Edinburgh Open Pairs
Murrayfield Curling, 5th February 2012

With qualification now beyond them and tiredness already playing its part, Edmunds and Stockton faced two familiar Penicuik players in their final game.

Despite being aware of the importance of not losing a big end straight away, Edmunds and Stockton gave away a five – made all the more frustrating by several of Penicuik’s counters only biting.

Heads were beginning to drop and while Stockton and Edmunds’ hitting games improved for the remainder of the game, it was the Penicuik players’ ability to find tee-weight when required that saw them through the remaining ends to a  very comfortable 9-0 victory.

One positive from this encounter was the third end when Stockton managed to get more stones in play both in and out of the house leading to a much slower, tactical battle the result of which being Edmunds was left with a very tight port – barely a stone’s width – to draw in for a single. Having dismissed the port as impossible and then having watched the Penicuik men make the shot, Edmunds was now determined to have a go. The line was perfect but despite furious last ditch sweeping from both players once the stone had passed through, it came up short.

Both players agreed that throughout the day’s competition, concentration needed to be full from the first end to the last as losing big ends early on cost the team. Brave play from both was to be commended but they were unable to match the consistency of their opponents. An enjoyable experience was marred, perhaps, by the results but it hasn’t dampened the pairs’ enthusiasm for this format of the game.

Ted Edmunds

Edinburgh Open Pairs
Murrayfield Curling, 5th February 2012

Knowing only a win would do to even stand a chance of qualifying from their group, Edmunds and Stockton faced the daunting task of playing two members of Murrayfield’s crew of Ice Technicians.

Despite often leaving the sheet to ring bells, nip ice and mop sheets, the Edinburgh University boys’ opponents were strong and determined.

Losing a big first end in Pairs is far from ideal and, sadly, a steal of four was the Ice Crew’s reward for some excellent play – filling the house and not letting Edmunds anywhere near with his stones.

Stockton and Edmunds did not let this first end get to them, however, as they picked up in the second. Some lovely guard play from Stockton allowed Edmunds a draw for two with the hammer which he executed confidently.

With just a two shot deficit, the Edinburgh twosome resolved to keep it tight. End three was very congested and after the hammer was thrown, the measure was needed to decide if Forsythe’s team had taken one or two. In the end, it was just a one meaning a three shot lead going into the final end.

The fourth proved a tight, congested affair once more and despite Stockton and Edmunds’ best attempts at raises and tap-ups, and some uncharacteristic errors from their opponents, they could only score a single point.

Ted Edmunds

Edinburgh Open Pairs
Murrayfield Curling, 5th February 2012

With Michael Nicholson unavailable due to illness, Fraser Stockton stepped in to play with Ted Edmunds in the Murrayfield Open Pairs – qualifiers for the Scottish Pairs Championship.

In the first game, both players were struggling to read the ice conditions early on which led to a steal of three for their opponents after Edmunds was short with his final stone draw.

A much better second end saw solid build up play from Stockton followed by a great hit from Edmunds that boosted the twosome who were facing strong opposition.

Sadly that was to be the end of their scoring as the third end saw a congested house result in a two for Murphy although they missed a chance for three with the hammer.

Despite lying shot for much of the final end, Edmunds and Stockton could not compete with their opponents’ ability to find draw weight and they stole another two.

Ted Edmunds