Fraser Cup Round 4

 The fourth round of the Fraser Cup League took place at Greenacres on Mon 3 Nov at 1000 where Gangrels 3 (Reynolds (S), Gray, Mutter, Henry) played A&A2 (Mitchell (S), H Kennedy, Shanks, Thow) on Sheet A and on Sheet B, Gangrels 2 (Galloway(S)(sub Stubley), Lawrence, Niblock, Hogg (sub Charters) played A&A1 (Baines(S), Graham, Black, J Cherry).  All of this in the aftermath of the weekend's Eglinton Jug busy match programme and spirited social gathering but the ice had been well restored and the lounge area cleared of the post award ceremony celebrations!

On Sheet A, A&A2 took an imposing 4 shot lead in the first end with another single in the 3^rd end to stay in front 5-1but Gangrels 3 kept their heads up and recovery determination in place to take singles in the next 4 ends to peel 5-5 at the close of the 7^th end.  On the adjacent Sheet, A&A1 started well to lead 4-0 going in to the 3^rd end but other than taking another 2 in the 6^th end, Gangrels 2 countered by winning 4 of the last 5 ends to win 9-6 overall at the end of the 8^th end which was started very shortly before the bell sounding and Gangrels 2 leading 7-6.

Eglinton Jug

 "  Twenty four curling Rinks were entered into the annual Eglinton Jug knockout competition over the weekend of 1^st and 2^nd Nov held at Greenacres.  The Gangrels Rink of R. Peat (S), B. Cherry, P Galloway, F Hogg had a bye in to the High Road 2^nd round against Sorn 3 (R. Clark (S), G. Thomson, A. Cameron, J. Johnson) which took place at 1230 on Sat 1 Nov on Sheet F.  The back sheets of ice had not been producing ice of the usual Greenacres quality since the installation of the new ice plant and these teething issues were again evident and the Gangrels struggled to cope with the vagaries of swing and speed while Sorn adapted much more quickly.  A loss of 4 in the first end was a warning and blow to the Gangrels but matters did not improve and only got worse with them not getting on to the board over the next 5 ends to lose 17- 0 and shake hands with bowed heads at the conclusion of the 6^th end.  The only benefit was an early drink and snack lunch before the 5 other occupied sheets finished their games and filled the bar area!

That loss saw the Gangrels Rink then scheduled to play in the 3rd round of the Low Road at 1830 against Curl Ayrshire 1 (D. Reid (S), M. Shaw, E. Shaw, L Collins) but this time on Sheet B in the main ice hall.  Buoyed up by an appreciable afternoon lunch break and the expecation of better ice and a more consistent playing performance, Gangrels set to with a will but were immediately deflated by losing the first 3 ends to be trailing 0-7.  A single shot win in the 4^th end lifted spirits but was short lived with recurring losses in the next 3 ends to see the game drawn to a premature close at the 7^th end with a loss 1-13 to Curl Ayrshire who had performed consistently well against  jadded Gangrels.

The competition continued on Sun 2 Nov with the High and Low Road semi finals and finals, neither of which had Gangrels participation!  The Eglinton Jug Trophy was ultimately won by Stewarton Heather which was presented to them by Lord Eglinton accompanied  by Lady Eglinton.  

The organisers, Umpires and Greenacres ice and catering staff did yet another fine job in administrating and supporting the event and are to be commended for their individual and collective endeavours which were much appreciated."