The Australian Masters and State Team Challenge - September 7/8, 2019

These prestigious annual events were held at the Gorman Arts Centre in Braddon, Canberra, the nation's capital. President of the A.C.T. Scrabble Association John Hamilton was the main organiser, and with his team of helpers conducted a very enjoyable event. In the Masters the top 20 Australian players available played a round robin of 19 games, while teams of three players from each state attempted to better the players from the other states in the State Challenge.

Chris May from New South Wales is now the Australian Masters Champion, having won all 9 games played on Day 2 to give him a total of 14 wins, well done, Chris! Second placed Cameron Farlow from Queensland led for most of the tournament, finishing on 13 wins. Third place went to Victor Tung from New South Wales, also on 13 wins, and Naween Fernando from Victoria filled fourth place on 12 wins. The High Game and High Word Awards were won by Jakob Teitelbaum from the A.C.T. for his game score of 667 and his play of COMPOSER for 176 points. Well done to everyone.

The title of Champion Team for 2019 went to the team from the A.C.T. comprising John Spaan, Alex Boiko and Noel Barrett - congratulations to you all. The team won 38 games, followed by South Australia (30 wins), Tasmania (26), New South Wales (25), Western Australia (24), Queensland (24) and Victoria (22).
Edie Mueller from Western Australia scored 593 to win the High Game Award, and the High Word Award went to Ian Ting, also from W.A., for his play of GRINCHES for 167 points. Congratulations to the Champion Team and to all award winners, well done to all.

To see the full results of the Australian Masters and the State Team Challenge click HERE

Go to the top

WESPA World Seniors Tournament, in Queensland - August 30 - September 1

Australia's Esther Perrins accepts the winner's trophy. Well done, Esther!

The top three placegetters: Joanne Craig (2nd), Esther Perrins (1st), Rod Talbot (3rd)

John Rider and Noel Coulter scored 149 each for their equal High Words: John GODLIEST, Noel OVERSAIL

Thanks to Carol Johnsen for this report!
What is it that is the allure of playing in an international Seniors tournament. I had jumped at the opportunity to play in the 2017 WESPA Seniors tournament in Christchurch, New Zealand and here again playing in the 2019 WESPA Seniors Championship on home soil (albeit still a few thousand kilometres away). I have come to the conclusion that it is the anticipation that you might actually win one of the big prizes (quite substantial) because all of those "younger" whizzes won't be there. Oh how wrong I am - those "younger" ones have joined the senior ranks - Esther Perrins (eventual winner), Joanne Craig, etc. And don't forget that there are former Australian and international champions in the field - John Holgate, Bob Jackman, Tony Sim (Singapore) and Howard Warner (NZ).
But, that aside, it is a great event and, this year, very ably organised by Karen Richards, and directed by John Hamilton for what was a flawlessly-run tournament. Sixteen Victorian players participated (133 in all) with creditable mentions to Heather Long (best 65+ and 10th overall placing); and John Rider (GODLIEST) and Noel Coulter (OUTSAIL) tying for highest word of the tournament with scores of 149.
The next WESPA Seniors tournament is planned for 29 April to 1 May, 2020 in Malta which is well worth a visit if you have not been there before.
To see the full results of the World Seniors click HERE

Go to the top

Victoria's Most Improved Player for 2018/19 - Jeremy Yip!

Each year Barry Harridge works out the Victorian player who has achieved the highest ratings gain, calculated from the beginning of June till the end of May the following year. This year the accolades go to Jeremy Yip (+295 points) who is currently studying medicine at Melbourne Uni, well done, Jeremy, and good luck with your ongoing studies which make it difficult for you to attend tournaments more regularly. In the meantime Jeremy hones his Scrabble skills online, often playing good friend Anand Bharadwaj several games in succession, often of very brief duration. Rajiv Amarnani did well to gain 256 points in the two tournaments he played, and our junior player Oscar Ivanovski continues to rise up the ratings ladder with an excellent gain of 208 points over 12 months. Well done to all who made it on to the Most Improved List for 2018-19, a great achievement by all.

• Jeremy Yip (VIC) RATING GAIN=1036+295=1331, GAMES PLAYED=35

• Rajiv Amarnani (VIC) RATING GAIN=508+256=764, GAMES PLAYED=10 (started 21.07.2018)

• Oscar Ivanovski (VIC) RATING GAIN=639+208=847, GAMES PLAYED=95

• Balada Catanchin (VIC) RATING GAIN=698+155=853, GAMES PLAYED=93

• Andrew Fisher (VIC) RATING GAIN=1891+146=2037, GAMES PLAYED=137

• Norma Fisher (VIC) RATING GAIN=1499+132=1631, GAMES PLAYED=158

• June Valentine (VIC) RATING GAIN=1146+130=1276, GAMES PLAYED=45

• Khwanjai Thammaping (VIC) RATING GAIN=1070+111=1181, GAMES PLAYED=97

• Latha Weerakkody (VIC) RATING GAIN=855+105=960, GAMES PLAYED=75

• Angie Winkler (VIC) RATING GAIN=752+105=857, GAMES PLAYED=90

• Peter Kougi (VIC) RATING GAIN=1870+100=1970, GAMES PLAYED=109

• John Rider (VIC) RATING GAIN=1287+83=1370, GAMES PLAYED=199

• Christie Godby (VIC) RATING GAIN=1068+78=1146, GAMES PLAYED=106

• Anne Menheere (VIC) RATING GAIN=859+77=936, GAMES PLAYED=34

• Gwen Lampre (VIC) RATING GAIN=1458+77=1535, GAMES PLAYED=113

• Kris Howat (VIC) RATING GAIN=1198+75=1273, GAMES PLAYED=91

• Annette Casey (VIC) RATING GAIN=788+69=857, GAMES PLAYED=89

• Sandra Masel (VIC) RATING GAIN=1260+69=1329, GAMES PLAYED=66

• Barry Harridge (VIC) RATING GAIN=1389+69=1458, GAMES PLAYED=133

• Michael Smitheram (VIC) RATING GAIN=915+67=982, GAMES PLAYED=61

Saturday Sessions 4B ~ August 31, 2019

Thirty-eight players took part in the sixth Saturday Session for the year, with two more to come. Late withdrawals meant a revamp of the draw, but TD Nick Ivanovski soon had things sorted. Thanks for your efforts, Nick.
Here is the rogues' gallery of the winners - full marks to John Rider, Doreen Ivanovski and Oscar Ivanovski as all won all their five games played on the day, and substantially increased their ratings - John +48, Doreen +46 and Oscar +38. Well done to everyone!
To see the full results of SS 4B click HERE

Div. A Winner, Naween Fernando

Division B winner, Julie Belle

Division C winner, Angie Pearse

Division D winner, John Rider

Div. E winner, Doreen Ivanovski

Div. F winner, Oscar Ivanovski

Go to the top

The Ryman Healthcare Classic Tournament, with the A.G.M. ~ August 18, 2019

This year's annual AGM tournament was sponsored by Ryman Healthcare, a New Zealand care company which is becoming increasingly involved in investing in the healthcare field here in Victoria, offering a range of services in their villages from independent living to low care, and on upwards to dementia care.
The generosity of Ryman Healthcare enabled us to hire the Bentleigh Bowls Club, a pleasant venue in which to run a tournament, and assisted with awarding more substantial prizes in each of the three divisions played. Thank you, Ryman Healthcare!
Thirty-six players took part, playing seven games, and all enjoyed the day. Awards were presented by Jennifer Roberts representing Ryman Healthcare, thanks for visiting, Jennifer, we hope you enjoyed your taste of Scrabble!

Jennifer Roberts from Ryman Healthcare with Edward Okulicz, Division A winner

Jennifer with Christiane McCann, winner of Division B

Annette Casey receives her awards for winning Division C and High Game

This draw between Andrew Fisher & Nick Ivanovski (449) made a big difference to the Div A results. Click pic to enlarge

In Division A Edward Okulicz triumphed in a very hard-fought contest - early in the day Shirley de Silva lead with Barry Harridge in hot pursuit, but as time went by they were overtaken by Edward and Mythili Rudra who placed second, with Shirley and Barry placing third and fourth respectively. The top four all finished on five wins, so it was a tough division indeed! Andrew Fisher won both the High Game and High Word awards for his score of 587, and his play of YUTZ for 101 points.

Division B saw Christiane McCann happy with her first placing, winning six games in a tough tussle with Kris Howat (second) and Christie Godby (third). The High Game award went to Rob York for his score of 487, and the High Word award was divided between Glen Chandler who played CRAZIES, and Glenys Dettmann who played SIMILAR, both scoring 91 points.

Division C saw the best individual performance of the day, with Annette Casey winning all 7 games, well done, Annette! Second place went to Elize Plaganyi on 5 wins, followed by Dorothy Rice on 4 wins. The High Game award went to Ann Goodwin for her score of 476, and Annette Casey took home the High Word award for her play of EXACTING for 122 points. Well played, everyone!

Fun during a break - Angie Winkler, Ann Goodwin, Annette Casey & Rob York

Tables 1 & 2 - Shirley de Silva, Gwen Lampre, Norma Fisher & Mythili Rudra

Table 3 & 4 - Nick Ivanovski, Edward Okulicz, Andrew Fisher & Barry Harridge

A good game from Edward Okulicz, including four bonus words. Click to enlarge

The Annual General Meeting saw several changes - Carol Johnsen has stepped down as President, with Nick Ivanovski taking over the position - Carol is now the Secretary and Public Officer. Norma Fisher (Vice-president) and Gwen Lampre (Membership Officer) retired, and their positions are filled by Christie Godby and Glen Chandler respectively. Peter Kougi remains the Treasurer, Trevor Halsall continues as Rules Officer, and other continuing Committee members are Natasha Podesser and Anand Bharadwaj, with Elizabeth McKean and Rob York putting up their hands and joining them.
Thank you to all - retiring, continuing and new members to the Committee - for your commitment to Scrabble in Victoria, it is truly appreciated!

To check the archives for the full results of the Ryman Classic click HERE

Vale Ruth Fewings

From the Herald Sun 5.8.2019:
FEWINGS. Ruth McBurney. Died peacefully at Bendigo on August 3, 2019. Aged 91 Years. Dearly loved wife of the late Alan. Loved and loving mother of Jane, Fr Andrew, Simon (dec), Tim, and John (dec) and mother-in-law of Patsie and Lynn and their families.

Ruth had held the National High Word record since 1986 for her play of "ELOQUeNT" for 284 points, and Joanne Craig from New South Wales equalled this in 2002 with her play of "SLEAZIeR". Their record stood until 2012 when Carol Hudson from Western Australia played "CRAZIEST" for 302.

This is from the 24-game Marathon in 2010, with Ruth front and centre - 28 players competed, starting at lunchtime on Saturday and finishing sometime on Sunday morning. What wonderful stamina from all, and Ruth thoroughly enjoyed it! The winner was David Eldar just visible fourth from the left, with second placed Naween Fernando ninth from the left. Organiser Norma Fisher is seated to Ruth's right. Click to enlarge

Here are some words from President Carol Johnsen, and some photos from the archives.
Many Scrabblers across Australia will be saddened to hear of the passing of this delightful and energetic Scrabbler.
Ruth was the founder of the Bendigo Scrabble Club which she maintained for many years and many of us remember the trips up to Bendigo for her well-patronised tournaments. Ruth continued to play in tournaments and remained as the Bendigo club organiser until a few years ago when ill health and, particularly, her failing eyesight took over.
Ruth was also the founder and organiser of Postal Scrabble in which Scrabblers from all over Australia participated, expectantly waiting for their next move to arrive in the mail each week. Vale Ruth.

From 2009, Ruth with Audree Clifton and Ann Hagley

2011 at Geelong, Anna Palmer, Ruth, and Glenys Dettmann

At the 2008 Marathon at Box Hill, Ruth with Pat Alsopp

In 2010 - Arjun Haria plays Ruth, with lots of unused space on the board!

Go to the top

Saturday Sessions 4A ~ August 3, 2019

The first of the fourth series saw 36 players take part, playing five games apiece in the traditional Round Robin format.
Division winners were Naween Fernando (A), Kashi Thiris (B), Noel Coulter (C), Dianne Gibson (D), Oscar Ivanovski (E) and Faye Leeder (F).
To check the full results of SS 4A click HERE

Play in progress, with Carolyn Miller playing Norma Engel closest to the camera

Naween Fernando

Kashi Thiris - file photo

Noel Coulter

Dianne Gibson

Oscar Ivanovski - from the files

Angie Winkler and Faye Leeder - file photo

Scrabble Two Ways! And a great high game! July 21, 2019

Here are a few words from Tournament Director, Nick Ivanovski:
"Hi everyone, the Scrabble Two Ways tournament was held in Reservoir and featured some memorable Scrabble.
Anand's Game 6 result (744 points) is the highest game score ever recorded by a Victorian in a domestic event and, according to the Scrabble Australia site, the second highest in Australia of all time. There is a video report of the event on Facebook - to watch the action click HERE and scroll down to the Scrabble Two Ways video, dated July 21. Thank you to everyone for taking part! Many thanks, Nick"

A total of thirty-two players took part on the day, with eight competing in the Hardcore event - this was played using a five point penalty challenge, with a "winner-take-all" prize structure. Anand Bharadwaj was successful, winning on margin from Andrew Fisher with both on six wins from seven games played, followed by Trevor Halsall on five wins. Congrats to Anand on your great score of 744, which included six bonus words - TELECOMS, PARTING, GOLIARDS, MIDRANGE, EQUATION and RAYLIKE.

Carol Johnsen and Anand Bharadwaj, after Anand's big win

Trevor Halsall plays Natasha Podesser, with Carol Johnsen and Paula Messer next door

Angie Pearse and Carol Johnsen with Pat Weston, visiting from Geelong

Andrew Fisher plays Anand Bharadwaj, with Noel Coulter and Geoff Wright

The Regular Events, with our regular prize structure, saw twenty-four playing in two divisions with Norma Fisher successful in Regular A, followed by Barry Harridge and Kashi Thiris, all on 5 wins. Kashi scored 535 points to win the High Game award, and Angie Pearse's play of FRENZIES for 113 points won her the High Word award.
Regular B was won by Dianne Gibson, back in form and clear on 6 wins from Betty Egan and Christiane McCann, both on 5 wins. Doreen Ivanovski collected both the High Game award for her score of 477 points and the High Word award for her play of SKILLET for 98 points.
Well done, everyone! And thanks to Nick Ivanovski for his words, and the use of his photos.

Regular A Winners: Angie Pearse, Norma Fisher and Kashi Thiris - missing, Barry Harridge

Regular B Winners: Doreen Ivanovski, Dianne Gibson, Betty Egan, Christiane McCann

Happy Scrabblers at St Gabriel's Primary School, Reservoir - Norma Fisher, Rob York and Balada Catanchin

Angie Winkler who runs the Watsonia Club, and also plays at the Greensborough Club, as does Betty Egan

To check the full results of the Two Ways Tournament click HERE

Go to the top

The Midwinter Tournament at Watsonia - with an Italian theme! July 7, 2019

This was a fun event held in a new very comfortable venue, the Watsonia Community Hall in Lambourn Road. Next door is the Watsonia Neighbourhood House where two of our popular clubs meet - Greensborough on Tuesdays at 1.00pm, and Watsonia on Wednesdays from 12md till 3pm. Drop in for a game at any time, you will be made very welcome!
The two Clubs combined to run the tournament, and thoroughly enjoyed creating Italian decorations and yummy Italian inspired goodies, which we all enjoyed. Special table numbers displayed various Italian cities and locations, and we thank all who helped make this event different and enjoyable. The Italian theme was an early celebration of Marisa's next milestone birthday, which takes place in September. Winners of the door prizes were happy with their Scrabble related gifts, and Geoff Shepheard won the prize for the best Italian word "ROMA", as judged by Marisa. Geoff was wished good luck for his imminent move to Perth, necessitated by changes to his employment. Good luck, Geoff, you have been a good friend and a huge asset to Scrabble in Victoria! Local players Val Hardiman and Rita Hodgson visited, as did Nick and Oscar Ivanovski later in the day.

Club Convenors Marisa and Angie, with some of the amazing food

The colourful registration table, with Norma, Annette, Marj and Latha

Happy door prize winner Balada Catanchin, with her Italian wine

Greensborough player Rita Hodgson, Glenys Dettmann, Annette Casey & Eileen Mills

ASSISSI Awesomeness: Geoff Wright, Trevor Halsall and Natasha Podesser

BOLOGNA Brilliance: Glenys Dettmann, Khwanjai Thammaping, Christiane McCann, Paula Messer

The COMO Champions: Angie Winkler, Eileen Mills, Annette Casey, Elize Plaganyi

Thank you to Geoff Shepheard for your amazing help over many years! You were appreciated by all, and good luck in Perth!

We welcomed first-time tournament player Cate Johnson who plays regularly at the Greensborough Club, and Cate enjoyed the experience. Thirty-two players took part, playing in three divisions:
ASSISSI was won by Trevor Halsall, with six wins from 7 games. Second place went to Geoff Wright on 5 wins, and third was Natasha Podesser on who won 4 games. The High Word award was won by Trevor for his great play of SPOOFIER for 158 points, and Natasha was very excited to win the High Game award with a brilliant score of 627, her highest game score in any tournament! Well done, Natasha and all!
BOLOGNA saw Paula Messer in good form, winning 5 of the 7 games played, closely followed by Christiane McCann, also on 5 wins, with Khwanjai third on 4 wins. The High Game award was won by Khwanjai for her excellent score of 498, and Glenys Dettmann played QUESTED for 113 points to win the High Word award. Well done, everyone.
COMO saw the best individual performance for the day, with Annette Casey winning all 7 games, an achievement which is so difficult to achieve! Good play, Annette! Second place went to Eileen Mills on 5 wins, with Elize Plaganyi finishing third, also on 5 wins. Watsonia Club Convenor Angie Winkler scored 442 to take home the High Game award, and Annette Casey played OUTVOTED for 95 points to win the High Word award. Nice play, everyone.

Organisers Angie Winkler and Marisa Nuccitelli, with new player Cate Johnson.

Scrabble stalwarts Latha Weerakkody and John Parker

Chatting - Geoff Wright, Jenny Brysha, TD Marj Miller, Geoff Shepheard, Trevor Halsall

Packing up! It looks like Ann Goodwin was left alone to do it all!

Thank you to the members of the two Clubs for running this event, and we hope you can do the same again next year!
To check the full results of the Midwinter Tournament click HERE

The McKinnon House Fundraiser ~ June 30, 2019

This six game event, held at the temporary home of the Balwyn Scrabble Club (230 Balwyn Road, Mondays at 1.00 pm), was organised by Khwanjai Thammaping who regularly raises funds for the residents at her place of work to assist them to have an enjoyable outing at the end of the year. Well done, Khwanjai.
Relatives, friends and McKinnon House staff members attended and helped in many ways with catering and care of the residents when they visited in the afternoon. A Thai lunch was provided by the helpers, and this was lovely and fresh and tasty, and everyone appreciated the between-game home-baked goodies. We were well looked after indeed! Raffle prizes had been donated by several people and the proceeds helped swell the amount raised on the day.
Tournament Director Barry Harridge announced that the updated Collins Scrabble Words 2019 were in use for the first time at a Victorian tournament and players enjoyed writing their "new" words played on a list - a prize was given for the most new words played (won by Angie Pearse, seven played), and the highest score achieved using a new word (won by Shaun Donnelly, 50 points for "ZE"). Barry also welcomed new player Lay-Hoon Ng to her first rated tournament - Lay-Hoon had previously taken part in the non-rated Seniors Day event last October.

Khwanjai with some staff, volunteers and residents

Angie Pearse who played the most "New Words"

Shaun Donnelly who played the highest scoring "New Word"

Eloise, Emily, Shaun and Mark enjoying a game

Forty players took part in three sections, and prizes of various chocolates were given at the end of the day to those who performed well.
DIVISION A was won by Anand Bharadwaj on five wins, followed by Jeremy Yip and Shirley de Silva, both on four wins. Well done, fellas! The High Game award went to Jeremy for his score of 558, and Anand played DAGGIER for 109 points to win the High Word for this section.
DIVISION B saw veteran John Parker in fine form, winning all six games, well done, John! Second place went to Kannan Sethuraman on five wins, and third was Jenny Brysha on four wins. The High Game winner was Kannan for his score of 478, and his play of JESTERS for 86 won him the High Word award as well.
DIVISION C saw our new player Lay-Hoon Ng run away with an excellent win, having won five of her games. What a great start to what we hope will be a long career in competitive Scrabble, Lay-Hoon! Second place went to Balada Catanchin also on five wins, and third placed was Elize Plaganyi on four wins. The High Game award went to Elize for her score of 468, and her word LOZENGE for 82 points won her the High Word award for this section.

Division A winners: Shirley de Silva, Anand Bharadwaj and Jeremy Yip

Division B: Jenny Brysha, John Parker and Kannan Sethuraman

Division C: Lay-Hoon Ng, Elize Plaganyi and Balada Catanchin

David Lemish who hadn't played for a while, pictured here with Khwanjai

A message from Khwanjai: On behalf of the management, staff & the residents of McKinnon House, I would like to thank the Balwyn Community Centre for hosting this event, your generosity is truly appreciated. Also thank you to Scrabble Victoria, the players and the volunteers who have made this 3rd fundraiser tournament happen and successfully so. Special thanks to Barry Harridge our tournament director, Marj Miller, Carol Johnsen, Norma Fisher, Christie Godby, Nick Ivanovski, Jenny Brysha, Kashi Thiris & Angie Pearse for all your support including the raffle prize donations. Besides approximately $1,100 raised for our residents' end-of-year outing, what we think that we've achieved more than anything was that our residents enjoyed themselves playing Scrabble & socializing. Thank you to Marj & Barry for jiggling around the boards and many more who made them welcome. Click HERE to see 94 photos from the tournament.
Once again, thank you to the Scrabble community for your support. Regards, Khwanjai.
To see the full results of the McKinnon House Fundraiser click HERE

Go to the top

The Victorian Championship - June 7/8, 2019

The 2019 Victorian Champion, Trevor Halsall, with the perpetual trophy and his individual trophy, made by Trevor Barraclough from Lara

The winners in the Championship - Joanne Craig, Naween Fernando, Edward Okulicz, Khwanjai Thammaping, Dieter Jedamski, and Champion Trevor Halsall

Happy birthday girl Carol Johnsen, with her lovely cake! Players enjoyed a slice for morning tea

The "Melbourne Club themed" cake, well done, Angie Winkler! Click to enlarge

A total of 41 players met at the Windy Hill events centre in Essendon to take part in this year's Championship, with representatives from Nigeria, New Zealand, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales as well as our local Victorians competing. Thanks go to Tournament Organiser and Director Carol Johnsen and all who helped in any way, particularly Norma Fisher and Barry Harridge.
This year's event was played over two days, with nine games per day. Joanne Craig (New South Wales) was quickly out of the blocks with an early lead, with Ayorinde Saidu from Nigeria leading for a few rounds, but at the end of Day One Joanne was back in the lead.
The draw was reset before the start of Day Two, and shortly after Trevor Halsall (Victoria) emerged as the leader, maintaining this position until the end of the day. Trevor won 14 games with a margin of +556. Congratulations, Trevor, another great tournament for you - this is Trevor's third consecutive win, and his fourth overall, an amazing achievement!
Trevor was closely followed by Naween Fernando (13 wins, +1358), Joanne Craig (12 wins, +969, Barry Jordan (South Australia, 12 wins +294), and Peter Kougi (Victoria, 11 wins +576). The High Game award went to Ayorinde Saidu for his score of 605, and Edward Okulicz (Victoria) claimed the High Word award for his play of JOYRIDES for 158 points.
Awards were given for players rated below 1250, and the Highest Achiever award went to Dieter Jedamski who finished in sixteenth place (and also picked up 120 ratings points, the best overall in the Championship). Khwanjai Thammaping claimed the High Game award for her score of 559, and the High Word award for her play of DREADERS for 149 points. Well done to all!

Champ Trevor Halsall plays Adam Kretschmer from South Australia

From the left: Jenny Brysha, Frank Csarics, Ray Alford, Dieter Jedamski

Peter Kougi, Naween Fernando, Norma Fisher & Geoff Shepheard

Barry Harridge (Victoria) and Paul Richards (Queensland)

At morning tea - Heather Long, Joanne Craig & Norma Fisher

At the morning break on Sunday Carol Johnsen was honoured with a scrumptious birthday cake, beautifully made and decorated by our skilled player Angie Winkler, amazing job, Angie! Carol was celebrating a milestone birthday and the cake honoured her beloved AFL team, the Melbourne Demons - Carol is a regular attendee at their matches and a very loyal fan.

Trevor Halsall plays Khwanjai Thammaping

Celebration drinks at Windy Hill

At dinner in the Windy Hill Bistro

Lois Binnie (NZ) with Ellen Frajman

Kashi Thiris and Marj Miller

To see the full results of the Victorian Championship check the archives HERE

The Queen's Birthday Event - Sunday June 9th
This 7 game tournament ran concurrently with the second day of the Championship and players were divided into two sections, with 12 in each. Jimmy Scarff made a triumphant return to Scrabble with a clean sweep in Division A - Jimmy won all 7 games, scored 662 to win the High Game award and played VOMITOS for 164 to win the High Word award. This was a non-triple-triple play and will be added to the National records as it equals Victoria's Jason Stockdale's play from 2006 of BEZIQUES for the same score. Well played, Jimmy! Second place in Division A went to Marj Miller, with Heather Long placing third.

Jimmy Scarff's board, showing his record play of "VOMITOS" Click to enlarge

Division A Runner up Marj Miller, with winner Jimmy Scarff and his awards

Division B winners: Ellen Frajman 3, winner Glenys Dettmann and Dianne Gibson (2nd)

Happy to be back! Jimmy Scarff, with Gina Jordan from South Australia, Ellen Frajman & June Valentine

Division B was won by Glenys Dettmann with six wins, followed by Dianne Gibson on 5.5 wins, and Ellen Frajman on 4.5 wins. During the day Dianne was presented with her badge marking 2000 tournament games played, a great achievement indeed, Dianne. The High Game and High Word awards both went to Dianne for her game score of 537 points, and her word play of JUTTIER for 98 points.

Dianne Gibson, wearing her "2000 game" badge

Kris Howat, Dominica Krstic, Dianne Gibson, Angie Winkler, Betty Egan

Jenny Plant, Glenys Dettmann, and Rod Casey

Anne Menheere, Rene Chelton, Jeff Chelton, and Marlene Ellis

Players in both events enjoyed the surroundings at Windy Hill, including the bistro meals and generous morning and afternoon teas, and the friendly attitude of the staff at the centre. Thanks for organising it all, Carol and Norma and Committee! Thanks to Khwanjai Thammaping, Barry Harridge and Nick Ivanovski for the use of their photos, it is appreciated as always.
To see the full results of the Queens Birthday event click HERE

The Annual Tri-state Challenge, in Junee for the first time! May 25/26 2019

The winners, Team New South Wales

Second placed, Team Australian Capital Territory

Third placed, Team Victoria

Some of the Victorians arriving at Junee Station

The R.S.L. Club in the New South Wales town of Junee (the central point for travel from the three states involved) proved an excellent venue, and everyone appreciated the kindness of the weather. Fifteen Victorians, twelve from New South Wales, and nine from the Australian Capital Territory battled for the title, with New South Wales overtaking the team from the nation's capital in the last round, with Victoria coming in third.
John Hamilton from the ACT was in charge of the organisation, and ensured that as many games were played between the states as possible, and these were the games that counted towards the title - New South Wales won 54.02% of games played against the other states, the A.C.T. won 52.86%, and Victoria won 43.96%. Congratulations to the team from New South Wales! We'll have to do better next year!
Thanks to John and helpers for your hard work organising the event, and to see the full results of the Tri-state Challenge check the archives HERE

Division A, Barry Harridge, Victoria, first & High Rating Gain +88

Bob Jackman, NSW, second, High Game 535, High Word TYPHOID 112

Div A, Noel Barrett, Australian Capital Territory, third

Division B, Hanne Marks, NSW, first

Division B, Sunny Wright NSW, second

Div B, Terry Horan, ACT, High Game

Div B, Arlene Williams, ACT, High Word READIED 95

Div B, Latha Weerakkody, High Rating Gain +59

Scrabble Generations - May 19, 2019

The inaugural Generations event was run by Nick Ivanovski, using John Chew's excellent TSH program. 42 players were divided into four teams roughly according to age, with the program ensuring that team members did not play their own team members, but always members of other teams. Team captains were Anand Bharadwaj, leader of the Young Ones, Christie Godby was captain of the Young to Middle Aged Team, Carol Johnsen captained the Almost Mature team, while Marj Miller lead the More Mature players!
Individually Anand Bharadwaj finished first on 7 wins, ahead of Gwen Lampre on 6 wins and Mythili Rudra on five. Chris Scholten scored the High Game for the day with a score of 615.
It was a fun day, with Nick handling the software extremely well together with looking after all our needs! Thanks, Nick, and thanks to you and Khwanjai for the use of your photos.
To see the results of the Generations Tournament click HERE

Team Anand, the winners - Anand Bharadwaj, Jeremy Yip, Jenny Brysha, Natasha Podesser, Chris Scholten, Kashi Thiris, Mythili Rudra, Carolyn Miller, Khwanjai Thammaping

Second place, Team Carol - Sandra Masel, Barry Harridge, Glen Chandler, Carol Johnsen, Angie Pearse, Latha Weerakkody, Norma Fisher, John Parker, Annette Casey, Gwen Lampre

Annette Casey, best performed player with a rating less than 1000

Natasha Podesser, concentrating on her game

Team Christie, Third - Christie Godby, Rob York, Dominica Krstic, Alan Burn, Noel Coulter, Oliver Podesser, Kris Howat, Geoff Shepheard, Dianne Davis, Christiane McCann, Doreen Ivanovski

Fourth Place, Team Marj - Lina Camilleri, Glen Chandler, Norma Engel, John Rider, Marj Miller, Elize Plaganyi, Betty Egan, Marisa Nuccitelli, Mal Eden, Angie Winkler

Anand Bharadwaj and Jeremy Yip, friends at Scrabble, and old school mates

Preparing for the updated wordlist - Marj Miller, Geoff Shepheard and Norma Fisher

Go to the top

Saturday Sessions 3D - April 27, 2019

This was the fourth and final session for the first half of the 2019 series, and many major prizes were awarded, as well as for the regular Round Robin played on the day. Organiser Nick Ivanovski welcomed Robyn Cameron from New South Wales (lovely to meet you, Robyn) and Robyn's husband David called in late in the day at presentation time.
Over $700 was given out for the cumulative awards over the four recent Sessions, and Nick is hoping to better this amount when further awards are given out at the final Session for 2019. The next event, which starts the group of four for the remainder of the year, takes place on Saturday August 3rd.
Here are the major prizes awarded on the day -
1350+ Band:1st Geoff Wright 15 points, 2nd John Rider 13 points, 3rd Anand Bharadwaj 12 points.
1000-1349 points:1st Kashi Thiris 18 points, equal second Robin Steward/Glenys Dettmann 16 points.
Below 1000 points:1st Oscar Ivanovski 20 points, 2nd Angie Winkler 19 points, 3rd Ann Goodwin 17 points.
Overall Rating Gain winners: Angie Winkler +74 and Doreen Ivanovski +44.

Below are the Round Robin winners for the 3D tournament:

Natasha Podesser, Division A, 4 wins

Marj Miller, Div B, 4 wins

Doreen Ivanovski, Division C, 5 wins

Eileen Mills, Division D, 4 wins

David & Robyn Cameron

To see the full results of Saturday Sessions 3D check the archives HERE

The 2019 Australian Championship and Plate, held in Hobart, Tasmania, April 20-22nd

New Champ Cameron Farlow - the first Champ from Queensland, I think!

From the left - Daniel Piechnick, Edward Okulicz, Cameron Farlow, Peter Kougi, Mythili Rudra, Naween Fernando, Chris May, Andrew Fisher, Esther Perrins

Most of the Victorian players who travelled to Tasmania for the event

The Championship:
After 24 hard-fought games Australia's new Champion for 2019 is Cameron Farlow from the state of Queensland, what a wonderful win for one of our great younger players! Going in to Round 21 of 24 Cameron was on 14 wins, with Peter Kougi (Victoria, on 14 wins), Edward Okulicz (Victoria, also on 14 wins), followed by Andrew Fisher (Victoria, on 13). Cameron simply needed to win his last four games, and this is exactly what he was able to do, finishing on 18 wins after playing the daunting quartet of Peter Kougi, Chris May, Ryan Sutton and Mythili Rudra.

Congratulations on a very convincing win, Cam! Andrew Fisher (17 wins, +1144) finished second a game behind Cameron, followed by Peter Kougi (17 wins, +1060), and Edward Okulicz (17 wins, +775). Fifth place was filled by Daniel Piechnick (South Australia, 16 wins), Naween Fernando (Victoria, 15.5 wins) placed 6th, Chris May from New South Wales placed 7th on 15 wins and Victoria's Mythili Rudra placed eighth with 15 wins. Both the High Game and High Word awards went to Esther Perrins from New South Wales for her brilliant score of 631, and her play of OFTENEST for 158 points. Well done to you all.

The Plate:
This event was also keenly fought, with Rene Chelton from New South Wales winning 17.5 games and emerging as the winner over Tasmania's Margaret Bishop on 17 wins, Pam Thomas (Tasmania, 3rd on 16 wins), Karyn Crease (South Australia, 4th 16 wins), Khwanjai Thammaping (Victoria 5th 16 wins), Moana Nepia (NSW 6th 16), Francoise Finlayson (South Australia 7th on 15 wins), and John Salmon (Western Australia 8th on 14.5 wins). Various ratings band prizes were awarded (placegetters were ineligible to receive a ratings band prize) and Victorians collected two of these - Paula Messer for second place in the 1000-1200 band, and Michael Smitheram for first place in the under 1000 band. The High Game award went to veteran Ivy Nicholls from Tasmania for her excellent score of 546, and Cheryl Michler from New South Wales won the High Word award for her play of CAPSIZE for 150 points. Well done, everyone!

At the computer desk - Barry Harridge, John Hamilton, Ronnie B's mum Sam

Two of our regular Victorian players, Dianne Gibson and Betty Egan

At the dinner - Victoria's president Carol Johnsen with Phillip and John Hamilton

Happy crew at dinner - Joanne Craig, Trevor Halsall and Edward Okulicz

The Dream Team:Once again John Hamilton organised a Dream Team competition, with the following team selection criteria: "Teams are 6 players from 6 states (3 in Championship, 3 in Plate), not exceeding 8000 rating points in total." John received 70 entries, and at the end of the tournament the team selected by Pam Bennett from New South Wales proved to be the best - Pam's selections were Stephen Mooney Pursell (Tasmania), Barry Jordan (South Australia), Ronnie Bennett (Australian Capital Territory), Rene Chelton (New South Wales), Paula Messer (Victoria) and Alan Mathews (Western Australia), with an aggregate starting rating of 7998. Pam's team won 84.5 games with a margin of +2654, well done, Pam, on your astute choices! Second place went to Barry Harridge whose team finished 82:+463, and third place went to Barry Jordan whose team finished 81.5:+1900. Thanks for organising this, John and Barry!
The Tournament ran smoothly under the expert guidance of Tournament Director John Hamilton from the Australian Capital Territory. His brother Phillip Hamilton spent the tournament sitting quietly on the stage beside Table One, assisting with live streaming of games from each round - these were watched by many around the world, well done John and Phillip. Our busy webmaster was Barry Harridge from Victoria, who regularly updated the standings etc on the national website and the mailing lists. Barry also stepped in to play when one of our players became unwell with a virus, and Barry acquitted himself very well, winning 11 of 14 games played. Thanks for all your hard work, Barry, and thanks to Khwanjai Thammaping for the use of some of her excellent photos, and a very big thank you to all who had input into the smooth running of this excellent event.

The workers - Margaret Bishop, Martin Rose, Cindy Brunniche, Sandy McConnell, Khen Meerding, Phillip Hamilton, Barry Harridge and John Hamilton

The entree - scrumptious platters, with oysters, dips, smoked salmon, cold meats, cheese, breads and much more.

At dinner - Paula Messer and Julie Belle, both from Victoria, with Tim Reddan from the A.C.T.

Some Victorians at the dinner - Trevor Halsall with newlyweds Peter Kougi and Mythili Rudra

Organisation by the Tasmanian Scrabble players, led by President Martin Rose, was impeccable. The venue (the Hellenic Centre in North Hobart) was spacious, although a little cold on the first morning when the temperature dropped below 6 degrees. The Hellenic Club members took on the task of catering for the event, and their efforts were wonderful - many commented that it was as good, if not better, than any previous between-game snacks at a Championship event. The Hellenic members also catered for the lovely dinner on Monday night, and this was exceptional as well, with generous platters of interesting starters, followed by various meats and vegetables done on the spit, and walnut cake with ice cream - well done to you all, and well done, Scrabble Tasmania!
To see the full results of the Championship and the Plate check the archives HERE
And to visit the website with details and round-by-round results click HERE

The wedding of two young Scrabble players - April 13, 2019

This was a lovely celebration of the marriage of Mythili Rudra and Peter Kougi - Mythili played at the Nunawading Club from Year 10 to Year 12 when staying with relatives whilst studying in Melbourne, and much later played in New South Wales until moving to Melbourne in 2012. Peter learned his craft at the Bentleigh Club over many years, under the expert guidance of Norma Fisher. Both Myt and Peter are now very accomplished and daunting players, with Peter winning the Australian Championship in 2015 in Melbourne, not an easy task!
We had a wonderful day at Doyle's Bridge Hotel in Mordialloc where the ceremony took place near the canal under a pergola decorated with roses, and the sun came out on an otherwise gloomy day. Dinner was delightful with generous servings of yummy food, and Mythili looked lovely in her beautiful blue and gold sari. Greek music and dancing, including the newly-weds dancing on chairs, added to the wonderful atmosphere - it was a very happy day indeed! All scrabble players present agreed it was an honour to be invited, and it was lovely to meet Mythili and Peter's families and friends.
We wish Mythili and Peter every happiness in their marriage, and many more years of enjoyment in Scrabble!

Go to the top

The 2019 Nunawading Tournament ~ March 31st, at Box Hill

Fifty players gathered at the Box Hill Senior Citizens' Centre to contest this annual event - this may be one of the last times the Centre is used as a tournament venue, and on the whole it has served us very well as a regular place to run tournaments. Thanks to Sue and Alistair Kane for finding it quite some time ago - I'm not sure of the year, but possibly the first event held there was the 2006 Victorian Championship.
Nunawading Club Convenor Geoff Shepheard did a great job organising his first tournament, and we thank him, together with Club member June Valentine and others for looking after us so well on the day - the cakes and sausage rolls were lovely! Thanks also to anyone who helped in any way, including Nick Ivanovski, Carol Johnsen, Norma Fisher and Rob York.
Three players were presented with milestone badges by President Carol Johnsen - Paula Messer and John Rider reached the 2000 games played mark, and Balada Catanchin achieved 1000 games played - these three are very regular contestants who thoroughly enjoy the challenge of a good game, and we congratulate you all!

Div A: Geoff Wright (2nd), Nick Ivanovski (High Word DIARISED 149), Norma Fisher (High Game 556), Edward Okulicz (1st). Missing - Chris Scholten (3rd)

Div B: June Valentine (1st), Jenny Brysha (2nd), Glenys Dettmann (High Game 547), Rob York (3rd & High Word LEAVENED 98)

President Carol Johnsen presented Paula Messer with her 2000 games badge - well done, Paula!

John Rider receiving his 2000 games badge from Carol Johnsen - a good effort, John!

Players were divided into 4 sections, with Edward Okulicz, June Valentine, Christiane McCann and Marlene Ellis the winners on the day. There were some great plays on the day, including Marlene Ellis's brilliant play of BOARDING for 158 points, and Norma Fisher's game score of 556, the best for the day.
Great ratings gains were achieved on the day by June Valentine +53, Chris Scholten +46, Angie Pearse + 32, Jenny Brysha +30, Christiane McCann +30, Marisa Nuccitelli + 29, and Dominica Krstic + 27. Well done,everyone.
To find the full results of the Nunawading 2019 event click HERE

Div C: John Parker (2nd), Dominica Krstic (3rd), Oliver Podesser (HW PERSONAL 140), Christiane McCann (1st & HG 520)

Div D: Oscar Ivanovski (High Game 495), Marisa Nuccitelli (3rd), Rena Aitken (2nd), Marlene Ellis (1st & HW BOARDING 158)

Carol Johnsen presenting a very happy Balada Catanchin with her badge denoting 1000 games played, congrats Balada!

Play in progress later in the day - we will miss our days at Box Hill Senior Citizens' Centre!

Go to the top

Saturday Sessions 3 C ~ March 16, 2019

A pleasant day was had by the 30 players who attended this event at St Gabriel's School in Reservoir, and Organiser/Tournament Director Nick Ivanovski welcomed all players, with a special welcome to new player Ravindi Nanayakkara playing in her first tournament. Good luck and enjoy your time in Scrabble, Ravindi!
Players appreciated the light snacks provided, including delicious contributions from Kris Howat and Carol Johnsen, thanks to you both.
The field divided neatly into five divisions, and all played five games each, with standby player Marj Miller not required on the day. The outstanding game of the day was played by Anand Bharadwaj with a score of 672 points. Nice game, Anand!
Angie Winkler in Division E was delighted to win all her games on the day, always such a great feeling! Well done, Angie.
Angie also achieved the highest ratings gain on the day, gaining 36 points. Other good gains went to Glenys Dettmann +28, Latha Weerakkody +26 and Lina Camilleri + 26. Well done, everyone.
To check the full results of Saturday Sessions 3C click HERE

Div. A winner, Anand Bharadwaj

Div. B winner, Kashi Thiris

Winner Div. C, Glenys Dettmann

Div. D Winner, Latha Weerakkody

Winner Div. E, Angie Winkler

Saturday Sessions 3 B ~ March 2, 2019

35 players gathered at St. Gabriel's School in Reservoir and were divided into six round robin groups. A very late dropout meant that Division C was a player short so the remainder played four rated games, with standby player Marj Miller playing the spare person in some enjoyable social games. It was a very hot day but we were cool and comfortable in the school, which has turned out to be a very suitable venue. Niki Misinale played her second tournament and has settled well into tournament play, enjoying her games and the social atmosphere. Thanks to Nick Ivanovski for his organisation of the Saturday Sessions, the next one takes place at St. Gabriel's on Saturday March 16.
To check the full results of Saturday Sessions 3B click HERE

Winner in Division A - Trevor Halsall

Division B - Norma Fisher

Division C winner - Barry Harridge

Division D - Kannan Sethuraman

Division E winner - Ann Goodwin

Winner in Division F - Oscar Ivanovski

Oscar Ivanovski, Carolyn Miller & Niki Misinale

Go to the top

Summer Fun at Box Hill ~ February 17, 2019

54 people gathered to compete in this 7 game event, one of the last to be held at Box Hill Senior Citizens Centre due to rising charges for the use of the venue.
TD Carol Johnsen welcomed Ruth McInerney who is visiting from overseas, and it was good to see Edward Okulicz - Edward is now residing in Victoria, having relocated from New South Wales. Zina Costanzo was also visiting from the Northern Territory where she and Sal are happily living in Litchfield National Park, a lovely quiet spot several kilometres south of Darwin.
Players were divided into four sections - Advocaat, Brandy, Cointreau and Daiquiri, and a box of chocolates was awarded for the best "Summer" word - this was won by June Valentine for her play of the word "SUN". Everyone was well nourished thanks to Carol and Angie Pearse, who acted as standby player for the day. Thanks for doing that job, Angie.
Well done to all winners and placegetters, and safe travels to David Eldar who is heading back to England shortly.

DAIQUIRI: Rena Aitken (3rd), June Valentine (Best Summer Word), Angie Winkler (High Game 486), Balada Catanchin (High Word ZARIBAS 129), Elize Plaganyi (2nd), Gayle Cameron (1st)

COINTREAU: Khwanjai Thammaping (1st), Christiane McCann (High Word JOGGERS 111), John Parker (2nd & High Game 497), and Kannan Sethuraman (3rd)

BRANDY: Rob York (High Game 528), June Valentine (3rd), Paula Messer (2nd), Shirley De Silva (High Word JOINTERS 98, and John Rider (1st)

ADVOCAAT: David Eldar (High Game 666), Anand Bharadwaj (High Word CAPTIVES 194), Nick Ivanovski (1st), Peter Kougi (2nd), Andrew Fisher (3rd)

To check the full results of the Summer Fun event click HERE

The first of the Saturday Sessions for 2019! February 2nd

The first of eight of these tournaments for 2019 attracted an excellent field of 44 players, including Caroline Scowcroft from Queensland. The event was again run smoothly by Organiser and Tournament Director, Nick Ivanovski - well done, Nick. Its an advantage to play in as many of these Sessions as you can as there are generous prizes awarded at the conclusion of the first four, and another set of prizemoney is given out at the end of Session 8, with overall prizes covering the eight events also awarded.

Division A winner, David Eldar

Winner of Div B, Geoff Wright

Kashi Thiris, Div C Winner

Div D winner, Dianne Gibson

Robin Steward, winner of Div E

Div F winner, Christiane McCann

Oscar Ivanovski, Div G winner

Nick Ivanovski, hard at work

Thanks to Nick Ivanovski and Khwanjai Thammaping for the use of their photos. To check the full results of Saturday Sessions 3A click HERE

The CSIM and Australia Day Tournament in Sydney, January 2019

The City of Sydney Masters and the Australia Day Tournaments attracted good numbers this year - 65 played the 8-game one-day event on January 26th, and 58 took part in the 18 game CSIM, held over two days on Sunday and Monday of the long weekend.

Andrew Fisher, first CSIM, with NSW President Bob Jackman

Edward Okulicz, second CSIM

Ryan Sutton, third CSIM

David Eldar, fourth CSIM

Several international players competed in both events and the winner of the CSIM, following a tough battle which several players had a chance of winning, was Andrew Fisher from Victoria. Andrew finished on 13 wins, ahead on margin only from Edward Okulicz and Ryan Sutton, both from New South Wales. Victorians filled the next three places, namely David Eldar, Naween Fernando and Trevor Halsall. The High Game award was won by Russell Honeybun from Western Australia for his score of 668 points, and the High Word award went to Carmel Dodd from South Australia for her play of EROTEMAS for 154. Well played, all!

Naween Fernando, fifth CSIM

Trevor Halsall, sixth CSIM

Peter Kougi, first Australia Day event

Adam Kretschmer, second Australia Day event

The Australia Day event was won by Peter Kougi from Victoria, closely followed by Adam Kretschmer from South Australia and Noel Barrett from the Australian Capital Territory. Both the High Game and High Word awards were won by Sue Gergelifi from New South Wales for her score of 623 points and her play of DISRATES for 140 points. Well done, everyone!
Congrats to New South Wales on running another successful tournament at the Bankstown Sports Club, and thanks to Sharon Sorenson for the use of her photos.
To check the 2019 CSIM results click HERE
And to see the full results of the Australia Day Tournament click HERE

Vale Lorna Patching, 2 February 1927 to 20 January 2019

It was with sadness we heard the news of Lorna's passing, at home as was her deepest wish, with her family around her following a long battle with cancer. Lorna had been a loyal and much loved Scrabble player in Victoria for many years. Her courtesy, sense of fairness and gentle nature made her a popular opponent,and all will remember the twinkle in her eye and her wonderful sense of humour.
As well as Scrabble Lorna loved crosswords and all sorts of puzzles and her favourite pastime was working on Word Codes after having the one available clue “whited out”. Her spare time was taken up with charity work of various sorts, and caring lovingly for her family. Lorna and Alan had four children but, sadly, her two sons predeceased her. Lorna will be greatly missed by Alan and their daughters Margaret and Rosemary, and extended family and friends.
Rest peacefully, Lorna, your Scrabble friends will miss you too.

2019 kicks off with the Bil Rose Aestival ~ January 13th, at Box Hill

Sixty-two players played in this year's Aestival, held in memory of our Guiness Book of Records legend Bil Rose. As the Australian Open Tennis event is contested at the same time Tournament Organiser (and standby-player) Carol Johnsen ran a theme word competition for the "Best Tennis Word" and the judges chose the word DEUCE played by John Ryan, who received a ground pass for Monday January 21st. It was good to see B.J.Winzer back at tournament play after an absence of ten years, well done, B.J.
The round robin sections were mainly named after our Aussie tennis players, and winners were as follows - AIAVA division was won by Andrew Fisher (7 wins), BARTY by Geoff Wright (6 wins), CABRERA by Noel Coulter (5 wins), DE MINAUR by Kris Howat (5 wins), EBDEN by Dominica Krstic (5.5 wins), FEDERER by Anne Menheere (6 wins), GAVRILOVA by Balada Catanchin (6 wins), and Oscar Ivanovski won all 7 games for a clean sweep of HEWITT. Well done everyone, especially the two who won all 7 games!

A-C winners, Noel Coulter, Geoff Wright and Andrew Fisher

D-H winners, Kris Howat, Oscar Ivanovski, Balada Catanchin and Dominica Krstic

David Eldar

Fintan Conway

Angie Winkler and Faye Leeder, relaxing at the end of the day

Two High Word and two High Game prizes were awarded, with the top four sections combined, as were the lower four sections. The AIAVA-DE MINAUR awards went to David Eldar for his game score of 615 points and his great play of JEHADIST worth 194 points. The EBDEN-HEWITT prize for High Game went to B.J.Winzer for his excellent score of 516, and the High Word Award went to Fintan Conway for playing LENDERS for 99 points. Good play, all.
Thank you to all who assisted with the running of the event, and for setting up and tidying up afterwards, and to Christie Godby for looking after our nutritional needs so well for the day. Our next event sees the return of the Saturday Sessions, with the first of eight for the year kicking off on February 2nd at Reservoir.

To check the 2019 Aestival results click HERE

Go to the top