Given the difficulties associated with the recent closure of Greenacres due to ice plant problems and the non-availability of original Rink members to play in the initially scheduled Presidents Cup High and Low Roads, it was evident that the most efficient and effective solution would be to hold both events on the same day and to have volunteers play a double header. And so it was arranged that the High Road would be played at 1000 and the Low Road at 1230 on Mon 24 Feb at Greenacres.
The High Road saw Rink 2 (Cherry (S), Galloway, Wilson, McFadzean) play Rink 3 (Lawrence (S), Henry, Niblock, Richmond) on keen but somewhat inconsistent swingy ice. It was a challenge for both Rinks but Rink 3 mastered the difficulties from the outset taking the first 3 ends to surge in to 9 stone lead. Rink 2, realising the gravity of the situation, sought to redress the shortfall and took single stone shots in the following 2 ends to get on to the board but were still lagging 2-9 at the end of the 5th. Rink 3 then increased their lead by taking another 2 in the 6th which Rink 2 countered with a 2 in the 7th. At the bell, Rink 3 were winners 11-4 and will be awarded the President's Cup for this season.
After a quick break for sustinance intake, the Low Road formed from the 2 lowest scoring Rinks in the first 2 rounds of the President's Cup took to the ice with Rink 1 (Hogg (S), Cherry, Graham, McFadzean) facing Rink 4 (Wilson (S), Peat, Henry, Galloway). This was to become a more closely contested end for end game but Rink 4 edged in to the lead by taking a 4 in the 3rd end to lead 6-1. Rink 1 took singles in the next 2 ends to close the gap but Rink 4 forged ahead once again by winning the next 2 ends to go in to the 8th and final end leading 9-3. Despite Rink 4 seeking to keep the head clear and limit scoring opportunities, Rink 1 thwarted those attempts and took a well crafted 3 to lose 6-9 overall.
The 5 players who took part in both consecutive games were more than glad to rest weary sweeping arms and legs and enjoy the end of day break and banter before heading for home. Notwithstanding, everyone enjoyed the day and the spirited competition
No comments:
Post a Comment