Matt Dunstone, B.J. Neufeld, Colton Lott and Ryan Harnden are 2023 Viterra Provincial Men’s curling champions.

The Fort Rouge foursome scored three in the 10th end and defeated Reid Carruthers, Derek Samagalski and Connor Njgevan of the Morris Curling Club 8-7 in Sunday's final at the Yellowhead Centre in Neepawa.

"It's pretty darn special," said Dunstone just before the start of the closing ceremonies. "It's what you dream of. I took a little five-year hiatus just going a little west of here and to come back and do it in year one, it feels incredible. We've worked so hard throughout this entire year. We've had a great year so far to this point. To do this, it's exactly what we needed, to head into the Brier on a high-note and feeling very confident.'

"Reid threw everything he had at us," added the two-time Canadian junior champion. "I don't know if he missed much today. They played amazing. I was not sharp on a couple. Had a couple of missed opportunities especially late in the game but luckily enough we put together a very strong 10th end. The guys gave me a shot to sit three and after that it was looking pretty good."

It’s the first Manitoba men’s title for Dunstone, Lott and Harnden.

Harnden represented Northern Ontario at the Brier 13 times, 12 of those with Brad Jacobs while Dunstone represented Saskatchewan at the Brier four times.

Neufeld won the Manitoba championship twice with Mike McEwen.

"That's a tough one," said Carruthers when asked about Sunday's loss. "I feel really bad for Connor. He's played well all week and to burn a stone in the 10th end, I know that's going to hurt but we played awesome. Obviously, my hat is tipped to Matt and his team. It's not just about this bonspiel. They've had a great year so congrats to them."

Dunstone, Neufeld, Lott and Harnden will wear Manitoba colours at the Brier in London, Ontario from March 3rd - 12th.

The 2024 Viterra Championship will be held in Stonewall.