TWO Inverclyde teams were the only representatives from the west of Scotland to contest the third and final round of the Asham Under-14 Slam 2013-14 competition in Lockerbie.

All of the eight players are members of the Waterfront Junior Curling Club, a finalist for the second year in succession in the Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year contest.

When the venue for this final round was announced, there was great excitement in the air. All of the players knew that Lockerbie Ice Rink was a curling icon given the number of great players who had started their careers there, not least of whom is David Murdoch, former world champion, current Olympic silver medalist and skip of Team GB’s men’s rink in Sochi, Russia.

Because of the early start, the juniors’ parents again decided to travel down the day before to ensure their hopefuls were refreshed for the activity ahead.

Stepping into Lockerbie Ice Rink for the first time, there was a palpable sense of stepping into history and walking in the footsteps of so many who have graced this temple to the great sport over the years. Because of the tragic and untimely passing of Matt Murdoch, father of David, just a few days before, there was a natural and understandable sombre note to most of the day’s activities.

The two teams, skipped as before by Stuart Anderson and Susan Smith, were in confident mood. Stuart’s team of himself, Tim Hof, Fraser McDonald and Annabelle Hof, were in Section A and Susan’s team, comprised of herself, Zoe Crighton, Hayleigh McDonald and Corey Stables, featured in Section B. Playing in three four-end games, both teams played remarkably well considering the quality and experience of the other competitors from all over the country.

Though both teams recorded wins and ties, they didn’t make it through to the finals this time.

Instead and in the company of a potential group of 64 players, they had a go at the parallel competition of the Curling Challenge. Being the fun part of the day, the organisers really produced an activity to cause much hilarity amongst the players and spectators alike. Inverclyde teams in general, and the Hof family in particular, seem to always do well in this event, with Tim Hof winning at Braehead and Aberdeen, so much was expected of him here. Sure enough, the Hof family triumphed again but not Tim. It was his little sister Annabelle who was destined to uphold the family name. To claim her prize, she had to execute a perfect 360 degrees pirouette from the hack and deliver a meaningful stone into the far house. Hers was the best of the day — the hilarity being caused by some of the other efforts.

So another Asham Under-14 Slam came to an end and in a very fitting location. The Inverclyde teams with youth on their side still have another year to contest this prestigious competition and can’t wait for the start of next season and Asham Under-14 Slam 2014-15.