Virden, MB (CKLQ) – It was a match that included plenty of Brandon flavour.
A current Brandonite and a former Brandonite went head to head with their respective teams to see who would emerge as Manitoba’s representative in the 2019 Tim Horton’s Brier.
Former Brandonite William Lyburn made his first ever appearance in a men’s provincial championship up against Reid Carruthers rink from West St. Paul featuring Brandon born Mike McEwen (third) and Derek Samagalski (second) who currently calls Brandon his home.
After earning a 5-3 victory Carruther’s team will move on to the Brier.
"It felt like we really earned this one and I’m really happy with how the guys played," said Carruthers.
The back and forth round was filled with several nice shots.
"It was hard fought game especially after they got to three" Carruthers said.
Reflecting on the key to victory Carruthers said it happened in the eighth end.
"The deuce in eight was key and it was hard earned like Daly made some absolute beauties and made Mike and I to have to make a couple really good ones and Mike with the tap for two was a difficult shot but he threw it perfect and we swept it well," Carruthers said.
Looking ahead to the big event next month in Brandon, Carruthers says they’re good to go.
"We’re ready for it, I felt that we played well this week after we learned a lesson from Terry McNamee earlier in the week but now it’s time to carry the momentum into Brandon," Carruthers said.
This will be the third time Carruthers skips a team at the Brier.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or for a guy like Stoughton to go eleven times it feels the same, it’s awfully special and this was a super hard fought game," Carruthers said.
The Tim Horton’s Brier runs March 1st to 10th at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba.
For more details on the Brier click here.
Carruthers rink off to the 2019 Brier
By Frank McGwire
Feb 11, 2019 | 6:08 AM