After the now traditional elbow tapping it was down to business for Alison and Margaret. Determination and concentration were evident and the match was a tight affair initially.
It was very much nip and tuck in the first three ends with very little in it each time. Both sides had their chances with a mixture of attacking heads and defending precarious positions, even trying not to lose big scores if possible.
The outcome of all this jousting was that Alison took singles in each end and whilst Margaret was reflecting that the A Team were fortunate only to be three, she was already heading for the half way mark, playing catch up against a focused and accurate playing C Team.
Something had to change.
Fourth end and Alison has built up a strong head but there was a gap where, if Richard played an accurate draw, the tap up was on and the head would change. With his second stone heading down the ice it was evident there would be a tap up but not the planned for stone. Always have a Plan C!
Tap….that shifted the yellow guard, tap…….that shifted the red behind, crack……the red splits the two C Team yellows and suddenly Margaret is lying two. As in golf, it’s not how they go in!
The comeback was on but some smart tactical play from Alison helped her stretch the lead once again with a two in the fifth. The ends are running out and Alison doesn’t look like she’s giving anything away tonight.
In the fifth end several stones had slowed up and not made it into the house, in the sixth they were queuing up at the back of the house with stone upon stone nestling together. With the A Team lying but the front of the house still open Alison looked to capitalise. Excellent deliveries well swept into place. Then Margaret seized the initiative, removing Alison without disturbing too many stones at the back and before you knew it she had grabbed a four.
One up with two to play, never a comfortable position. Once again a crowded house with yellow sitting almost on the button but a couple of reds might cause Alison problems if they could just tap that scoring stone out the way.
Another splendid delivery from Richard was on line all the way. Looking perfect to tap away the yellow and lie three. At the last gasp, when the sweepers could do no more the stone connected with the two reds, sent them spinning out either side of the house, leaving Alison still lying. Well, what goes around comes around. Having opened everything up Alison grabbed her chances and filled the house with yellow. Having just lost a four, she got them all back, took the lead and was in a strong position to win.
The eighth end was as tight as the first three, as was the house, stone upon stone, few gaps to exploit and Margaret needing a three to win. It wasn’t looking hopeful and with some accurate stones from both teams it was just a single to Margaret.
9-7 to Alison in a close game and entertaining game.
As we’ve passed the half way point of the league, the table is taking shape but don’t read too much into anything just yet. There is everything to play for. Mathematically any team can still win the league. Tuesday next will be an important match for all three teams………watch this space 😉🥌
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