A “Grand Match” Had By All

Saturday 9th january 2010 will go down in gatehouse history as the day that over 250 people gathered on the banks of Bush Moss to be part of the curling bonspiel for the new John Russell Salver.

Play started at 10.45am with 20 rinks playing on 2 sheets which had been prepared over the previous two days. Title holder from the last match held on the pond in 1963, Bobby Carson opened the day’s play against James Finlay, who also took part 47 years ago.

The crowds kept coming and a great atmosphere was created as all ages enjoyed this special occasion. Hot soup, mulled wine and a few drams flowed as the play roared on.

Just as the sun started to set over the Cally Woods the finalists stepped onto the ice. Battling it out for the trophy. Skip Winnie Johnstone with her rink of Shaun Burnie and Will & Phoebe Marshall were up against skip Grant Ross with Richard brinley and Dorothy & Georgia. The script writer couldn’t have written it better as Winnie lay game with grant to play his last stone and needing two shots. He played the shot of his life (bit lucky really), took out Winnie’s stone and lay two to take the title.

Mrs Jill Russell kindly handed over the trophy to the winning skip, grant who commented how much he was looking forward to retaining the trophy next year.

Gatehouse of Fleet provost Pat Jacques had made the important point that the event had a wider context that of climate change. Gatehouse of Fleet, together with Dalbeatie and Creetown had recently received substantial funding from the Scottish Government Climate Challenge Fund to help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills and use. “Having waited 47 years for this great event, with global warming these events may become even rarer if not impossible”, said Provost Jacques

Thanks go to all who helped make this day happen. Anwoth and Girthon curling club, which kindly provided the stones (many dating from the mid-19th century) have decided to attempt to hold the John Russell Salver next year and thereafter. If there is insufficient ice on Bush Moss the event will be held at the end of the season at the rink in Stranraer.

Bobby Carson, title holder from the last match held on the pond in 1963, throwing the first stone.  Bobby first won a cup on Bush Moss in 1959.