2013-14 Knockout

After our unexpected and unfortunate delay due to the power failure at the ice rink on 13 November when the finals were originally scheduled to be played it was good that they could be re-arranged reasonably quickly and on a date and time suitable to most of the finalists. That day came on Monday 2 December and we now have our first trophy winners for season 2013/14!

The High Road final was an all McAndrew affair, Scott against Rigmor. Although Scott was missing his 3rd player in Sheila Campbell he had a most able substitute in Archie McGregor. Rigmor too had a substitute in her rink with Harry Peters (a new member) playing in place of Dorothy Brown. The scorecard however shows that Rigmor was always ahead from the first end to the last and she was highly delighted to claim the bragging rights over husband Scott with a superb 6-3 victory.

Well done, Rigmor! The winning rink, pictured left, comprised Rigmor, Elma Stevenson, Harry and Alex Thomson.

In the Low Road final Secretary Alan took on last year's winner of the High Road, Carol Simpson. Alan was missing two regulars, 2nd and 3rd Pat MacLeod and Donald Macrae, but Keren MacLaren and John Wylie were more than able deputies. The first end went Alan's way but Carol bounced back with a 3 in end 2 and looked odds on for another big count in end 3 until Alan managed to execute the shot demanded by his 3rd with last stone to count one instead of losing several. A crucial moment from which he took advantage and steadily progressed to a 7-6 victory - but not without a final heart-stopping moment on the very last stone! Congratulations to Alan's rink (left) which on the night consisted of Alan, John, Keren and Graham Boyd.

For the first time this season there was a third final and hopefully this attempt to involve more members in the Knockout competition for longer has been a success. The first finalists to be competing for what might be known as "The Rozelle Saucer" were David Scott and Jean Thompson. After David's recent eye problems it was great to see him back on the ice. A tight match ensued but Jean appeared to take a decisive lead of 4 shots going into the last end. Despite a valiant effort by David in scoring 3 shots at that end it wasn't quite enough and Jean prevailed by 8-7.

The winning rink, comprised Jean, Marian Allan (deputising for an injured Shirley Scott, Mike Williams and John MacLeod.

Congratulations to all winners and well done to the losers for getting to the finals!