Vernon’s Jim Cotter Is a win away from advancing to the Page playoffs at the Canadian Direct Insurance B.C. Men’s Curling Championships in Nelson.
Cotter takes on Michael Johnson of New Westminster Thursday night in the A event final, the winner advancing to Saturday’s A vs B event Page playoff game.
Cotter, seeking a third straight provincial crown and fifth title in six years, opened the 16-rink field Wednesday with a 6-3 win over Will House of Richmond. The Vernon rink, which also includes Ryan Kuhn at third, Tyrel Griffith at second and lead Rick Sawatsky, brushed back Chase Martyn of New Westminster 9-2, putting the match away with a steal of four in the eighth end.
Cotter advanced to the A final Thursday morning with a 7-4 decision over Victoria’s Glen Jackson.
Vernon’s Mark Longworth needed a win over House Thursday afternoon to avoid elimination.
Longworth, backed by his son, Michael, Blaine Black and John Slattery, lost his opening match Wednesday, 4-2, to Tom Buchy of Kimberley, then watched Jeff Richard of Kelowna steal two in the 10th Wednesday night for an 11-10 victory.
Vernon’s Jamie Sexton was facing elimination Thursday. Sexton is throwing third rocks for Vancouver’s Stephen Schneider, who started 0-2.