National Champions Team Morrison will go into this week’s International Bernese Ladies Open without regular lead Sophie Jackson, but still seeking to draw on a fine performance against Switzerland last weekend when they reached the final of the Elite Challenge event in St Gallen.
The European Championship bronze medallists put in an impressive performance across the weekend, out-performing Denmark’s European champions Team Dupont before losing 8-5 to Switzerland’s Team Schwaller in the title decider and skip Rebecca Morrison believes that run will stand the Scots in good stead against a strong field in Berne. 
“We’re delighted that we got to the final of our last competition, albeit just a bit disappointed not to finish it off in the end, but overall it was a good performance,” she said.
“It’s a really strong field here in Berne, so it will be tough getting to the quarter-final stages, but obviously we fancy our chances.
“We love this event. I think it’s the 54th year it’s been running and we’ve been here quite a few times over the years and it’s always one of our favourites for sure.”
Also in the line-up in Berne will be compatriots Team Farmer, whom they defeated 4-3 in a hard fought quarter-final in St Gallen, a win that Morrison hopes can give them a slight psychological edge ahead of next month’s Scottish Championships.
“It’s always difficult playing other Scottish teams when you’re at competitions because it always feels like there’s a little more on the line, so it was great to get that win over Team Farmer in the quarter-final, which also gives us a little bit of confidence going into the Scottish Championships,” she said.
Their prospects have been affected this week by the illness suffered by Jackson that has ruled her out, but Morrison believes there are still significant benefits to be gained from taking to the ice along with vice skip Gina Aitken and second Sophie Sinclair. 
“I feel like game time is the best way to prepare for the upcoming Scottish Championships, so it’s really great that we’ve got this opportunity to compete together again,” she said.
The International Bernese Ladies Cup takes place from January 26-29 January).
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Images: WCF/Celine Stucki