Ally Fraser Retains Dalcross Trophy

Narrowly pipped in the race for Moray Province League West top dog,Ally Fraser’s Ardclach rink gained a degree of curling consolation when they retained their hold on the Province Open Knockout Trophy in a thrilling victory over Steve Rankin and his Buckie team.
On good,keen Inverness ice, the Nairnshire lads led 4-0 after an opening end 3 and a single steal before Rankin picked up a trio of shots in the third end to get right back into the contest. Single shots were traded over the next two ends before the Buckie rink stole a 2 to edge ahead 6-5 after 6 ends. A well worked 3 for Fraser in the next looked like it might be the decisive blow but Rankin had a shot for 2 and a peel at the last, only to see his draw run agonisingly 2 feet too far and hand shakes were exchanged on a nail biting 8-7 Fraser win.
Ally was ably assisted by Neil MacArthur,Grant Fraser and James Fraser whilst Steve was soundly supported by Fraser Rankin,Alan Campbell and Scott Seton.
Meanwhile,at Moray Leisure Centre, East League Division 3 continues to be the most closely contested Division in the whole of Moray Province. With just the last round of fixtures to play, there are still 4 of the 6 teams in contention for honours with Helen Downey,Alan Douglas and Sandy Howie all on 12 points and Bob Stewart just a single point behind.
Howie dented Downey’s title hopes with a thrilling 7-6 win. Seemingly on easy street going into the final end with a 7-3 lead, the Buckie rink gave up 3 shots but still just about managed to pocket both crucial league points.
Alan Douglas found himself 3-0 down after 2 ends to Steve Field’s Gateway team but a third end 3 and 3 further singles kept his nose ahead for a 6-4 win.
In the battle of Clan Stewart it was Elgin Bob who came out on top , a 3 shot steal at the last giving him a come from behind 8-6 victory over Moray Firth Ladies’ Julie.
In Division 4 John Key put a cherry on top of his Gateway Club cake with a Nelsonian looking 11-1 win over Rod Christie.The Gateway gang were fast out of the blocks with an opening end 4 and despite a consolation fifth end single , it was clear that the Key was stronger than the Rod.
In the Moray Juniors showdown, Cameron Turnidge had the upper hand over Ruthie Harris and his 10-3 victory ensures promotion to Division 3 for the Turnidge rink next season.