Calgary, Alberta (Aug. 25, 2007) – Scott Palmer, and his seven goal foreman, Tommy Biddle, showed everyone that cattle ranching is bigger than the oil industry in southern Alberta (at least on this Saturday afternoon) as Palmer Ranch defeated John Rooney’s Tusk Energy by a count of 12 – 8 in the 2007 Gowlings Canadian Open.
In the game, played one day early because of a bad weather forecast (a smart decision), Biddle was the consummate ranch manager – never asking anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself and as a result he led the Cowboys with ten goals and never trailed. Long runs, huge and accurate shots (one a 135 yarder for a goal), and big defensive plays defined this manager and as a result his wranglers, Nacho Lezica and Pedro Orellana tightened their cinches and made big contributions as well. The winners, leading 6 – 3 after three, outscored the Oilers by one in the second half to close the gate.
Three of Biddle’s ten were from the free-throw line, while Lezica, playing with staples along his nose and above his eye to close a mallet wound received in the third, had one (in the fifth), and Palmer closed it out with one as well.
Jeff Hall scored a season high five (2 fouls) for Tusk, while ‘never quit’ Joe Henderson had two, and Matt Sekera nailed one. Rooney, as usual, played his heart out.
Biddle was chosen as the MVP and Hall’s horse, PS2, was awarded the blanket signifying best playing pony.
Palmer Ranch (16) – Scott Palmer, Tommy Biddle 7, Nacho Lezica 4, Pedro Orellana 5.
Tusk Energy (16) – John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jeff Hall 8, Matt Sekera 3.