Curlers scale new heights

May 28 2008

TWO teams from South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club have returned from their first ever foreign tournament.

The matches took place in Biella, near Turin and the Alps, between 10 Italian and Swiss teams and the Scots curlers.

“There may be no ice available in Scotland at this time of the year, said SLWCC secretary David Morgan, “but we found, via the internet, this tournament was taking place and got ourselves an invitation.

“Including us, half the teams were in wheelchairs and half were able-bodied curlers.

“All of the teams were highly experienced, including Italy’s Paralympic squad, but we gave a good account of ourselves.”

Bill Masterton and club captain Jim Sellar skipped the two South Lanarkshire teams.

Masterton’s team came fifth, one place ahead of the Sellars’ foursome.

Club treasurer Bill Masterton said that the ice in the 18-month-old Matterhorn rink was good, “but not as good for curling as Hamilton. The conversion of an old textile mill to an ice rink was an ideal use of a redundant building.

“Sadly, the Italian knitwear industry has suffered like Scotland’s, with production moving to China. At least we curlers have something to be grateful for!”

The teams and helpers, including RCCC Lanarkshire development officer Jim Morrison, had a day to spare after the tournament and set off for The Matterhorn, the most dramatic of all the Alps.

The adventurous group decided that wheelchairs and ski lifts don’t mix too well, and concentrated on the après ski!

In mid September, the SLWCC will  recommence on a Monday lunchtime at Hamilton Ice rink.