(Felis Incognitus Antipodii)

A long lost relative, thought by many to be extinct, showed up in the alley today to spur on his cousins. Like any other large bully, he lurked in the shadows intimidating as many dogs as possible yet never joining in the fight. Believe me, I have watched a number of these battles and seen a lot of "mind games" between the two sides, but I have never seen such a blatant attempt to frighten the other team. The only thing that may be worse is for someone to call the DOGCATCHER. Imagine, if - you - will, a puppy who has joined the alley for the first time. Although guided by a veteran, the unsuspecting puppy has no idea of what to expect. Imagine now sitting down for a first encounter and seeing that monster on the sidelines. Then feel it as the puppy hears the roar and finds out this enormous creature "eats DOGS". As expressed so well by newcomer Glossit2, "It's enough to make a puppy piddle". Even a direct challenge by the brave double agent Orla, who last week tried to infiltrate the CAT lines by disguising herself as "Catitude", wasn't enough to lessen the intimidation. It may have worked if she and secret agent Kwazy Cat (or is it Puppy - no, it's Cat again - opps, now puppy - Good lord! - Oh well, Kwazy anyway) could have goaded him into a fight. Even in what would seem to be certain defeat they could have been an inspiration. Maybe a dead one, but an inspiration none the less. The DOGS put up a valiant fight, but with the big DOG still under the spell of the tricky (and disguised) CAT leader, they had too much to overcome. Until the big DOG stops pussyfooting around and appears again without a disguise to wave the mighty flag for all to see, we may be in for a long run of CAT supremacy. Yes, we had some of the tried and true warriors back today, and some new recruits - Kwazy whatever and Dogmatic (even though we really know who they are - wink - wink), Cateatingdog (who is too cute to believe the name), Dogggottu and Poochie Galore - but they were no match for the crafty CATS. This new CAT tactic is without a doubt the greatest battle strategy ever devised. Did Lee think of teaming with Grant, or the coyote with the road runner? No they did not! And no one else did either. Leave it to a CAT to come up with a plan like that. Someday, the DOGS may learn to read and may find one of these reports lining a litter box somewhere. That day may change the tide but until then, on these cloudy Saturdays, I see it reigning only CATS. Final score was a lopsided CATS 26, DOGS 18.

Serious Stuff -

For those of you who read this, please try to help us by registering your team by 3:50 EST. At that time we will only accept those who are needed to make up even teams. Anyone arriving after that time will have to wait till first round pairings are announced then be added only if a full table can be made up. This should help us in getting started on time and not 10 to 15 minutes late. Also, to be sure you are registered, always be sure you see a confirmation. If you don't see one, please register again. The same thing applies to posting a score. If I don't acknowledge it, please post it again. If we can start on time, and play each round in about 45 minutes, we can have an enjoyable tournament and finish by about 6:30. Thanks.

Perfect games were played by: Usrtcgs/Barbm; Jin/Francylou; Polly/Happy

Slams were bid and made by: Kssswenson/Cateatingdog; Felden/Glossit2; Little Swan/Myrna (2 of them); Rabbit/Barry

The CATS were: Dittny/Errikos; Usrtcgs/Barbm (sub JimCartlidge); Dj Cataleptic/Tonyswede (sub Timothy the Toucan); Apache/Litedove; Jin/Francylou; Little Swan/Myrna; Redrover/Tristam; Rabbit/Barry; Roblyn/Melkor Vala; Poppeye/Jean; Alanmitchell/Yadenwise

The DOGS were: Macmarine/Lorainne; Kwazy Puppy/Dogmatic; Billsgirl/Alanbolt; Kssswenson/Cateatingdog; Kennel/Doghugo; Doggottu/Poochiegalore; Softfire/Amalekite; Zukort/Wyatt; Polly/Happy; J Lruh/Harlequin Smiles (sub Charlie); Felden/Glossit2