Brydone positive after falling at the final hurdle

Curlers from Perth and Kinross picked up vital competitive experience at British Curling’s December Superspiel.

And there was another final appearance for Fair City pair Robin Brydone and Duncan McFadzean as part of Team Whyte.

While defeated 7-3 in the showdown match by Team Mouat at the National Curling Academy in Stirling, it proved another beneficial week on the ice.

“Three of us in the team played the mixed doubles event as well, which makes it a very long week,”Brydone told the PA.

“But it was enjoyable and we picked up a lot to take away from it. It was good to get a big week in before a two-week break. Team Mouat are always tough to play against.

“We got a win against them in the round robin which was great.

“When we have had our full team playing we are two wins and two losses against them. Unfortunately those two losses are in finals.

“There is very little margin for error against these guys. They make you pay for any mistakes.”

A number of local curlers were in action at the event, which involved athletes previously selected as part of the British Curling programme.

Also included are Auchterarder’s Mark Watt, Blair Atholl’s Eve Muirhead

(right), Kinross skip Beth Farmer, Mili Smith of Guildtown and Perth Academy student Holly Wilkie-Milne.

The competition calendar remains hazy moving forward due to the coronavirus. But Brydone added:“There are another two competitions to be held at the National Curling Academy.

“Both will be 10 ends, with the second being like a proper championship in replacement for the Scottish which has been cancelled.

“We are just outside the spots for the grand slams which will be held in April in Calgary.

“We are waiting to see if we will get a spot in them. We are hoping for some normality soon, which doesn’t look likely.”