Mouat’s men are European ice kings for the third time
Edinburgh curler Bruce Mouat and his Scotland team claimed their third continental title following a dramatic conclusion to yesterday’s men’s final at the European Championships in Ostersund, Sweden.
Having controlled most of the game, skip Mouat and his colleagues, Hammy Mcmillan, Bobby Lammie and Grant Hardie played a slack ninth end to enable Yannick Schwaller’s Swiss rink to steal their way to a 4-3 lead with one end remaining. Crucially, the defending champions had the advantage of delivering the final stone at the 10th, and Mouat calmly counted a two to win 5-4. “To play two shots like that at the 10th end was pretty special,” said Mouat.
“It was a calm panic, but you play a lot of games with situations like that and you get used to it.
“It was probably not our best European performance, but to win it again feels amazing.”
It was the Scots’ third European crown after also striking gold last year and in 2018. They have now won 23 of their last 24 European ties. Switzerland also lost yesterday’s ladies final after Denmark produced a stunning extra end to win 8-4, while Italy’s men beat hosts Sweden 10-7 in Friday night’s bronze medal play-off. Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s Rebecca Morrison skippered Scotland to European bronze in her rink’s first senior major championships, with Gina Aitken, Sophie Sinclair and Sophie Jackson rounding out the side.
“We’re going to enjoy a wee celebration tonight and celebrate with the girls on their amazing bronze medal,” added Mouat.
“We’re incredibly proud of what they did this week and it’s been another good week for Scotland.”