Stewart McConnell (Alpine Club) sends up the spray as he
throws a stone during the Idaburn Trophy match on the
watery Naseby outdoor rink yesterday. Later, play was
shifted to the indoor rink (in background) because of the
melting ice. Photo by Lynda Van Kempen.
"Bring in the jet-boats" was the cry as curlers from the
Naseby and Idaburn Curling Councils skimmed stones through
rinks awash with water at Naseby yesterday.
Warm winds overnight meant the venue for the Idaburn Trophy
game - the outdoor rink - began thawing rapidly and the ice
was covered in up to 4cm of water in places.
More than 30 curlers from Mid Canterbury south took part in
the match, which was a "North versus South" game involving
teams made up of selected players from clubs within the
Idaburn and Naseby Curling Councils.
The morning games were completed outdoors but play was
shifted to the indoor rink for the afternoon rounds.
However, the competitors were unperturbed by the conditions.
"It's less than perfect, but there's no such thing as a bad
day's curling," Naseby council president Sam Inder, of
Dunedin, explained.
"Conditions may be a little trying but it's a good test of
your curling skills."
Idaburn won the trophy, scoring five wins and 130 points to
Naseby's three wins and 109 points.
The Naseby council was hosting the event, which is usually
held on natural ice.
Warm weather in the past week meant the Idaburn Dam ice had
melted too much to be safe as a venue for curling.
The mild weather also appears to have dashed hopes for a
national bonspiel on the dam.
Idaburn won the trophy, scoring five wins and 130 points to
Naseby's three wins and 109 points.
The cup was presented last night during a traditional "beef
and greens" dinner at Oturehua, attended by about 100
curlers.
The dinner was followed by a curlers' court.
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