"The British Open 2011 was played over four days, culminating in the final last night (Thursday, February 10). This long standing event originated in the old Falkirk Ice Rink which closed in 1977 and transferred to the then new Williamfield Ice Rink in Stirling. The event is now run at The Peak Ice Rink in Stirling.
In its hay-day this event tended to draw competitors from all over Scotland who returned year after year. It had a reputation for being an inclusive tournament giving enjoyment to teams of all standards. While its present incarnation is somewhat smaller, the ethos remains the same. In this case we had Eve Muirhead and Kelly Wood mixing with Virtual Club entrants.
The final was contested by Team Wood comprising Anna Sloan, Annie Laird, Lorna Vevers and skip, Kelly Wood, playing Team McFarlane with Barbara McFarlane, Lee McCleary, Kay Adams and skip, Judith McFarlane. After some devastating curling from Team Wood who scored four in two ends, Judith shook hands at the sixth making Team Wood the 2011 champions. By reaching the final, beating some very good teams along the way, Judith’s team won the JB Stewart Memorial Trophy.
The ladies, with their 'token man' Lee McCleary, certainly came out tops in this competition.
Planning for next year’s competition will be starting soon and as it is the British Open, what about entries from other parts of the British Isles next year?"
Photo of the winners is courtesy of Tony Flisch. L-R: Annie Laird, Lorna Vevers, Anna Sloan, Kelly Wood.