Glasgow East v Stewartry - Mount Florida 29/05/10

Well this report will be a bit briefer than previous since I was called into action on Saturday due to a couple of players being stuck in the serious road accident near Hamilton. But apart from a few times when big scoreboard was way out this was less stressful than previous weeks.

Rink 1 this week was Stevie Richardson and after their near miss the previous week, Reech got a great result which was down to a real rink performance right through. Mickey T at lead has had his best Hamilton Trophy for years and set up play for Scott and Reech to build their heads. Again the team spirit from this 4 was excellent good win.

Rink 2 Keith just came in as players were going out for trial end and the manager was delighted to see him arrive. Keith was also going to have the additional burden of being saddled with yours truly and assistant John McGarry. Not for me to comment on how we played but the scoreline don’t lie. Special mention to second Tom Rogers who came into his own especially when lead got caught up in trying to keep momentum going in other rinks. Keith settled in after a fairly slow start and led rink to a fine victory.

Rink 3 raised a few eyebrows in selection terms but the experience of Big Conc at lead and last years strong back end of Marty and Matteo paid off big style. Hoopy knows he can play better and he will but he did contribute at a crucial time in game. Young back end again proved their worth and taking advice from the experienced Conc meant they ground out a good result.

Rink 4 was the only losing rink and I’m sure they will all have been gutted by this, however they will come back and I hope there were some lessons learned. Having said that Colin Simpson and Charters at the back end played really well according to my assistants who paid close attention to this game. With some slight tinkering and advice given I’m certain Flash will be smiling soon. All credit to him though he never stopped encouraging every other rink and whooping big bowls, great team spirit was echoed when he himself was trying to get back into game and others were voicing their support towards him.

Rink 5 Sharkey after last weeks defeat had a new look front end and I’m sure the Hammer and Eric will say that made all the difference but again a good solid rink performance. With Natch giving Sharkey the confidence to play shots and setting up opportunities for him. From limited observation there can be no doubt that the front end did play well so keep it going lads.

Rink 6 If you can use the term evergreen when describing a Brown then this surely fits, this very strong Kirkcudbright rink produced just exactly what was expected a clear and decisive win. The team spirit which is being developed really shows its essence in this rink, Brian McClune who undoubtedly could skip in any of our rinks is happy to sub to George and help in the development of Stevie J and young Robert. Great performance lads, keep it up.

Finally I have mentioned spirit more than once and I have to say what we may lack in ability is more than being made up for in spirit. John McGarry wearing borrowed shoes and waterproof trousers and playing with Concs other 2 bowls was an example to all, cheers big man. Also big mention to Stewart McClymont who has declared himself unavailable to allow Alan to play next week, great gesture Stewart and it is really appreciated. As I have said numerous times Saturday is a huge game lets get focussed lads and get another win. Team will be put up on Wednesday once I have considered all options.