Neil Beattie sends his report on the first tie in this year's Knockout.
On Monday 23rd September a gallant rink representing Ayr & Alloway Curling Club took to the ice at Ayr to face the full fury of the Galston curling hurricane. Galston, previous winners, (and we suspect keen to progress to the national competition) fielded Skip Robert Anderson, Tom Andrews, Jim Boswell and Ed Baines. Ayr & Alloway were represented by Skip Neil Beattie, John MacLeod, Alan McKinlay and Ken Gray.
There was much good curling but unfortunately they were able to match most of our moments of brilliance. A most agreeable game was conducted in a warm friendly manner but it would have to be admitted that Galston ended up worthy winners. Ayr & Alloway’s dignity was preserved by winning one end and the final score was 9 – 1. The usual conviviality followed
And from Andrew Kerr, a report on the another tie - between Troon Portland and Sorn.
Troon Portland did not fare much better coming up against a strong Sorn rink with young Johnny Johnston as skip with Mags Agnew, Claire Johnston and Roddy Middleton. Troon actually led after 3 ends and even after 7, the game was still tight (ish!) with Sorn ahead by 3 shots at 6-3. However, Troon Portland conceded a 2 in the 8th end to leave the final score as Sorn 8, Troon Portland 3. We then retired to the bar for some solace ! The Troon Portland rink comprised, Dave McIntyre at lead with Grant Donald, Bert McKay and myself.
And a further report. This time from Jimmy Begg, a very honest Gangrel (aren't they all?) reporting on a magnificent defeat at the hands of Crosshill.
"The Gangrels rink of Jimmy Begg, Ernest Mutter, Alan Hastie and Ken Ross made a glorious exit from the first round of the Province Knockout against Crosshill. Faced with a stellar rink of Bobby Ireland, Liam Scott, Bert Andrew and Andrew Baird, the Gangrels lost a two at each of the first three ends. But undaunted, they managed to claw their way back into the match to lie 7-4 down after seven ends. In an exciting last end, with Crosshill lying three, Jimmy Begg played a buried inwick to lie shot. Not content with a meritorious defeat of 7-5, the rink elected to go for glory and a double takeout that would have ensured a peels. Jimmy managed the double take out, which unfortunately included his own shot, and the match ended 8-4. A great game. Crosshill meet Stewarton Heather in the next round. Raither them than us!"
Thanks to Neil, Andrew and Jimmy. There are some more games from the bottom half of the draw tonight at 7.15.
Back to news <