1959 Scotch Cup

1959 Scotch Cup
Host city	Falkirk, Perth and Edinburgh, Scotland
Dates	March 9–11
Winner	Canada
Curling club	Civil Service CC Regina, Saskatchewan
Skip	Ernie Richardson
Third	Arnold Richardson
Second	Garnet Richardson
Lead	Wes Richardson
Finalist	Scotland
1960 »

The 1959 Scotch Cup was the first World Curling Championship. It was a 5-game series between Canada and Scotland. Game 1 was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, games 2 and 3 in Perth and games 4 and 5 in Falkirk.

The event was a contrast in curling styles, with the Canadians favouring a hitting game and the Scots favouring the draw game. The Scots were also not used to the rubber hack and the Canadian rules allowing a delivery to the length of the near hogline. Scottish rules at that point dictated the rock to be released by the front of the near house. The Canadian rules favoured the Canadian team, which allowed them a more accurate delivery, which benefited them in the hitting game. Canada would win all five matches in their tour of Scotland.

Skip: Willie Young
Third: John Pearson
Second: Jimmy Scott
Lead: Bobby Young

Skip: Ernie Richardson
Third: Arnold Richardson
Second: Garnet Richardson
Lead: Wes Richardson

A "slim" crowd was on hand for the opening game, held on March 9 in Edinburgh. The event was poorly promoted, and the game was not the only match on the ice. In fact, figure skaters were practicing on a rink behind them.

The ice was keen, but the Richardsons were disappointed with the loose hacks. The Canadians were ahead 4–0 after a takeout miss in the 3rd end by the Scottish skip. They remained in the driver seat for the remainder of the game, and a three-ender in the 11th made victory all but certain.

Game 2 was held on the afternoon of March 10 in Perth. The game would be more of a "draw game", which was more comfortable for the Scottish curlers. However, the Canadians won the match, despite not playing their more comfortable hit game. Canada was trailing 8–7 going into the 11th end, but stole a four-ender to secure the victory. The teams played in front of 193 spectators, but they were not the only teams playing "as four or five other sheets were also in use." Up by three in the 12th end, Richardson had his lead throw his first rock through the rings, a common strategy move in today's game which was unheard of in Scotland at the time.

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