Scotland Defeats Canada in Junior Opener

Faced with what is traditionally the toughest test in the sport, Scotland's men (photo: Stephen Fisher, WCF) made a superb start to their World Junior Curling Championships bid when they defeated Canada 7-2 in Fussen, Germany. The quartet of teenagers – Orrin Carson (17), Charlie Gibb (15), Angus Hyslop (15) and Logan Carson (15) – were not only up against the nation that has medalled in 40 of the previous 47 men's events at the World Juniors, 21 of those gold, but much more experienced opponents skipped by 21-year-old Landan Rooney. However, they looked completely unfazed by the scale of the challenge as they won the pre-match draw shot challenge to secure the hammer at the opening end, which they blanked before registering a two at the second, then forcing their opponents at the third end. From that point they maintained the upper hand throughout, never allowing their opponents to draw level and driving their advantage home with a steal of two at the eighth end and another steal at the ninth which drew the concession. "With this being our first World Juniors, playing Canada in the first game made it an even more special occasion, so to come through with the win means a lot and we can't wait for the next match," said skip Orrin Carson. "We made a really good start, played a really good first half of the game and it could have been an even bigger lead at the midway break. "From end four onwards we really felt in control. They were always chasing and we could have had the game done earlier, but we'll take that and move on to the next one. "We stole a two at the eighth end. It could have been more and we probably could have killed the game at that end, but we managed to see it out at the ninth." They now face a different test on the second day of competition with a two-match day and Carson acknowledged that they will be asked further questions by that. "We know that a two-game day will be a lot more challenging," he said. "We've played the Italians before and know what they're about, but Turkiye will be a new challenge which we look forward to."