Not bad, not bad.

The title tells all. The Tipsies finally made it to their first game against the veteran Italian Stallions, a team with which the Tipsies have a long long history. The I.S. have been both competitors and occasionally mentors for the Tipsies especially during the early seasons when we were still learning the game. One member in particular was quite instrumental, joining our roster as a “coach” so that he could actually instruct us during games, this member is of course, Steve. While we owe a debt of gratitude to him for teaching us the game, he was not our favorite I.S. last Thursday as his sniper-grade “shooting” took several points and at least one game from us. However, despite what was on the scoreboard and some less than graceful moments, the 6 Tipsies who bravely took on this very experienced I.S. Team, played quite well representing the whole team with Tipsy Spirit and Pride.  

Game 1 was a nail-biter with the lead see-sawing back and forth until the final frame where the I.S. took the game 11-12. Switching up the line-up for the start of the second game the Tipsies came out strong but late game substitutions threw off the mojo and again the Tipsies fell…(I can’t remember the score, but will repost when they get posted in the St. Helena Star - if any of you girls remember please post a comment).During the last game the Tipsies were definitely showing signs of fatigue, could have been the first 2 marathon games or maybe the jell-o shots (Mojito, Stockholm, Tropical and Melon flavored this time - quite tasty actually) but the play lacked the luster of the early games. The final game scoreboard showed….(yeah yeah, again I’ll fill in the blank later).

Off the court the first game rocked, reuniting with old teams, meeting new teams, sharing tables,  food, drinks and laughs - exactly what bocce is all about. With the addition of a new court there are 2 more teams playing on Thursday nights now, increasing the all over competitiveness on the court, and for tables and parking. Good thing the Tipsies get along with just about everyone and we like to share.  

A first-night-3-game loss has not dampened the spirit of the Tipsies, we are quite ready to take on the Paisans on Court 8 this Thursday. Ready for our first win and to have tons of fun doing it.