Castlegar's Nichol takes home grand prize at Nelson Open Cashspiel
By The Nelson Daily Sports
There were plenty of big names at the 2014 Nelson Open Cashspiel — names like Horning, McHargue, Nerpin and Thomson.
But in the end it was Myron Nichol of Castlegar coming away as the big winner at the $10,000 2014 Nelson Open Cashspiel Sunday at the Nelson Curling Club.
Nichol, third Barry Marsh and second Garry Beaudry, both of Nelson and lead Rob Babiarz edged out Ken McHargue of Sparwood 6-2 in six ends for the top prize to claim the $1,800 first prize.
McHargue took home $1,500 for second place with the Andrew Nerpin rink of Kelowna taking home the $1,250 third prize.
“It was a very successful weekend,” said Cashspiel draw master Nando Salviulo.
“A lot of the out-of-town teams said they liked the format where 15 of the 16 teams won prize money,” Salviulo added.
“Ten of the 16 teams at least got their entry fee back which is pretty good for a local bonspiel.”
Most of the prize money was due to the tremendous support received from local businesses.
Doug Bothamely of Riondel finished fourth with the Fred Thomson rink of Nelson winning $700 in the B-Consolation event.
The Thomson rink, consisting of third Roger May, second Brent Pihowich and lead Brad Hartridge, lost out in the A semi final to McHargue on the last rock.
Other Nelson based rinks were Nando Salviulo — third Dave Parker, second Bud Edgar and lead Tim Chale — placing ninth while the Jill Winters ladies rink coming in tenth.
Winters foursome consisted of third Kristina Little, second Marlo Tedesco and lead Marcie Stefiuk.
The Cashspiel, which was run for many years as the Nelson Merchants Cashspiel, is a prelude to the upcoming Kootenay Men’s zones hosted by the Heritage City club December 5-7.
The men’s zones could qualify as many as two teams depending on the entry list for the Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s provincial playdowns February 3-8 in Vernon.
