Berkshire Invitational Won by David Ekstrom

5-9 June 2007
Lenox Club, Lenox, MA
by Kristine Sprague, Tournament Director

The Berkshire Invitational, held in Lenox, Massachusetts, marked its twelfth consecutive year with a perfect field of 48 players. The tournament was played on four courts at the Lenox Club, established in 1874, and two courts at Blantyre, a nearby Relais and Chateaux hotel built in the 1890’s. With a temperature swing from 55 degrees to 85 degrees and only ten minutes of rain during the last half hour of the final matches, the old Berkshire adage, “If you don’t like the weather in the Berkshires just wait ten minutes,” was proven quite true.

After practice sessions and an optional clinic, players retired to the home of Joan and Bob Comeau, to enjoy a sumptuous buffet spread and spectacular mountain views. A black tie dinner at Blantyre, a courtside toast and tally, and a dinner buffet at the Lenox Club rounded out the evening social events. Buffet breakfast and lunch were served each day in the clubhouse to rave reviews. Gourmet lunches, delectable sweets, and refreshments were served courtside at Blantyre. A barbeque lunch was held on the final day, thanks to the Lenox Club chef and staff.

Noteworthy play this year: Bill Grimsdale (3.5) of Ontario went undefeated in Championship “B” Flight, even beating rookie Nolan Gange, of Colby College, who experienced a meteoric rise in skills and strategy during the four days of play. Gagne, a 20 year old rookie and the protégé of Bill Arnold, entered the tournament officially as an 8, played listed as a 5, and left us in the vicinity of a 3 handicap. Another high point: Jamie Boulette went undefeated thru Second Flight singles and doubles in his first six wicket tournament, coming to us from a mixed doubles nine wicket league in Maine.

Not so noteworthy play this year: we awarded a booby prize to the lowest scoring match in Championship flight. The honors went to David Ekstrom and Larry Stettner 9-7. They were awarded a set of pick up stix and reminded that it may be time to consider another sport.

Everyone was a joy to have in the Berkshires, and we promise great competition, camaraderie, and comestibles next year.

Final Order