Autumn League

Well, that's it, the Autumn League is over and having led from week 1 Willie is crowned champion! On the final night however it did not go without some nervous glances across to where the rink of David was playing but in the end it was all smiles for Willie's rink which included Linda Wilson as 3rd, Murray Hutchison as 2nd and Charlie Steele as lead. Congratulations to all. It has been a successful and most pleasing return to the ice for Murray after a difficult time and Willie was also delighted that his daughter and granddaughter turned up to watch his triumph. Just as well he won!! At the opposite end of the table the battle between Allan and Peter to avoid the dubious honour of bottom place was won by Allan so commiserations Peter.

Which rink was going to emerge as the Autumn League winner would be determined on this final evening. Willie was in pole position but was facing a previous autumn knockout winner in Jean and this was a close game. After 4 ends the rinks were tied at 3 shots each but Willie stole a march on Jean by winning the 5th end with a score of 2. Two ends later they were still tied, this time at 5-5, and as the 8th end developed Jean was looking favourite to end Willie's unbeaten run. An excellent shot from 3rd player Linda to sneak in and claim shot was all that was required for Willie to emerge victorious by 6-5. Meanwhile 2 sheets away Willie's only challenger David (for whom John MacLeod was deputising) required to beat Milly and hope Willie lost. Although Milly took an early lead David's rink responded so that after 5 ends they held a slender 1 shot advantage. All would change in the next end however. A gain of 4 shots by Milly effectively scuppered any hopes David's rink had and whilst they had the consolation of winning the last end the final score was a win to Milly by 8-6. A worthy and sustained challenge from the Graham rink but disappointment at the end brought joy to the Scott rink. Nevertheless congratulations to David's rink of Paul Williams, new member Kay Bennett and Ed Baines. As far as league placings were concerned the other games were really incidental. However Neil continued his winning streak to defeat Ken by 9-5 and Peter lost out in the basement battle with Allan by 10-4. Hopefully there will be better luck for Ken, Allan and Peter as we begin the next league competition.

Now attention turns to the League competition which begins next Wednesday and as before at 5.15pm. We are managing to run a 9 rink league which means one rink having a night off each week, the first such rink being that of Charlie Steele (no 9). The first round of matches next week sees David Gray play Jim Nelson, Ronnie Wilson meeting Alex Thomson and Ed Baines up against Alan Richmond whilst the other two Alans, Mitchell and McKinlay are in opposition. As usual the results - and a commentary - will be posted weekly. After next week's round of matches the League takes a break until 4 January but before then there is the Cue Competition on Wednesday 7 December.