Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Final Position - Autumn League

Richard Morrison and his team of Dave Pittam, Jennifer Peat and Hilary Henry won the Autumn League last night, without playing a shot.

They finished top with 11 points out of 16, just ahead of Mara Lindsay's team of Margaret Morrison, Campbell Kay and Steve and Barbara Kirby.

Mara narrowly failed to get the win which would have secured first position.

In the other game, David Wallace beat Bill Inglis by 7 shots to 5.

The final table is







RMorrison8116331
D Wallace8810363
M Lindsay896302
B Inglis86-3304
MMcNeill86-19265

We wish everyone a Happy Christmas.  Our first game of 2015 is on Tuesday January 6th at 7.15pm.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Christmas Bonspiel

Five teams had an enjoyable evening at our Christmas Bonspiel last night. Everyone played everyone else and the truncated games of one and a half ends for each game successfully filled the session time.

The winners were Ronnie Peat's team of Margaret Morrison, Jim Paxton and Hilary Henry.

Jim, Hilary, President Mara, Margaret & Ronnie


Runners up were Bill Abbott, with Graham Spence, Forbes Watson and Jennifer Peat.

Jennifer, Bill, Graham and Forbes
Afterwards we had sandwiches and mince pies, enjoyed by all.

Nobody left empty-handed with our Christmas dip providing a present from Santa.

It was great to see almost all the club out for a fun-filled evening.

Congratulations are also due to Mara and Alison who, earlier that day, won the Alloway Rosebowl Competition with Troon Portland.
Ian, Richard, Jim & Alison


Campbell, David, Sandra and Dave

Mike, Roy, Robin & Fiona


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

One Game to Go

Thank goodness we get a break from the excitement of the closing stages of the Autumn League. Our Bonspiel next week will ease the pressure for two teams in particular.

Richard Morrison's team finished their games tonight with a loss to Mara by 4 shots to 7.  This result means that if Mara wins her final game then she will win the league. However, a draw or loss for Mara means Richard will take the trophy.

On the other sheet, David Wallace beat Mike McNeill by 10 shots to 2.

We look forward to seeing everyone next week at the Christmas Bonspiel.


Thursday, November 27, 2014

Wins for Richard and Bill

Two good wins last night for the teams of Richard Morrison and Bill Inglis.
Richard beat Mike McNeill by 9 shots to 4 and Bill beat Mara by 7 shots to 2.

Richard still leads the league on 11 points, but could be caught by Mara's team who are second on 7 points, but have a game in hand.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Inter Club Challenge League

The team skipped by Mike have had a good week in the Inter Club Challenge League. On Monday the team of Mike, Mara, Dave and Alison had an excellent win over Kilmarnock Townend. On Wednesday Mike, Mara and Alison found themselves a player short just before they went on the ice to play Fairywell in a cup game. Fortunately Hilary had arrived to play with Disnae, so she was promptly seconded into the rink! An excellent performance by all resulted in a peeled match

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

European Championships

This Saturday sees the start of the European Championships in Champery, Switzerland.

Euro 14

Scotland will be represented by teams skipped by Eve Muirhead and David Edwards as they strive for medals in the "A" Division. All Ayrshire folk will be rooting even more than usual for the Men's team, where Billy Morton plays lead stones.
The event website with details of the draw can be found here.
The games will be broadcast on Eurosport from Monday and you can watch Scotland play Germany at 2.00 pm C.E.T. (1.00 pm GMT).  The full schedule of broadcasts can be found by clicking this link. Live Coverage will also be available on the WCF World Curling TV channel, although,as always, I'm never sure whether this is available if Eurosport are covering the game.


Team Edwards Euro Web 300X203


For an insight into life at a Major Champioships, follow this link to Team Edwards preparations for the event and their season so far. I'm sure it will be interesting to follow their week.
Eve's women's team is Anna Sloan at Third, Vicki Adams at Second and Sara Reid at lead.  They start their campaign with a game against Denmark at 2.00 pm GMT on Saturday and their game against Germany is scheduled to be shown live on Eurosport at 7.30 pm GMT on Tuesday.

Last Night's Games

The top two teams consolidated their positions last night.  Richard's team beat Bill Inglis by 9 shots to 6 and Mara won against David Wallace by 9 shots to 7.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Thursday's matches

Last night Bill Inglis had a good win over Mike's rink, winning 8 shots to 2. In the other match, the three man team of Jennifer, Steve and Hilary fought manfully, but eventually were defeated by David Wallace' s rink

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Week 5 (This is definitely Halfway!)

Apologies for last week's error.  This is now the halfway point in the Autumn League because everyone has played 4 games. Disappointed that no-one spotted it.  (You'll have to pay more attention.)

Last night's games resulted in wins for Mara and Bill in games against Mike and David.

So at the halfway stage (!), our leader is Richard followed by Mara, Mike, Bill and David, in that order.

Finally, if you'd like to see a really exceptional curling shot, have a look at this



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Week 4 - Autumn League (Halfway!)

In the first of tonight's close games, Mara took a 3 at the last end to secure a 7-7 draw against Richard Morrison's team.
The second game also had a three at the last end, when Mike McNeill overturned a two shot deficit to win by 8 shots to 7.
Richard remains top of the league, with Mike second and Mara in third place.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Fullarton Points Competition

Tonight we had 9 competitors for the Annual Points Competition.

Everyone enjoyed the game and the results were:

3rd  -   Richard Morrison
2nd  -  Mara Lindsay
1st   -  Ronnie Peat

Good fun was had by all and our reading of the ice and shot playing will undoubtedly have benefited from the game.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Week 2

Richard Morrison's team continued their good form with a close 8-6 victory over Bill Abbott's team tonight.
In the other rink, David Wallace's team played well to beat Mara Lindsay's rink by 6 shots to 3.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The New Season Begins

Given the number on holiday, it was a triumph that there were 16 players on the ice for the first games of the new season. Well done to Mara and Alison for their efforts.

Richard Morrison 's team had a good victory, winning by 12 shots to 6, despite losing 5 shots in the last end.

In the other game, Mike McNeill's team beat Bill Inglis's team by 8 shots to 3.

The results and table can be found under the League Results Tab above.

Yesterday, a team representing Fullarton took part in Ayr Ice Rink's opening bonspiel.  Mike skipped Ian, Alison and Jennifer to win their first prize of the season.  Unfortunately it was the dreaded "wooden spoon".
It was however followed by a delicious meal and some good socialising with The Bunnets team.



Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Teams for Next Season

The teams and fixtures for the Autumn League have now been announced and can be found by clicking on the pages above.

All the dates for the first half of next season can be found by clicking here.


Monday, May 5, 2014

IMPORTANT - Please Vote in RCCC Curling Awards

Ayr Curling Club has been honoured by featuring in two categories of the Annual Scottish Curling Awards.

GRASSROOTS COACH OF THE YEAR CATEGORY

We are delighted that Kirsty Letton has been nominated in the Grassroots Coach of the Year Category. This well deserved nomination is no surprise to those who have seen the drive and enthusiasm that Kirsty has brought to Ayr's Coaching over many years.

She has developed an enthusiastic team of coaches who have all been highly successful in promoting the game in Ayr and helping to develop curlers of all abilities. Being able to cope with the tremendous response to Try Curling, and Schools and Corporate Groups is a true testament to the abilities of Kirsty's team.

ICE DIAMOND AWARD CATEGORY

We are also pleased to announce that Ayr Curling Club Development Group has been nominated in the Ice Diamond Award Category.

This is a fantastic recognition of the progress that has been made by Euan Lawrence and his team, in only their first year of action. The group met a significant majority of the targets set for them by the RCCC and as a result secured additional funding which will be used to benefit everyone at Ayr.

Details of all the nominees can be found on the RCCC website or by clicking here.

Being nominated for the shortlist for these two prestigious awards is great news, but it would be even better if we were able to win them. The other nominees are also strong candidates!

I would urge everyone who is an RCCC member  to help achieve that win and promote Ayr Curling Club by voting now.  There are two ways of doing so.
  
You can vote online through the RCCC membership database if they hold a valid email address for you in their system.  Simply click Membership Database to log in.  Once you have logged in you will be presented with your voting options.  If you need assistances please contact the RCCC office on 0131 333 3003.

Alternatively you can download a voting form by clicking here, complete it and return it to the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, Cairnie House, Ingliston Showground, Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8NB.

Online voting closes at midnight on Thursday, 15th May 2014, while paper voting forms will be accepted at the RCCC office until noon on Friday, 16th May 2014.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

World Seniors Championships and World Mixed Doubles Championships

WMDCC WSCC 2014 Logo Web 300X199Thursday 24th April sees the start of three World Championships, all being held at Dumfries.
In the Senior Men's Championships, Scotland are represented by Keith Prentice's team of Lockhart Steele, Robert Anderson and Tommy Fleming.  Robert Clark is the alternate.
They start their campaign against Russia at 11.45 on the 24th, in Group B that also includes the Czech Republic, England, Finland, Hungary and New Zealand. 
 Dumfrs Scotland Men
There are three sections and the top two qualify automatically for the quarter finals with two of the three third places also qualifying.
The Senior Women's team of Christine Cannon, Margaret Richardson, Isobel Hannen, Janet Lindsay and alternate Margaret Robertson also start next Thursday with a game against Canada in the evening.  The Women are in two sections and Scotland's other opponents in Group B are Australia, Finland, Italy, Russia and Switzerland.

Dumfrs Scot Women

There are a record 34 teams taking part in the World Mixed Double Championships which are also being held in Dumfries.
The teams are placed in four groups with the winners of each group qualifying for the quarter finals and the second and third placed teams playing off to join them.
Scotland are represented by Gina Aitken and Bruce Mouat. Their first game, in Group B is at 12.00 against Latvia.

Dumfrs Scot Mixed

The draws for all three competitions can be found at the event website here.
The Mixed Doubles are being shown on the WCF YouTube Channel.
Details of tickets are here.  They can be ordered online or purchased at the door.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

World Men's Curling Championships


WMCC 2014 Approved Logo

Saturday will see the start of this year's World Championships. They are being held in Beijing, China and the action starts at 2.00 pm, local time, which I think will be 7.00 am in Scotland.  Scotland's first game is against Sweden.
The full schedule of events is shown here. You will also see a schedule of TV coverage on that page. I understand that Eurosport is covering the event so I'm not sure if that means we'll be geoblocked from watching the games on the WCF/ YouTube Curling Channel. Give it a try for yourself by clicking here, but if it doesn't show games then you have to use Eurosport on TV or on their website.

Results are being provided by Curlit - click here.

Team Macdonald 250X188

Scotland are being represented by the very experienced Ewan MacDonald, along with Duncan Fernie, David Reid (from Stewarton Heather) and Eua

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Closing Bonspiel and AGM 2014

Last night, we rounded off our season with the Closing Bonspiel.
Four rinks took part and the winners were Graham Spence's team of Ian, Campbell and Barbara.  They won all their games.

Closing Bonspiel Winners
Campbell Kay, Graham Spence (skip) Barbara Kirby, Ian Snodgrass
with President Mara


After a delicious meal from Passion Caterers, we held our AGM and Prizegiving.  Photos of the Prizewinners are shown below.


Points Winner
Ronnie Peat
Pairs Competition Winners
Margaret Morrison and Campbell Kay
Autumn League Winners
Mabel Hildebrand, Jennifer Peat, and Margaret Morrison
(David Wallace absent)
Spring League Winners - presented by Mabel
Mara Lindsay, Campbell Kay, Anne Wilson and Ian Snodgrass
Mini League Winners
Graham Spence, Richard Morrison, Barbara Kirby and Campbell Kay

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Mini League Final Games

Richard Morrison and his team of Campbell Kay, Steve Kirby and Ronnie Peat (subbing for Graham Spence) clinched the Mini League Championship with 10 - 5 win over David Gilmour's team.
The 3rd / 4th playoff was won by Mara's team, winning by 10 shots to 4 over Mike McNeill.
Next Tuesday at 6.15 is the Closing Bonspiel, Dinner and AGM, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Mini league Round Robin

Last night saw a good wins for Mike McNeill over David Gilmour by 11 shots to 8 and Richard Morrison over Mara Lindsay by 12 shots to 5.

The table at the end of the three league games has finished thus

Team
Played
Points
Ends
Shots+
Position
MMcNeill
3210-4 3

M Lindsay
328-15 4
D Gilmour
341311  2 
RMorrison
34168 1

Sorry, but the headings don't want to be above the proper columns. However, the order is correct.
You can see that next week's game between 1st and 2nd is between the two teams on 4 points, Dave Gilmour and Richard Morrison, while the two teams on 2 points will play off for 3rd place.
















Sunday, March 2, 2014

Quiz Night

Last night Fullarton was ably represented by two teams at Ayr CC's Quiz Night. The Peats, Paxtons, Morrisons and Inglis enjoyed a very entertaining evening.

Over 9 rounds the brains were tested and found to be reasonably competent.
Neither team disgraced themselves and both finished high up in the rankings (but without any prizes).
Anne Wilson and her husband Robin were also taking part in the fun.

Here's some photos and there are more on the Ayr CC Website.



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Mini League Part II

Last night David Gilmour had a good win by 16 shots to 7 over Mara's team (skipped by Dave Pittam).
He is top of the mini league at present.
On the other sheet, Mike McNeill couldn't hold on against Richard Morrison's team, losing 8-2.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

GB Women win Bronze

In a fantastic game of curling, Eve Muirhead's team game out fighting in the second half.  They were tied at 3-3 after 5 ends and really put the pressure on Miriam Ott's Swiss team.
In the 9th end, leading by one shot Eve played a great tap with her last to lie three.  This followed excellent precision play by her team and forced Miriam to draw for a one, tie the game and leave GB with last stone in the 10th.
Two great tick shots from Claire Hamilton set up the end and all the team played well leaving Eve with a four foot draw, played perfectly, to win the game and Bronze for Britain. Heartiest Congratulations to Eve, Anna, Vicki and Claire.

You may also be interested in this video clip.



Men's Final tomorrow at 1.30.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Start of Mini League

The first of the four-week mini league games got off to an exciting start last night.
David Gilmour's team was skipped by Fiona Abbott to a 5 shot victory over Richard Morrison's team (skipped by Graham Spence).
On the other sheet, there was a tight game between Mara Lindsay and Mike McNeill. Mara scored two shots at the last end to record a 7-6 win.
As a change to our normal system, the mini league is ranked firstly by points won, then ends won and finally shots up.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Spring League Final Positions


Congratulations to Mara Lindsay and her team of Ian Snodgrass, Campbell Kay and Anne Wilson who last night beat Richard Morrison's team to win the Spring League Competition.
With Sandra Inglis subbing for Anne, they managed a comprehensive 14-1 victory.

Mike McNeill's team also won last night but his 9-3 win over David Gilmour wasn't enough. Mara had 8 points and 18 shots up, while Mike was also 8 points but only 9 shots up.

Three of the winning rink
Ian Snodgrass
Anne Wilson
                                                       
Next Tuesday is the start of the Mini League. Let's hope it turns out as exciting a finish as the Spring League. In the Mini League ends will count before shots scored.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Spring League just got closer.

Mara Lindsay had a great 14-2 win over Mike McNeill last night, opening up the Spring League so that three of the four teams can still win it.
The other game was a close and exciting game between Richard's team, skipped by Dave Pittam and Dave Gilmour's team, skipped by Graham Spence. Dave Pittam took 2 shots at the last end to secure 5-5 draw.

Mara has 6 points and + 5 shots
Mike has 6 points and  +3 shots
Richard has 5 points and +10 shots.

Next week, Mara plays Richard and Mike plays Dave Gilmour. Anyone's game!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Wins for Mike and Mara

Mike McNeill kept up his good form with an impressive 9-1 victory over Richard Morrison, taking his team of Margaret, Jim P and Hilary (subbing for Mabel) to the top of the league.
In the other game, many shots were scored, but David Gilmour's team just failed to catch up with Mara, losing eventually by 9 shots to 12.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Spring League - Halftime

Each team has now played the other three.  The two teams setting the pace are Richard Morrison and Mike McNeill.
Richard had an excellent 14-2 win over Mara's team last night, and Mike beat David Gilmour by 11-2.

The League table at the halfway mark can be found here.  It's still very close with only two points separating all the teams.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Everyone Now has Points

The games last night had Mike McNeill beating Mara by eleven shots to four, and David Gilmour beating Richard Morrison by eight shots to five.
If you look at the league table, it shows the each of the four teams has now won one and lost one game.  Richard's team remains in top spot, but only on shots up.

And a reminder about the Burns Supper. Let me know if anyone wishes to join us.

Burns Supper 14


Tickets for this year's Burns Supper are now available from Committee Members or from The Ice Rink Office.
An excellent Programme of Speakers has been lined up, including David Reid, Cathy Costello, David Bell and Norman Geddes.

There will be songs from Neil Sands and no doubt some others.

It's surely an event not to be missed, so book your ticket now to avoid disappointment.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Stranraer Weekend 2014

Three Fullarton teams enjoyed another excellent weekend at the North West Castle in Stranraer.  The results were mixed, but Richard's team of Margaret, Anne and Robin Wilson came perilously close to qualifying for the semi finals.  They had peeled their first game and won their second, but came up against Neil Kennedy's Ayr rink in the final section game.


Ronnie Peat's team of Jim and Mara Lindsay and Jennifer also failed to cope against Neil Kennedy in their first game, but won their second match against Drew Gemmell.  Please don't ask about the game on Sunday morning!


Our third rink consisted of Bill and Sandra Inglis, Mike McNeill and Alison Young. Results didn't go their way, but they competed well in all three of their games.


As always, the social side of the weekend was superb and we were delighted to welcome Mike's wife Faye, who joined in with the important parts of the experience.  Some photos of the food on offer are shown below.



Jim and Mara performed excellent party pieces during the after dance entertainment and a great time was had by all.  Special thanks are due to Margaret for once again organising everything so well.  Next year's weekend will be from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th January. We would encourage all members to consider joining us in what is always a fantastic weekend.





Friday, January 10, 2014

Pairs Competition

A successful Pairs Competition was held last night over two sessions. Thanks to Mara for her report and some excellent photos.

The final was a family affair, with Richard and Jim (Lindsay) playing Margaret and Campbell. The final could not have been closer, going to the last stone, with Margaret and Campbell coming out as worthy winners. In the play off for 3/4 Mara and Jim (Paxton) narrowly beat Mike and Robin

Mara presenting the Trophy to winners Margaret and Campbell
with Runners Up Richard and Jim Lindsay

Robin and Mike (4th) with Mara and Jim Paxton (3rd)





Wednesday, January 8, 2014

New Look Spring League

With the reduction in teams from 5 to 4, a new format started tonight.  Each of the teams will play the other three twice to determine the Spring League Winner and this will be followed by a Mini League with fresh teams playing each other once, and a final game of 1st in League playing 2nd, and 3rd versus 4th.

Tonight saw both matches finishing with a 9 shot margin.  Richard Morrison's team beat Mike McNeill by 13 shots to 4 and Mara Lindsay's team, skipped by Ian Snodgrass, beat David Gilmour by 12 shots to 3.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Strategy and Tactics Seminar

On The Request Of K Letton


Next Wednesday evening a seminar on Strategy and Tactics has been organised.

This is aimed particularly at club curlers who wish have a better knowledge of tactics, but everyone will be welcome, no matter their experience.

The course will be taken by Sheila Swan and Judith McCleary of the RCCC and is a joint initiative between Ayr's Development Group and the RCCC.  Please put your name on the list at the Ice Rink or let Theresa at the office know on   01292 264014   or  ayrshirecurlers@btconnect.com