Aberlady - The Swan Raid

 At a certain persons suggestion, we entered the Swan Trophy competition for the first time in at least a couple of decades.  Finally, with the inclusion of David McKey (neither a relation to any of our other Davids or Mackeys) a friend of John Good's from 'The Vets' our 8 players took on a very impressive Mid-Calder team.

Our, and their, teams were split almost on an ageist basis.  Our youngsters go off to a bad start while the older contingent held on to the oppositions coat tails, even forcing them into a blank end in the third.  But things were not going to stay like that for long.  The youngsters (no, I'm not going to say who was in either team!) tightened their game up, a bit, but unfortunately not their scoring rate, while the oldies started running out of puff.  Soon it became an internal contest to see which or our teams would receive a smaller beating.

We ended up, surprisingly, in second place and not qualifying for the next round. 

Despite the scores all of our valiant eight seemed to enjoy themselves and some got to see an entirely different style of game from our club leagues.  Some drinks were had with the opponents and I wouldn't be amazed if we repeat the experiment next season.

Knockout Final

Last night was the Knockout Final contested between the Mackey and Maguire squads, or at least so we thought....

Julia approached it as mission Steak Pie ! 

I'm not sure I can remember a club game that was played with such an attacking style.  Every end contained so many 'take-outs' (or attempted ones) that we should have opened a restaurant !  Anyway, I can't delay the pain much longer.

Team Mackey got off to a great start, taking a four from their opposite numbers before Team Maguire got their heads in the game.  They struck back, but with a barrage of hits, were restricted to singles in the next two ends.  The contest turned and it was then Julia and her crew to be restricted to singles.  By the end of the fifth they had restored their four shot lead.  At that point a poor hit and roll attempt backfired and left Graeme having to play a wide hit and diagonal roll with his last.  The hit was made but the stone rolled just too far and left Team Julia with another four.  

With the score at 10 - 2 the game was conceded.

Overall, with the exception of the actual scoreline, it was a close fought match, with some excellent shots being played.  Especially from the winners team who deserved their victory having hardly made a mistake (or even miSTEAK) all night

Congratulations to Julia Mackey, John Niven, John McOmish and Adam Hicks for winning the first meaty goodness of the season - AND the Knockout crown.

Trophy at 50% point

Last nights bout between the Maguire and Callander squads was looking like it could be Graeme's third 'game of two halves'.   With great support from David Wyllie, Karen Munro and super-sub Susanne Udall, they powered into a five shot lead, taking the first three ends.  The balance then swung with Dale, Julia Mackey, Daniel Peart and Ian Campbell securing the next two but being held to single shots in each end.  Unfortunately the come back stalled and Graeme went on to take the final two ends and run out, a flattering, 9 - 2 winners.

Despite discussions as to how Julia could turn last nights game to her advantage, she backed the wrong horse.  Her position at the top of the league would have been secured had she and Dale won.

In the league it is very tight with three teams all having won two and lost one game, then there is the other team !  Graeme's and Julia's teams have both also won the same number of ends and are therefore separated only by Graeme's superior 'shots up'.  The steak pies are still up for grabs and could still be won by any of the teams.

Ding Ding..... let round two commence.

Confusion and Revenge

 More Covid call-offs resulted in confusion once again, with reserves skipping and others swapping team part way through the game.  A good game was had none the less and Raymond Preston, subbing for John Good, (eventually) taking his team to a last end win 7 - 3 against the defending champion, Dale.

Meanwhile, this time playing as himself, Graeme took on John McOmish in a 3  v 3 battle, for the second time in a week.  Revenge for his severe beating was sweet for Graeme, aided this time by David Wyllie and Sheena Munro, running out 10-4 victors.  (John still has the bragging rights with a score of 15 - 13 over the two legs.)

Pinged by the bell

 With both teams suffering 'ping' absences six players took to the ice.  Neither skip was present and only three out of eight regular players perhaps gives us a flavour of the topsy turvey season we may have ahead.

OK, I can't delay this longer, Graeme (skipping John G's rink) made a fatal mistake in the second end, chipping his shot stone out leaving John McOmish's team with a FIVE !  Things went downhill with John McOmish, having learnt a lot from his skip Julia taking a 10 - 0 lead after five ends.  If the game had started at that point, Graeme would have won, taking two of the final three ends and a 3 - 1 score, BUT IT DIDN'T.   John McOmish, Adam Hicks and Sheena Munro took a well deserved 11 - 3 win.

Pairs Competition

 Due to clashes with holidays and school vacations we have taken the decision to POSTPONE our Pairs Competition.

We will try to arrange an alternative date for later in the season.

Swan Trophy

 The draw for the Swan Trophy has now been added to the Fixtures Page.

The First Round will be against Mid Calder on Thursday 18-11-21 at 15.00 (3pm)

The Semi Final will be on Thursday 6th January 2022 @ 15.00 (3pm) 

The Final will be on Thursday 13-1-22 @ 15.00.

Our teams are:-

M Wood, G Maguire, D Callander, R Clark, P Clark PLUS 2

If you would like to play, please let Mike Wood know asap.