Update: Curling is postponed on the Idaburn Dam due to not having a hard enough surface.

Murray McKnight, one of the Ice masters at Idaburn Dam, said, "Today, we had a good crew check, but due to numerous air bubbles in the ice, we determined it was too soft. Although we considered relocating to Naseby, the ice conditions there were also unsuitable. Therefore, we have decided to postpone the event at this point. Given the improved temperatures in the Ida Valley, cancellation seems likely."

The Central App will keep you updated.

Last weeks news story:

Curlers have their stones at the ready, hopeful of getting on the Idaburn Dam for The Brown Shield on Monday.

Ken Gillespie, one of the Ice masters, has diligently monitored the ice to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards for outdoor play.

“We really want to have 100mm and we’ve got about 80mm [of ice].”

Earlier this week it was thought the dam, located near Oturehua, might have met those requirements to allow the tournament to be played on Saturday, but the call has been made to hold off until Monday, he said.

“The ice is absolutely beautiful. We are just bordering on not quite enough for [Saturday].”

There have been regular overnight low temperatures in the area over the past week of -7C, while yesterday morning it was -6C, Ken said.

If the tournament gets the go-ahead on Monday, it will start at 9am and teams will play 21 ends across 17 rinks before stopping for lunch.

A further 21 ends will be played in the afternoon.

Each club registered will have two rinks to play on and must bring their own stones and brooms.

The Brown Shield, which is a one-day match for Idaburn Curling Council Clubs only, was last played in 2010.