Perthshire curler Mark Watt enjoyed a terrific week at the Scottish National Championships - finishing second.
Watt, from Auchterarder, navigated through to Saturday’s final with Team Craik alongside James Craik, Angus Bryce and Blair Haswell.
High on confidence following a great season - and a semi-final win over Team Whyte - the adventure at the Dumfries Ice Bowl eventually closed with a narrow 7-6 showdown defeat against Olympic silver medallists Team Mouat.
There was disappointment not to pull off a special victory but the performance was one Watt was proud of.
“We were feeling pretty good and confidence was high going into the Scottish Championships after winning the Winter World University Games out in Lake Placid,” Watt told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“And that only grew as the week went on but we always knew it was going to be another long, tough week.
“The whole team was very proud to put in that level of performance against Team Mouat in the final and it just shows that we can challenge at this level.
“Our goal was to get to the 10th level with the hammer so I guess you could say we were slightly disappointed.
“But we were still pretty excited to still have a chance to win the game.
“We were inches away from making Bruce play a really tough one with his last to win the game and it was like that the whole way through. One slack shot and you gave up a two.”
Bruce Mouat, skip of Team Mouat, was full of praise for Team Craik following his latest title-winning success.
“What a talented team” said Mouat.
“They had goals this season which they’ve already met with only half the season done.
“They played unbelievably this week and to make the final is very impressive in this field after they played a great semi-final to make it through.
“They should be very proud of themselves. I know they’ll be sore because I lost my first final as well, but I won the next four. Hopefully we can prevent James from doing that, but he’s going to be a strong force going forward.”
Proud Team Craik skip James Craik said: “We really made a good showing out there. It’s been our first men’s national championships as a team and we’re so proud of our performance.
“We competed like a top five team in the world out there and pushed Bruce to the absolute limit.”
Watt is next set to hit the competitive ice at the Scottish Curling Mixed Doubles Championship from February 21-26.
The familiar setting of the Dewars Centre in Perth will be playing host.
“We get a small break to recover then we’re off to Aberdeen for our last competition of the season,” Watt said.
