CONCORD, N.C. — A sunny, “chilly” 40 degree morning and a 10 to 15 MPH cross wind blowing out of the northwest set the stage for a challenging day of kubb and friendly shenanigans. The third annual Skuffle for the Shovel, hosted by Queen City Kubb and directed by Mike Davids and Leigh Northrup, proved to be just that! It saw 14 players representing four different states with skill levels ranging from National Champion to first time player.
The day started with four rounds using the DMK Klassic system with the top eight players moving on to the championship bracket and the rest of the field filling the silver bracket. We moved on to match play being best two of three games with a 45 minute time limit until the finals, which would not be timed.
The featured match of the quarterfinals was Jake Leavitt playing teammate Bob Hickes of Kubbstaches for the chance to move on. In the end, Leavitt came out on top, winning 2-0 in a 40 minute battle to advance to the semi-finals.
The semi-finals saw reigning National Champion Darren Finger versus Nicholas Bartlett of Das Kubb, and Kubbstaches’ Leavitt versus Mike Davids of Queen City Kubb. Both matches ended 2-0 quickly with the top ranked players victorious.
The final match was set, with number one ranked Finger against number two Leavitt in a fast-paced display of skill and consistency. Both Finger and Leavitt had played like champions all day, so it was only fitting to watch these two sort it out on the pitch. Game one had Finger up 1-0, defeating Jake in three rounds with eight kubbs in play. Game two saw Finger take it in three rounds with seven kubbs in play, and in doing so, claim the coveted Queen City Kubb Snow Shovel.
Final Results
- Darren Finger (Waukesha, Wisconsin)
- Jake Leavitt (Morgantown , Pennsylvania)
- Mike Davids (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Silver Bracket Winner: Leigh Northrup (Concord, North Carolina)
