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