(by Fred Rinne). It was a clear case of the rich getting richer at the Tim Hortons Brier on Wednesday afternoon. Ontario’s Glenn Howard went top-of-the-table with an 8-1 record, turning a close contest against P.E.I. into a runaway 10-5 win.
The loss dropped the Islanders to 2-6.
The parting of the field seems to have the two pre-event favourites set to collide in the final draw Thursday for first place when Howard takes on Alberta.
Mike Gaudet watches the house while Glenn Howard and Wayne Middaugh look on at the 2012 Tim Hortons Brier. (Photo: CCA/Michael Burns Photography)
Howard maintains there’s work to be done yet.
“We’re not looking ahead, we’re focused on our game with Nova Scotia,” he said.
“But we’re happy with the way we’re playing right now.”
Manitoba’s Rob Fowler kept his crew alive and well and in control of its destiny with a tidy 10-5 win over Jamie Koe’s Polars.
It was a big win for Fowler in two ways. At 5-3, the Keystoners assure themselves they need no help but their own to play on the weekend.
In addition, pulling the red-hot, turned ice-cold Territorial crew back to the pack (5-4) also helps their chances.
“We’re definitely happy with the way we played,” said Fowler. “It was an important win for us and gives us momentum heading into tonight’s game.” Manitoba takes on Alberta’s Kevin Koe in that marquee match-up.
P.E.I. is playing BC (4-4) in another late draw game.