Fraser Cup Round 6

 The final Fraser Cup match was played between Rinks 2 and 3 both of whom were in contention for the trophy. Rink 2 was skipped by Allan Chapman, supported by Robert Charters,Donald Cattanach and Bob Cherry. Rink 3 was skipped by Jimmy Niblock with Ronnie Wilson (sub) Alastair Henry (sub) and David Gray making up the team.  

The Chapman team got away to a 4 shot lead after the first end on sticky ice which rapidly quickened to the normal fast Greenacres ice. We were using new curling stones which are being 'run in’ for use at next years Olympics They proved to be extremely swingy except when an exaggerated rotation was used by the curler. The teams were all square after 4 ends. 

The fifth end proved crucial.  The Niblock team were lying 4 shots with the final stone to be played. Allan managed to draw through a port to take a single shot. After 8 ends, Rink 2 won by 8 points to 5 and took the victory and the Cup. An enjoyable game and finale of the first half of the season.

The final table can be found by clicking here.

RINK CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH REPORT - 8 DEC 24

 In the aftermath of Storm Durragh, a short notice scratch Gangrels Rink of Ronnie Peat (S), Bob Cherry, Peter Galloway and Donald Cattanach headed for Greenacres on Sunday 8 Dec for a 2000 session in the Rink Championships Quarter Final against Dalry (W Smith (S), S NcNab, J Logan and A Gemmell).

 Gangrels stormed in to an early and unexpected substantial lead by taking a 4 in the first end.  However, despite trying their best, they were then to be subjected to a recovery battering by Dalry.  They took the next 3 ends to be peeling 4-4 at the end of the 4th.  And then the onslaught began.  A good score of 4 by Dalry in the 5^th end followed by another 5 in the 6^th knocked the wind out of the Gangrels and hands were shaken before the bell without playing a 7th end with Dalry winning 13-4."

Match Report Stranraer 27th November

 "Sixteen players headed South in the very early wintery morning sun for a day's social curling at Stranraer on Wed 27 Nov.  This was to be the second visit this season and once again we were hosted exceptionally well and the ice a joy to play on, especially if you were on the winning sides!  The morning session started at 1000 with concerns regarding the absence of Richard Morrison who had a terrible journey from Troon with repeated traffic delays.  Thankfully he arrived about 15 minutes late to join the Rinks on Sheets 1 and 2 and we had the whole Ice Rink to ourselves.  Rink 1 (Reynolds (S), Lawrence, Niblock, Peat) faced Rink 2 (Mutter (S), McFadzean, Galloway, Hogg) and soon surged into a daunting 6 stone lead by the 3^rd end.  Rink 2 tried to emulate the fine form they were being subjected to and did manage single returns in the 3rd, 5^th and 7^th ends but to little avail with Rink 1 taking another 2 and single stones in the 4^th and 6^th end to win handsomely 9-3.

On Sheet 2, Rinks 3 (Cherry (S), Charters, Dunlop, Morrison) and 4 (Graham(S), Gray, Hope, Cattanach) had locked horns on an end by end basis until they lay matched at 4-5 at the start of the 5^th end.  Rink 4 then clicked up a gear to take the next 2 ends to be leading 10-4 going in to the final end.  Rink 3, bowed but not downcast, pulled out the stops to redress the difference but could only manage to score 3 to then shake hands losing 7-10.

On the way in to a very tasty chicken and rice soup, fresh sandwiches and tea/coffee, "bottom polishing" was viewed as stones were being prepared for the Under 17 Slam being hosted later in the week.  It was very interesting to see how this was being done and the resulting alterations in stone swing on the ice. Conscious of the shortening days and likely traffic delay caused by the long term road works on the AS77 at the Doonholm Road and Corton Lane junction, it was agreed to start the afternoon session earlier than that initially planned with the morning Skips now playing Lead.

Rink 1, now being Skipped by Euan Lawrence and Rink 3 (Charters(S)) played on Sheet 2.  Rink 1 took a first end lead but Rink 3 came back in strong fashion over the next 3 ends to lead 5-1 at the end of the 4th.  Lunch now digested, Rink 1 recovered their poise of the morning and scored convincingly over the next 3 ends to win 9-5.  On Sheet 3, Rink 2 (McFadzean (S) and Rink 4 (Gray (S)) were much more closely matched and were equally pegged end by end but Rink 4 took a steal on the final 7th end to win 4-3.

The overall final results were:

Rink 1 Reynolds/Lawrence      4 Points      8 Ends    18 Shots

Rink 2 Graham/Gray                4 Ponts       8 Ends    14 Shots

Rink 3 Cherry/Charters            0 Points      6 Ends     12 Shots

Rink 4 Mutter/McFadzean        0 Points      6 Ends       6 Shots.

President Donald presented the prizes to the winners and everyone thanked the North West Castle  Hotel and Ice Staff for another most enjoyable day's social curling ."

GCC vs Beresford Ladies

After a break last year following the closure of Ayr Ice Rink, 4 mixed Rinks from the Gangrels and Berisford Ladies gathered on the excellent facilities at Greenacres on Wed 6 Nov to revive the social but competitive nature of this combined gender event.  Team Cherry (Cherry (S), Branch (BL), Cattanach, Butler (BL)) were set against Team Macdonald (G Macdonald (S)(BL), Graham, McCandless (BL) , Niblock) on Sheet A and took an early small lead but were soon reigned in by good counter scores in the next 4 ends to be trailing 3-11 by the 7^th end.  Successes in the last 2 ends produced a final score of 5-11.

On Sheet B, Team Galloway (Galloway(S), McTimpany (BL), Hogg, Arnott (BL)) had a bad start against Team Morton (J Morton (BL), Begg, Naismith (BL), Charters) by losing a 5 on the first end and failing to recover sufficiently against superior play in the remaining ends to finally shake hands losing 4-10.

A very pleasant snack lunch of 2 choice soups, a variety of fresh plated sandwiches and hot drinks was enjoyed by all as was the opportunity to re-establish friendships, create new ones and have a good chin-wag!  Presidents Anne and Donald thanked all the participants for their spirited performances and also the catering staff for their service and the much appreciated food and drink.  President Donald then announced the overall winner as Team Morton.  The results table is shown here and photographs of the winning Rink and all players are also shown."

FRASER CUP ROUND 5

 Hard on the heels of Storm Bert, Rinks 1 (McFadzean (S), Graham, Begg, Hogg) and 4 (Reynolds (S), Henry, Peat, Galloway) made their way cautiously across country to Greenacres for the 5^th round of the Fraser Cup.  As has been the case in all previous rounds, the Rinks were closely matched and there was going to be little room for error.  At the close of the 4^th end, Rink 4 was just ahead 3-2 but thereafter things just did not go to plan for Rink1 despite their every attempt to limit their opposition scoring stones in the head.  Rink 4 took a 4 in the 5th end followed by another 3 in the 7th to then shake hands as winners 10-3.  The overall results table is shown here.

Fraser Cup Round 4

The 4^th round of the Fraser Cup between Rinks 2 and 4 took place on Mon 18 Nov at Greenacres.  It was a busy venue as Ayr Rotary occupied the 4 principal sheets in playing against the visiting Canadian Rotary team.  As a consequence, we were decanted on to Sheet F in the quiet extension section.  Rink 2 (Charters (S), Chapman, Graham, Cattanach) lost the toss and the first end in a close game but then came bounding back to nip out the Rink 4 single lying stone with their last stone to take a 5!  It was now an uphill fight to recover which Rink 4 (Galloway(S), Reynolds, Hogg, Peat) sought to do by winning the next 2 ends.  That was getting too close for comfort so Rink 2 upped the pressure once again to take single scores in the 5^th and 6^th ends.  In the final end, they were leading 7-3 and seeking to block Rink 4's attempts to build a well protected substantial score of 4 around the button to secure a peel.  Robert was having none of that and with his last stone he edged out 2 of the buried scoring stones and left the smallest of gaps for Rink 4 to redress the shortfall on their last stone which just failed to succeed.  The final score was 7-5 to Rink 2. 

Fraser Cup Round 3

 The third round of the Fraser Cup between Rinks 1 and 2 took place at Greenacres on Mon 4 Nov at 1230.  This game had originally been scheduled for 23 Sep but was delayed by the early season ice plant problems experienced by Greenacres which prevented their opening as planned.  Both Rinks took to the well prepared and keen ice with Rink 1 (Begg (S), Hogg, Galloway, McFadzean) lying second in the results table having already played games in the previous 2 rounds while Rink 2 (Cattanach (S), Cherry, Charters, Henry) were lying 4^th having not yet played.  Notwithstanding, it was a very tight game from the start with neither Rink surging ahead with a big score.  At the close of the 7th end and with 7 minutes of play remaining, Rink 1 had recovered from being 2-4 down at the 5^th end to peeling 4-4.  It was all to play for in the final end before the bell and Rink 2 set to with a will to draw 4 stones close to the button and to hold off retaliatory score limiting tactics from Rink 1.  In this they succeeded to shake hands 8-4 winners at the bell.  

The Eglinton Jug

  Having failed to raise a Rink for last year's Eglinton Jug which was hosted at Greenacres for the first time, it was with appreciable interest and anticipation that Bob Cherry (Skip), Ronnie Peat, Peter Galloway and David Stubley made their way to join the fray for this year held on Sat 16 and Sun 17 Nov.  With a comprehensive and well constructed competition plan in place for the 24 Club entries, the High and Low routes ensured that each entry had an assured 2 games of play.  The Greenacres venue was ideal with its 6 sheets of keen and swingy ice, hosting facilities and food and drink outlets.  The atmosphere too was something special with a very large number of "weel kent" faces from events held in the past at Ayr Ice Rink.  In short, the place was buzzing!

Our first round in the High Road was at 1230 on Sat 16 Nov against Dalry Union on Sheet D in the main arena.  Dalry opened the scoring with a single in the first end which we countered in the second end but our scoring proficiency thereafter became something of a hit and miss affair.  In contrast, Dalry played very well to score in each of the next 5 ends to win 10-1 as the bell rang at the end of the 7th.  A snack lunch in the very crowded lounge was enjoyed and wounds licked while awaiting confirmation of who was to be faced in the next Low Road round at 1800.

That was soon declared to be A&A (C Steele (S), A. Martin, K. Ireland and D. Haddow) and scheduled to take place on Sheet F, one of the 2 sheets on the ice rink extension.  Whoever was to win this round would then have a very early start the following Sunday morning for a 0900 Low Round 3^rd Round tussle.  Once again, despite our best efforts which were repeatedly thwarted by A&A, we were to shake hands as the bell rang at the close of the 7^th end with A&A deserving 10-3 winners.  

Perhaps not one of our more notable performances on the day but memorable nonetheless for the embracing curling and social atmosphere in this unique annual competition.  One not to be missed for the future.  

The Winner of the High Road was [     *         ] and the Low Road [       *         ]." 

*  Details to be added once available

Gangrels v Ayr & Alloway

 The second round of the mini league with A&A took place at Greenacres on Mon 11 Nov with the Gangrels 2 and 1 lying first and second respectively on the league table after the first round.  However, like the weather, change was in the air!

Gangrels 1 (Peat (S), Niblock, Cherry, Cattanach) faced A&A2 (Mitchell (S), Ireland, J. Cherry, A Chapman) on  Sheet A but did not fare well despite an encouraging first 2 ends.  A&A2 crept ahead over the following 3 ends to lead 6-1 by the end of the 5th.  Gangrels took a single at 6^th end but then lost the 7^th end to cumulatively come second 2-8 at the bell.

On the adjacent Sheet B, Gangrels 2, Lawrence (S), Reynolds, Galloway, Charters) won the toss against A&A1 (Baines (S), Wilson, H. Kennedy, Haddow) but lost the first end. Wins in the second and third ends saw Gangrels 1 edge ahead to lead 5-2.  A&A1 recovered their poise to take the next 2 ends with single shots which stung the Gangrels to win the next 2 ends to lead 8-4 at the end of the 7th.  In the final end, A&A1 were lying 4 to peel and despite seeking to guard their position, in the best of Skip performances under duress, Euan pegged the loss to 1 to then shake hands 8-5 winners.

Fraser Cup Round 2

 Fraser Cup Round 2

Round 2 of The Fraser Cup took place at Greenacres on Mon 28th Oct between Rinks 1 and 3.

Everyone quickly adapted to the keenness of the Greenacres ice and Rink 3, skipped by D. Gray with J. Niblock, G. Watson and E. Lawrence, drew first blood, taking a single shot at the first end.

Rink 1, skipped by F. Hogg with S. McFadzean, D. Cattenach and J. Begg then immediately responded in the second end by taking a single shot themselves.

And so it was throughout what proved to be a very nip & tuck game with Rink 3 scoring 2 shots at the 3rd end before Rink 1 secured a single shot at each of the next 3 ends. Rink 3 then scored a single shot at the 7th end to draw the game at 4:4 going into the last end.

In the final end, it all came down to the skip’s stones as they both attempted to draw into what was by now a very full head and Rink 3 found themselves sitting with 2 shots up when Rink 1 played their last stone to try and steal the end. Unfortunately, the very last stone of the game failed to find its mark and Rink 3 ended up winning the last end by those 2 shots resulting in a final score of 6:4.

Everyone agreed it was a thoroughly enjoyable and extremely close fought game which could easily have gone either way.

Fraser Hogg

STRANRAER REPORT AND RESULTS

 Once again, 16 Gangrels made up 4 Rinks for the first start of season social day's curling at the North West Castle (NWC) on Wed 23 Oct.  We could not have asked for nicer autumnal weather for the journeys to and from Stranraer.  The quality of the ice, ambience and snack lunch food was, as usual, first class.

The competition scoring was initially announced as being based on cumulative shots up with the morning Rinks being swopped for play in the afternoon  session and the former Skips then leading.  However, the structure of all the Rinks was such that they were all very closely matched and the high scoring rounds of previous visits were not repeated.  As a consequence, the Match Secretary recommended that the scoring be changed to a conventional points, ends and shots up system.

Team Wilson (Wilson (S), Charters, Peat, Chapman) played on sheet 3 against Team Cattanach (Cattanach (S), Hogg, Lawrence, Dunlop) while on sheet 4, Team Hope (Hope (S), McFadzean, Galloway Mutter) faced Team Niblock (Niblock (S), Graham, Cherry, Reynolds).  At the lunch break, Team Wilson were in the lead with Teams Niblock and Hope hard on their heels.  After a most enjoyable soup, sandwiches and traybake lunch, the Rinks returned to the ice on Sheets 1 and 2 with the leaders Team Charters/Wilson against Team McFadzean/Hope and Team Hogg/Cattanach against Team Graham/Niblock.  Once again, the level of play on both sheets was extremely close , competitive and fun.  The final results table is can be found here.  (Sorry, but my computer link is not behaving itself - I'll try to fix it soon.)

In closing, President Donald thanked all of the NWC staff for making the day such a pleasure and presented the prizes to the winning Rink."

First Game of Season - Fraser Cup Game 1

The first round of the Fraser Cup and first game of the new season was played at Greenacres on Mon 7 Oct with modified Rinks 3 and 4 competing for the first result of the new season.  It had been a bumpy start with Greenacres having to delay their opening date due to ice pad problems and 4 of the nominated players as shown in the Fixture List being unavailable to compete.  As a consequence,  2 Reserves and 2 of the nonplaying members from Rinks 1 and 2 magnanimously stepped in to fill the gaps.  

President Donald welcomed everyone to a well appointed Greenacres venue and sparkling ice which was to prove testing in its keenness but relatively unpredictable swing.  At the end of the second end, Rink 4 (R Peat (S), P Galloway, D Haddow and A Chapman) had a 3 stone lead.  But this did not last long.  Rink 3 (E Lawrence (S), D Gray, S Bloomfield and D Cattanach) clicked in to top gear and took the next 4 ends in very competitive play.  At the close of the 7^th end, they were in the lead 5 - 4 with 5 minutes to the bell. 

The final and 8^th end was going to be close fought thing which they won by a single stone which had been well protected from the take out initiatives of Rink 4.  The final result was 6 - 4 to Rink 3 and all agreed that it had been a most challenging and enjoyable start to the new season.   The results table is shown below.

                                      FRASER CUP RESULTS 2024/25

                                                       Week 1

The league table can be found by clicking here.

The next game on 14 Oct is the first of the 6 mini-league 2 Rink games against A&A and it is hoped that the standard of play seen today prevails and that both Gangrels Rinks win their games.

Rink 1:  J Begg, F Hogg, D Graham, S McFadzean

Rink 2:  D Cattanach, B Cherry, R Charters, A Chapman

Rink 3:  E Lawrence, D Gray, J Niblock, G Watson

Rink 4:  R Peat, P Galloway, P Reynolds, P Kennedy

 

Skips rotate as required and shown in the Fixture List on a game by game basis.

 

New Season Fixture List

 The fixture list is now available on our website.  Just click on the link to fixtures at the right of this page.

Annual General Meeting

 The AGM Minutes have now been published and can be found by clicking here or by following the link on the RHS of this page.

Final Games at Greenacres

 We could not have asked for nicer Spring like weather to facilitate the final games event at Greenacres on Wed 13 Mar.  Eighteen players and the Treasurer as a spectator enjoyed a very pleasing 2 sheet social but competitive afternoon slot followed by an equally satisfying snack lunch of homemade soup (2 choices), fresh tasty sandwiches and tea/coffee.  

Team Henry (Henry, Cherry, Cattanach, Hogg and A Hay) faced Team Stubley (Stubley, Peat, Graham, Galloway and G Hay) on Sheet B with Team Henry taking 6 of the 7 ends played to win 11-1.  Next to them on Sheet C, Team McFadzean (McFadzean, Charters, Gray and Reynolds) stood too against Team Lawrence (Lawrence, Wilson, Niblock and Haddow) and mirrored the trends of Sheet B by losing 7 of the 8 ends played with Team Lawrence winning 12-1.  

The combined winners prowess must have impressed the local ladies Rink playing on Sheet A who enquired where the Gangrels came from and why they were all taller than 6 feet with inordinate sweeping ability.  Some of our players must have been keeping a low profile while their attributes were being observed but nevertheless it was nice to know our play ability was being admired!!  It was a splendid end to what has been a trying and uncertain season with play at a number of differing venues and much enjoyed by all who participated.

PROVINCE KNOCK OUT REPORT - 28 FEB 24

 

Gangrels Team Henry (Henry, Cherry, Mutter and Galloway) faced Sorn in the quarter finals of the Province Knock Out on Wed 28 Feb at Greenacres in a late evening slot.  Five sheets were in play so it was a lively, spirited and very competitive atmosphere with many Ayr centric well known faces to the fore.

  The weather conditions for the drive to and from the venue were demanding but this was all good preparation for the curling task which was to follow which was to be equally challenging. The first end set the scene as it was blanked but Sorn then took  a shot in the next 2 end to lead.  Gangrels quickly responded by taking the next 2 ends to lie 2-2 at the 5^th end.  And then we lost the edge against some very tactically adroit considerations and takeout/guarding shots from Sorn to lose the next 3 ends in very close play to finally shake hands at the close of the 8th end losing 2-6.  

The result would have been even closer were it not for an unfortunate pick up by the very last Gangrels and match stone which was disappointing.  For those who may be interested in spectating, the semi final of this Province event will take place at Greenacres at 2030 on Mon 18 Mar.  The final will be held on Tue 26 Mar at 2030, again at Greenacres.

PRESIDENT’S CUP - FINAL ROUND REPORT

 The last round of the President's Cup and final internal club competitive game for this season took place at the GALLEON on Tue 20 Feb.  Team Port (Begg, Cattanach, McFadzean and Stubley) already had an unassailable lead in the overall competition but Team Starboard (Peat, Galloway, Charters and Kennedy) looked forward to breaking their duck in the series and close on something of a high.  

They opened the scoring with a single shot in the first end on unaccustomed relatively keen and swingy ice.  However Team Port came straight back at them with a 2 in the next end to take the lead but then things stagnated.  Team Starboard won the next 4 ends with a particularly welcome score of 4 in the fourth end to lead 8-2 going in to the final end.  

Team Port tried hard for a high score to conclude the game but Team Starboard kept the house clear to peg their loss to a 2 and shake hands 8-4 winners. The results table is shown below.

Rink           Played Won Drawn Lost Points Ends+ Ends- Shots+ Shots- Position

Port                3        2         0         1        4         10       12      20         21          1

Starboard      3        1         0         2        2         12       10      21         20          2

Stranraer Visit 15th February

Sixteen Gangrels made up 4 Rinks for the end of season social day's curling at North West Castle on Thu 15 Feb.  Despite a driech weather drive to the venue, everyone made it on time and spirits were soon lifted by the quality of ice, ambience, food and support overall which was, once again, first class.

The competition scoring was based on cumulative shots up with the morning Rinks being swopped for play on different sheets in the afternoon session.  Team Hogg (Hogg, Galloway, Wilson and Dunlop) faced Team Graham (Graham, Cattanach, Hope and McFadzean) while Team Niblock (Niblock, Watson, Peat and Mutter) played Team Gray (Gray, Reynolds, Cherry and Charters) in the morning session on sheets 3 and 4.  At the snack lunch break, Team Gray were an impressive 12 shots up with Team Graham contending in second place with +6.

After a most enjoyable lunch of homemade soup, filling fresh made sandwiches and tea/coffee, the Rinks moved back on to the ice on sheets 1 and 2 with the leaders Team Gray facing Team Graham and Team Hogg against Team Niblock.  The giant tussle on sheet 1 saw Team Graham overhaul the overall lead held by Team Gray to win by a cumulative +10 shots with Team Gray now in second place with +8.  President Gillian presented the prizes to the winning Rink.

PRESIDENT’s CUP ROUND 2 REPORT

 Team Port (Watson (S), Cattanach, Begg and Cherry) and Team Starboard (Charters (S), Hogg, Galloway and Peat) took to keen but slipy underfoot ice at the Galleon on Tue 6 Feb in the second round of the President's Cup.  With Team Port already in the cumulative lead, their mind set was clearly to capitalise on this and enhance their overall position.  

A steal in the first end saw Team Starboard take the lead but in the next 2 ends Team Port surged ahead with a 4 stone lead.  Team Starboard fought back with a 3 in the 4^th end to peg the scores at 4-5.  Undaunted, Team Port took the next 2 ends with some fine play and skilful draws by their Skip to lead 8-4 in to the final end.  

Try as they may to at least peel or at best achieve a significant score, Team Starboard could not prevail but did secure a 2 stone win to finally lose 6-8.  The last round of the President's Cup is scheduled for 20 Feb having had the ice booked for 16 Jan cancelled due to ice quality problems.  The results can be found here or click on the side panel."

 Team Port:  S McFadzean, J Begg, D Stubley, B Cherry, D Cattanach, D Graham, F Hogg, G Watson, A Henry

Team Starboard:  R Charters, F Hogg, R Peat, P Galloway, R Morrison, D Gray, A Chapman, S McFadzean, P Kennedy

Gangrels match V Tarbolton

The annual competition against Tarbolton for the Wilkie Trophy took place at the Galleon on Tue 30 Jan.  The trophy was first played for and presented in 2002 and since then has been won by Tarbolton 12 times and the Gangrels 8 times so it was all to play for to wrest it from Tarbolton custody once again and seek to redress the balance.  

Gangrels 1 (Begg (S), Stubley, Graham and McFadzean) and Gangrels 2 (Hogg (S), Peat, Galloway and Charters) took to the relatively uninspiring ice keen to show their prowess against the opposition.  Both sheets were closely matched for the first 2 ends and scored the same but then Gangrels 1 began to accelerate in to the lead with a particularly welcome score of 4 in the sixth end to then lead 9-1.  Tarbolton then took a single in the last 2 ends with handshakes at the end of the 8^th with the score to Gangrels 9-3.  Not to be outdone, Gangrels 2 adopted a more measured pace to lead 6-2 at the 6^th end with Tarbolton responding with single win shots in the last 2 ends and Gangrels 2 were very happy to clear the ice 6-4 winners.

With 2 clear wins on both sheets, Secretary Peter was presented with the Wilkie Trophy to give the Gangrels their 9^th win in the series.  It is hoped that this annual meeting will be repeated again next year and for many years to come at whatever venue both Clubs will then consider as "home" ice."

Gangrels Points Competition

 Seven stalwarts took to the somewhat dour and unpredictable ice at the Galleon on the evening of Tue 23 Jan and in the time allotted played 9 of the disciplines.  From the outset it was clear that this was going to be a low scoring annual event as compered to past trends but, notwithstanding, determination and application prevailed in what was to be a frustrating but fun competition.  Despite still limited by his whiplash injury sustained from a fall on the ice in early December, David Stubley did very well to read the ice to his advantage and won with 25 points.  Ronnie Peat came second with 20 and bringing up the podium 3^rd place was Peter Galloway.

Tarbolton CC were playing on Sheet B adjacent to us and, very regrettably, one of their members slipped and fell very heavily on to the ice sustaining a shoulder/arm injury which necessitated his being stretchered off to receive medical treatment.  It is hoped that the damage is not too serious and that he recovers fully to join us next week when we meet Tarbolton in our annual match for the Wilkie Trophy which they currently hold.  Members playing at the Galleon need to be aware of the propensity for slips, trips and falls on the type of ice there and take the appropriate care/protection.

PRESIDENT’S CUP ROUND 2 REPORT

The second round of the President's Cup was scheduled to take place at the Galleon on Tue 16 Jan at 1500 but at very short notice had to be cancelled, after consultation with the Ice Manager and with his recommendation, due to problems with the ice on the 2 outer sheets.  Appreciable efforts had been made by the ice technicians to recover the situation in time for the scheduled event but to insufficient effect to guarantee the quality of draw consistency required for satisfactory play.  Subject to the future availability of players, an additional play slot has been provisionally booked for 1500 on Tue 20 Feb 24.  The fixture list will be updated/amended in due course.

President's Cup - Round 1

 The start of the New Year with the first round of the President's Cup on Tue 9 Jan was a close competitive game played on very pleasing clear, keen and swingy ice.  The Galleon ice staff had worked hard over the festive period closed period to restore the ice hockey/skating ravaged ice to a good curling standard for our first event for 2024.  

A shortened Team Port (Begg, Graham and McFadzean) set the mark on the first end with a score of 3 against Team Starboard (Galloway, Morrison, Charters and Hogg).  Shaken but not stirred, Team Starboard responded by taking the next 4 ends to lead 7-3 at the close of the 5^th.  

A cocktail of fine play for the subsequent and concluding 3 ends resulted in Team Port taking the lead winning the game overall 8-7. The results table is shown here or click on the side panel.

Province Medal 2024

David Hope with his team of Ronnie Peat, Bob Cherry and David Graham represented Gangrels in yesterday's Province Medal.  The Gangrels combined with Ayr & Alloway to cover the required two sessions. We were very pleased to come a creditable second.  

The report of the bonspiel follows.

Stewarton Heather won yesterday's Province Medal competition. Greenacres Ice Rink provided the ice, which was very good, and catering, which was also very good.

In the first session, Stewarton Heather had a 4 shot victory over Sorn. Their second team didn't take their feet off the pedal and had a significnt victory over Troon Portland in session two.

Second place went to the combined tems of Gangrels and Ayr & Alloway.  Taking a session each, Gangrels played a good game against Dalmellington and finished six shots up.  Ayr and Alloway had a much closer game against Sorn, but won by one shot.

Third was Crosshill. Despite losing their first round they had a good victory over Ayr Curling Club and finished on +5.

Douglas Reid is to be congratulated for organising an excellent event.

Ist  Stewarton Heather                +24 

2nd Gangrels /  Ayr & Alloway     + 7

3rd Crosshill                                  + 5