Rider pride took over in the annual men's cash spiel held this weekend at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club. This years event saw 25 teams compete for the top prize of $2,800. The field included some top notch curlers in our province including former provincial men's champion Gerald Shymko from Yorkton, former world junior champion Jamie Schneider, Al Schick, Carl De Coninck Smith, Ian Mayoh fresh off his competition at the Canadian Mixed, and many others. The event kicked off Friday with two draws and continued through the weekend.

Saturday afternoon saw the 3 "A" qualifying games. In those games Wayne Diakow of Prince Albert defeated De - Coninck Smith, Corey Martens defeated Ian Mayoh, and Glenn Heitt defeated Darren Engel.

Saturday evening saw the 3 " B" qualifying games and the 2 "C" qualifying games. In those games Jamie Schneider defeated Bryan Rindal, Mike Vereshagin defeated Kyle George, and Al Schick defeated Matt Ryback. In the "C" event Darren Engel defeated Donn Goertz, and Carl De - Coninck Smith defeated Corey Spanier.

Sunday kicked off with the four quarter finals. Advancing to the semi finals were Jamie Schneider defeating Wayne Diakow, Darren Engel defeating Corey Martens, Carl DeConinck Smith defeating Glenn Heitt, and Al Shick defeating Mike Vereshagin.

In the semi finals Jamie Schneider defeated Darren Engel and Carl De Coninck Smith defeated Al Shick which set up a great final.

The final was set and DeConinck Smith and Schneider were the two teams set to play for the $2,800. This is when rider pride took over and both teams decided to split the 1st and 2nd place prizes and get home to watch the beloved riders win their 3rd Grey Cup.

The event went well and all teams seemed happy. Great job to Angus Hemsworth, Cliff McBeath, and Wayne Diakow for all of their work during the spiel.

We look forward to next year's event.

Here is the payout of the teams that qualified.

1st, 2nd              Carl DeConinck Smith              $2,300

1st, 2nd              Jamie Schneider                      $2,300

3rd, 4th              Darren Engel, Al Shick              $900

5th - 8th             Wayne Diakow, Corey Martens, Glenn Heitt, Mike Vereshagin               $500

Next up is the Junior Cash Spiel set for December 1st and 2nd.