I've always been a big fan of mixed doubles curling, and I find it surprising that this discipline of the big game is not more popular than it is. It really is great fun to play, and to watch. So I was pleased to hear the news that the Braehead rink is organising the BRAEHEAD OPEN MIXED DOUBLES for November 16-17, with an entry fee of £80 and prize fund of £750.The organisers are looking for twenty-four teams from all over Scotland (and beyond)! Each team will play a minimum of five games over the Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 11pm. There is a top prize of £500 for the winning team, with additional prizes for 2nd, 3rd and 4th places, best Braehead team, and best under 25. David Horne and Gary Macfarlane are your contacts at Braehead. (Contact details here)
The competition should be good practice for those teams which intend to compete in the Scottish Mixed Doubles at Murrayfield, December 10-12. RCCC Competitions Manager Colin Hamilton tells me that seventeen teams have entered for the national event this season, that's three more than took part last time. Indeed, the draw is up on the RCCC website here. The winners of the Scottish MDs will have the opportunity to represent Scotland at the World Championship in St Paul, Minnesota, USA, April 16-23, volcanic ash permitting of course.
The official demonstration video about mixed doubles curling is online here.
The photo above is of Graham Shedden and Claire Sloan at the Scottish MDs at Murrayfield last season © Skip Cottage.
