First match of the new season after forced break due to the pestilence that is Covid-19. Great to be back on the ice with friends.
Lots of questions raised in my mind: –
- What does the ice rink look like?
- Will I remember how to play?
- Will I be able to throw the stone to the house?
- Will I be sore the next day?
Team A fielded 2 subs; Gill away on a well-deserved and long-awaited holiday replaced by Stewart Byrne (welcome back Stu) and Colin, who was away on ‘walk about’, replaced by John Waterlow, and faced a formidable John MacConnachie team
Team B started well stealing a point on the last stone from A who thought they had the end in the bag. John clearly had not lost his famous skill.
End 2 saw team A recover a 2-point win and a further win for end 3 — score now 5:1 to A
End 4 was an end of nip and tuck for both teams with some spectacular shot play but them an outrageous stone from Skip A stole another 2 points (Auld must have been inspired and got very very lucky)
End 5 John was not having it — bringing his team to a steely focus another 2-point win brought the score to 7:3 but Team A had the hammer (whatever that means)
Last end —would Johns famous skill save the match with a draw?
First 8 stones gave nothing away. Next 4 again nothing. House filling up. No stones wasted. Button exposed but route in requiring a draw and very tight.
Team B counting. Team A decided on an aggressive approach and missed
Another stone from B blocking to outside route
Team A again decided to take the direct route…. The line being identified by Ken in his own unique style …. The last stone was delivered … off line … struck front of house guards and rattled into the centre and moved opposition to the side. OUTRAGEOUS 2 points!
A few of us retired to the bar for recovery and recounted play in disbelief of the result.
It’s good to be back
Dougie Auld
Holyrood Curling Club 