Dutiaume's on fire

For all of the slack-jawed yokels who have been taking cheap shots at Team Dutiaume on Curling Zone this off season, I offer this observation - all of you are morons.

Clearly, you've never played against them in a meaningful game, as they brought a level of precision to their shotmaking tonight that I have never before witnessed. They showed finesse and touch in schooling the three of us in six quick ends.

We weren't bad, but they were at an entirely different level out there.

It brought back memories of the Brier playoffs where Handle and the boys went toe to toe with the Ferbey 4 in one of my favourite Brier matches. It would only have been better if the right team won.

If they continue to execute at this level, they will do very well against Middaugh and the rest of the thoroughbreds at the Portage event in two weeks.

I know who I'm pulling for, that's for sure.

Did I mention they were also a heck of a lot of fun to play against? As I stumbled over a couple of rocks helping to drag a last-rock draw into the house, I played along with Randy's line: "I think you missed one" by kicking two more rocks for good measure. There was much laughter...

It's funny how different the atmosphere has been in the major league games, versus my league games from the last few years. Everyone is relaxed, no one has anything to prove, and we are out there to improve our games, enjoy the cameraderie and maybe win a bit of money.

It reminds me of why I love this game.