[ritchiebaby]

Scotland suffered their first defeat this morning, losing 6-7 to RCF in the last end. Only one real mistake, but it was a vital one with Jennifer Dodds' last stone draw running slightly too far to allow RCF the 2 shots they required for the win. In the afternoon, the Scots got off to a flying start in their game against previously unbeaten Czech Republic, scoring 4 shots in the 2nd end and eventually winning 7-5 by controlling the game all the way through.

After 5 games played in Group A, Scotland still lie equal 1st with Canada and Italy on 4 wins. Czech Republic and Germany have 3 wins, followed by Hungary, Korea and RCF on 2 wins. Theoretically Australia should be out of it on 1 win, but as that victory handed Canada their only defeat, anything is still possible. Spain have yet to gain a victory.

England never really got going against Finland and lost 3-7. It was deja vu in their game against Sweden, this time by 2 shots to 9. After a tight start to the game the English duo lost 4 shots in the 5th end and then 2 shots in the 6th end, prompting the concession.

Sweden lead Group B with 5 wins, then comes Norway on 4 wins. Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and United States all have 3 wins, leaving China, England, Estonia and Finland propping up the table on 1 win each. Unfortunately the schedule sees England having 2 tough games tomorrow, with the possibility of the final 2 games on Friday being fairly meaningless.