The final games in the Wm. Howie Cup take place on Sunday 24^th March at 17:30. Although the relegation places have already been decided, the top of the table sees the closest finish for some years. With three rinks challenging for the title, five rinks are still battling for the three promotions slots. Only one of Sunday’s five games has no impact on the top of the table standings.

As it Stands

Hugh Reid – 14 Points +37 Shots

Losing the first game against James Whiteford was a real game changer for Hugh’s rink. After two pickups at crucial times for Hugh, third Colin Reid was persuaded to give up his beloved bristle brush going forward. The only other dropped points were to second placed Craig Reid in game five when lead Colin Adam was on holiday.

With a healthy shots advantage over Craig Reid, Hugh must simply match Craig’s result to complete a personal league double. With second, Wallace Gilbert, deciding that travelling to San Marino with the Tartan Army is more important, this could be a big factor. Who will reserve coordinator Gavin, Hugh’s opponent on Sunday, line up as a reserve?

Craig Reid – 14 Points +23 Shots

As with Hugh, Craig lost the first game against David Mundell before winning six on the trot. Losing to Peter Barrett on match day 10 when playing with two reserves was Craig’s only other loss.

Playing bottom of the league Rabbie Wilson, Craig needs to better Hugh’s result or win by a huge margin to win the league. A win secures second place.

David Reid – 12 Points +26 Shots

David started with a win against Tom Reid and then embarrassed Rabbie Wilson with a huge win in game two. Three defeats against the other top four rinks followed, leaving David firmly in mid table at the half way mark. Winning the last four games has brought David within touching distance of winning the league, but needs other results to go his way.

With a 10 shot advantage over fourth placed Gavin, a win against Peter Barrett will secure promotion.

Gavin Reid – 12 Points +16 Shots

After winning the first two games, a late Tuesday session saw Gavin’s engine fail to turn up and, playing with two reserves, fell heavily to Dougie Reid’s early pace setters. A string of four wins came to an end on match day 10 with a loss to David Mundell. The results on that night really opened up the league to five rinks. A further loss to Craig Reid last week has all but put paid to Gavin’s chances of securing promotion.

To secure promotion, Gavin needs to beat table topper Hugh and hope that David Reid loses.

David Mundell – 12 Points +9 Shots

After an early win against Craig Reid in game one, David suffered a shock, losing game two to President Jim Kirkwood. Three wins against the middle of the pack came to an end against Hugh Reid in game six. Following a narrow win over Rabbie Wilson, the win over Gavin Reid on match day 10 opened up the top of the table. The loss to David Reid ended David’s chance of winning the league and possibly promotion too.

To secure promotion, David must beat relegated Tom Reid on Sunday and hope that both Gavin Reid and David Reid lose their games.

Douglas Reid – 10 Points +5 Shots

Dougie’s rink were the early pace setters with four straight wins, before losing their next three games to sit firmly in the middle of the pack.

To maintain his sixth place, Dougie will be looking to avoid a big defeat against hog-line bandits, James Whiteford and his third, Alan Mitchell.

Peter Barrett – 8 Points -8 Shots

With wins over the bottom three and a much needed win over Craig Reid on match day 10, Peter’s rink sits comfortable in seventh place.

With only a 3 shot advantage over James Whiteford, Peter will be looking to better Jimuk’s result to retain seventh place.

James Whiteford – 8 Points -11 Shots

The hog-line bandits started with a win over league leader Hugh Reid, courtesy of a pickups for Hugh on some key shots. Wins over Jim Kirkwood, Rabbie Wilson and Peter Barrett ensured safety from relegation.

In his final game against Dougie Reid, Jimuk will be looking to better Peter’s result by more than 3 shots to move up to seventh. A 9 shot win over Dougie could move them up to sixth.

Jim Kirkwood – 6 Points -18 Shots

Sitting watching from the bar on the final night will be President Jim and his Vice President John Craig. Having played all their games, they are already relegated and will finish ninth regardless of results on the night.

Tom Reid – 4 Points -34 Shots

The loss to Jim Kirkwood last Sunday sealed Tom’s rinks fate and finishing position of tenth. Tom could still have a say in the promotion battle by beating David Mundell on Sunday or even keeping the score tight.

Robert Wilson – 0 Points -45 Shots

Despite some significant losses, Rabbie has had some really close games this league, but has just failed to get across the finish line and score the points.

Resigned to finishing last, Rabbie could have a hard job getting the granny off against title chasing Craig Reid on Sunday. Should Rabbie manage the win, it could open the door for David Reid and Gavin Reid to push Craig out of the promotion places.