Carrick Hills - Aye Right! 10 December

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Gus, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Gus is presented with his trophy by immediate past champion Davie

 The weather was so severe that there was no dissent to abandoning the walk to the Carrick Hills and instead retreating to the Robert Burns Centre for coffee and scones (the Clootie Scones are highly recommended) whilst we considered the options. After a good hour, Rex suggested a visit to the Maclaurin Gallery at Rozelle Park where an exhibition was on. When we arrived there was a break in the weather so we took the opportunity to don walking gear and walk round the park. No sooner had we got under the cover of the trees than the skies darkened again and it rained and hailed. Fortunately the trees sheltered us from the worst of it, but we decided one circuit of the route was enough, so, after about thirty minutes, we adjourned to the gallery with the cobwebs well and truly blown away. The exhibition was not to everyone’s taste but at least it did generate some discussion.

Back at Rex’s house we were treated to his usual high standard of hospitality and it was decided to have the first round of the pool competition whilst the pies were heating up. This round saw the two former champions being eliminated and Paul and Rex both being knocked out, after only a short period, by sinking the black. After the pies, delicious as usual, Gus beat Malcolm in one semi whilst Alan beat Robert in the other, and Robert, on this occasion, did not beat himself.

The two dark horses contested a skilful final with Gus narrowly winning out and claiming the coveted title. Our ‘Killie Drillie’ claimed that pool was not part of the P.E. curriculum, at least the official one, but if that was the case we all know now how he spent his non-contact time!

Seriously, well done to Gus and also to Alan who also played some great pool. Methinks that there are those amongst us who are beginning to take this annual event seriously.

As we relaxed we were able to witness the weather doing its worst with rain, sleet and hail all accompanying the ever-present gale force winds and frequent bursts of thunder and lightning.

This was a cracking day where the social side of the Ooters’ fellowship won out yet again. Thanks again to Rex for hosting the tournament superbly.