2018-19 Knockout

Well, that's it. Time certainly seems to fly these days and already with the completion of the Knockout competition we have our first trophy winners of this season.

The High Road saw the winners of their respective sections in competition, Ronnie Wilson taking on Jean Thomson although in Jean's absence Allan Chapman stepped up to skip. Just as with last year's finalists both had deservedly reached this point in proceedings having topped their sections in the pool games and being equally worthy albeit somewhat nervy winners in their semi-final ties. In the final it was close from the outset. A single to Allan in the first end was immediately cancelled out by Ronnie in the next. Allan promptly took the next end only for Ronnie to follow suit and after 4 ends the scores were level at 4-4. Ronnie edged ahead with another single in end 6 but it was very tense as the final end was played. Allan had his chances but unfortunately it was not to be and Ronnie was relieved to complete the game with a final score of 7-4. Congratulations to everyone and especially to the winning rink of Ronnie, Murray Hutchison, Elma Stevenson and Carol Simpson. Commiserations to the very gallant losers, Allan, Jen Tyre (deputising for Jean Thomson), June Richmond and Pau Williams.

The Low Road final was contested by Jim Nelson and Neil Beattie. The opening end promised good things for Neil as he picked up 2 shots but he was soon to discover that all would not be well. A damaging loss of 6 shots in the next end followed and although Neil gained another 2 shots in end 3 this was followed by a further loss of 4shots. At 10-4 down there was little chance of recovery and so it proved. A comfortable victory by 12-6 in favour of Jim was well deserved. All the Nelson rink played well but after a poor run in the round robin stage the good form which Neil's rink found in the semi-final could not be maintained and they were well beaten. Well done to Jim, Sheila Campbell, Shirley Scott and David Gray. A valiant effort but to no avail by Neil, Ken Gray, Tricia McKeand and Alan McKinlay.

The third final of the evening was the Rozelle Saucer game featuring Alan Richmond (the losing finalist last year for this "prestigious" trophy!) and Milly Beattie. It is debateable whether the trophy should actually be awarded to the loser but for the moment it represents some reward - even if scant - for some success when there had been little or none in the preceding round robin games! Milly began well winning the first 2 ends but that was as good as it got. Thereafter Alan took control winning all remaining ends and the game by 8-3. Well done to Alan and his rink of Peter Christy, Dorothy Dawson and Willie Scott. Commiserations to Milly, Peter Reynolds, David Scott and Alistair Tyre.

There was a good turnout of spectators which was encouraging and appreciated. Now attention turns to the League competition which begins next Wednesday. Will Alex Thomson be able to repeat last season's success and which skip might be fighting demotion? As usual the results - and a commentary - will be posted weekly