Burnett’s high hopes for strong Scottish team after fine start

Apart from Darren Burnett, who is one of the six skips – and his Arbroath clubmate Andy Furye, who has been given a place on the reserve bench – there is no one from Angus or Fife in the Scottish team in the men’s international series, which got under way in Paisley yesterday.

There certainly has been a lot of hype about this team, which features such class players as Burnett, Paul Foster, Alex Marshall, plus the rest of the Commonwealth Games squad, Ronnie Duncan and Derek Oliver.

This year there have even been recalls for former stars like David Gourlay and Graeme Archer, who have spent a number of years in Australia.

Burnett was moved to say yesterday: “This is the strongest Scottish team that’s been put together for many years.”

Scotland started with a more than satisfactory 135-93 win over Ireland.

The Irish put up spirited resistance and were only 10 shots behind at the halfway stage.

However, the Scots surged to a comfortable victory with five winning rinks out of six.

Burnett said: “That was a great win because we had to work hard for it across the green. The whole team came on strong in the second half, and I think it’s fair to say everyone is happy and we are confident we can win the series.”

The Arbroath star was well supported by new British junior champion Jason Banks, Billy Mellors and Mike Stepney.

But, after opening up a 13-4 lead after 10 ends, his rink’s 23-15 win over an Irish rink skipped by Ian Mcclure owed much to a four on the 16th end and a five on the 19th.

Scotland play Wales today, before facing traditional rivals England tomorrow in what should be the title decider.

Darren Burnett says Scotland are confident they can win the international series.