Matt wins 2024 + New annual award scheme + Louise has a new grandson
Congrats Louise and family – we learned that a new grandson has arrived while Louise is visiting family in NZ.
Tonight’s games were chosen by Peter, and they were tried and trusted Presidential originals Gallop and Ride ’em Cowboy.
What a close finish to the championship this year – it must be a record! We finished October with Genelle out in front by 85 points followed by a bunched up group – Matt, Tara and Rob all within 20 points of each other. Tonight, Tara and Matt both got double helpings of points with 1st and 2nd game placings with Genelle and Rob also scoring in 3rd placings. Pete and El Prez both WHP.
The result is most interesting – Matt on 555, Tara on 550, Genelle on 545 – the top scorers separated by the narrowest of margins. That’s right, last year’s rookie Matt has now won two in a row.
Speaking of rookies, this year’s rookie Pete attended his first meeting in April 2024 which means he has 3 months of Rule 7.5 rookie protection. Adding 450 points to his score puts him well above the next lowest scorer, so the 2024 Wooden Spoon perpetual trophy will go to El Presidente himself.
Speaking of perpetual trophies – your treasurer put forward a proposal to permanently change the annual awards scheme, including the November Beano $50 cash prize. The proposal removes the $50 November prize on the grounds that it is significantly more valuable than a first place competition trophy. Also the three annual trophies should be replaced by three cash prizes for the top three placegetters – initially $50, $30 and $20. These might perhaps be increased later in line with inflation. El Trez’s proposal was broadly accepted, but with the addition of a perpetual first place trophy to replace the annual trophies. The new trophy will not be ready in time for the 2024 presentation, but should be presented at the earliest opportunity in 2025.