Skip Cottage Curling

More Red Action from Curl Aberdeen

2012-02-03T21:51:00.009Z

More teams and more action from the Petrofac Aberdeen City Open. If you are looking for results you should go to Louise's blog here.

Above L-R: John Leburn, Quentin Russell, Douglas Baxter and Alasdair Seftor, skip.

L-R: Louise Edwards, David Jack, Kim Brewster and John Penny, skip.

Claire Dagen, Dionne Clark, Lesley Young, Maggie Wilson, skip.

L-R: Ross Bartlett, Rosemary Arkley, Lianne McGregor, Alison Kinghorn, skip.

Roy Haites

"Maggie Wilson demonstrates the usefulness of her extra finger."

L-R: Ken Anderson, Bill Morrison, Ron Whyte, Roy Haites, skip.

Lesley Young practising her secret team language.

Good game this one between Jaap van Dorp and Kyle Smith.

John Jo Kenny

Maggie Wilson

I'm sure there is a rule in the Royal Club rulebrook that says something about falsely representing oneself! (Winner in the Swiss Curler of the Day category may have to be investigated!)

Dionne wonders if she delivers the stone at this angle, could she get through the hole!

Normal delivery seemed the best option. You know, the great thing about 'open' curling is that it matches young up-and-coming talent like Dionne ......

.... against the 'older curler'. Here, for example, Barton Henderson, Scottish Champion skip thirty-two years ago!

Who he?

"A study in determination." Billy Henderson. (Team staged a comeback to beat the young curlers at the last end!)

The important thing to notice in this photo is where Ross Bartlett is. I guess if you are the only guy in the team, you let the others get on with the decision making! Rosemary, Alison and Lianne work on their options!

"You know Claire, we should apply to join the Straw Dogs Curling Club. (Paul Stevenson, President, apparently. Ed.)

Photos © Skip Cottage

Blue Action from Aberdeen

2012-02-03T18:04:00.007Z

Appropriately, here is the first of the teams in the Blue Section at the Petrofac Aberdeen City Open. L-R: Tim Stevenson, Fraser Watt, Ruaridh Whyte and Paul Stevenson, skip.

You can find all the results from the competition here.

L-R: Hector Ramsay, Hugh Craigie, Alan Cairns and David Steel, skip. Team name 'Steelers Wheel' see here.

L-R: John Tait, Chay Telfer, Hugh Thomson, Graham Shedden, skip.

I liked this one! 'Thinker of the Day' award goes to... David Millar.

Graham Young and Ian Keron. "Oh my, he does go on and on and on and ......"

L-R: Caitlin Barr, Rhiann Macleod, Helen King and Kerry Barr, skip, aka 'Team Bols Blue'!

Susan Kesley and Graham Shedden.

L-R: Barbara Wood, Jenny Barr, Fran Stretton, Susan Kesley, skip.

Paul Stevenson

Murray Cran explains to Ian what shot he should have played!

Birthday boy, Greg Drummond.

Is this another 'Blonde of the Day' nomination I see before me?

Alan Durno. "Grrrrrrrr!"

David Steel

And a big welcome to these French pirates! L-R: Benoit Moulin, Alex Degeorges, Olivier Scherrer and Pierre Barbier, skip.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Action in the Red Section

2012-02-03T15:37:00.006Z

Here she is, nominated for 'Multitasker of the Day' and 'Ginger of the Day' categories at the Petrofac Aberdeen City Open. Find Louise's results here.

L-R: John Watson, Chris Blinglis, Ian Grigorious and David Robertson. I am sworn to secrecy on how Team Big 'N' Oil and Gas got on in their first game. But of course you know where to find the scores.

More read teams. L-R: Arthur Beattie, Stuart McLachlan (aka Pye), Barton Henderson and Billy Henderson. Now, what name should we give to this team aside from Red 11?

Team Pauline Alexander. L-R: Jennifer Main, Pauline Alexander, Dave Cormack and Louis Sturgess, skip.

Hard work on a Billy Henderson stone.

Kyle Waddell. Now is this just a left over photo from last week's Scottish Junior Championship or is the Kyle Smith team back to relive their success?

Nominated in the 'Ginger' and 'Former Calendar Girl' categories, here is Kimberley Brewster.

Another suggestion was the 'Babe in Babe' category! Kim, we all love you!

A shoe in for the 'Blonde of the Day' is Lianne McGregor.

I bet some of the young ones don't know what this signal means. Roy Haites.

David Jack playing a triple takeout. Did he make it...?

... there's a question.

This being a family blog, I have resisted posting my caption for this photo. You can insert yours here .................. (or in the comment box below).

Photos © Skip Cottage

Petrofac Aberdeen City Open

2012-02-03T11:43:00.008Z

It's hello from sunny Curl Aberdeen, with a weekend of fun and good curling ahead at the Petrofac Aberdeen City Open. Louise Edwards is multitasking this afternoon, playing in the first round and providing results on the event blog, here. Impressive.

My job is to post some piccies and record the highs and lows of the weekend on an off the ice.

Or at least that's the plan.

So who are the title sponsors? Go here to find out.

They have already won the 'Dandies of the Day' award - Team Fife Flare. L-R: Stuart Brand, Craig McNaughton, Ally Simms and David Jones, aka 'Red 4'.

Albert Middler is chief umpire and race night steward! Here taking the communal warmup for all the teams in the Red Section. "Now, everybody, take your left hand and touch your right ear."

Or you could do it the Shirley Ellis way, as here! This IS the official anthem of the Petrofac Aberdeen City Open 2012.

Albert and John-Jo Kenny enact the 'Ceremony of the Balls' to decide who plays who in the first round.

A warm welcome to L-R Carlo Glasbergen, Ezra Wiebe, Floyd Koelewijn and Jaap van Dorp (skip), from Holland.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Pacific Region Qualifiers for World Juniors

2012-02-02T16:52:00.004Z

Sayaka Yoshimura's Japanese junior women's team has qualified for the World Junior Championships in Oestersund. The girls won gold at the 2012 Pacific-Asia Junior Curling Championships at the Hwasan Ice Rink in Jeonju, South Korea, today beating Korea in the final 3-2. This team competed at the 2011 World Juniors in Perth (remind yourself here).

A Chinese junior men’s team, skipped by Xiuyue Ma, won the gold medal in the junior men’s event with a win over Korea in the final, and will also now play in Sweden.

The report on the Pacific-Asia event is here, with photos of the winning teams. The website for the World Junior Championships is here.

Americans at Stranraer

2012-02-02T15:12:00.002Z

I enjoyed my day meeting the US touring team on Tuesday. Yesterday they were in Stranraer where they played the Rhins O' Gallowa' Province in the morning - losing all four games. In the afternoon they played the Galloway Province, winning two games and losing two.

The US team blog is great fun, see here!

Those of you who know the rink at the North West Castle will appreciate the effort that the photographer went to get the photo above for the local paper. Click on the image to show it in larger size, and see who you recognise.

Thanks to Louise Kerr for the info. Picture © The Galloway Gazette.

Petrofac Aberdeen City Open

2012-02-02T00:50:00.001Z

Twenty-four teams will compete in the 2012 Petrofac Aberdeen City Open which begins tomorrow at Curl Aberdeen. The event has its own blog, see here, where results will be posted. The teams will play in two sections, as noted here.

It makes good sense for events such as this to have a blog. It's a cheap and easy way to provide information online. Well done to Louise Edwards for her efforts.

The Petrofac Aberdeen City Open is the last competition in the Goldline Scottish Curling Tour for this season. The Tour has so far encompassed competitions at Dumfries, Braehead, Forfar, Inverness and Stirling. The leaderboard is here. Kyle Smith's team is in the draw for Aberdeen and has the Galbraith trophy, and the £2000 that goes to the Tour winners, in its sights.

What of the future of the Scottish Curling Tour, and for open curling? I asked organiser Gavin Fleming for his thoughts. His answer was concise, "We are delighted by the way the SCT has been received this season and are confident that the tour will be bigger and better next season." Details will no doubt become apparent in due course.

The Aviemore Project

2012-02-01T10:31:00.004Z

I was pleased to learn that plans to build an ice rink in Aviemore are still progressing. The Aviemore Sports Centre Project is organising a Community Open Day, and have extended an invitation to all interested in discussing the project. Well kent curler Yvonne Birnie is Vice-chair of the Aviemore Sports Centre Project group and says, "We would be delighted if you could join us and help us to decide what you want your future sports centre to look and feel like and what types of activities you’d like to see offered."

Sunday, February 26, is the date, and the Peregrine Suite at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort is the venue. Drop in anytime between 13:00 and 20:00.

The aim is for a community owned and operated sports centre accessible to all, providing indoor, wet weather activities, to complement the outdoor activities for which the region is well known. The website for the Aviemore Sports Centre Project is here.

The ice rink would be part of a larger sports centre including tennis facilities and sports hall which will accommodate spectator seating during competitions. The facility would also include a café/bar, changing and storage facilities, fitness suite, sports physio rooms, specialist video analysis room, meeting/board rooms and a crèche.

The ice arena would be for skating, curling, ice hockey and anything else associated with ice. In the summer months flooring could be put down and this area could also be used for concerts, and summer activities when the weather is bad. The rink would be large enough to have international ice hockey matches, skating competitions and curling events. It would also be able to be used by local schools to train and perhaps also provide a facility for elite athletes. Wheelchair curling would be accommodated.

Will it ever happen? Let's hope so. In these days when depressing economic news fills the pages, I would like to be optimistic. Perhaps one of these despised bankers we hear so much about might think about passing on his bonus to a project that would benefit so many locals and visitors to the Aviemore area. Some chance of that I suspect!

I have happy memories of the old Aviemore rink in the 1970s - the venue for the Uniroyal World Juniors in 1976 of course, and then when we went up to play in 1979, getting snowed in for a week. Them were the days!

American Tourists at Lockerbie

2012-02-01T00:09:00.001Z

The USCA men's touring team arrived in Lockerbie yesterday morning, the third stop in the Herries Maxwell trophy competition after Hamilton and Dumfries. The logistics of the three-week tour are complex, but having good transport is a prerequisite!

Every one named!

Four of the five teams were on the ice yesterday morning. A different side had the afternoon off. The question you are asking is, "How did the Lockerbie curlers fare against the visitors in the two sessions?" You can find all scores here. The tourists have their own site with scores and blog here.

Elegant broomstacking!

Mark Swandby from Madison, Wisconsin, is the Tour Team Captain.

Scott Hamilton and Jon Mielke.

I was pleased to catch up with Bill Rhyme. I first met Bill back in 1972 when living in Madison. Becoming World Seniors silver medallist in 2005 is apparently one of his 'curling highlights', but we ascertained in a wallow in nostalgia yesterday, that he was also winner of the second event at a bonspiel in Medford, Wisconsin, in 1974. Modesty prevents me from saying who skipped the winning team in that competition, with Ralph Durand, Tom Schroeder and Richard Maskell. Thanks, guys.

Dan Brunt was in charge of the house for Bill's stones!

I couldn't recognise this tourist from the photos on the US team's website, here.

It appears that the tourists intend to start every session with a song!

Courier Hugh Templeton doing what a courier needs to do - organising everyone for the parade onto the ice.

Russ Armstrong skipped his team to two wins yesterday. Russ was in the US team which reached the semifinals of the Silver Broom in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall in 1985.

Linda Green was making the visitors feel at home!

It was a grand day, and for the US party the fun continues at Stranraer today. The scoreboard shows that the tourists have already established a lead in the competition for the Herries Maxwell trophy.

Photos © Skip Cottage

The Haggis Bonspiel

2012-01-31T08:36:00.002Z

Christine Stewart reports:

"The Tulloch Haggis weekend at Greenacres this past weekend attracted an entry of 24 teams, local teams, teams from Ireland, Wales and a very interesting 'English' team, John Brown and three Canadians (now English of course).

In two sections every team faced three eight end games to qualify, or not, for the High, Mid and Low roads.

John Brown, with two of his 'English' Canadians and one Irishman (Greg Dunn, Neil Maycock with Irish sub Alan Mitchell) took the Low Road title beating John Summers 7-3 in the final. One 'English' Canadian obviously didn’t fancy the team’s chances, he’d booked an early flight!

The Mid Road final produced an interesting result, from England John Sharp, Fiona Hawker, Alison Hemmings and Elspeth Burton got the glory winning 8-1 against Graeme Adam, Ken Horton, Gus Storie and Eddie Binks.

Two local teams had a tight fought final. James Logan, Alex Wilson, Drew Gemmell and William Smith took the title on a score line of 4-2 against Fraser Erskine, Drew Campbell, Jean Cousar and Gordon Christie.

The teams enjoyed dinner on Saturday night and of course on Sunday a supper of haggis, neeps and tatties."

Top photo: The Winners. L-R James Logan, William Smith, Alex Wilson, Drew Gemmell.

Runners-up: L-R Jean Cousar, Frazer Erskine, Drew Campbell, Gordon Christie.

Photos courtesy of Hugh Stewart.

Alternates for Oestersund

2012-01-31T07:11:00.002Z

Jennifer Martin and Hamilton McMillan have been named as the fifth players for the Hannah Fleming and Kyle Smith teams heading for the World Junior Curling Championships in Oestersund, Sweden, March 3-11.

The event website is here.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Behind the Glass and More about Kinross

2012-01-30T20:30:00.003Z

There's a new contribution from Robin Copland in Behind the Glass, here, or click on the link on the right. Robin takes us through a short history of curling rinks in Scotland, and as usual prods us into worrying about the state of the nation. For once I don't agree entirely with what he says, especially in his last couple of paragraphs, but again I know that many people don't agree with anything I say. Which matters not a whit to Robin or to me - the reason we do what we do in writing about the state of curling in Scotland is to get people talking about the subject. It's good to talk!

Robin doesn't mention the Kinross saga directly. I suspect, like many, his blood pressure goes up every time the subject is mentioned. A bit like the Edinburgh tram project. But at least progress is being made in Edinburgh.

I feel I almost have to apologise for bringing up the Kinross business again. I am sure many of you are suffering from 'Kinross fatigue', such is the length of time the saga has been running. But if the Kinross Curling Trust can't be bothered to keep their own website up to date, then I seem to be the only one in a position to tell the country what is happening. I'll be brief...

The info I posted before is still valid. That is all in the menu bar above. It went up there on December 5. It is not where it should be, on the Kinross Curling Trust website here. Now it's not really my job to tell grown men and women (some of them still friends, I hope) what they should be doing, but I would just say, "Hi folks, if you want to get support from the larger curling community for your efforts, then I suggest you keep us informed through your website about what is happening."

The most recent news is that the Trust AGM will be on Sunday, March 4, at 3 pm in the Loch Leven Suite, Green Hotel, Kinross.

In the letter accompanying the notice of the AGM, Bob Tait indicates on fundraising that a lot of approaches have been made to a lot of people and organisations, but no-one really wants to talk these days.

If I detect anything positive in Tait's communication, it is that the thinking seems more directed these days towards replacing the aging existing facility, rather than touting for support for a 'National Curling Centre' which, after all the trimming down, it wouldn't be anyway.

There's a footnote to Tait's letter which I must admit that I found rather petulant. Apparently it's all YOUR FAULT out there, that the project is barely off the ground. A question is asked, "But what about the wider curling community and the blazerati?" Apparently we are "Largely invisible and sleep walking to disaster." But, read the whole thing and judge for yourself. It's in the menu bar above in the page 'Conundrum'.

But does anyone care any more? Actually I'll know, as I can calculate how many blogallies click through to the Conundrum page. But don't worry, I'll keep that information to myself.

Scottish Juniors: Sunday Revisited

2012-01-30T00:15:00.001Z

What a great day it was at Curl Aberdeen yesterday! As always with the juniors, there was passion aplenty. I congratulate the winners, and feel for those who came second. When you put your heart and soul into your sport, it IS hard to lose.

Anyway, enough of the philosophizing, here are some more photos from yesterday's semifinals and finals. I never managed to make a 'Team Post' of the Hazel Smith and Kyle Smith sides, but I hope the eight curlers in these teams will find themselves somewhere on this post and in yesterday's after the semifinal (here). All the other teams should find themselves somewhere in the archive from the past three days. Searching for a name should find pics of individuals - a register of who was present and correct at the Scottish Junior Finals 2012!

Team Blair Fraser between ends. Good team this, finished third, and could have gone all the way.

I seem to have known Struan Wood the longest of any of this year's junior finalists. Sadly, he now graduates from the junior ranks, as he 'ages out'.

Blair Fraser.

Jennifer Dodds. I think this is some sort of secret language! The script said that a Fleming - Dodds final was on the cards. But Hazel Smith had other ideas, and Jennifer and her team finished in third place.

Becca Kesley, third player in the Jennifer Dodds' team, who I inadvertently missed out in the photos after the semis.

Eilidh Templeton. (Special secret note buried in the blog to Helen King - 'Your girls did you proud!')

Sarah Wood swept her heart out for the Hazel Smith team, here with Eilidh on Naomi Whyte's stone.

I liked this photo of Naomi in 'serene' mode.

Hannah was thanking me for posting 'nice' photos of her this year. So, just to balance things up, here's one of her classic poses!

I don't think the umpire who was keeping an eye on the hogline perhaps realised what a picturesque spot he had picked!

Grant Hardie, fourth player in the Jay McWilliam side. Playing last stones for a team is a hard job, and I saw some outstanding shotmaking from him this week.

Keith Prentice is coach to the Jay McWilliam team. I'm sure the team will agree that he has been a great coach for them. A salute then to the 'Raging Bull' as he is affectionately called by his charges, whose team blog is here.

Young fans in the stands!

Rhiann Macleod (double Scottish medallist last season) models the required accessory for all hard core curling fans.

Abi and Lauren on Alice's stone in the final.

Kerr Drummond encourages Kyle Smith and Thomas Muirhead in the men's final.

The teams got piped into the lounge by Calum Brown for the presentations.

Pat Edington (Royal Club President), Claire McLaren (Ladies' Branch President) and Bruce Crawford (Royal Club CEO) took care of the proceedings efficiently.

There were two sportsmanship awards to present. Here Claire McLaren presents the Scottish Curler/Edinburgh Crystal award to Lauren Morgan, third player in Team Katie Wright. See Lauren in action here. I was pleased to see that the magazine still lives on in the name of the sportsmanship award.

Euan Kyle, lead of the Gregor Cannon team (see here) was voted to receive the Jim Aitken trophy.

Here's the winning team with coach Robin Halliday. Nice birthday present from the team to their coach (see here)!

Debbie Knox has been with these girls through thick and thin. Well done to all.

Keep your eyes on the Royal Club website for the announcement of who will travel with each team as the alternates for the World Junior Championships in Oestersund, Sweden, March 3-11.

Well done to all at Curl Aberdeen. Great rink, great facilities, great ice, friendly welcome. I understand that the Junior Finals are back here again next season, with the qualifiers at the Dewar's Rinks in Perth. Actually, I'm back here next weekend, all being well, but more about that later.

That's a wrap for now.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Sweden Bound

2012-01-29T17:48:00.004Z

L-R: Abi Brown, Alice Spence, Lauren Gray and Hannah Fleming.

L-R: Kerr Drummond, Kyle Waddell, Thomas Muirhead and Kyle Smith.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: The Finals

2012-01-29T17:00:00.000Z

Thirteen year old Calum Brown piped the teams into the rink and on to the ice before today's Scottish Junior Championship Finals at Curl Aberdeen.

The teams are introduced. L-R: Kyle Smith (skip), Thomas Muirhead, Kyle Waddell and Kerr Drummond; Grant Hardie (fourth), Colin Dick, Jay McWilliam (skip) and Billy Morton.

L-R: Hannah Fleming, Lauren Gray, Alice Spence and Abi Brown; Hazel Smith, Naomi Whyte, Sarah Wood and Eilidh Templeton.

Practice slides and the games were underway.

Jay's team had been the stronger when they met in the Page 1-2 game. This time Kyle's side were on a roll after coming though the semi. They held the edge with a stolen single at the fourth, and a two in the eighth saw them 5-2 up playing the ninth, and Sweden bound.

When the teams had met in the round robin, Hazel's team had messed up on a time out, and ran out of time. Hannah had won by default.

Hannah's team were on fire today though. A big four at the fourth established their dominance, and Team Fleming - bar slipups - were on their way to Sweden. There were no slipups!

You can find the linescores, and all the results from the competition on the Royal Club website here.

Semifinal pix

2012-01-29T13:22:00.007Z

Some random photos from the semifinals. Above - Jennifer Dodds.

Hazel Smith

Vicky Wright

Thomas Sloan and Hammy McMillan.

A moment's contemplation for Jennifer Dodds!

Vicky Wright and Mhairi Baird

It will take you a moment to work out what is happening here!

Thomas Muirhead

Hazel Smith has delivered the stone, Sarah Wood and Eilidh Templeton are the sweepers.

Kerr Drummond and Thomas Muirhead

In the gallery, there's Hammy McMillan senior watching his grandson!

Blair Fraser

Kyle Waddell

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: The Semis

2012-01-29T12:51:00.001Z

Blair Fraser, Thomas Sloan, Hammy McMillan and Struan Wood, having finished third in the rankings, had awaited their chance to play for a place in this afternoon's Scottish Junior Championship final. Kyle Smith, Thomas Muirhead, Kyle Waddell and Kerr Drummond, had lost their Page 1-2 game against the Jay McWilliam side in a low scoring game, and were now on their second life, to reach the championship game.

The linescore is here.

The game was tied at six ends. Smith nosed in front in the seventh with a pair, and was still one up with the hammer coming down the tenth. Blair got one in near perfectly frozen, but Kyle was right on target with his run back to clear the Fraser stone away. Team Smith it will be in this afternoon's final for a rematch of the Page 1-2 game against the Jay McWilliam side.

Jennifer Dodds, Becca Kesley, Vicky Wright and Mhairi Baird were on their second life too, having lost their Page 1-2 game last night. Hazel Smith, Naomi Whyte, Sarah Wood and Eilidh Templeton were their opposition this morning.

Hazel had her draw weight perfectly, and this was a main factor in Team Smith being two ahead in the eighth. Coming down the last, they were still one up, with the hammer. Having had draw weight in her pocket all game, Hazel was just heavy with her last stone for the win, and it was into an extra!

Needing to steal, Jennifer's last had good weight, but wasn't hidden. Hazel's clearance slipped past the guard and removed the shot for the win! It will be Team Smith v Team Fleming in the final.

Photos © Skip Cottage. More to follow.

Team Gary Cannell

2012-01-29T02:43:00.000Z

Team Gary Cannell

Ryan Craik, a local young curler, stepped in as substitute for the last couple of games, with Jamie Fraser unwell.

Fraser Thomson, 2nd.

Daryl Russell, 3rd.

Gary Cannell, skip.

Gary in the head against Andrew Neilson.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Bruce Mouat

2012-01-29T01:17:00.000Z

Team Bruce Mouat

Bruce Mouat, skip.

Derrick Sloan, 3rd.

Ross Fraser, 2nd.

Colin Mouat, lead.

I believe this may be called a 'team conference' but other suggestions are welcomed!

I'm not quite sure just what Bruce is trying to do to Blair Fraser, but I felt it should be recorded!

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Maggie Wilson

2012-01-29T00:20:00.005Z

Team Maggie Wilson

Maggie in action, with Louise Joiner behind.

Claire Dagen, lead.

Dionne Clark, 2nd.

Maggie Wilson, skip and third stones.

Lauren Baxter, fourth stones.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Katie Wright

2012-01-28T23:56:00.005Z

Team Katie Wright

Rachel Mills, lead.

Jenni Cannon, 2nd.

Lauren Morgan, 3rd.

Katie Wright, skip.

Here's Katie again.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Page 1-2 Games

2012-01-28T21:58:00.002Z

Tonight's scoreboard brought back happy memories of the years before the Free Guard Zone. Five blank ends in the Jay McWilliam v Kyle Smith match, with a place in the Scottish Junior Championship final at stake for the winner.

Not that the ends were always uninteresting. Colin Dick removed three of the reds with his takeout in end five.

Kyle Smith delivers, Kyle Waddell and Kerr Drummond are the sweepers.

Incredibly, there was still no score on the board after eight, but Grant drew the button for a second in the ninth. The teams went into the last with the score at 2-0 in McWilliam's favour. It was enough.

Grant, Colin, Jay and Billy are through to tomorrow's final. Team Smith must now beat the Blair Fraser team if they want to get another crack at the title.

In contrast, the Hannah Fleming team romped to a 6-0 lead before Jennifer Dodds' side got on the scoreboard. Team Fleming then are through to the final, and Team Dodds will now meet Hazel Smith in the 'semifinal' tomorrow morning.

The linescores and all the results are here.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Men's Round Robin Complete

2012-01-28T18:11:00.004Z

Let's get the important things out of the way first of all. It's Robin Halliday's birthday today! He's 37, 47 or 57, you decide! Now coach to the Kyle Smith team. But fondly remembered as a member of the David Aitken team (with Peter Smith and Harry Reilly) which won the World Junior Curling Championship in Dartmouth, in 1986, defeating Kevin Martin in the final.

Happy Birthday, Robin. All together now, here.

No surprises in the final round of games. Page 1-2 coming later.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Sad Saturday, and other stories

2012-01-28T15:36:00.005Z

Spare a thought for the curlers who now 'age out' of the juniors, and who have played their last game in junior competition EVER this weekend. Mhairi Anderson, above, is one such. Was she sad when she came off the ice after playing her last round robin game today? Were there lots of tears? Did Uncle Bob have a lump in his throat? Actually, it's a long time ago when I was 'too old' at 21! Don't worry Mhairi, in twenty-nine years time, you will be eligible to play in the Scottish Seniors' Championship!

And let's have a wee round of applause for the ice tech team this weekend.

Tom 'The Mop' Brewster, snr.

Colin 'Happy at his Work' Campbell.

Tom 'Ice Boss' Brewster.

IMPORTANT: The final round robin games in the men's competition have been shortened to eight ends, to allow for time before the Page 1-2 games this evening. Follow the results here.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Women 7

2012-01-28T14:21:00.001Z

Three teams, Hannah Fleming, Hazel Smith and Jennifer Doods went in to the last round robin draw all on five wins and one loss. Smith and Dodds faced each other, the winner assured of a place in the Page 1-2. Jennifer's team seemed the stronger in this encounter, and were 5-3 up after eight, with the hammer. In the ninth, when it looked as if Hazel's side might steal, Jennifer's runback double resolved the situation, her side counted three and the handshakes were offered.

Fleming had to get past the Mhairi Paul team, and they duly did so. Team Fleming finished the round robin with just one loss.

So Fleming will meet Dodds in the Page 1-2, the winner going to Sunday's final. Hazel Smith's team will play the loser of the Page 1-2, the winner of that game going to the championship final.

All the results can be found here.

Photo of Hazel and Jennifer is © Skip Cottage.

Scottish Juniors: Men Round 8

2012-01-28T10:40:00.002Z

This was the position going into the penultimate round robin game. The two unbeaten teams matched up for the first time, and it was preety much decided in the first end, McWilliam scoring a big four. So, it was first blood to Jay and his team of Grant Hardie (throwing last stones), Colin Dick and Billy Morton. The McWilliam and Smith teams will match up again in the Page 1-2 game later.

But who will be the third qualifier? The key game this morning was between Blair Fraser, on four wins, and Duncan Menzies, on three wins. Duncan needed to win this to stay in contention. And a Team Menzies win would keep Bruce Mouat's chances alive.

Blair was two up playing the last and ran out the winners. Team Fraser then is the third qualifier. Team Mouat has played all its games and finishes on four wins, four losses.

Duncan Menzies and Blair Fraser.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Lesley Young

2012-01-28T05:51:00.001Z

Team Lesley Young

The skip has all the difficult decisions to make!

Lesley Young, skip.

Louise Joiner, 3rd.

Hayley Duff, 2nd.

Beth Dandie, lead.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Duncan Menzies

2012-01-28T04:06:00.000Z

Team Duncan Menzies

That's Duncan Menzies in charge of the head, with Bruce Mouat behind.

Duncan Menzies, skip.

Stuart Taylor, 3rd.

Robert Fawns, 2nd.

Angus Dowell, lead.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Andrew Neilson

2012-01-28T03:48:00.000Z

Team Andrew Neilson

Mark Guthrie, lead.

Graeme Allan, 2nd.

Ross Whyte, 3rd.

Andrew Neilson, skip.

Ross and Andrew watch behind Daryl Russell.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Gregor Cannon (aka Team Scott Wilson)

2012-01-28T03:43:00.000Z

Team Gregor Cannon

Gregor Cannon, skip.

Bobbie Lammie, 3rd.

Scott Wilson, 2nd. The team is in his name in the programme.

Euan Kyle, lead.

Gregor again.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Ruairidh Greenwood

2012-01-28T01:26:00.000Z

Team Ruairidh Greenwood

Calum Greenwood, lead.

Craig Waddell, 2nd.

Scott Fraser, 3rd.

Ruairidh Greenwood, skip.

Always good to see a skip happy in his work. Ruairidh, here with Blair Fraser.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Mhairi Paul

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000Z

Team Mhairi Paul

Mhairi Paul, skip.

Kirsty Sloan, 3rd.

Lynne Paul, 2nd.

Zoe Jackson, lead.

Lynne and Zoe sweep Kirsty's stone.

Here's Mhairi in the head behind Maggie Wilson.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Women 6

2012-01-27T22:13:00.003Z

The top three teams have been decided, with one round to play. Hannah Fleming, Jennifer Dodds and Hazel Smith are all on five wins and one loss, after tonight's sixth round robin game at Curl Aberdeen, and cannot now be caught by any of the other five teams.

What remains to be decided though is the order in which they will finish the preliminary rounds. Smith and Dodds play against each other tomorrow. Fleming faces the young Mhairi Paul team, whose coach, Marion Murdoch, set Hannah and her girls on the road (what seems) MANY years ago!

The top two teams after the round robin play a Page 1-2, the loser drops to the 'semifinal' to meet the third placed team, and the winner of that game plays the winner of the Page 1-2 for the title.

Find all the results and standings here.

More team photos online during the night!

Scottish Juniors: Men Round 7

2012-01-27T19:09:00.004Z

There are still two undefeated teams in the junior men's competition at Curl Aberdeen. In the early evening game, Jay McWilliam's side beat Gregor Cannon's team, quite easily as it turned out.

Kyle Smith had a tougher match against Bruce Mouat, but the Smith team came through that. With Smith and McWilliam now both on six wins, this sets up the Page 1-2, even with two rounds still to play.

The battle is still on to see who will be the third placed qualifier. The Blair Fraser team is chasing, on four wins and three losses, Blair drawing the eight foot with last stone for his win this evening against Ruairidh Greenwood.

Find all the results on the Royal Club website here.

Scottish Juniors: Women 5

2012-01-27T15:16:00.007Z

Four teams were on the same three wins, one loss record, going into the fifth round of the Scottish Junior Women's Championship at Curl Aberdeen today. Lesley Young and Hazel Smith met each other. Hazel was two up coming home, without, and managed to defend her position.

Both Jennifer Dodds and Hannah Fleming won their games too, so now three teams are on four wins from five games. Two rounds to go.

All the results are here.

Claire Dagen, 20 today! All together now, here.

Top photo shows Lesley Young in the head, with Hazel Smith behind. Photo © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Men Round 6

2012-01-27T10:44:00.008Z

There were two undefeated teams going into this morning's games at Curl Aberdeen. Jay McWilliam's side were held for eight ends by the Ruairidh Greenwood team, before landing a three in the ninth, and that was the game. You can find all the results and standings on the Royal Club website here.

The Kyle Smith side were always in command in their game against Blair Fraser. The photo above shows Kyle Waddell and Thomas Muirhead on Kerr Drummond's stone.

Five wins each then for McWilliam and Smith. They meet tomorrow morning. Top three teams after the eight game round robin qualify for the playoffs. The top two teams will meet in a Page 1-2 game. The winner goes to the final. The loser drops in to a 'semifinal' with the third placed team. The winner of that goes to the final too.

Time for a caption pic. This from the Mouat v Menzies game this morning. How about, "I've never see a pound coin disappear down the hole so completely."

or

"I think it's a curling stone!"

or

"Looking for a very small umpire."

Your turn.

Pics © Skip Cottage

Team Blair Fraser

2012-01-27T04:18:00.001Z

It was good to see Thomas Sloan (above) back in action on the ice and in fine fettle after his accident earlier in the season. (Where did he get these eyes?)

Anyway, I had hoped I might be able to get some pics of all the competitors on the ice this weekend. I did this last year at the Juniors, and it provides a record of the competition. This year there are some old faces, and some new ones too.

You can find all the photos I took a year ago if you search back in the archives on the right. Has anyone aged?

I've made a start this year, but unfortunately, the internet access has been problematic at Curl Aberdeen (please, please, please get things fixed) and my earlier posts yesterday were courtesy of a different computer than my own, one of the 'lucky ones' who could get connected. Thanks, Colin Campbell.

Of course, I can always post from back in the hotel, which is what I'm doing now. Team photos then may well be delivered overnight, or even next week when the event is all over. Let's see how it goes over the next few days.

Team Blair Fraser

Struan Wood plays lead for Team Blair Fraser.

Hamilton McMillan was at second stones yesterday.

Thomas Sloan was third.

Blair Fraser, skip.

Blair in the head in the game against the Bruce Mouat team. That's Bruce in front.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Jay McWilliam

2012-01-27T02:43:00.002Z

Team Jay McWilliam

Billy Morton plays lead stones.

Jay McWilliam skips, but throws second stones.

Colin Dick is at third.

Grant Hardie throws last stones for the team.

Here's Jay in charge of the head, with Gary Cannell and Daryl Russell behind.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Hannah Fleming

2012-01-27T01:37:00.003Z

Team Hannah Fleming

Hannah watches her stone, with Mhairi Baird behind.

Abi Brown, lead.

Alice Spence, second.

Lauren Gray, third.

Hannah Fleming, skip.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Jennifer Dodds

2012-01-27T00:51:00.001Z

Team Jennifer Dodds

Jennifer in characteristic pose!

Mhairi Baird, lead.

Vicky Wright, second.

Becca Kesley, third.

Jennifer Dodds, skip.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Team Jennifer Martin

2012-01-27T00:50:00.002Z

Team Jennifer Martin

Here's Jennifer Martin in the head, with Hazel Smith behind.

Mhairi Anderson, lead.

Fiona Telfer, second.

Tasha Aitken, third.

Jennifer Martin, skip.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Women 4

2012-01-26T23:20:00.000Z

Could the Jennifer Dodds team make it four wins in a row at the Scottish Junior Championships at Curl Aberdeen, and be the only undefeated team? They were against the Maggie Wilson team, who had lost earlier at an extra end. Tonight's game went to an extra too, but this time Maggie's team came through, stealing a single. Team Dodds = three wins, one loss.

That's Jennifer and Maggie in the head in the photo above. In the background is umpire Glenda Barrowman. Alan Stanfield always says that the umpires wear black so they can be inconspicuous and blend into the background. I guess the camouflage umpire's uniform at Curl Aberdeen should be cream coloured! Just an observation. (And a fine job they do too!)

Hannah Fleming and her team, who had also had an extra end loss earlier in the day, made amends by a quick victory over Lesley Young's side, that one all over in six ends. Fleming and Young are now both on three wins and one loss, the same as Team Dodds, AND the Hazel Smith team, who beat Jennifer Martin tonight for their third win.

The top three teams on completion of the seven game round robin will be involved in the playoff stages.

All the results and standings are here.

(Apologies if my posts from Aberdeen are a bit erratic. Problems with Internet access. Who would be a blogger? See frustrations! See grumpy! See the need for an IT tech who knows his way around wireless networks!)

Photos © Skip Cottage

Scottish Juniors: Men Round 5

2012-01-26T19:18:00.004Z

There were two undefeated teams going into the fifth round of the Scottish Junior Men's Championship at Curl Aberdeen this afternoon, those skipped by Jay McWilliam and Kyle Smith. Both of these teams have already had their bye in this nine team round robin.

That's Gary Cannell in the photo above trying his best. With one of his team off the ice feeling unwell, the three man side were no match for Jay, who is playing second stones for Team McWilliam. Grant Hardie is throwing fourth stones, Colin Dick the third stones, and Billy Morton is lead. The game was over early.

Kyle Smith's team gave their opposition a four shot start but came back to win, stealing two at the tenth against the Andrew Neilson side.

All the results are here.

Photo © Skip Cottage. More pics later.

Scottish Juniors: Women 3

2012-01-26T14:28:00.010Z

Well, I've finally made it to Curl Aberdeen where the Scottish Junior Championships are underway. I've been watching the women's third round of games. Going into this, three teams were undefeated, Young, Fleming and Dodds.

The Lesley Young team had two wins on the board this afternoon before their game against Maggie Wilson. That's Lesley in the top photo with Lauren Baxter, who plays the last stone for Team Wilson. And above is Lesley throwing, with Beth Dandie and Hailey Duff. You can find all the results on the Royal Club website here.

Who won? It went to an extra, with Team Wilson having the hammer. Lauren had a difficult draw to win, but didn't make it.

Hannah Fleming and Jennifer Dodds were both undefeated when they met today. Hannah's team held the advantage for most of the game, but Jennifer's team stole the last to set up an extra end in this game too. Hannah had to draw the one foot with her last stone in the eleventh, and was inches short.

Exciting stuff.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Schools at Murrayfield

2012-01-26T00:16:00.001Z

The Scottish Schools' Curling Championship is yet a ways off, March 16-18. Local qualifying competitions are taking place before them. The James Young Trophy is awarded to the team which goes through to the finals from Murrayfield and that has just been won by Kelso High School, the team skipped by Cameron Bryce.

Runners-up were Mary Erskine School, skipped by Naomi Brown, which also qualifies for the finals, which are also at Murrayfield, in March.

Top L-R: Lorna Shaw, Neil Sutherland, Cameron Bryce (skip), Callum Potts and Amy Bryce. Photo courtesy of James Buchanan.

8-Ender at the Yara

2012-01-25T15:54:00.005Z

Congratulations to Robin Niven and his Kinross rink who scored an 8-Ender in the Yara Farmers' Curling Championship at Perth today. It's thought to be only the third time this has occurred in the tournament's twenty-nine year history. I believe the last time was in 2007, see here.

As is customary, the team which lost the eight is not named, and as such the 'Rhona Martin Try Harder Award' is awarded anonymously.

You can find all the results from the 'Yara' here.

Above: Yara's Alan Wood (centre) with (L-R) Robin Niven, Mike Niven, Jim Stewart and David Niven. Photo courtesy of Louis Flood.

Entries Wanted for Dumfries Events

2012-01-25T11:12:00.003Z

It seems funny to be already looking forward to the end of the season, or indeed to next season. For our competitive junior curlers, the year will be over come Monday for all bar a few, once the Scottish Junior Championships, currently underway at Curl Aberdeen (see here), are over.

Those that didn't make it to Aberdeen may well already be thinking of the next curling year, and perhaps planning for one last fun event this season, the Dumfries Junior International for the Globe Trophy. Graham Sloan has been in touch to say that there are still a few places for the event, March 30 - April 1.

There are also places for the Speed Pairs, which has an interesting new format, three stones each with timed fifty-five minute games. The event is not restricted to juniors. £50 to enter, and winners take home £300. So are there any speedy curlers out there who are free on February 11 and 12? If so contact Graham. Find his email and phone numbers here.

US Tourists on their way to Scotland

2012-01-25T00:26:00.001Z

The Herries Maxwell trophy is at stake again, and the twenty American curlers who will be trying to win it, are on their way. They fly out of Newark Airport tomorrow, arriving in Scotland on Friday, and over the next three weeks will compete in the following rinks: Lanarkshire, Dumfries, Lockerbie, Stranraer, Galleon, Ayr, Greenacres, Braehead, Waterfront, Stirling, Perth, Kirkcaldy, Kinross, Forfar, Dundee, Curl Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverness, Borders and Murrayfield. The tourists depart Edinburgh on Monday, February 20.

Scotland holds the trophy after the win in the US five years ago. Highest up cumulative score over nearly 150 games decides the winners!

Results will be posted on the Royal Club website here, but the tourists already have an active website and blog here, where you can find out about them, and follow their progress. I'm looking forward to meeting some 'old friends' who are in the party.

Welcome to Scotland, and 'Good Curling' to the visitors! Hugh Templeton (Kirkcowan CC) and Robert Stewart (Oxenfoord CC) share the Tour Courier duties.

An Invitation to Senior Curlers

2012-01-24T10:07:00.005Z

The curlers of Stroud CC in Ontario want to extend an invitation to fellow senior curlers worldwide to join them for a week of curling and fellowship. Curlers may enter on an individual basis and are welcome regardless of their curling experience and ability. This is not a competition but a chance to share in the joy of curling.

They are looking for twenty curlers to come to their community October 31 - November 7, and the invitation extends to non-curlers who wish to accompany their spouse or partner. Curlers must be 50 years of age or older.

All participants would be responsible for their own travel costs to Canada but to help offset some of the expenses of this experience club members will provide home-stay hosting and evening meals hosted by league members. A registration fee of $150 (Cdn) will be charged per person. Registration includes a banquet ticket, five breakfasts, four lunches, tours and local transportation. Transportation will also be provided to and from the airport. The closest international airport is Toronto Pearson.

And I would think that this would be a week to remember! You can find more details in a download file from the bottom of this page, and that includes the contact details for organiser Sherry Armstrong.

Scottish Junior Championships

2012-01-23T19:40:00.003Z

The competitions that will decide which of our Under-21 teams will carry Scotland's colours in Oestersund, Sweden, at the World Juniors, begin tomorrow (Tuesday). The first rounds in the junior men's event are at 19.00 in Curl Aberdeen. Nine teams qualified from the preliminary event at Ayr (see here), to make a very open competition this year. I'm hopeless at predictions at the best of times, so I'll see on Sunday who makes the final, then I'll pick the winner!

The girls' event begins on Wednesday at 12.30. Eight teams are in the draw, with the Hannah Fleming team the firm favourites.

I'm looking to see some of the play later in the week. In the meantime I'll be following the results on the Royal Club website here. The draws and team lineups can be downloaded from this page too.

Women in Black: Glynhill 2012

2012-01-23T14:18:00.008Z

It was good to learn that the title sponsors of the Glynhill Ladies International are up for another couple of years. Hopefully the Russians will continue to support the event, not to mention their support of the local retail economy.

Here are some Monday ramblings and photos from me about the competition.

Not that I need an excuse to show another photo of Anna Sidorova, but may I use her to illustrate a problem with naming teams on results pages from competitions. Anna did not play in 'Team Sidorova' which was shown as such on the results pages from the event (see here). She skipped the Ziablikova team. So, any student of the game, looking back at the archives from fifty years in the future, will see that Sidorova got through to the semifinals of the Glynhill Ladies International 2012. She didn't. Liudmila Privikova skipped the Russian team that was in the semifinals.

The problem exists for those who follow the sport from their computers, and for those in charge of results pages. The Royal Club website shows today that Duncan Menzies qualified for the Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish Championship. No he didn't. He was in Innsbruck wearing a Team GB top. His team, skipped by Murray Young, got through (and well done to them).

It just goes to show that you cannot believe everything you read on the Web.

For example, some seem to think that the Bond Girls were really at Braehead location scouting for Three Days in January. I have to confess that I'm not sure they were, but I think that Marissa, Cindy, Jennifer and Donna (and their support) had a great time, made many friends, and added an extra dimension to the competition. I have a hunch that curling in Southern California may well be the winner in the long term.

At the Glynhill, there's the main event, and this year there was a consolation event. For the teams that failed to qualify for either of these there was of course the 'shopping event', sponsored by Primark. Are these the winners, above?

Sabina Kraupp got the 'GLI individual shopper of the weekend' award.

You can add your own caption to my favourite pic from yesterday. Ekaterina Galkina and Nkeiruka Ezekh.

Silvana Tirinzoni in the semifinal against Team Jaggi. Not that I have favourites, but I secretly had my fingers crossed that Team Tirinzoni would get through. Simply because they had blue tops. I could see what was going to happen ...

... that the final matchup would be that the 'team in black' would be up against the 'team in black'.

You may think that it didn't matter. But it did. The Braehead Curling Development Group and the GLI Organising Committee were trialling webcasts from the event. A few years back I was with David Edwards when he was doing similar. Both teams were wearing dark coloured uniforms. And what was on the screen was lots of black blobs sliding around. Difficult to commentate on, and not enjoyable to watch. All gist to the 'colourful curling' campaign of course, but yesterday, as I watched a great final, it all seemed so dark. And the Braehead rink is not the brightest lit at the best of times.

That's Norman Cathcart above doing an ET impression as he works the channel changer.

Michele Jaggi and Mirjam Ott.

Michele Jaggi is in the head, and Nicole Schwagli and Marisa Winkelhausen are the sweepers.

Mirjam Ott delivers.

Carmen Kung and Janine Greiner sweep their skip's stone.

Michelle in the head. Her sister Stephanie, who plays second stones, took the head for skip's stones.

Mirjam's experience contributed a huge amount to her team's win in the final.

Good team this, and I suspect we will be hearing a lot more of these Bern girls in the future. L-R: Michele Jaggi, Marisa Winkelhausen, Stephanie Jaggi and Nicole Schwagli.

Another podium pic of Mirjam, Carmen, Carmen and Janine.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Another 'Oops' at Four Nations

2012-01-23T10:20:00.010Z

John Brown has a full report of the Four Nations here. By all accounts it was a great weekend, and I certainly enjoyed spending Saturday at the Greenacres Rink.

Gill Daley has sent all the presentation pics and these are attached to John's report - just click on the Toothy Tales link on the right.

Controversy? After last year, one would hope not. But I grimaced when I read that the Tom Ballantyne trophy had failed to appear at Greenacres. This is the most prestigious of the trophies played for, Scotland v England, contested by five men's teams aside. And won again by Scotland. Well done guys!

Last year in Kent, it was the only trophy that Scotland won. It has been in the Royal Club care since then. So why wasn't it at Greenacres to be presented yesterday?

Explanations include:

1. Somebody just forgot.
2. It's been stolen.
3. They couldn't find the key to the vault where it is securely stored.
4. It was considered too risky to transport it through Glasgow for risk of carjacking.
5. There's no insurance for the trophy to be displayed.
6. It was left on a table after the Royal Club AGM and is in a cupboard somewhere.
7. It has been melted down and sold for scrap to swell Royal Club's coffers.

I'll leave it to you to decide which of the above is the most likely!

Above is what the trophy looks like. Let me know if you find it anywhere! Pic © Skip Cottage.

A 'special mention' for this Scots side who contributed the highest aggregate score against their opposition (+ 16 over two games). L-R: Alan Chalmers, David Wright, Graeme Maguire and Hamish Lorrain-Smith (skip). Photo © Gill Daley.

Scottish Men's Qualifiers

2012-01-23T08:13:00.001Z

The second leg of the qualifying competition for the Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish Men's Curling Championship was at the Dewar's Rinks in Perth this weekend.

In section A, the John Hamilton and Ewan MacDonald teams came through, and there was a three way tie for the third place in the rankings. Two rounds of tiebreakers saw the Duncan Menzies team (Murray Young, skip, Stuart Taylor, Cammy Smith and Angus Dowell), as the third qualifiers. Duncan himself was in Innsbruck at the WYOG.

Sandy Reid, runners-up last year, did not qualify.

Section A results are all here.

In Section B the qualifiers were David Smith, Jay McWilliam and David Murdoch. And in Section C, Logan Gray topped the rankings with eight straight wins. Graeme Black and David Edwards were the other qualifiers from C.

Section B and C results are here.

These nine teams will join Tom Brewster's team for the finals, February 13-19, at the Dewar's Rinks.

Four Nations Headlines

2012-01-22T20:09:00.003Z

John Brown, who is (amongst other things) the keeper of the archive of Four Nations' competition results, has been in touch with the headlines from this weekend at Greenacres.

Scotland 55 England 51 (men)
Scotland 16 England 12 (women)
Wales 43 Scotland 24
Scotland 30 Ireland 17
England 28 Wales 24
Ireland 29 England 28
Ireland 25 Wales 24

A full report will follow.

WYOG: Mixed Doubles Winners

2012-01-22T19:30:00.002Z

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports that Germany's Nicole Muskatewitz with Switzerland's Michael Brunner beat the Korea/Norway pair of Kim Eunbi and Martin Sesaker in the final of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Mixed Doubles.

The Russian Federation and USA pairing of Marina Verenich and Korey Dropkin won the bronze medals.

See the results, read more about the event, and browse photo galleries, here.

Photo © Leslie Ingram-Brown

Glynhill Winners

2012-01-22T15:53:00.005Z

Mirjam Ott, Carmen Schafer, Carmen Kung and Janine Greiner won the Glynhill Ladies International at Braehead today, defeating Michele Jaggi, Marisa Winkelhausen, Stephani Jaggi and Nicole Schwagli in a final which went to the last stone.

The Jaggi team, which won the Bernese Ladies Cup last weekend, stole a two in the fourth when Mirjam feathered a guard with her last stone trying to come around to the opposition shot, and had their noses in front. But Team Ott came back strongly and were two up playing the last. Still, the Davos skip had to play her last stone with the opposition lying two when she went to play. Mirjam's shot was perfectly played.

All the results from the competition are here.

Photo © Skip Cottage. L-R: Mirjam Ott, Carmen Schafer, Carmen Kung and Janine Greiner. More photos later, probably tomorrow.

Glynhill Semifinals

2012-01-22T13:40:00.002Z

Michele Jaggi's team took a six in the first end against Silvana Tirinzoni's side, and that semifinal was over early! All the scores are here.

Mirjam Ott took a four in end four against Liudmila Privikova's Russian side to break that game open, with the score at 6-3. Lucy took a single at the fifth and stole the sixth and seventh. Mirjam had to make her last stone of the game to win, and she did. It would be an all Swiss final.

The consolation event final was a walkover for the Anna Hasselborg team when their opposition withdrew.

Photo © Skip Cottage

Glynhill Quarters

2012-01-22T11:01:00.005Z

All the results are here.

Eve Muirhead's team lost out to Silvana Tirinzoni's Swiss side this morning. Mirjam Ott is also through to the semis. Michele Jaggi got past Jonna McManus's young Swedes to make it three out of three for Swiss rinks in the semifinals.

In the battle of the Russians, Liudmila Privivkova, skipping the Anna Sidorova team, edged past Anna Sidorova, skipping the Olga Ziablikova entry, at the last stone. With the scores tied, Anna's last stone of the game, a draw to the four foot with backing, was overswept, and Lucy stole the win.

In the Consolation Event, Gail Munro's team were beaten at the last stone by Anna Hasselborg, and Sarah Reid's team, leading by a shot in the last end, had the game snatched from them when Linda Klimova (Czech Republic) played an angled raise takeout, removing the Scottish counter, to score two and win the tie.

Liudmila Privikova and Anna Sidorova in a Russian battle this morning.

Photo © Skip Cottage

Glynhill Casting Report

2012-01-22T07:45:00.011Z

The serious stuff first of all. This morning's quarterfinals are:

Muirhead v Tirinzoni
Ott v Kamp
McManus v Jaggi
Sidorova v Ziablikova

Last year's winners, the Anna Hasselborg team are in the (new this year) Consolation Event against Gail Munro, and Klimova meets Reid in this event too.

All the results can be found here.

Now of course, to the sub plot of the weekend. You will remember the Bond Girls, who are here to check out locations for the new film Three Days in January, see here.

Cindy Wood from the Bond Girls team, above, co-opted umpires Robin Shand and Colin Melrose to help her whittle down the applicants for new Bond Girls to star in the curling scenes in the upcoming production. The auditions took place last night at the Glynhill Hotel.

Now, I've had a quick look at a draft script. The Russians are no longer the 'baddies' of course, and we'll see many of them on the ice in the new film. Apparently on the dark side of the new thriller are the Gogar Park Willy Bankers who have amassed huge sums stealing from ordinary people over the years and are now reviled throughout the community. Their latest ploy has been to kidnap a panda from Edinburgh Zoo.

A glamourous MI7 operative has rescued the panda and is hiding with it in the Braehead Shopping Complex. And here's where the curling scene comes in. It gets loose and is chased into the Braehead Curling Rink where an international competition is underway.

Jennifer Martin's team impressed last night. As did coach Colin Morrison who looks set to get the part of a Willy Banker!

How could you have a curling scene without Team Muirhead.

Daniela Driendl made a big effort in front of the cameras last night, and were quickly awarded a second audition.

Finnish glamour easily impressed.

Didn't Kerry Barr's team brush up well! The judging panel were impressed.

Linn Githmark (third from left) may even get a starring role in the new film as the undercover MI7 agent, and panda enthusiast.

Team Munro helped out. No white cats auditioned last night, but Mhairi Baird's brown moggie called Barry could well get a part as it likes to be stroked!

The Jackie Lockhart team performed well in front of the camera, and Jackie's rendition of Lady in Red impressed the casters! She's good with cars too, it seems

Diamond Lil's team got into the act last night, and - would you believe it - have made it through to the second round of casting.

Karen Cromar is to be Miss Moneypenny - she's the treasurer of the Glynhill event organising committee.

I can reveal though, that Bond's love interest is to be Liudmila Privivkova! Did you ever doubt it? There's a scene, apparently, where Lucy and her mother Olga are hiding in Glasgow's new Riverside transport museum - in a Coronation tram car - as the baddies storm the building. James Bond comes to the rescue of course, and the three escape along the Clydeside Expressway in a 1953 Triumph Mayflower hijacked from the museum.

I just can't wait ....

Photos © Skip Cottage.

WYOG: Mixed Doubles Update

2012-01-21T17:37:00.005Z

Duncan Menzies and Taylor Anderson (USA) are in the quarterfinals of the Mixed Doubles at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Austria. Leslie Ingram-Brown reports:

Most British support went home after the Mixed Team competition but those that were still here (Isobel and Isobel) made plenty of noise in supporting Taylor Anderson and Duncan Menzies in their Mixed Doubles second round game at the Messe Halle, Innsbruck, against Estonia's Kerli Zirk and Sweden's Rasmus Wrana.

The game was tied 4-4 coming home but USA/GBR had the advantage of the hammer. With the skips last stones to play Zirk came onto a shot in the four foot and rocked her shooter behind a bundle of guards. But there was still a side stone on the edge of the four foot which could be used and both Menzies and Anderson agreed it was the wick and curl in to win which was the shot. Sitting on the hack Anderson cooly threw her stone - perfect weight, perfect line and a hit and roll fit to win any game. Final score 6-4.

After the game, and on that winning shot, Taylor said, "I was watching Duncan's face. His jaw dropped and I thought I had missed. I was terrified."

They now play the Japan/Korea pairing of Mako Tamakuma and Minhyeon Yoo."

Added later. Duncan and Taylor lost that one.

Earlier Rachel Hannen lost out in her game. All the scores are here.

Top photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown.

More Four Nations

2012-01-21T16:54:00.011Z

The Four Nations is a unique event on the curling calendar, and I've had a great day at Greenacres meeting old friends and making some new ones. Here are some more photos from this afternoon.

The Four Nations continues tomorrow. I'll be back on station at Braehead tomorrow, but hopefully we'll have all the results from the Four Nations competitions on the blog early next week.

Ireland v Wales (mixed). The Irish last stone.

Ireland (yellow) is three up, and here's the position with one Welsh stone to come.

Michael and Chris deliberate long and hard ....

... and Chris goes to play his final stone.

Good stone too, a Rhona Martin flop into shot position for a count of three, and a tied game!

England v Ireland (women). Kirsty Balfour calls line, with Louise Kerr behind.

Here's a more flattering pic of Kirsty.

Scotland's Kate Adams.

Nicola is saying, "You know, Michael, your team will look good in Loudmouths!"

Welsh power sweeping with Lesley Carol and Heather Russell on Laura Beever's stone.

It was a Wales v Scotland (women) tie. RCCC Board Member Kay Gibb is throwing. The sweepers are Joyce Young and Elspeth Burton. (Scotland came second in this one. I'm sworn to secrecy on the score!)

Lindsay McKenna and Laura Beever. "I've injured myself already!" or "Wow, that must have cost him a packet." More captions available on request.

Clive Thomson demonstrates the precursor to the no-backswing delivery!

"It will be along any minute." Joyce Young and Elspeth Burton.

"Nope. We should have brought the car!"

Michael Yuille

Thinking time with Laura, Lindsay and Heather.

More Elspeth.

Chris Wells.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Four Nations

2012-01-21T11:34:00.009Z

'Well played!" Michael McCreadie.

Shelly English, Tom Paterson, Lauren Baxter - the flag raising team!

Michael was skipping and playing third stones for this Scottish team in an Sco v Eng tie.

Hamish Lorraine-Smith, and some nice trousers!

Andrew Tanner welcomes the competitors. The Welsh Curling Association is hosting the event.

Michael Sutherland

Ken McColl

It took a while before the Scots got started in this one!

You would think the Irish were losing!

Good style from John Brown.

Who brought the Welsh dragon?

Dawn Watson delivers with Jan Howard and Liz Paul as the sweepers.

England v Scotland women.

Royal Club President (back right) representing Scotland in this match against England for the Tom Ballantyne trophy.

Photos © Skip Cottage

The Four Nations

2012-01-21T09:20:00.007Z

It's Saturday, so it must be Greenacres!

The Four Nations competitions are just underway at 09.00 at the Renfrewshire rink, hosted this season by the Welsh Curling Association. On the ice (above) are two games of Wales v England (mixed), one of of Scotland v Ireland (women), and one Scotland v Ireland (men). That's the competitors in these games above.

Through in the annex, Scotland's first two games in the men's five match Tom Ballantyne Trophy are underway against England.

Photo © Skip Cottage. Click on the image to see larger size. More later.

Mixed Doubles at WYOG

2012-01-20T19:37:00.006Z

The mixed doubles competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck got underway today. Thomas Muirhead and Mizuki Kitaguchi (Japan), and Angharad Ward and Markus Skogvold (Norway), went out in the first round.

But Rachel Hannen, playing with the Czech Republic's Marek Cernovsky won their first round tie.

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports, "At the Youth Winter Olympic Games the GBR/Czech Republic pairing of Rachel Hannen and Marek Cernovsky came throught their first round game against the Italy/New Zealand pairing of Denise Pimpini and David Weyer 8-5.

Rachel was in particuarly good form playing a dead draw for two in the second end to balance out the two taken by the ITA/NZL pairing in the opening end. Steals of a single and a pair in the next two ends and it was 5-2 for Hannen and Cernovsky. But back came the opposition, taking three shots over the fifth and sixth ends to tie the score 5-5.

Seventh end and Rachel played a push back for two with the best still to come in the final end where, when facing three shots, Rachel, with her last stone, played a perfect draw on the outturn to face the opposition stones. With no shot apparent Italy tried an angled raise in the hope that it would disgorge the shot and perhaps they would lie two for a peel. GBR/CZE lay one for an 8-5 victory.

In the final session to-day GBR skip Duncan Menzies has been paired with USA's Taylor Anderson against the NZL/Switzerland line-up of Eleanor Adviento and Romano Meier."

You can find all the results here.

ADDED LATER: Duncan and Taylor won their game at an extra end!

Top: Marek and Rachel watch as Denise Pimpini has the head. Photo © Leslie Ingram-Brown.

More Glynhill Impressions

2012-01-20T17:31:00.008Z

Here are some more photos from the Glynhill Ladies International at Braehead, from this afternoon's sessions. All the results are here.

Ian Addison, on the left, is Chairman of the Organising Committee. Bruce Harley is the rink manager.

Norway's Linn Githmark

Marlene Albrecht throws last stones for the Binia Feltscher team.

Darah Reid delivers, with Rachael Simms ready to sweep.

Daniela Driendl

Anna Sidorova

The Bond Girls check out a new Jaguar - courtesy of Taggarts, one of the sponsors of the Glynhill event this year. Could this be Bond's car for Three Days in January, see here?

Liudmila Privivkova

Ekaterina Antonova

Pia Hasselborg knitting me my new curling sweater? (See here)

Photos © Skip Cottage

Glynhill Impressions

2012-01-20T11:57:00.007Z

Right, here are some first impressions from this morning at the Braehead Rink where the Glynhill Ladies International is underway. You can find all the results here.

Above: Finland's Oona Kauste is in the head, watched behind by Jackie Lockhart and Karen Kennedy.

Jennifer Martin and Jonna McManus.

Good to see Jennifer Morrison on the ice again, substituting today in the Jennifer Martin team.

Happy volunteers, Nanette Davidson and Meta Ecclestone.

Jennifer Marshall was called up to play for Sweden's Team Kamp.

Latvia's alternate Una Grava. See 2012. See technology.

Chief Umpire Robin Shand is having nightmares about Russian women ...

... You see, Liudmila Privivkova is skipping the Anna Sidorova entry .....

... and Anna Sidorova is skipping the Olga Ziablikova team. Here she is in the head against Anna Hasselborg.

Caption required for this team Hasselborg discussion!

Swedish curlers are not prone to exaggeration, but, "Honestly, it was THIS BIG!"

Iveta Janatova was playing last stones for Team Hajkova from the Czech Republic.

Extra points if you can identify who is the 'Russian Curler of the Day'. (Answer below)

Rhiann Macleod and Caitlin Barr, front end of the Kerry Barr team.

Here's their skip Kerry Barr.

Two young curlers, Vicky Wright and Mhairi Baird, are getting in some ice time before next week's Scottish Junior Championships, as Gail Munro's front end.

* Alexandra Saitova is the RotD.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Glynhill Ladies International

2012-01-20T07:18:00.011Z

The Glynhill Ladies International is about to begin, at 08.00 Friday morning. Blogger is on station to report on significant happenings!

It was good to meet old friends at last night's practice sessions. Mikael Hasselborg played for Sweden at the 1985 Air Canada Silver Broom in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall. Here coaching the Anna Hasselborg team, last year's winners.

Here's Lucy! Liudmila Privivkova.

Annie Laird will be substituting in the Eve Muirhead team with Anna Sloan taking over skipping duties, and Vicky Adams and Claire Hamilton, until their skip arrives back from her Athlete Role Model duties at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Marissa Messier

... and the other Bond Girls from California.

Just don't say she looks like her mum! Jennifer Martin.

This young Czech team will be competing in the World Junior Championships in Oestersund. Zuzana Hajkova is the skip. Here with their coach Karel Kubeska. Colourful, or what!

Find all the results and linescores from today at the event website here.

The Braehead Curling Development Group and the Glynhill Organising committee are planning to stream the quarterfinals, semifinals and the final this weekend. These games are on Sunday 22 at 8.30am, 11.30am and 2pm.

The streaming can be accessed directly (go here) or through the Glynhill website. There is no charge.

This link shows some of the other games that may be streamed, though these games may not have commentary.

Photos © Skip Cottage

Teams Arrive For Glynhill International

2012-01-19T12:13:00.004Z

The teams are arriving for the Glynhill Ladies International, the only women's Curling Champions Tour event to be held in Scotland.

Above: The Russian Squad are met at Glasgow Airport. Photo courtesy of Hugh Stewart. Olga Ziablikova and Anna Sidorova are listed as the skips. Anna's team current lead the CCT standings.

The event programme team photos are all here.

Which reminds me. The AGM of the Lucy Fan Club will be held at Braehead at some point during the weekend!

Pic © Hugh Stewart

Thursday's Smile

2012-01-19T10:36:00.006Z

Have a look at Tom Brewster in action during last weekend's World Financial Group Continental Cup. Team Brewster is representing Team World and is up against Jeff Stoughton.

Here's a shot which will bring a smile to your face today. Or just click on the image.

Brewster's team won the game 7-6.

The clip is from TSN's coverage of the event.

The Weekend Ahead

2012-01-19T09:18:00.005Z

There's lots of curling on offer this weekend. The youngsters will be having fun at the Mixed Doubles competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck. Follow that here.

The qualifiers for the Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish Men's Curling Championship continue at the Dewar's Rink in Perth. The results from Section A will be here, first games 13.15 tomorrow (Friday). Results from Sections B and C are here. Games in these sections begin at 10.00 tomorrow.

The Glynhill Ladies International begins first thing on Friday morning at the Braehead rink. There are twenty-four teams in four sections, with two teams qualifying from each for Sunday's quarterfinals. The event regulations are different this year, see here. No extra ends - it's three points for a win, and one for a draw. And NO tiebreakers will be played. Priorities correct - everyone gets to attend Saturday evening's dinner - or not? You decide. Find the draw and results on the official website here.

Hosted by the Welsh Curling Association this time, the Four Nations is at the Greenacres rink with lots of different events to be decided over Saturday and Sunday. Unlike last year, there is no controversy about Scotland's representation. It will be good to see again many of those who travelled to Fenton's Rink last January. Play starts at 09.00 Saturday.

Last year, Michael McCreadie received the Tom Ballantyne trophy from ECA President Alison Arthur. The Scottish men won the trophy which is presented for the England v Scotland men's matches over five games. More memories here.

Photo © Skip Cottage

WYOG Mixed Doubles Pairings

2012-01-19T00:20:00.001Z

The Mixed Doubles competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck begins tomorrow (Friday). It will be held as a straight knockout, with thirty-two teams starting out in the first round.

The pairings have been announced, see here. The teams have been seeded, based on the final standings in the Mixed Team curling competition and consist of one male and one female curler, from different nations.

Team GB curlers have been paired as follows:

- Mizuki Kitaguchi (Japan) with Thomas Muirhead

- Angharad Ward with Markus Skogvold (Norway)

- Rachel Hannen with Marek Cernovsky (Czech Republic)

- Taylor Anderson (USA) with Duncan Menzies

Great fun!

WYOG Update: Switzerland Win Gold

2012-01-18T19:27:00.005Z

Switzerland won Gold, Italy got Silver, and Canada, Bronze, at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck.

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports:

"Congratulations to Team Switzerland, Michael Brunner (skip), Elena Stern, Romano Meier and Lisa Gisler, who claimed the gold medal at the first Youth Winter Olympic Games defeating Italy's Amos Mosaner, Denise Pimpini, Alessandro Zoppi and Arianna Losano 6-4.

It all came down to the last end with Italy requiring two shots for an extra end and three shots for the win.

Switzerland's Meier made the first mistake, a silent take-out but then with the whole house to draw to Meier with his second stone attempted draw almost hit the hack. From then on Switzerland controlled the end and when Mosaner came to throw his first stone, needing to be in the house he too was heavy, and the gold medal went to Swizerland.

In the Bronze Medal playoff again the game went into the last end with Canada up by one shot. Canadian skip Thomas Scoffin played a perfect freeze with his second stone to lie. Swedish skip Rasmus Wrana went for the draw. With all four Swedish players in action their stone for the extra end finished a matter of inches away and Scoffin, Corryn Brown, Derek Oryniak and Emily Gray had won the Bronze Medal."

GOLD MEDAL
SUI * 2020 101X = 6
ITA 0102 010X = 4

BRONZE MEDAL
CAN 1020 1101 = 6
SWE * 0103 0000 = 4

The scores are all here.

Top photo: Switzerland - Gold

Silver - Italy

Bronze - Canada.

The mascot presentation photos are © Leslie Ingram-Brown.

Italy and Switzerland in WYOG Final

2012-01-18T16:10:00.007Z

It's finals day at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck. In this morning's quarterfinals, Canada beat the Czech Republic, and Italy beat the USA. Sweden whitewashed Norway, and Switzerland defeated Japan.

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from Austria on the semifinals:

"After two one sided semifinals Switzerland and Italy will vie for the gold medals at the first Youth Winter Olympic Games at the Messe Halle, Innsbruck.

Against Sweden, Swiss skip Michael Brunner was never behind, taking a three in the first end with a draw, and a two in the third with a chap and lie. In the fifth Sweden's Rasmus Wrana caught a short guard drawing against four leaving Brunner a draw for five. Sixth and Sweden missed on the chance of two shots, counted only one and the game was over.

As USA found this morning Italy are on a mean streak and when Canada's Thomas Scoffin, with the hammer, wrecked on a short guard to drop a three in the fourth end and go down 6-1 to Amos Mosaner, Italy had closed, but not quite locked, the door and were staring at a place in the final. In the fifth and sixth ends the teams exchanged singles and when Scoffin failed to make any use of the last stone in the seventh, allowing Italy to steal a shot and lead 8-2, the Canadians conceded.

It is now Switzerland against Italy for the gold/silver medals and Sweden against Canada for the Bronze."

QUARTERFINAL LINESCORES:

CZE * 2010 0210 = 6
CAN 0203 2000 = 7

ITA * 0014 0200 = 7
USA 0000 2031 = 6

SWE * 0002 2213 = 10
NOR 0000 0000 = 0

SUI * 0000 0301 = 4
JPN 0011 0010 = 3

SEMIFINALS:

SUI * 3020 50XX = 10
SWE 0102 01XX = 4

ITA * 2013 011X = 8
CAN 0100 100X = 2

Find all the results, reports and photo galleries here.

Wheels at Hamilton

2012-01-18T10:48:00.005Z

I looked in to the Lanarkshire Ice Rink, Hamilton, yesterday, to catch some of the play in the Lanarkshire Wheelchair International. Eight teams were competing in the two-day competition, which finishes today. Here are a few photos which hopefully will give a flavour of the competition.

Team Germany

Neil Hogg

Aileen Neilson

Local curler Robert McPherson, who is in the SWCA Spokes Development Squad this season, was playing yesterday with Aileen Neilson, Tom Killin and Angie Malone, three of the Scotland team who will be competing at the World Wheelchair Curling Championship in Chuncheon City, South Korea, February 18-25.

National Coach Tony Zummack at the mid game break with Aileen, Robert, Angie and Tom.

Gregor Ewan, who is in the Scotland team for Korea, and Stewart Pimblett.

Sweden in action.

Skip Jalle Jugnell explains a point to the coach.

Jim Gault, also bound for Korea.

Team Norway

Tom is saying, "Come closer, Aileen, and I'll tell you the punch line."

Photos © Skip Cottage

Three Days in January

2012-01-18T00:03:00.004Z

Well, the secret can now be revealed. Three Days in January is the name of the new James Bond film, which will start production once Skyfall is released later this year. Much of the film is to be shot in Scotland.

The Braehead curling rink is to be turned over for the casting of film extras this weekend. I hear the producer wants girls that can really curl for this new film, unlike the feeble attempts on top of Piz Gloria in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Apparently some of the best women curlers in Europe and Scotland are trying out for the parts. Details are here.

It's all a bit sketchy at the moment. Several undercover Hollywood agents (I believe) slipped into Scotland from Los Angeles on Monday, by way of Paris. Following a tip off, I lay in wait for the arrival of the group at Edinburgh airport. But would I recognise them? I stood with a sign that simply said 'Bond Girls' which I hoped they might recognise. My word, did I get some funny looks from passengers and others in the International Arrivals Hall.

Really I needn't have worried. There was no mistaking that Hollywood was coming to Scotland when the party of four women, two men, a baby, and a pink broom bag appeared past Immigration.

Marissa Messier, Cindy Wood, Jennifer Gamboa and Donna Umali Mendoza would not admit to me why they are REALLY in Scotland. They SAY they are here to play in the Glynhill Ladies International, but they don't know I'm revealing my doubts about them on the blog tonight. I am convinced they are doing research for the new Bond film.

The casting of more Bond girls may be just one of their priorities. They are also location scouting. Some of the group have been checking out glamorous places in and around Edinburgh which might feature in the new film. Locations like Dalhousie Castle, a 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the banks of the river Esk, with a spa, and a library with a extensive collection of books where you can have a drink from the ‘secret bar’ next to the open fire. Yes, that has to be one of the film locations.

And Renfrew is definitely on the list.

Who will be the next James Bond though? I think I know. Two of the LA group, and the baby, were headed for Inverness to meet up with Olympian Ewan MacDonald. Move over, Daniel Craig, Hollywood is returning to the Scottish option, so successful with Sean Connery. I have no doubt that if Ewan gets the part there will not be the controversy there was when Daniel Craig was cast as Bond for Casino Royale. As long as he can say, "My name is Bond, James Bond," in an Inverness accent.

I believe that Edith Loudon may be taking over from Judi Dench as M.

What about the villains? I've no idea, but wait, who are the umpires at the Glynhill? And do we need a white cat?

Casting starts at 08.00 on Friday, January 20, and the best curlers, if not the Bond Girls of the future, will be on view in the final which is scheduled for Sunday, January 22, at 14.30.

More on this story as it evolves over the weekend.

L-R: Marissa Messier, Cindy Wood, Jennifer Gamboa and Donna Umali Mendoza at Edinburgh airport. My research has revealed:

Marissa is named after (or may actually be) a Playboy bunny and produces 'behind the scenes' material for Walt Disney Studios. Or is this a cover?

Cindy says, "I have a small sewing business." Don't believe a word of it. She's also a left handed Canadian.

Jennifer is good with money. Other people's. Husband Matt (or is it Luke, John, or Peter) is also a curler, with Team Zissou, but I think he's really the team's bodyguard.

Donna, an assistant editor, actually admits to wanting to write a film script about curling! She's brought her husband Paul, Team Zissou skip, to help her 'research'. Or is he really the new film's producer? Their six month old baby Bond girl (Leianna) is already a world traveller, and is to help with casting. Apparently the new James Bond has got to be good with babies!

Ewan MacDonald. Could he be the new Bond?

Pics © Skip Cottage

WYOG: End of Round Robins

2012-01-17T19:12:00.006Z

Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen easily won their final game of the Winter Youth Olympic Games at Innsbruck, against the home nation Austria. The teams shook hands after just six ends, with the score at 9-1 in Team GB's favour. This game should have been Team GB's first, but that round of games was cancelled and rearranged for today. However, with just three wins from their seven games, the GB curlers now have only the Mixed Doubles to look forward to.

After the final round robin game Duncan said, "I played this game far more aggressively and the result highlights this. Perhaps if I had been more aggressive earlier in the competition results may have been different."

Elsewhere in the Red section, with Sweden, Canada and Japan already through to the quarterfinals, the fourth qualification spot was decided when Amos Mosaner's Italy overcame Russia's Mikail Vaskov 7-3.

In the Blue section, the qualifiers were USA, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. The fourth place will depend on the outcome of a tiebreaker between Norway and China.

The quarterfinals, semis, final and bronze medal games are all tomorrow (Wednesday). Find all the results and standings here.

Thanks to Leslie Ingram-Brown for being the blog's eyes and ears in Innsbruck, and for sending today's information and photographs.

GB third player, Angharad Ward.

Korey Dropkin skipped the USA team, the only side to go undefeated through the round robins.

Derek Brown is the USCA's High Performance Director.

Photos © Leslie Ingram-Brown

The Curling Sweater

2012-01-17T12:19:00.006Z

You are a REAL curling fan if you know of the Weakerthans. What do you mean you don't? Go here immediately. "Right off, no never ever never ever!"

John K Samson formed the group, and is the lead vocalist and plays guitar. He is also a curler, and has a sense of humour! Check him out in the Vimeo vid (here) as he enthuses of the delights of the curling sweater! "A nod to functional fashion." Wonderful, wonderful.

All in aid of the Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel on February 12 at Winnipeg's Granite Club, see here.

Now then, the day I describe my collection of knitting patterns for curling sweaters is getting closer!

Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling International

2012-01-17T12:01:00.000Z

Teams from Norway, Sweden and Germany are competing in the second Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling International. Eight teams are in the event, which runs today and tomorrow and is organised by the South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club. The final is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 pm.

WYOG: GB v Russia

2012-01-17T10:18:00.007Z

Team GB beat Russia at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck this morning, but the victory has come too late as they cannot now reach the quarterfinals.

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from Austria:

"For Duncan Menzies' Team GB it was the first of possibly two vital games at the Youth Winter Olympic Games Curling here at the Messe Hall in Innsbruck. The question was, could Duncan, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen pull the rabbit out of the hat and make it to tiebreak games for qualification to the knockout stages.

Lying second and third shots at the first, Duncan tried a difficult takeout with last stone at the first on the Russia shot stone but gave up a one against the head. In the second end there were so many stones in the house and with GBR lying shot it was almost impossible to count a second, so the game was tied 1-1 after Duncan's attempted hit and roll failed.

Third end and Russian Federation skip Mikhail Vaskov had a raise hit for one and in the fourth Duncan had a free draw for a two. GBR led 3-2 at the break.

On the next sheet Austria were playing Italy. GBR needed Austria to win but the score after four ends was not encouraging as Italy led 4-1.

In the fifth Russia lay two shots as Duncan played his last stone of the end, a raise double take-out. It was perfect and GBR lay three. Vaskov attempted a raise to the GBR shot stone but was slightly heavy and by a matter of inches GBR had the first steal of the game to lead 4-2.

In the sixth, Vaskov hit on the nose trying to blank the end: 4-3.

Seventh end and Menzies had an open draw for two to lead 6-3 into the last end.

Meanwhile Italy had just defeated Austria 6-3 which means the final game for GBR against Austria this afternoon will be played for pride only.

Eighth and final end saw GBR keeping the house clear, and when Vaskov was wide and heavy with his attempted split to lie two in the hope of an extra, the gloves came off and the game conceded with GBR 6-3 winners without throwing their last stone of the end.

In the postponed opening game due to the power failure last Friday night, Italy play Russia with the winner qualifying for the quarterfinals. Sweden, Canada and Japan are now qualified. There will be no tiebreak games in the Red Section.

After the game, Duncan said on reflection on the games earlier in the competition, "We struggled with the ice, the weight and the curl as we are not used to the big finishes on the stones.""

GBR * 0102 102X = 6
RUS 1010 010X = 3

SCORES: Sweden 6 Germany 4, Canada 9 Japan 4, Italy 6 Austria 3, Great Britain 6 Russia 3.

STANDINGS: 5/1 Sweden, 4/2 Canada, Japan, 3/3 Italy, Russian Federation, 2/4 Austria, Great Britain, 1/5 Germany.

All the results can be found here.

Top photo: Skips in the house, Duncan Menzies and Mikhail Vaskov.

Royal Club President Pat Edington and Performance Director Dave Crosbee sit with Team GB supporters.

GB lead Rachel Hannen.

Photos © Leslie Ingram-Brown

English Mixed Doubles

2012-01-17T00:08:00.000Z

Could John Sharp win his FOURTH English Mixed Doubles title? How did he get on with his new partner in the event? Who will be representing England when the World Mixed Doubles is held in Erzurum, Turkey, April 23-29?

Find out the answers to all these questions in a new Toothy Tale from John Brown here, or click on the link on the right.

WYOG: GB v Italy

2012-01-16T20:16:00.005Z

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from Austria:

"It was Game 5 for GBR at the curling event of the Winter Youth Olympic Games at the Innsbruck Mess Halle, and Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen were desperate to open their account with a win over Italy's Amos Mosaner.

Mosaner won the right of the last stone at the first end on the Last Stone Draw. GBR lay two shots when the Italian skip played his last stone takeout on the shot stone but finished up playing the double, running himself and leaving his biter as shot. End two and GBR blanked. Third end and Mosaner wrecked on a guard allowing Duncan to draw for three. In the fourth Mosaner drew the second shot after Duncan had hit and run out when needing to stick in the house.

Fifth and on a measure Great Britain was awarded the single shot. Sixth and Mosaner played a great shot, an angled raise take-out for two shots to lead 5-4. Under pressure in the seventh, Mosaner missed his final stone hit allowing Menzies to draw for two and a one shot lead into the final end.

With skip's final stones to come in the eighth Duncan faced three Italian counters and chose to draw and try and get cover behind an opposition stone in the six foot. But his stone hung slightly wide and sat mostly open for Mosaner to hit for game. But the Italian skip was far too heavy, the stone ran straight and although it hit the GBR stone it rocked onto a counter behind the tee for shot. It was game to GBR 7-5.

So, it is all down to tomorrow. Duncan said, "We still have a chance (to qualify) if we win both our games and a couple of other results go in our favour. We have to play Russia and Austria and this win will give us a boost."

To explain it all is not that easy but let's put it this way; Canada has to play Germany and Japan, and Russia faces Great Britain and Italy. Both these teams are two points clear of GBR. With Russia up first GBR must win. A loss and GBR interest in this first of two curling competitions is over."

ITA* 1002 0200 = 5
GBR 0030 1021 = 7

RESULTS Red Section Round 5: Russia 8 Austria 5, Great Britain 7 Italy 5, Japan 9 Germany 2, Sweden 6 Canada 5 (Extra end)

Standings after five games: 4/1 Japan, Sweden, 3/2 Canada, Russia, 2/3 Austria, Italy, 1/4 Germany, Great Britain.

In the Blue Section, the USA, Switzerland and the Czech Republic have already secured qualification for the quarterfinals with one round remaining. Blue Standings after Six Rounds: 6/0 USA, 5/1 Switzerland, 4/2 Czech Republic, 3/3 China, 2/4 New Zealand, Norway, 1/5 Estonia, Korea.

All the results can be found here.

Photo of Duncan Menzies is © Leslie Ingram-Brown

A mystery solved

2012-01-16T13:22:00.003Z

You may remember that back in September last year, I was asked to help find out something about the origins of a curling print that had been found at a car boot sale, see here.

David B Smith has solved the mystery, and the story is on the Curling History Blog here. I think you will enjoy learning about Curling on the Speed River and the artist Evan Macdonald.

WYOG: GB v Japan

2012-01-16T11:40:00.007Z

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from Austria:

"GBR played Japan this morning in a game Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen knew they had to win if they were to retain any interest in these Winter Youth Olympic Games here in Innsbruck. It all started well with Duncan outdrawing Japanese skip Shingo Usui for the last stone advantage in the first end.

In the opening end it was Japan who looked they might steal as Duncan came up short with his draw and Usui hit to lie two shots, but with last stone Duncan made the perfect tee draw for one. Japan replied with a draw for a single in the second. Great Britain blanked the third and fourth retaining the hammer into the break, with the score at 1-1.

In the fifth they came out playing strongly dominating the end and with last stone, again, Duncan came up with the perfect draw for two and GBR led 3-1. Sixth and an error by Duncan removing his own shot when trying to take out the Japanese second shot left Usui with a straight draw for two. But GBR were showing their bottle and at the seventh it was Duncan who again made his last stone count with a perfect hit for two, and a 5-3 lead into the final end.

GBR was in a bit of trouble as Japan lay the two for a tie with skips' last stones to come. Duncan went for the takeout and removed one stone meaning an extra end at the worst if Japan made the draw. It was made.

Into an extra end. Whereas earlier in the game, shots were simple, now they seemed that bit harder. The front of the house was covered and Japan lay two shots as Duncan threw his first stone which was a thin takeout which opened up the four foot for a last stone draw if necessary.

Japan went to draw the top of the four on the right handers out turn but finished just behind the tee. Duncan had to draw for the win but instead of following the Japanese stone he went for his inturn draw, slipped past the Japaneses stones on the INSIDE and it was another defeat for GBR.

After the game on talking about the extra end Duncan said, " You can't predict a miss. It just happens." And with his last stone draw on reflection, "I just didn't take enough ice."

Canada, Japan and Sweden lead the Group on three wins and one loss. This afternoon GBR play Italy who defeated Germany this morning to stand on two wins."

JPN 0100 0202 2 = 7
GBR * 1000 2020 0 = 5

SCORES: Canada 7 Russia 1, Italy 9 Germany 3, Sweden 7 Austria 5, Japan 7 Great Britain 5 (Extra end).

Top photo: Duncan Menzies © Leslie Ingram-Brown.

British Olympic Association director of sport Sir Clive Woodward, Gordon Muirhead (Thomas's father) and Mike Hay (BOA's performance manager for winter sports) watch the game. I wonder what they were thinking! Photo © Leslie Ingram-Brown.

Team World Wins Con Cup

2012-01-16T07:49:00.005Z

Team World, which included the Tom Brewster and Eve Muirhead teams, won the World Financial Group's Continental Cup yesterday. Going into the last men's skins game, worth fifty-five points, Thomas Ulsrud's side only needed one point to secure victory, and this was accomplished when they won the skin on the third end. The Norwegian side went on to win the game against Jeff Stoughton 35-20.

A full report of the game, and a photo of the winning side, can be found here. You can watch games again from this page - eleven 'videos on demand' are listed on the menu on the right of the page.

Each player on Team World, including David Hay, the Team Captain, will receive around £1,600 as their share of the winnings.

Scottish Qualifiers Update

2012-01-15T21:48:00.004Z

Logan Gray and his team of Alasdair Guthrie, Steven Mitchell and Sandy Gilmour are undefeated after four games in the Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish Curling Championship qualifiers at the Dewar's Centre in Perth. They top Section C after beating the David Edwards team this evening, the latter now with just one win from three games.

David Smith's team are undefeated after three games in Section B ...

... although David Murdoch has lost one of the three games his team has played. That was to Jay McWilliam's junior side who finish the first weekend on three wins and one loss.

All the results from Sections B and C are here.

John Hamilton, Ewan MacDonald and Struan Macnee jointly head Section A, all with three wins and one loss. Last season's runners-up, the Sandy Reid team, are on two wins and two losses. Section A results are here.

Thanks to Hugh Stewart for the three photos above.

Just one more ....

It is good to see new faces in the qualifiers, especially this 'men in blue' team, competing for the first time. In the photo above third player Quentin Russell (Lothian and Borders Police) has delivered, with lead Steve Warden (Grampian Police) and second Dougie Telfer (Central Police) at the ready. Graeme MacKenna (Northern Constabulary) is the skip in the house. This is the first time in the 38 years of the Scottish Police Curling Association that they have entered a team in the Scottish Championship. They have yet to record their first win though, in Section A. This photo is courtesy of Ewan Ramage.

The qualifying competition continues next Friday. The top three from each section qualify for the finals.

Update from Bern

2012-01-15T19:42:00.003Z

An update from Bern where two Scottish teams were competing in the Bernese Ladies' Cup this weekend. Hannah Fleming's team lost three straight and found themselves in the Consolation Cup where they won their first game, but lost their second. The Sarah Reid team won two and lost three in the main competition and also dropped to the consolation event.

There, Sarah and her team of Lorna Vevers, Rachael Sims and Barbara McPake won five games in a row, beating Chelsea Carey's Canadians in the final. A ten game weekend, how about that as practice for next week's Glynhill? A well done is in order!

The main competition was won by Michele Jaggi's local team who defeated Canada 1 (Jennifer Jones) 5-3. All the results are here.

The Curling Champions Tour website is here.

WYOG: GB v Canada

2012-01-15T18:14:00.006Z

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Austria:

"The game we were all waiting for ended up as an anti-climax as Canada's Thomas Scoffin made this a one-horse race for six ends in beating Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen 8-2 in six ends.

First end and Scoffin drew for a single. Canada piled on the rpessure in the second and with last stone Menzies faced three shots. The option taken was to try a raise on the out turn but he only made third shot.

GBR blanked the third but early on in the fourth got into trouble which piled up as the end progressed with Menzies facing four shots with his last stone draw which was light. The signs were ominous as the GBR team struggled with their weight and Canada were fully in control of the game.

With last stone in the fifth Menzies hit and lay for 2 but was still 2-7 down with a minimum of six ends to play.

In the sixth again Canada forced the play and had the chance of counting a second four shots but for once the Canadian skip played it badly and counted only one shot. This was enough for the GBR Team who conceded.

After the game Duncan said, "We were all struggling with our weight control and time after time Canada were putting us under pressure. That was our worst game and we now have to win the rest of our games. The team can definately get better but we have to pull it all together and hope it gets better."

There were results this afternoon which certainly help the GBR position in that Sweden lost to Italy 7-5 and Russia beat Japan 6-5. Austria beat Germany at an extra end taking seven shots in the ninth end. The GBR Group now has five teams on two wins and one loss - Austria, Canada, Japan, Russia and Sweden. GBR is two points behind and if they can win their remaining four games could still qualify but probably by the use of a tiebreak or tiebreak games.

GBR play Japan and Italy to-morrow."

Thanks Leslie.

CAN * 1204 01XX = 8
GBR 0000 20XX = 2

The results can be found here (although this site let me down today) or as a download from the official website here.

The top photo shows Angharad Ward delivering with Rachel Hannen and Thomas Muirhead ready to sweep. Photo © Leslie Ingram-Brown.

WYOG: GB v Germany

2012-01-15T10:50:00.002Z

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from Austria:

"Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen suffered a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Daniel Rothballer's Germany 5-4 at an extra end in their Round Robin Red Group Schedule Game 3 here in Innsbruck this morning at the Youth Winter Olympic Games.

With the hammer Germany blanked the first end and then hit and stayed for a single in the second when trying to make a second blank end. Duncan drew for two shots in the third and Rothballer missed on a chance for two shots in the fourth. Game was tied 2-2 at the break.

Fifth and Duncan had to hit on the nose for a single. GBR was in trouble in the sixth and, facing three with his last stone, Duncan played a double but Rothballer drew for two to lead 4-3.

GBR blanked the seventh and in the eighth had stones lying around the tee in the four foot and were lying shot to secure an extra end minimum. Duncan attempted an almost impossible shot with last stone of the end but came up short. It was 4-4 and into an extra end.

Ninth end and Thomas Muirhead played a draw round a front guard to lie. A series of guards and one miss and some half shots from Germany and GBR lay two shots with skips last stones to come. Duncan tried to guard again. First shot was half into the four foot and well covered, but his guard was light in weight and collected a huge final draw leaving a route into the house for Rothballer. The German skip laid the stone beautifully and with a little persuasion from his sweepers made the shot.

Duncan said afterwards, "The team played well but we never really put two really good shots together which allowed the opposition back into the game." In true sporting manner Duncan also acknowledged the fine draw made by his opponent to win at the extra end.

With Japan defeating Austria at an extra end and Sweden winning over Russia, Japan and Russia are the two unbeaten teams in the Red Group.

Next game up for GBR is Canada later today."

GBR 0020 1001 = 4

GER * 0101 0200 1 = 5

SCORES Red Section Game 3: Sweden 5 Russia 3, Canada 6 Italy 0, Japan 7 Austria 5 (Extra end), Germany 5 Great Britain 4 (Extra end)

All the other results are here.

Top photo: Thomas Muirhead delivers, with Rachel Hannen and Angharad Ward the sweepers.

Above: German skip Daniel Rothballer.

Photos © Leslie Ingram-Brown.

Continental Cup Update

2012-01-15T09:08:00.005Z

Team World leads Team North America by 170 points to 120 at the World Financial Group Continental Cup in Langley, British Columbia. Read the Day 3 update here.

There are just two games to be played in the competition, but there are 55 points at stake in each. Don't ask me why. It's simply a nonsense that the results in the final two games could cancel out everything that has gone before in three days of play. Ryder Cup this is not. Team World has not lost one of the nine previous rounds in a variety of disciplines.

Anyway, Team World’s Bingyu Wang meets North America’s Stefanie Lawton in the Women’s Skins and in the Men’s Skins game Norway’s Team Ulsrud will play for Team World against Canada’s Jeff Stoughton for Team North America. Team World needs to score just thirty-one points to reach the 201 needed for the win.

I've enjoyed the webcasts from the event, and you can watch the key games here. And there are lots of photos in galleries on the WCF website here.

WYOG: GB v Sweden

2012-01-14T18:00:00.008Z

Leslie Ingram-Brown reports from the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, "This morning's game having been cancelled due to the power cut during the night, Round 2 Red Group was to be the first outing for Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen taking on Sweden's Rasmus Wrana.

What should be remembered is that Wrana is an experienced skip at junior level. Indeed it is his team, which includes second Jordan Wahlin, which will be representing Sweden at the World Juniors' at Ostersund in March having defeated Oskar Eriksson's 'dream team' in the final of the Swedish Junior Championship.

The first end opened poorly for GBR and with Sweden lying shots in the house Wrana played a well controlled hit, raise and take-out with his final stone for four shots. Had Menzies played the wrong shot, maybe, but hindsight is a great thing and later after the game he said as much.

Second end and GBR got on the board with Menzies drawing for a single against two and in the third Wrana had a very rare miss and it was a steal of only a single shot, which as it turned out, was the only steal of the game.

The fourth and fifth ends were played strongly by GBR but on both occasions Wrana saved Sweden and the scoreline did not bulge with two blank ends being recorded.

Sixth end was saved for GBR by Menzies as he drew second against three shots. Wrana attempted draw for two shots was just heavy to the four foot. In the seventh Menzies hit for two and at 4-5 GBR were back in the game with an end to go.

In the eighth end Menzies drew to lie two but Sweden played a perfect tap for a single shot and the 6-4 victory.

Afterwards Menzies was not too disheartened. On the first end he blamed himself saying, "Perhaps I played the wrong shot." He was full of praise for Wrana. "He kept Sweden in the

game laying really good shots to blank (ends) four and five. The ice and stones were fine."

Tomorrow Team GB plays Germany and Canada.

The surprise result of this afternoon was Austria's stunning 6-5 win over Canada with their skip Mathias Grener drawing for the win after Canada had failed with a simple double takeout at the back of the house to ensure at least an extra end."

SWE * 4000 0101 = 6

GBR 0110 0020 = 4

Red Group Round 2: Austria 6 Canada 5, Japan 5 Italy 3, Sweden 6 Great Britain 4, Russia 6 Germany 4.

All the other results can be found here.

Top photo: Duncan Menzies delivers, Rachel Hannen and Thomas Muirhead are the sweepers.

World Curling Federation President Kate Caithness seeks a Norwegian view on the appropriateness of Loudmouth jackets as the official uniform for WCF representatives. (Other captions are available).

Ice techs Wayne Cubbon (left) and Mark Shurek had extra work to do today, after the loss of the plant overnight.

In action from the Blue Section, New Zealand third Eleanor Adviento is in charge of the head, being watched by Switzerland's Michael Brunner and Elena Stern. The Swiss won this one.

Photos courtesy of Leslie Ingram-Brown

WYOG Opening Ceremony

2012-01-14T11:46:00.006Z

Here's a link with a short video of the opening ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck. Look out for comments from Duncan Menzies and Thomas Muirhead.

I note that there is to be some coverage of the WYOG on television, in the form of a daily 60min highlights programme on BBC Red Button, at 1900 GMT.

The official website is here. The best page to find the curling results should be here.

I was interested to read IOC President Jacques Rogge's comments, here, on how he had originally wanted to have no national anthems or symbols at the Youth Olympic Games.

Let's not forget that the curlers are just a part of Team GB. Here is an official YouTube video of the team being kitted out in London earlier this week - gives a flavour of what goes on 'behind the scenes' in making it all happen.

Team GB curling. L-R: Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead, Rachel Hannen, Brad Askew (coach). Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown.

Ice Melts in Innsbruck

2012-01-14T09:49:00.004Z

Team GB was due on the ice at 09.00 this morning for their first game against Austria at the Winter Youth Olympic Games. That session has been rescheduled.

An official communication, issued at 08.00, reads "Red Group Session 1 rescheduled.

The Red Group Session 1, planned start time on 14 Jan 2012 at 9:00, has been rescheduled. The new date and start time is 17 Jan 2012 at 16:00.

The Blue Group Session 1 will still take place as scheduled on 14 Jan 2012 at 12:30.

An electrical issue during the night caused some melting of the ice. Technicians have fixed the problem."

This means that Duncan, Angharad, Thomas and Rachel will have their first game in the competition against Sweden this afternoon.

Eve's Quadruple at Con Cup

2012-01-14T00:06:00.002Z

Eve Muirhead and Fredrik Lindstrom won their Mixed Doubles game yesterday at the World Financial Group Continental Cup. I was tickled to be able to watch the game online (from this page), and witnessed Eve making a quadruple takeout. Sweet, it was. I hope that piece of video gets saved for posterity. The Team World pairing defeated Ben Hebert and Stefanie Lawton, Eve having to make a pressure last stone hit for the win.

During the webcast there were glimpses of Anna Sloan and Greg Drummond who won their MDs tie too.

All the results can be found here.

If you are a fan of the Royal Club's Your Curler, you may be interested in comparisons with the Canadian Curling Association supported daily newspaper from the Continental Cup in Langley, the Morning Cup. You can download the first two editions from this page. High quality indeed, as expected from any publication with Larry Wood's input.

I noted one the Canadian Curling Association's 'Start Curling' adverts which ran during one of the breaks on the TSN feed. It's available to watch on YouTube here, and there's other similar adverts, all designed to get Canadian television viewers curling, here and here.

Now write an essay on the cultural differences between Scots and Canadians!

Part 1 of 2 at Perth

2012-01-13T10:20:00.006Z

Twenty-nine teams have entered for this year's Scottish Men's Curling Championship. All bar one of these will be on the ice this weekend at the Dewar's Centre in Perth attempting to qualify for the The Co-operative Funeralcare finals next month. The exception is the Tom Brewster team, the Scottish Champions, competing in Canada, who get a bye to the finals. There are two sections of nine teams, and one of ten. The qualifying competition is spread over two weekends, this one and the next, with the top three teams from each section going forward.

See here for the draw and results for Section A and here for Sections B and C.

It is open entry, still, for the Scottish. Any four curlers can enter, and there is a real mix, as always. To the outside observer - and we Scots do like the underdog - it will be interesting to see if any of the unfunded teams can beat the favourites. And of course those involved in the 'performance programmes', see here, will be hoping that all the money and effort that has been spent on these favoured teams will be rewarded with good performances. The teams skipped by David Murdoch and Tom Brewster are in the World Class Performance Programme Podium Squad this season. I've already mentioned that Tom's team gets a bye to the finals. Team Murdoch is in Section B which also includes Jay McWilliam's junior side, which is supported in the WCPP Performance Squad. David Edwards and Logan Gray, the other two teams in the Performance Squad, are both in Section C.

Ally Fraser's team, a Royal Club Academy GOLD supported team, see here, is in Section C. Kyle Smith's team, similarly supported, is in Section B. Kyle's main focus is the Scottish Junior Championship of course and the team will be without third player Thomas Muirhead who is competing in the Winter Youth Olympic games. It is good to see the junior teams in the draw for the Scottish. All about getting experience, of course. Gary Cannell's junior side, a Royal Club Academy SILVER team, is in Section A and will face Sandy Reid, last year's Scottish runner's-up, as well as the Ewan MacDonald side which brings lots of experience to the party. As does the David Smith team in Section B.

Bruce Mouat's junior side is in Section C and the Duncan Menzies team is in Section A, although Duncan himself is in Austria skipping Team GB at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Will there be surprises and upsets at Perth in the qualifiers? I wonder.

Con Cup Update

2012-01-12T17:57:00.006Z

As I write this at 6pm, I'm watching the TSN webcast of the World Financial Group's Continental Cup. It's online here, complete with adverts. The featured game is Team World's Anette Norberg v Stefanie Lawton, representing Team North America. It's good to have this, and it will be interesting to see how robust the webcast is over my home broadband.

And if you want a smile, have a read at these articles, here and here, in the Canadian media. I couldn't have written a better post on April 1 myself. Splendid stuff.

Top: Screenshot of the webcast from my computer.

All Set for Youth Olympics

2012-01-12T00:05:00.001Z

The ice is ready! The inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games get underway tomorrow, January 13, with the mixed curling competition beginning on Saturday, and running through to Wednesday 18. The sixteen teams taking part are from Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

The GB team is Duncan Menzies, Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead and Rachel Hannen. Brad Askew is their coach.

It looks as if the competition will be played as two round robins, Red and Blue sections, with the top four from each progressing to quarterfinals. From the information on this page, Team GB plays Austria in its first game. Also in the Red Section are Sweden, Germany, Canada, Japan, Italy and Russia.

After the mixed event, a mixed doubles competition will take place from January 20-22. This will involve one male and one female athlete, from different countries, playing together as a team. The teams will be determined by the athlete's position within their team and their nation's overall position following the mixed competition. It's the very first 'International Curling Blind Date'. I just love the idea! Seriously though, it's the first real showcase for mixed doubles curling outside of the sport's own community. It will be interesting to see what media coverage it gets.

In addition to the competitions, athletes will be taking part in a wider cultural exchange programme at the Winter Youth Olympic Games. While sports participation is at the heart of the Games, uniquely, they also aim to allow athletes to step away from their own fields of play and learn something about the culture of competitors from other parts of the world, as well as becoming involved in Olympic-themed education programmes. Athletes will also be able given the opportunity to learn from senior professionals within their discipline, through the Athlete Role Model Programme. Olympians Eve Muirhead (Great Britain) and Uli Kapp (Germany) will be sharing their experiences and offering advice in personal sessions throughout the event with all of the athletes.

As I find out the best links for results and other coverage of the curling, I'll post the information here. The official website is here.

Top: The curling rink that has been constructed within the Innsbruck Exhibition Centre. Photo courtesy of Brad Askew. Team GB had its first look at this yesterday.

Above: Angharad Ward, Thomas Muirhead, Duncan Menzies and Rachel Hannen looking very smart in their Team GB travelling kit. Photo courtesy of Brad Askew.

The Swan at Murrayfield

2012-01-11T15:23:00.003Z

Are you planning to help Edinburgh Curling Club celebrate its 100th birthday? I hope so.

Robin Copland looks back to when the Haymarket rink was opened in February 1912, and to a competition that began then, and continues to this day. Go here, or click on the Behind the Glass link on the right.

Scots in Bern

2012-01-11T10:02:00.004Z

Bern, Switzerland, is the venue for the next women's event on the Curling Champions Tour. The Sarah Reid and Hannah Fleming teams are in the lineup for this thirty-two team triple knockout, the Bern Ladies' Cup. Sarah Reid, Rachael Simms, Lorna Vevers and Barbara McPake are first of the two Performance Squad teams on the ice, on Friday morning at 08.00. Hannah Fleming, Lauren Gray, Alice Spence and Abi Brown are on the other end of the draw, and have their first game at 10.30.

The event website is here, and the draw/results page is here.

This is the first of two big weekends for the women as the Tour rolls on to the Glynhill Ladies International at Braehead the following weekend, January 20-22.

Progress Slow at Kinross

2012-01-11T09:13:00.003Z

I should have been in Kinross last night. A meeting had been called to update members of the Kinross Curling Trust on the progress on work undertaken on the proposed new facility since December, see here.

But the meeting was cancelled.

I asked Trust Chairman Bob Tait what was the reason for the cancellation. He responded, "The meeting date was set in anticipation the Trustees could present a complete package to fund construction. This has proved to be optimistic as despite our best efforts discussions are still continuing with banks, other Trusts, potential sponsors, members, Perth and Kinross Council and MSPs.

Very frustrating and disappointing for all concerned about the future of curling in Kinross currently enjoyed by 1000 or so players. While we are used to wading through the car park, seeing buckets on the ice to collect water penetrating the roof is a fairly worrying development with potentially serious consequences."

The next milestone in the long-running saga will be the Trust's AGM. A date has yet to be set, but is likely to be towards the end of next month.

Webcasting of Continental Cup

2012-01-10T13:00:00.004Z

No sooner than I had a moan about the lack of television coverage of the World Financial Group's Continental Cup in Europe, see here, I learn that the World Curling Federation is to stream action from Langley, British Columbia, on its own website, in partnership with TSN. The link is here.

Good news, and something to look forward to.