The cats can sleep again knowing they have the upper hand in the alley. The right to fly the banner for the turn of the year is a special honor and the cats now have momentum on their side. It didn't take long to tear down the newly raised banner celebrating last week's dog victory. The cats were up to their old and trusted tactics by jumping to a 9-4 lead after the first round. Together with an 8-5 second round the cats were once again in the catbird seat going into the final round. The 17-9 lead grew in the last round as cats reported win after win. With 8 tables still out, the cats had only to win one more to clinch the match. You could almost cut the air with a knife as we were at 3 games with the cats needing one more win. The dogs reported a win. Now only 2 tables were out. The cats still needed one win. A loud sigh was heard from the BigDog as Jin and FrancyLou reported their win for the cats. That one slammed the door. Good thing too because the dogs won the final match to close the score to Cats 27 Dogs 25. I think it is safe to say the alley will be a battleground for the next two weeks. The final weeks of the year will determine who is on top when the year changes. YES - THERE WILL BE A RYDER TOURNAMENT EVERY WEEK THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS. I got a bit of insight into the minds of the two teams today. There was a dragon and a puppy sitting on the fire escape just below my window. It was not that I was eavesdropping but, I sure heard how serious they were about their team being the best. At one point I even was accused of being biased in favor of the dogs. Can you imagine such a thing? I have to be the most impartial reporter in the neighborhood. Sure I play under the name Bumblepuppy, and sure I have openly cheered the dogs victories, and certainly I have advised the dogs on strategy in this column. Does that make me biased? Well, ok, I guess it does. Anyway, these two spectators were sitting on the fire escape trying to push each other off and I was just being my normal neutral self. I got to hear a lot of plans from both sides on what was going to happen over the next two weeks. Let me tell you there is a lot of talk about magic dragons, pixie dust and other such. I won't miss the fun I can tell you that.

Ryderpuppy found this nice spot to visit if you are ever in Las Vegas. So that's what Kenny_ha2 was doing here last summer.

Christmas Individual Tournament - Don't forget to sign up for this tournament. Looks like Paul has planned great fun for over the holidays. Read about it on the message boards under "Christmas Individual" or contact Paul_in_UK.

Where are they now?

I heard from our friend Dutchie. Jan is doing well but is very busy. He is looking forward to getting time to come back and join the games. He sends you all best wishes for the holidays. Merry Christmas to you too Dutchie.

Seen on the fire escape: Producer, Julie, Billsgirl, JamesGreyWolf, Bobmt, Rueful_Rabbit, Turbinazione, Novelty, Twisster, Chances, Cave_Draco

Welcome newcomers: Bassman; Aka_n8mare; Jaffakt; Dumtoad; Forbes

Welcome back old friends: TheHolyGuy

Supersubs were: J_lruh, Puppyvw, Jamesgreywolf, Ryderpuppy

Slams were bid and made by: Catwitch/rrsansangel - 6NT; Kenny_ha2/Cathugo - 6Sx; Nannok/Betty_Boop - 6NT; Upho/Snoefte - 6H & 6H; Joelf/Catherine - 6H

The trophy for purrrrfect 3-0 tournament goes to:

The dogs were: I8cats/Kalinka; Linda/Seaweed; Softfire/Flaunce(sub-Chances); Jean/Arzcxy; Kenny_ha2/Cathugo; Nannok/Betty_Boop; Upho/Snoefte; Loraine/John_Kenneth; Debb_26/Dastarly; Joelf/Catherine; Bassman(sub_JamesGreyWolf)/Woo7NT; Deltagayl/Aka_n8mare; Teetime/Oh_Dewey

The cats were: Pob/Orla; Paula_am/Holyguy; Katastrofix/Scorpiokirsten; Jin/Francylou; Melkor_Vala/Roblyn; LittleLadybug/Nuageman; Catwitch/rrsansangel; IMDJ1/Alan_Mitchell; RedRover/Jaffakt; Rebos/Smilodonkiwi; Errikos(sub-Twiddjr)/Dittny; Dumtoad/Forbes; Suegloss/Felden