Report by Iain Scott

On a sunny Sunday, Penicuik met Merchiston for the annual Merchiston Team Points. 
Inadvertently, Penicuik tried to take an early un-fair advantage by fielding 9 players(!) – i am sure there will be a debriefing with the Curling Sub-Committee to understand why 😉  With play underway (with the correct number of players!) Penicuik started strongly in Striking & Inwicking, edging the opening skirmishes to set the tone, 37-25.
Merchiston hit back impressively in Drawing, taking that skill by 20–11, but across the card Penicuik proved the more consistent side.As holders Penicuik continued to show dominance in Guarding, Chap n’ Lie, & Raising, whilst both team produced confident scores in Chipping the Winner.
Merchiston fought back registering narrow wins in Inwicking and Wick & Curl In, but were unable to close the overall gap.With points accumulated across all ten disciplines, Penicuik’s greater depth told in the final totals, their 139 points comfortably seeing off Merchiston’s 111.
The result means Penicuik retain the Team Points trophy, rounding off an entertaining and competitive inter‑club fixture played in excellent spirit.
After play the teams retired to the bar area, where drinks were shared and the afternoon’s play was warmly discussed in the best traditions of inter‑club curling.
In the presentation, Iain Scott gladly accepted the trophy on behalf of Penicuik, from Merchiston’s Mike Harrington, bringing an enjoyable fixture to a very sociable close.