Audlem Curlers Prize-winners again

Audlem curlers Lesley and Martin Gregory earned a podium place by finishing third in the 39th Welsh International Bonspiel near Preston last weekend.

They finished their campaign with a 6-3 win over the Welsh team skipped by Garry Coombs, although the final score line belied the closeness of the game.

They are pictured here receiving their trophy from Welsh Curling Association President, Adrian Meikle (left). The team were (left to right) Andrew Woolston (skip), Lesley Gregory (3rd), Martin Gregory (2nd), and Kirsty Balfour (lead).

There was further Audlem involvement with Di Hannah playing in the team skipped by Grant Farquharson who also made the cut for the final stage of the competition. But their good form at the start of their final game couldn't be sustained so they had to be content with 6th place overall. However, this was still in the top half of the standings and merited a place at the prize-giving.

Overall winners of the event were Guy Topping's local Preston team which included 'special guest' former Scottish Champion Gail Munro from Stranraer.

Another special guest at the weekend was 2002 Olympic champion skip, Rhona Howie MBE (perhaps better known under her former name of Rhona Martin). She thrilled the crowds between games by recreating her famous final shot (often referred to as the 'stone of destiny'!) to secure the title in Salt Lake City.

For the first time the Welsh Bonspiel was held at the spectacular ice rink in the brand new 'Flower Bowl' entertainment complex at Barton Grange garden centre just to the north of Preston. The new facility offers the chance to 'have a go' at the fascinating game of curling, as well as 10 pin bowling, crazy golf, a golf simulator, 3 cinemas, 3 restaurants and a bar! All under one grass covered roof, and only an hour and a half from Audlem.

Audlem's curlers hope to return next year and maybe get closer to the top honours again – they are all former winners!

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