The third Stirling Wheelchair International Invitational was held at the Peak, Stirling, from October 17th – 20th, with the very best of the world’s wheelchair curlers gathered to face each other. Eight teams representing the official Curling Associations of their respective countries took part. Norway, current world champions and three times holder of the trophy, would have to fight off the world silver and bronze medalists, as well as two other world top ten ranked teams and three just outside the top ten.
There was a tremendous show of curling skill on show, played on great ice, resulting in an exciting week of sport. It went right to the last game on Friday, when Russia, world silver medalists, overcame a plucky Scottish outfit, world bronze medalists, to emerge victorious at 5 shots to 4 after the very last stone. It was that close. Team Switzerland slotted into third place.
Norway, the defending champs, could only make sixth spot; after a sticky start.
Pictured, the Russian winning team. From left to right as viewed: Andrey Smirnov, Konstantin Kierokhtin, Alexander Shevchenko, Marat Romanov, Daria Shchukino.
On the back row: Anton Batugin (coach), Andy Hemming (SWCII), Christine Simpson (Provost), Sandy Lees (AGL sponsor) and Judy Mackenzie (SWCII).
(Courtesy of Royal Caledonian Curling Cub)