9 March 2022
Melrose injured in defeat to Canada
David Melrose was stretchered from the Ice Cube following a freak accident when he fell from his chair while reaching for a delivery stick in the defeat against Canada.
David was conscious but in pain as he left the venue and further medical checks were being made at the hospital. He was accompanied by the British Curling team physio and nurse and ParalympicsGB chief medical officer travelled there to support.
Skip Hugh Nibloe said: “It did effect us we are a close-knit bunch and it’s never easy to see anyone you care about taken away on a stretcher. The most important thing is that he is ok
“Outwardly I felt ok, but subconsciously there was few times I know my mind slips thinking ‘I hope he is ok’.
David being well is the best thing, I would rather come off the ice hearing he is well with a loss than the other way round, and it means I can still have a smile on my face now.
The accident saw Gary Smith take to the ice following his Paralympic debut the night before with the match delicately poised at 2-2 at the halfway stage.
Both teams had similar records going into the crucial round robin, having both lost three matches, although Canada had one more victory.
Hugh Nibloe was back in the team as Skip as ParalympicsGB began the match scoring one in the first end and a steal in the second to lead 2-0. It was a cagey affair with Canada then scoring one in the next end.
Gregor Ewan then produced a wonderful draw shot under pressure to prevent Canada scoring heavily in the fourth end to leave the match tied 2-2 at the halfway stage.
Final score: Canada 6 - 3 GB
Following the enforced break while David received treatment, the match continued to be keenly contested with the British team claiming a single in the fifth end and Canada scoring two in the sixth end to take the narrowest of leads.
Canada then scored two in the seventh to take a 6-3 lead going into the final end with the match eventually conceded by Skip Hugh Nibloe.
Defeat leave ParalympicsGB’s Wheelchair Curlers needing to win their remaining matches to keep qualification for the semi-finals in their own hands.
Nibloe said: “Its easy now we have got to go out and win our last three games - no ifs, no buts we want to put on a performance for David and give him something to smile about.”
“Its key for us to keep it in our hands and make sure we win our three games so we can put our feet up and look forward to a game on Friday.”
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