Helen Shields 2009

First in Canada, Laurie Montgomery and Leigh Ives from Barrie, ON, playing at the Barrie Bridge Club had a 71.77% game to win the National title.

Master Leigh Ives:

Leigh started playing bridge in high school then moved on to duplicate when she started teaching and became LM on her honeymoon at a regional in Sudbury in 1983. She has represented District 2 in pairs and team events at Nationals, and after retiring from vice-principalship in June this year hopes to play in more tournaments in the future. Leigh says: "Laurie took the initiative and asked me to play in the Rookie/Master game. I liked that; it showed her confidence and willingness to learn. Playing with more experienced players is a good way to improve your game. Even though this was the first time we had played, Laurie played very steadily and made very few mistakes. She bid her hand well, knowing not to bid the same values twice. I really enjoyed playing with her. Thanks, Laurie."

Rooke Laurie Montgomery:
Laurie learned to play bridge from her parents when she and
her sister were teenagers. She played only a little social bridge while
raising a family and working, then joined the Barrie Bridge club in 2008 with her
sister, keen to learn the 'new bridge'. She has played regularly in the
weekly 49er game since then and this was her second rookie/master game.
Laurie says: "I felt a little nervous at first but Leigh was
so easy and calm to play with that I soon relaxed and enjoyed the game.
I think we defended well, and she gave me great positive feedback. I
feel really honoured to have won this wonderful trophy. Thanks, Leigh."

HELEN SHIELDS CANADIAN ROOKIE-MASTER GAME
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27,2009

24 clubs took part in our annual Helen Shields Rookie-Master Game, which is named in memory of Helen Shields. Helen, who was from Thunder Bay, was a past President of the Canadian Bridge Federation. Helen was very active in teaching and
introducing new players to duplicate bridge. The St. Lambert BC had the largest turnout with 30 tables or 60 pairs. The Bridge Centre of Niagara came in second with 28 tables. The Rideau Bridge Club and Gatineau Bridge Club each with 24
tables were next. The CBF would like to express its appreciation to Larry Hansen for doing the analysis for this event.

NATIONAL WINNERS (743 PAIRS)

1. Laurie Montgomery & Leigh Ives Barrie Bridge Club 71.77%
2. Anita Pennings & Marc Fournier Barrie Bridge Club 71.73%
3. Colette Clowater & Norma Keswick Bathurst DBC 71.36%
4. Monica Crawford & Robert Pratt Kamloops DBC 69.70%
5. Norbert Holmes & Gilles Baril Gatineau Bridge Club 69.35%
6. Brandon Burton & Cyril Connolly Truro DBC 69.34%
7. Paul Clemens & Jerry Mamer Saskatoon DBC 68.45%
8. Diana Jing & Joel Martineau Vancouver Bridge Centre 68.18%
9. Rose Marie Gillam & Kristie Misener Halifax Bridge World 67.77%
10. Ted Lohnes & Lloyd Mitchell Truro DBC 67.75%

Canada-Wide Results Click Here