The RCCC's Indoor Grand Match was held throughout Scotland on Sat 15 Nov and the Gangrels took part at Greenacres against Helensburgh 2. Traditional Grand Matches used to take place on frozen lochs whenever weather conditions permitted but the indoor version was first held in 2000 to celebrate the millenium and due to its success has continued every 5 years since except in 2020 when it was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Billed as a battle between the North and South of Scotland, this year's event brought together 1560 curlers from 281 clubs competing in 390 teams and stands as one of the largest single-day mass participation sporting events in the country.
As in the traditional format, an imaginary line is drawn between the Rivers Forth and Clyde to divide the country into North and South. Matches are played similtaneously over 3 sessions at the 12 participating Ice Rinks with scores tallied at the conclusion of all games. The side with the highest total points is declared the winner.
Greenacres had orchestrated their hosting of the IGM in a most memorable, fitting and pleasing manner so there was a real buzz as competitors paraded on to the ice in Sheet order behind a piper. The Gangrels Rink (Ronnie Peat (S), Bob Cherry, Peter Galloway, Fraser Hogg) playing for South, stepped up to the Sheet D hack against Helensburgh 2 (Ian McArther (S), David Forrest, Ian Chatten, George Kerr) representing North. The ice was keen and swingy with Gangrels taking a single in the first end but then rocked by losing a 4 in the second. Shaken but not stirred, Gangrels then took the next 2 ends to lead 6-4 at the halfway point when brooms were stacked and glasses of amber nectar served. Warmed up, play recommenced with Gangrels taking singles in the next 2 ends to lead 8-4 at the 6th with 2 culminating ends to go but here Helensbugh 2 came back fighting to score 2s in both ends to peel 8-8 which was a fitting end to a good game.
A few more drinks and game analysis over a pleasant 2 course lunch concluded the day and both teams headed their seperate ways home North and South in the sun.
The overall result of the Ambassador Cruise Indoor Grand Match was another win for the South, this time 1356 - 1287 over the North."
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