1959 Scotch Cup

The 1959 Scotch Cup was the first World Curling Championship. It was a 5-game series between Canada and Scotland. Game 1 was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, games 2 and 3 in Perth and games 4 and 5 in Falkirk.

The event was a contrast in curling styles, with the Canadians favouring a hitting game and the Scots favouring the draw game. The Scots were also not used to the rubber hack and the Canadian rules allowing a delivery to the length of the near hogline. Scottish rules at that point dictated the rock to be released by the front of the near house. The Canadian rules favoured the Canadian team, which allowed them a more accurate delivery, which benefited them in the hitting game. Canada would win all five matches in their tour of Scotland.

Teams

Standings

Results

Draw 1

A "slim" crowd was on hand for the opening game, held on March 9 in Edinburgh. The event was poorly promoted, and the game was not the only match on the ice. In fact, figure skaters were practicing on a rink behind them.

The ice was keen, but the Richardsons were disappointed with the loose hacks. The Canadians were ahead 4-0 after a takeout miss in the 3rd end by the Scottish skip. They remained in the driver seat for the remainder of the game, and a three-ender in the 11th made victory all but certain.

Draw 2

Game 2 was held on the afternoon of March 10 in Perth. The game would be more of a "draw game", which was more comfortable for the Scottish curlers. However, the Canadians won the match, despite not playing their more comfortable hit game. Canada was trailing 8-7 going into the 11th end, but stole a four-ender to secure the victory. The teams played in front of 193 spectators, but they were not the only teams playing "as four or five other sheets were also in use." Up by three in the 12th end, Richardson had his lead throw his first rock through the rings, a common strategy move in today's game which was unheard of in Scotland at the time.

Draw 3

Game 3 was also played in Perth, on the evening of March 10. The game was a close affair, and was played in front of 300 spectators, the largest crowd up to that point. The game was tied after 10 when Ernie Richardson made two mistakes. However, Canada replied in 11 when they scored two of their own. Scotland could only muster one point in the final end, losing the match, and clinching the series for Canada.

Draw 4

Game 4 was played on March 11 in Falkirk. Canada played the draw game early on, as per an experiment to please the Scottish skip. This frustrated Richardson, who was used to a hitting game. However, he was duly rewarded with four points in the second end and five in the fourth. The Richardsons then reverted to a takeout game, and the Scots scored singles in five of the next six ends, to come with one point of the Canadians after ten. Richardson then scored one in eleven to be up two in the last end. The Canadians played a good end, and the Scots made key misses leaving Willie Young a draw against four on his last to make it a one point loss, but came up short, giving up four.

Only a few fans watched the match, which was on at the same time as a women's bonspiel.

Draw 5

The final game was also played in Falkirk on March 11. The game was shortened to ten ends. Young decided to play the hitting game, but it was not his style, as Canada soon amassed a five point lead after four ends.

References

• Regina Leader-Post, March 9, 1959, pg. 1
• Regina Leader-Post, March 10, 1959, pg. 1
• Regina Leader-Post, March 11, 1959, pg. 1
• Regina Leader-Post, March 12, 1959, pg. 1

• "Scotch Cup 1959". World Curling Federation. http://results.worldcurling.org/Championship.aspx?id=5. Retrieved 2010-04-02.