Team A (John Mac) vs Team D (Rob)  24th October 2024

Down to the Wire

A short report this time as the writer is neither the victor nor a member of either of the games protagonists.  Come to that he wasn’t even in the head at the key moments. 

This game couldn’t have been any closer as it was decided by the last stone of the game.  Having trailed for most of the game, yet another last minute MacCornerkickey special resulted in a win for Team MacConnachie by eight stone to seven.

Both teams started with subs.  Team Garner fielded Colin at lead in place of Dave Dunsire while Team MacConnachie’s Geemo slot was taken by John W whom the skip placed at second in the playing order.

Team MacConnachie got off to a steady start on big-swinging ice with a single in the first end.  But then it was disaster for them in the second.  Having allowed Team Garner to build to four scoring stones, Rob added to the misery by adding a fifth with his final stone.

It was going to be an uphill struggle for Team Mac from now on.  However, they steadfastly nibbled away at the deficit scoring singles in the third and fourth ends followed by a two in the fifth.

So as the fifth end started it was five all.  However, Team Mac’s fine recovery suffered a set-back as Team Garner took a two. 

Was it all over for Team Garner? Not necessarily as lead Colin (who had been playing some fine lead stones thoughout the game) and second James had left a stone at the centre which was effectively guarded by Team Mac’s.  However, a double tap up by Team Mac’s number two managed to clear it. Advantage Team Mac who were now lying two stones. 

But the left side of the house was open to a draw, despite the efforts of Dougie to block it,  and Team Garner’s third, Ken, was all set to do just that with a fine stone – however, just a tad too much sweeping took it through the back. And so that opening for a draw remained until the last stone.  As it stood, the game would be peeled at seven each – it was all down to skip MacConnachie.  Everyone held their breath – would he fall short or would he go through? With just a tickle of judicious sweeping to gently adjust the pace, the stone drew to a halt.  Breath released – he had scored!  Much jubilation from Team Mac, rueful congratulations from Team Garner.

John.