The first two games of the second round in the trophy both provided surprises.
Firstly Julia's quartet were beaten by third placed Mike Wood's Rink. Then winless bottom of the table Dale and his crew thoroughly humiliated the previously undefeated Team Maguire ! There was one thing that linked both these memorable (for some) games and that was Graeme played for both defeated teams !! - He should never have washed his 'lucky' trousers.
As the first round robin comes to an end, the four teams are evenly spread.
The Maguire Rink is in pole position to defend the title with a 100% record. Snapping at their heals are the Mackey Squad with only one loss, more importantly they are only one end down (Team Maguire do, however currently have a considerable shot advantage). It should be remembered that Graeme only won last seasons trophy by two ends !
In the meantime, Team Wood takes third place while Team Callander currently sit in 'The Strong Position'.
We are still have the second round robin to play, so anyone can still win with a strong finish.
Graeme's rink got off to a flying start taking the first three ends. The game was fairly evenly balanced though. Graemes squad were winning ends but mostly by single shots while Julia's team were picking them up two at a time. After six ends, Team Mackey were still playing catchup but were only 5 - 4 down.
Graeme finally made his last stone count and took a two leaving Julia needing three shots to peel. Due to several takeouts, this was looking unlikely when Graeme played another strike, through a port to further restrict Julia's chances, when he got a lucky (no such thing, it's all skill - ed.) double to remove the shot stone and set up a steal of 3 for the title and more importantly, the PIES.
The final score of 10 - 6 did NOT reflect the game.
Congratulations to Graeme Maguire, John Good (who had a belter of a game), Adam Hicks and Cathy Maclean (subbing for Ian Campbell)
With three players muddling up the start time (all different times) it was a confused start and three teams commenced short handed.
Julia's Rink was helmed by Dave Wyllie, got off to a great start , going 6 - 0 up after 3 ends against the absent Mike Wood's Team, skipped by John McOmish. John made a fight back splitting the last four ends but it was a little too little too late. The final score saw Team Wyllie prevail 8 - 5.
Meanwhile, The Callander Rink got off to a great start leading 5 - 1 after three ends. The opposition then took their revenge by taking the next three ends with a 5 then stealing a 4 then stealing again for 5. The final end was also another steal leaving the final result 15 - 5.
The Final will, for the second year be, between Teams Mackey and Maguire and will be on Saturday 15th October at 16.45.
