The official website of the Australian Scrabble Players Association (Victoria) Inc.

Watch this space for the latest news and happenings in the Victorian Scrabble scene, and left-click on a pic to see if it will enlarge.
Your social reporter is Marj Miller. Please pass on any news to mjwm@connexus.net.au

Upcoming Events:

World Youth Championship Fundraiser ~ 7 games ~ July 5
The Cynthia Curr Nunawading Tournament ~ 6 games ~ July 24
Victorian Country Championship ~ 6 games ~ August 8
International Fundraiser ~ 5 games ~ August 15
Midwinter Fundraiser & AGM ~ August 30

Click here for full details of all tournaments.

Vale Michael Chisholm

18/11/1950 ~ 27/06/2009
Sadly Michael passed away on Saturday after a long illness, and here are the words Barry Harridge wrote about his longtime friend on the Ozscrabble email list:

Michael, taken in February 2009
at the Camberwell Tournament

I have the sad news to relate that Michael Chisholm passed away this morning after a long battle against cancers of the stomach and oesophagus. He knew that his death was imminent when I saw him last week (and played two good games of Scrabble with him), and his mind was still sharp as recently as yesterday when Norma Fisher visited him, even though he was in a shocking state physically.
He was long respected in the Scrabble community as a well-read, courteous gentleman with considerable Scrabble ability and a keen interest in the Scrabble community. He will be missed but long remembered.

Michael is survived by his sister and three brothers, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service for Michael will take place at the Renowden Chapel at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Thursday July 2nd at 1.00pm. Following the service Michael will be laid to rest within the Cemetery grounds, at peace after such a long illness.

Vale Tamara Messer - June 27th 2009

Tamara was a member for many years of the Victorian Scrabble Association and enjoyed occasionally playing in tournaments, where she was a keen competitor who liked nothing better than a victory across the board. Tamara was also a loyal member of the Balwyn Scrabble Club for many years which she thoroughly enjoyed until her failing health brought an end to her visits, though neither her mind nor her desire to win were diminished by time. She was renowned for her excellent memory and shrewd play, and was missed by the members when her visits ceased.
Tamara is survived by her loving husband of 66 years Harry, our association member Paula, and Paula's siblings Ruth, Iain and Alan and partners, and a large extended family, many of whom were present at Tamara's graveside service at Springvale Botanical Cemetery this morning, Tuesday June 30.
Minyan will be held this evening at 6.45 pm at the Leo Baeck Centre, 31-37 Harp Rd, Kew.
Rest in peace, Tamara.


Players on Saturday at Wagga Wagga

The NSW/Vic Border Challenge 20/21st June 2009

This event took place at Wagga Wagga over the weekend, with NSW emerging victorious over Victoria, winning 60 games against the Vics tally of 53. Players travelled by train and car to arrive in time for the start of play at 2.00 pm, apart from those coming from Sydney on the XPT - the train came to a halt about 10 minutes travelling time from Wagga, and sat for quite some time with the players anxiously waiting, and unable to contact anyone as there was no mobile phone coverage available in the area. On arrival arrangements were made to add these players to the draw, and apart from a shortage of racks and tiles and some computer hiccups games proceeded quite smoothly for the rest of the event. Next year players will be requested to bring racks and tiles, as well as rotating boards and clocks. Thanks to Carol Johnsen for the pics and for organising the event, and to Bob Jackman, Edward Okulicz and others for their assistance.

A pleasant venue - the Commercial Club
Also thanks to Norm and Joy Bing of the Wagga Wagga Scrabble Club who organised the Recreational section, which gave many players from the Wagga Wagga and Tumut Clubs a chance to experience their first tournament. The individual event was won by Joanne Craig from NSW, winning 9 of 10 games, with Bob Jackman (NSW) pipping Geoff Wright (Vic) for second place thanks to a superior margin, with both finishing on 8 wins. The High Game Award went to Edward Okulicz (NSW) for a score of 592, and George Khamis (NSW) played "WHEELIES" for a score of 149 to win the High Word Award. Carol and Bob are planning to repeat this event next year, when the ACT players will compete for the first time as a separate entity, making it the ACT/NSW/Vic Border Challenge. All in all it was a fun weekend, with enjoyable meals available at the Commercial Club, ample accommodation nearby, and many extra games played by those travelling via train.

To view a newsclip aired on local Prime TV click here


A picture of concentration

Dorothy (Vic) vs Doug (Vic)

Norma (Vic) vs La'reine (NSW)

Edward (NSW) vs Lorraine (Vic)

Bob (NSW) vs Geoff (NSW)

Some necessary headscratching

The 2009 Vic Champs & Queen's Birthday Tournament ~ June 6-8th


Back: David Eldar 2nd, Andrew Fisher 1st & HW,
Edward Okulicz 3rd, Alastair Richards HG.
Front: Trevor Halsall 5th & Naween Fernando 4th.
Our annual three-day Championship held at the Box Hill Senior Citizens Centre went smoothly under the directorship of Barry Harridge, with punctuality a feature - even our Geoff Wright was on time every day, which was pleasing. Apart from an occasional discussion at the playing tables about certain minor issues the general atmosphere was pleasant, with between-game snacks an enjoyable feature. We welcomed many interstate visitors, and we thank you all for your support. Plans to play eight games each day were altered to accommodate those with flights booked to travel home on Monday evening, with nine games played on Sunday and just seven on Monday, resulting in a reasonably early finish.
We congratulate our worthy 2009 Champion Andrew Fisher, also our other placegetters David Eldar, Edward Okulicz from NSW, Naween Fernando and Trevor Halsall, filling places 2-5 respectively. High game of 604 went to Alistair Richards from NSW, and the High Word award was won by Andrew Fisher, who played the exquisite 9-timer "EQUISETA" for an outstanding score of 212 to create a new 2009 record for Highest Word.
Further records for this year were created when Carmel Dodd from SA played "ZYMES" for 111 (Highest play, non-bonus word), and Alistair Kane opened against Bob Jackman with "ZILLAHs"for 106 points (Highest Opening Play). And although Alistair started so well, Bob was able to peg him back, with the game ending in a draw.

To see Barry's progress reports, pics and the final results click here


The 2009 Victorian Champion
Andrew Fisher, also the
current National Champion.
Interstaters: Bob Jackman NSW,
Carmel Dodd SA, Joanne Craig
NSW, John Barker NSW
Relaxing between games at the
Box Hill Senior Cits. Fortunately
not one of our colder days

Best Performed Player rated
under 1400, Sandra Masel
Sal Costanzo versus Ray Alford,
happy to be playing
At right: Rene & Jeff Chelton NSW,
with a friend from Victoria
The ratings band prize for the Best Performed Player rated under 1400 was won by Sandra Masel, who picked up 100 points. The other notable ratings gain for the Championship was recorded by Karen Richards, who gained 119 points over the three days. Well done to you both. Karen also presented an award to the Junior Player who gained the most points over either tournament, and this went to Robert Blunt who improved his rating by 69 points, well done, Robert.

Karen with Robert Blunt, winner
"Highest Rating Gain by a Junior"
Peter Bauer, Carmel Doney &
Heather Long
Young players, with Karen: Robert,
Jay, Alastair, Natasha & Anand

The Queen's Birthday Tournament took place on Monday, and 36 players took part in this six-game two-section event. We welcomed novice Dominica Krstic to her first tournament, who after two games would like to have retired from the tournament, but lunch and a couple of wins changed her mind, and we hope to see her at more tournaments soon. We also welcomed back Fintan Conway, whom we hadn't seen for some time.

Rod Casey ~
First in Division A
Don Marshall, 2nd in Div A,
with old friend David Eldar
Happy Mum and Daughter, Rena
Aitken & Jenny Brysha
Division A was won by Rod Casey who remained unbeaten over 6 games, with Don Marshall from Geelong finishing second, and Marie D'Rosario third. High Game went to Natasha Podesser for a score of 503, and High Word went to former Vic Champ Ann Hagley (nee Radan), who played "BAFFLING" for 104.

Josef Peeters ~
First in Division B
Dorothy Rice ~
2nd in Division B
Fun during the break, Stephanie
Saunders with Bridget Halge
A delighted Josef Peeters was victorious in Division B, also winning all 6 games. Dorothy Rice happily placed second, with Margaret Magro very happily placing third. Rob York scored 489 to win the High Game award, and High Word went to Glen Chandler who played "SQUIRED" for 115.

Katie Rowe with Anand:
"Most Improved Player 2009"
Lovelia Malcolm, cuddling with
Angie Pearse
Alistair Kane with Zev Malcolm,
now aged 5 months

At the computer table on Saturday ~
Barry, Anand with mum Lalitha, & Marj
We presented our annual award for the "Most Improved Player" over the past 12 months to Anand Bharadwaj, who improved his rating by 306 points over the year, just pipping Andrew Fisher who went up 302 points. Katie Rowe presented Anand with a lovely portrait she had painted, and Anand received a generous round of applause for his achievement - his 9th birthday is fast approaching, and he is gaining valuable experience prior to attending the W.Y.S.C. later this year. We were delighted by a visit from Chile and Harry and the children, a happy little pair who are growing and changing each time we see them.
Well done to all who competed for some great plays, excellent demeanour throughout, and very pleasant company. Also many thanks to all who helped make the event a success in any way - the Vic Committee, Barry Harridge, Lalitha Sundaresan, Rena Aitken, Dorothy Barraclough, Jack Miller, Khwanjai Thammaping for all the great pics, and Norma Fisher, who quietly achieves wonderful feats of organisation behind the scenes.
We look forward to seeing you all again - same time next year, if not before.

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The Sixth Xiao-ting Box Tournament

Fourteen players contested this event, congratulations to Peter Kougi on winning all five games and picking up 31 rating points. Second place went to Trevor Halsall on 4 wins, with Sal Costanzo third on 3 wins. High game went to Trevor Halsall with a fine score of 606.
I'm sure all enjoyed the tournament, followed by dinner at the restaurant.

The Cranbourne Tournament ~ May 14th 2009


The Cranbourne Cockies ~ Chris Scholten,
Elaine Capewell, Irlande Alfred, Katie Rowe
& Michael Hornung
Firstly thank you to all who played, and special thanks to all involved in running this event, your efforts (and home-cooking!) are much appreciated. Here is a report from the Tournament Director Katie Rowe, and some pics courtesy of Khwanjai Thammaping, thank you to both.

At close of registration 74 people were in the draw for the inaugural Cranbourne tournament, held at Box Hill which is central for so many people. Facilities are excellent and the myriad Asian restaurants 100 yards away, and the huge shopping mall across the road, mean lunches are delicious and varied. A great flurry of phone calls on Sunday morning with three cancellations and four new entries kept the numbers fluctuating, but fortunately an even number meant there were no byes in any of the four sections. Two interstate visitors joined us, Wayne Willis from Queensland, and David More from NSW ,who flew down very early Sunday morning and travelled back by train on Sunday night. TD Katie Rowe told the players about an ancient philosophy which states that man cannot produce anything perfect, so that everything created by believers has a tiny flaw built into it, in order that the creators do not appear arrogant. In keeping with this philosophy the Cranbourne Club designed the tournament with a tiny flaw to maintain their humility in an otherwise perfect plan. Apparently it wasn't hidden well enough because at least two people had found it before the first game.


Some real cockies......

Cranbourne Club members are known by their alias of the Cranbourne Cockies, so Elaine Capewell designed booklet covers with a cockatoo theme, as well as huge cockatoo badges to identify club members, and a fridge magnet for every player. Spot prizes were awarded after the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th games, for theme words Bird, Flower, Fish and Animal respectively. Cockies didn't feature, but ROSELLA (using two blanks) won the first round for Dianne Davis, DAISIES just beat WATTLES for Michael Hornung, Angie Pearse won the Fish round with KOI, and with 6 or 7 entries for the Animal round, the prize was awarded to Anand Bharadwaj for PIG - given the current interest in swine in general. The Lucky Door Prize was won by Angie Pearse. An amazing array of home-made sandwiches, dips, slices, cakes and fresh fruit meant no-one went hungry and some didn't bother with lunch! Club members took all the credit for that. In one of the early games Stephen Blick went out with a bingo which, played vertically against other 2 and 3 letter words, made 7 additional words.

Alistair Kane,
Masters 1st Place
Trevor Halsall,
Masters 2nd Place
Frank Csarics with Dianne Davis,
Advanced 1st Place

Angie Pearse,
Advanced 2nd Place
Betty Egan,
Intermediate 1st Place
Marjorie Page,
Intermediate 2nd Place
Alistair Kane outplayed all comers in Masters winning all 7 games, with Trevor Halsall 2nd and Michael Hornung 3rd. Congratulations Alistair it was a great result. Dianne Davis was 1st in Advanced, followed by Angie Pearse in 2nd place and Oliver Podesser 3rd. Oliver opted to play in Advanced Section instead of Intermediate, and has now won a Play Up certificate to try his hand again in the Advanced section at a future four-section tournament. Betty Egan won all her games in Intermediate to beat Marjorie Page and Lorna Patching on 6 games each. In Recreation, Wayne Willis from Queensland won 6 from 7 games to take 1st prize, with Edith Wilson and Latha Weerakkody in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Latha's rating jumped 84 points which was the biggest gain in the competition, pipping Alistair by just one point.

Wayne Willis from Queensland,
Recreation 1st Place
Edith Wilson,
Recreation 2nd Place
Novice Barbara Raymond, with
Jeannie Jones

Snack time -
Ann Goodwin & Marj Miller,
with David More from NSW
Fun at presentation time -
Elaine Capewell
& TD Katie Rowe
Checking the ratings - Jenny B.,
Kannan S., Anand B., Natasha P.,
Geoff W. & Peter K., with Carol J.

Travel Scrabble at Halls Gap ~ May 15-17th, 09

A happy and restful get-together took place at the Grand Canyon Motel, with 26 guests enjoying several games of happy scrabble, the picturesque surroundings and wildlife, and some yummy home cooked meals, as can be seen in the pics below.

Happy Zev, with sleepy Lovelia
The Grand Canyon is the motel taken over by our member Cynthia Curr and partner Greg in 2007, and since Cynthia's untimely death in February this year Greg is running the business, with generous help from several local identities, especially Helen and Phil. Thank you to all for your care and friendly hospitality. Cynthia was mentioned many times, with all having warm and wonderful memories of past encounters and friendships, and Greg seemed pleased to have so many of Cynthia's friends staying at the motel.
The undoubted stars of the weekend, apart from the meals, were Lovelia and Zev Malcolm, venturing forth on their first scrabble holiday at the age of almost four months - they are delightful babies, and socially way ahead - we all had many cuddles, with no complaint from either when handed from one person to the next. A special thank you to Nobby and Marjorie Clark for so adeptly organising this event, and for planning a further event in autumn next year in Lakes Entrance.


Organisers Nobby & Marjorie
Clark - note the roast!
Trish Mitchell, John van der
Schoor, Isabel Van Hoorn
Mercia Cadan, Rod Casey,
Jennifer Swift

Don Marshall & Lorraine
Robinson, from Geelong
Proud parents of Lovelia & Zev,
Chile & Harry Malcolm
Gianna Devcic, Mary McMahon,
Brenda Thurgar

Norma Engels with non-playing
husband Phil
Lina Camilleri & Theresa
Scicluna, from Essendon
Kathleen Forest, Audree Clifton,
and Gianna's sister Marisa

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World Championship Fundraiser ~ May 3 2009


The Playing Room at Box Hill
Fifty-four players competed in this pleasant 8-game event, including Barbara Harrison from Bendigo who returned to the tournament scene after an eight-year break. Playing in her first tournament was Lynette Blunt from Moe, mother of one of our young players Robert. Plans are being made for Robert to travel by train to take part in more of our metropolitan events. We belatedly welcomed our ex-Victorian Helen Maurus, now resident in Queensland, and it was great to have her back and looking great - almost as if you hadn't moved away, Helen.
Play got under way almost on time with the invaluable help of Barry Harridge, and during the day our workload was considerably reduced when Lalitha Sundaresan took over the inputting of scores as they came to hand. Thanks to you both for your help. As it was a fundraising event we cut down on the prizes but not on the food, which as usual was most enjoyable.

Going to the WSC - Naween (top l)
& Andrew (seated rt). In contention -
Trevor (seated left) & Peter (top rt)
Kannan Sethuraman,
Best Performed Under 1100 with
Naween Fernando, First Overall
Lorraine Thomas,
Best Performed Player
rated 1100~1450

Novice Lynette Blunt from Moe
with son Robert, competing in his
second tournament
Old friends catching up ~
Geoff Wright with Helen Maurus,
visiting from Queensland
Some of the Greensborough Girls -
Betty Egan, Val Hardiman
& Beryl Bourne
Naween Fernando placed first in the event, winning all games, closely followed by Andrew Fisher, whose only loss was to Naween. Trevor Halsall placed third, but still trails Peter Kougi in the battle for the sixth available place on the World team. To check out the difference between these two click here
Excellent performances also came from fourteenth-placed Lorraine Thomas who took home the Ratings Band prize for the best performed player rated from 1100~1450, gaining 45 points for her efforts. Kannan Sethuraman, dad of our very keen 8 year old Anand, has been playing regularly on the internet as well as attending the recent coaching clinic, and the improvement in his Scrabble game gained him the Ratings Band prize for the best performed player rated under 1100, as well as seventeeth place and 103 rating points. Wow. Other noteworthy ratings gains were attained by Betty Egan (73) and Naween (52), and Andrew recorded the High Game score of 607. Congrats to all on your achievements, and thanks to all for your cooperation and admirable behaviour throughout the day.

Returning after 8 years, Barbara
Harrison with Ruth Fewings &
Lorna Patching, a happy moment
Our young players on the day ~
Natasha Podesser, Robert Blunt,
& Anand Bharadwaj
Josef Peeters and Helen Maurus,
with Chris Scholten (centre)
celebrating his birthday

Relaxing during a break between
games, Ann Hagley with
a happy Angie Pearse
Barry running the ratings, watched
with interest by Lalitha, Trevor,
Kannan, Naween, Andrew & Peter

A helpful night bird - Andrew
with the rubbish, supervised by
Jen and Trevor

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