Christmas Greetings

Merry Christmas and Good Curling for 2014

 

Thirds Medal Underway

With the Trophy Competition complete, the Thirds Medal commenced with a win for Dale.  This leaves 'oor president' topping the into the Christmas Break.  Dale put his win down to 'fear over what I would write about him on the website'.  (Well, it worked then ;-)  )

Province Knockout 2013

With a deeply unpopular fixture time of a Saturday in mid December, Graeme, Lindsey, Dale and Julie set out against a Dirleton team led by Callum Harvey.  Our team took a while to get their minds off Christmas festivities and by the start of the fourth end were trailing by six shots to nil.  The game then swung, like the ice, in our favour and with some precision shots and guarding we took the next three ends to produce a more respectable 6 - 3 scoreline.  Dirleton were not about to lose a fourth consecutive end and proceeded to remove everything we put in the house.  Callum played his final shot against two of our counters, splitting the house and on the tee line, knowing that Dirleton had already won the game.  That didn't stop him drawing to the button and making the final score seven shots to four.
There is always next year.

Wood returns to winning ways

Congratulations to Mike Wood and his team of George Chisholm, L Nicoll and Pauline Alexander for taking the 'Trophy' in dominant style.  This win also puts him in pole position for the Peter Allan Shield with a 100% win record at the halfway stage.  This result also represents a return to winning form.
Our season now continues with the Thirds Medal.

Black Bull 2013

Callum, Alex, Tom, Morgan and Robin

Congratulations to Morgan Nicoll, who helped skip one of East Lothian Province's rinks to win the

This Bonspiel brings together Midlothian, Peeblesshire and East Lothian under the Area 5 banner. Each Province fields two teams, as does the Royal Club which this year included Willie Nichol, Chairman of the Board of the RCCC and David Henderson, Vice President.

East Lothian showed their class by coming out 10 shots up. with the next highest being the Royal Club with 3, Peebles with 2 and Midlothian a bit further back.
The programme for this Bonspiel combines good curling and social time. Club players, recent Tour players, former Internationalists and senior Office Bearers alike played and made the most of the opportunity, and East Lothian is to be congratulated in having proved again that it has plenty of curling talent
Black Bull Trophy at this years Area 5 Bonspiel.

The Aberlady Pairs

..... and so, with the web-cams running, the gallery packed with coaches and anxious spectators, our pairs competition got started.  Fortunately all the fans, cameras, commentators etc. on the gallery were there to watch the semi-finals and finals of the 2013 Edinburgh International and not our little game.

Following a run through of the rules by Umpire Morgan five teams commenced their round robin battles.  While Morgan and Dale were trailing in their first game, the Umpire extended to the games to four ends rather than three, without success, they were still trailing after four.

Amidst the screams from the adjoining sheets the competition unfolded.  Pausing briefly for the Umpire to change the rules again to a total shots format, this time because he 'ran out of paper' it became clear that there were going to be a run away winners and that it was not going to be our President and Umpire combo.

Congratulations to Sandy and Karen who were, on the day, unstoppable and to Dale and Morgan who took the 'Low Road' by coming second by a single shot from Graeme and Lindsey.  This result was confirmed by the managing committee who carefully examined the Umpire's reports and calculations and didn't understand a single scribble.

Well done to our winners and to Morgan who managed, under difficult circumstances to run a good competition which was enjoyed by all the players.

Congratulations also to Mike and Barbara Wood who, in the gallery watched their son-in-law, Dave Edwards win the Edinburgh International, for the second time.

November Update

The destination of the 'wooden spoon' for the trophy has now been determined but the top of the table clash will have to wait until after our Pairs Competition, on Sunday.
I have now corrected the error in the links for other sites to visit.
I have removed old links and added a link to the blog site for the Ladies Tour to Sweden which is now underway.
Another new link is to the 'View from the Hack' a very nice website that has sprung up following the demise of the old Skipcottage site.
Finally, don't forget that it is the Edinburgh International from the 8th of November to the 10th November.  Do try and get in to watch some free, top class curling at our own rink  (The semi Finals and Finals will be on alongside our Pairs Competition!)  If you cannot make it in there will be a webcast of selected matches. You can find out more details by following the links top right of this page.

EL Province Draws 2013/14

The draw for the East Lothian Competitions has now been held and the full draw can be seen on our 'Fixtures' Page.
Our opponents are as follows:-
East Lothian Knockout - Sat 14th December at 6pm
Dirleton
East Lothian Pairs - Fri 20th December at 7.30pm
Doo'cot
East Lothian Bonspiel - Fri 24th January from 12.30pm
Haddington 1

Good luck to all our teams.

Overheard on the Ice

The following was overheard on the ice.  Names shall remain private but shouldn't take much working out.

"It's not often that you will hear an old ex-hippie telling a Sheriff to be more conservative"

Very true, but I have my doubts over the hippie being an 'ex'

Any more candid overheard comments are always welcome !

Knockout Final

Our first winner of 2013-14

Amidst allegations of match fixing and in-game betting, the knockout final was keenly contested between Mike Wood's rink, (led by Graeme in Mike's absence) and Morgan's rink.  Momentum in the game swung with almost every end which were usually decided by several shots.
In the first end, with Morgan lying two, Graeme had a take out for a potential five but was caught out by some straight ice but still racked up a two.  Morgan fought back taking two successive threes in the second and third ends before Graeme again squared the match with a four for a six all scoreline after four ends.

Morgan came back and re-established a two shop lead in the next end while Graeme's rink scored the first single of the game to go into the final end one down and without the hammer.

In the final end with a shot on the button, Graeme was slightly heavy (again) with his guards and Morgan with his last stone to come faced three blue stones jammed together on the button, but with a chance of a triple take out.  His shot was close leaving only a single blue stone lying on the button to peel the game at eight all.

In a tactical error Graeme let Morgan take the first shot in the 'draw challenge'.  With a little sweeping he ended half in the 'four foot'.  Graeme, cheered on by George Chisholm, Lindsey Nicoll and John Niven, followed his earlier form and played slightly to heavily to just hang on to the 'four foot' circle leaving Morgan's rink of Dale Callander and Rosie Clark the winners by half a stone.

The knockout competition complete, it is now on to the opening game in the Trophy Competiton.

It's a Knockout

Old and new friends assembled last night and caught up on tales of a good summer (for a change).  Then it was down to business as usual.
In game one Graeme v Morgan, it was wondered if Graeme's third Sandy had been knobbled by his father resulting in his knee injury.  His place was taken up by Lorna (and for the last 3 ends Karen).  The game was notable for missed opportunities, by both skips (but mostly Graeme).  The man of the match was very much Dale 'call me lucky' Callander who managed to take a surprising number of doubles, even when there was no apparent doubles to take.  The final score shows a 5-3 win for Morgan.
In game two John G's side played steadily taking four of the first six ends.  Mike in contrast had two big ends tying the score at 7-7 going into the last end.  Mike eventually taking his first single of the match to end up on top.
Morgan will now play Mike in the Final on the 9th October 2013.

Early for Guy Fawkes

Remember Remember, the 2nd of October.

5.30 sharp, the fireworks will start with the opening rounds of the Knockout Competition.
This will be followed, as usual, by a supper night at the rink.

See you all then.

Come & Try Extravaganza 2013

Huge congratulations are due to Sheena for managing to get, not 1, not 2 but 11 newcomers to attend the C&T.
Coaching was supplied by John, Graeme, Karen and Sheena and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time, even Helen who finished most of her (accurate) deliveries sitting cross legged budda-like on the ice. 
Well done to all involved.
(One of the come & try-ers was even spotted two nights later, trying it all over again, so we must have done something right)

Season 2013 - 14

The new season is nearly upon us with the Beginners Night on Friday 27th September and our Knock-out competition starting on Wednesday 2nd October at 5.30 pm.
A big hello to our newest member Anne Watson.
The website will be undergoing some pre-season housecleaning in the next day or two to bring it up to scratch for the season.
As usual the fixtures will all be listed and I aim to post results within 24 hours of receiving the scorecards (or details)
Dont forget that the European Mixed Curling Championships are at our 'favourite' ice rink and start on Saturday (yes Saturday 14th September) and continue through to the final on Saturday 21st September.
This is an opportunity to watch top quality international curling at your own ice rink and best of all IT'S FREE.  For a copy of the draw and timings please click here

President v Vice-President

Congratulations to President Liz, supported by husband Morgan for defeating VP Dale and his trusty side-kick Mike in a comfortable 15 shots to 8 victory.  The result could best be called  a game of two halves.Liz, playing second and skipped by George played an exceptional game beating VP Dale 9 shots to something less than 1 shot.

On the other sheet, Mike battled to try and keep Dale's chances alive.  This he managed for a large part of the game, however Morgan rallied his troops and scored a three in the final end to reduce the gap leaving Mike the winner at to 8 shots to 6.

The game was followed by an enjoyable meal and the AGM.

The Club Dinner will be held on 25th April 2013.

Nail Biting Finish

With only the final club game to play both the Shots Competition and the Peter Allan Shield were still for the winning. In a top of the table clash,  John Good could take both prizes, but only a win would do.
In the event, Morgan ran out with a 5 - 3 victory to deny John the Shots Competition.  His win also handed the Peter Allan Shield to his fellow Strathcona Cup tourist, Graeme.
Well done to all the teams that made this such a close season  We saw three different skips taking our main three competitions and a last game showdown in each.

EL Province KO Final

In front of a large-ish crowd, The Nicol family plus Graeme struggled to get to grips against a strong and obviously confident (they didn't even bring along the trophy which they were defending ! - Ok there was a disagreement as to it's whereabouts) Athelstaneford team.  Despite Morgan sucessfully drawing on some of his last shots to keep the score respectable, we eventually succumbed  Five shots to Two.
For the brave of heart, a fuller match report in on the Province website HERE

East Lothian Knock Out - Final

Folks

At 15:45 hrs on Sunday 10 March 2013, Aberlady and Athelstaneford meet to play for the honour of winning the East Lothian Province Knock Out. With that goes the Royal Bank Trophy, and the privilege of playing in the 2013-14 National Province Championship.

As you'd expect, each Club will have their strongest team out, and the game should be an exhibition of the quality of curling in East Lothian.

So, good to watch. How about encouraging your members to be there?

En route to this final, Aberlady beat Yester, then Doo'cot: Athelstaneford beat Haddington, then Dirleton.

John

Secretary, East Lothian Province of RCCC

And Now the End is Near

With the Shots competition drawing to a close, each team has one only game remaining.  The scores are tight with any of the four teams still in the running.  The final games are top and bottom of the table clashes, which should spice things up nicely.
It's slightly different in the Peter Allan Shield where John Good has destiny in his own hands.  A win in his final game against Morgan will secure the championship.  Any slip up could leave the door open for Graeme.
Results and standings are in the usual place.

Shots Competition Underway

The Shots Competition is now underway with Morgan scoring a win over Mike in the first game.
The Peter Allan Shield has also now resumed.
Results can be found in the usual place.

Thirds Medal

Last nights game concluded the Medal Competition.
Congratulations go to Dale with a magnificent three out of three, although it looked like a hard slog against runner up Sandy.
Now we move onwards towards the Shots Competition and the conclusion of the Peter Allan Shield.

the wheels on the bus

Please excuse the lateness of these results. The Wi-fi on the bus is intermittent.
I am also having problems Posting tables, is also problematic. So here are the latest score cards, make the rest up yourself, sorry.

Individual Points 2013

Club President Liz Nicoll welcomed nine Aberlady members to the annual Individual Points competition on Sunday 13 January 2013. Some had great expectations, considering Points stalwarts Morgan Nicoll and Graeme Maguire were absent as they were part of Scotland's current challenge for the Strathcona Cup in Eastern Canada. Not all were to be realised.
Youth, and response to inter-personal competition from cohorts Lorna Nicoll and Karen Munro, saw Sandy Nicoll concentrating intensely to finish the winner with 33 points. John Good, in finishing second with 30, ruefully mused that he did quite well considering the lack of any of the benefits enjoyed by Sandy!
Karen Munro, with her usual fluent style, might have been second overall but for a zero score for Raising, and finished on 28 making her First Lady.
The results after the completion of eight disciplines were:
Sandy Nicoll            33
John Good               30
Karen Munro            28
Lorna Nicoll              27
George Chisholm      25
Dale Callander          25
John Smail               20
Cathy Maclean         17
Pam Clark.                 15

Oh Canada

Full reports, blogs and live score updates can be found here
http://strathconacuptour2013.co.uk
Dave Munro has faced travel difficulties and has been snowed in in Nova Scotia and has not been able, yet to get to Newfoundland. This could be a deliberate ploy by the Canadians because his east section of the tour is recording the best scores.
Graeme and Morgan in the central tour are having a tough time and their section is only 9 shots up after approx 30 games. Morgan's team skipped by Lockhart Stewart are by far the best performers so far and are now being targeted by the local clubs who are pitting their best clubs against them.  Graeme's rink got off to a great start but has been pegged back but is never the less performing steadily and is about level, to date.

EL KO - Semi-final 2

East Lothian Province Knock Out Competition - Semi Final 2
The Athelstaneford rink skipped by Robin Aitken, with Shaun Govan, Frank Ross and Alec Kerr scored 10 shots to Dirleton's 4. The Dirleton rink was Skipped by Callum Harvey with Roy Meikle, Graham Elder and Bob Simpson. The two teams were not far apart until the fifth end when Athelstaneford took a four to go six ahead.

The date of the final of the Province Knock Out between Aberlady and Athelstaneford, originally scheduled for 2 February, is under discussion with Murrayfield Curling Ltd as Athelstaneford cannot play on that date. An announcement will be made as soon as practicable.

Happy New 2013

Happy New Year to everyone, hopefully 2013 shall be a good one!

 

Certainly memorable for two of our members who are heading off to Canada on 9th January as part of the Strathcona Cup Scottish Tour- we send both Graeme and Morgan our best wishes for an enjoyable tour. They will also carry the Aberlady Curling Club banner - handing out our badges to their opposition after each match, the length and breadth of the Central tour of Canada. I'm sure they will share their experiences when they return!

You can catch up on the tour with official daily blog entries on the Strathcona Cup website.

Graeme will also be blogging on his own website 

 

For those of us left at home - January is a busy month, therefore some dates for your diaries:-

 

Wednesday 9th January- First game of the new year - 5.30pm thirds medal - B vs D

 

Friday 11th January - 5.30pm - Aberlady were successful in reaching the next round of the East Lothian Province Knockout, the team will be

D Callander, J Good, S Nicoll & L Nicoll playing against Doocot.

 

Sunday 13th January - 11.30am - Again Aberlady were successful in reaching the final of the low road in the East Lothian Province Pairs(well done to Morgan and Ross)- Michael will now replace Morgan for this game.

 

Sunday 13th January - 3.45pm - Aberlady POINTS competition - please come along and participate in this, good fun and excellent for improving your accuracy! NAMES please by Monday 7th

 

Friday 18th January - 12.30pm - EAst Lothian Province Bonspiel - One team required to play two games. Michael is skipping the rink.NAMES please by Monday 7th

 

Wednesday 23rd January - 8.05pm - District Medal game at Kirkcaldy- NAMES please by Monday 7th

 

Thursday 7th February - 2pm at Kirkcaldy - Waldie Griffiths match - Aberlady require to put forward 3 names. NAMES please by Monday 7th

 

 

I think that is all for the moment, it's exhausting just thinking about it! Not sure what it must be like thinking about 31 games in 3 weeks!

 

Look forward to hearing back. Greatly appreciate we are rather restricted due to many of the games being during the 'working week', many thanks; in advance to those who can support Aberlady Curling Club on such occasions.

 

Kind regards

 

Liz