Generation game as curlers clash

Dec 21 2007 Gordon Bannerman

A NEW generation of curling talent goes on show at Dewars when the eagerly awaited Ramada Perth Masters gets under way on January 3.

And veteran ice man Gordon Muirhead could find himself going up against a rink spearheaded by his teenage son.

Eighteen-year-old rising junior starlet Glen enjoyed a late invitation to the £15,000 tournament which kicks-off the New Year and nudges down the curtain on the European segment of the World Curling Tour season.

Gordon, who has been coaching his son’s team this season, said: “We crossed swords for the first time in the Scottish championships and it’s one-nil to dad! But now Glen is skipping his own rink. He won a junior event at Lockerbie at the weekend, adding to wins at Inverness and Greenacres. We were also across in Nova Scotia, where his rink also bagged the top prize. “It’s probably too soon to see him as a contender for the Masters but it will be a fantastic experience going up against the Canadians.”

Eve Muirhead (16) has also been making a name for herself on the junior scene and Gordon laughed: “My wife Lynn says the talent is down to her genes!”

The 2008 Masters tournament features a record prize pot, luring top flight rinks from home and abroad.

“The furthest travelled will be the Japanese juniors, flying into Scotland to gain valuable experience. But, as ever, it’s the Canadians who present the biggest threat to home hopes of a major cash windfall.

Thirty-two teams have signed-up for the Ramada-backed event at the Glover Street rink, with half of them coming from North America or mainland Europe.

While recently crowned European and 2006 world champion David Murdoch will be in the Fair City, Canada’s world champion Glen Howard – runner-up at the Masters in Perth in January – is intent on adding to his array of titles.

But with ex-world champs Kerry Burtnyk and Ed Werenich also coming to town it won’t be easy.

Throw in leading rinks from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Holland and the Czech Republic and it’s shaping-up as one of the most competitive Masters on record. And this is a competition which dates back to 1971, and was revived in 1994 after a break.

Thomas Ulsrud, the Norwegian skip, will be seeking revenge after being pipped by Murdoch’s Scottish side to the European gold in Fussen.

Bill Duncan, vice-chairman to Peter Loudon on the Perth Bonspiel committee, said: “There will be some fantastic, top-class curling on show between January 3 and the final on the Sunday.

“We’re delighted to have so many genuinely world class players coming to Perth for this event.

“It is, quite rightly, regarded as arguably the biggest of the European tour events. The top two on the tour qualify for the WCT finals in Canada and with ranking points at stake it can be crucial. That is a big incentive for contenders. A lot could be riding on it. And prize wise, only Canada offers bigger purses.”

Several tweaks have been made to the format for the latest Ramada Perth Masters, with a 4.45pm start on opening day designed to allow the Glover Street team more time to prepare the ice as the championships pan out.

The traditional welcome dinner will be staged on January 4, leaving the Saturday free to foster a party atmosphere at Dewars. There will be a hot shots pairs event that night. It’s an event which pumps welcome cash into the local economy.

Mr Duncan said: “Scotland’s teams winning gold and silver at the Europeans was a great boost for curling in this country. It was vital we qualified for the worlds and it helps with the financial backing curling enjoys as an Olympic sport.”

DEWARS results: Perthsire Trophy – Delvine 4, Dunning 9; Dunning 6, Delvine 3; Auchterarder 9, Bank of Scotland 4; Bank of Scotland 7, Auchterarder 6.

Carse League – Fingask 7, Panmure 7; Balruddy 12, Craigiehill 8; Dundee University 15, Glendoick 2; Errol 9, Dundee 4; G. A. 4, Rossie 11.

Taypack Potatoes Division 3 – F. Garvie 4, A. White 14.

Upper Strathearn – Methven (1) 1, Drummond Castle 10; Crieff (2) 6, Muthill 8; Blackford 8, Abercairney 12; Auchterarder 10, Methven (2) 4; Comrie 4, Strathallan 6.

Senior League (Blue) – Mrs. A. Lyburn 4, W. Reid 8; D. Smith 8, J. M. Melville 0; J, Scougall 6, I. Wallace 10; D. Rutherford 8, S. Cameron 9.

Senior League (Red) – J. McGuire 6, J. Gellatly 6; R. Duncan 8, A. Page 10; W.R.L. Duncan 12, T. Howison 3; J. Fairfield 9, M. Morton 5.

Breadalbane Province – Glendochart 3, Kenmore (1) 10; Aberfeldy (2) 12, Killin (2) 10; Killin (1) 2, Aberfeldy (1) 11; Glenorchy 5, Kenmore (2) 9.