The annual Tattie Bogle Charity Mixed Doubles, recognised as the last game of the season, attracted 19 ladies and 17 gents to the Legion.
As it is a names-out-of-the-hat competition no one knows who they are playing with, and as it is a fun night, I don’t think anyone is worried about who they get.
As it was, there were some very good pairings, and the semi-final line-ups looked very strong.

Going on to the final were Kay Pirie and Mally Johnstone, a surprise entry, and waiting for them were Catherine Symons, fresh from winning the Caithness Singles and Doubles in Wick. Her partner was Craig Moar, and Cath kept up the good form and they ran out 3-1 winners to pick up the brand new trophy.

Going along with the main game was the fun boards. The Yorkshire board, which has no trebles, and the quatro board, which has an extra ring, which counts as four-times the score.
Winning the low score for the ladies was Katy Croy, on 85, and for the gents was Paul Firth on 27.
That was on the Yorkshire Board and on the quatro board for high scores were Yvone Stanger for the ladies, with 359, which was higher, then Craig Taylor’s 308 for the gents, but Craig did score the max of 240, with three quatros on the 20 – the first time that has been scored in Kirkwall.

But, on the night, the real winner was the charity – Belarus Children’s Holiday Fund with £401 raised, mainly by the raffle. A big thanks to Ella, who sold tickets all night, but also to all the people who bought tickets.

Of course, we all know that’s not all the darts yet, as there’s the four qualifying games to go to find eight players to take on the big boys in September.
The first is Friday night, in the Masonic Club. Names by 7.30 p.m. and, remember, it is open to any player, male or female, aged 18 or over.
That is followed next Friday in the Stromness Golf Club, with the second qualifier.
The Legion will be holding a Jubilee Singles on Saturday, June 2, at 2 p.m. Members and guests, male or female are welcome.

RESULTS
Tattie Bogle Charity Doubles Final: Catherine Symons and Craig Moar beat Kay Pirie and Mally Johnstone 3-1.
Yorkshire Board low score results: Ladies: Katy Croy 85; Gents: Paul Firth 27.
Quatro Board high score results: Ladies: Yvone Stanger 359; Gents: Craig Taylor 308.

FIXTURES
Friday, May 18: 1st open qualifying round, Masonic, 7.30 p.m.
Friday, May 25: 2nd open qualifying round, Stromness Golf Club, 7.30 p.m.

Not a big turnout for the charity doubles but some splendid darts and outside interest, with the Mintlaw darts team, up for their annual visit, and it was two of the visitors who took the spoils back to Aberdeenshire, as Robbie and Mike took the glassware with a win over local pair Neil Drever and Brian Murray.
It was their second win, as they also won three years ago.
The ladies event was won by Irene and Maureen, with a defeat of Noreen and Hazel, but the real winner was the Belarus Children’s Fund, as £830 was raised on the night.
A big thank you to Charlie and her staff in the Masonic and, of course, all the darts players.
The charity season continues on Friday, with the Tattie Bogle Mixed Doubles. Anyone can enter as it’s open and you don’t need a partner as it’s names out of a hat, and there’s the famous raffle too!
That’s followed next Friday by the first of the four qualifying games to find eight players to take on the eight professionals on September 1.
It’s in the Masonic, names by 7.30 p.m., and it’s open, so anybody can play, male or female.
Lots of people have asked Jim Scollie about the Kirkwall team that won up in Shetland in 1990 – the last time the team won up there, before we won last month.
It was: Jim Scollie (captain), Ali Flett, Roy Foubister, Stewart Craigie, Graham Rosie, John Scollay, Paddy Kirkpatrick, Brian Murray, Kevin Peace, Norrie Firth, Derek Sutherland, Brian Stevenson and Gordon Rendall.
That included five reserves from the original team selected.
Registration books are now available from the secretary, Tattie Bogle.

RESULTS
Charity Doubles Final
Robbie Ewing and Mike Forbes beat Neil Drever and Brian Murray 4-3.

Ladies’ Charity Doubles Final
Irene Thomson and Maureen O’Neil v Noreen Bain and Hazel Groundwater – no score.

FIXTURES
Friday, May 11
Tattie Bogle Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, May 18
1st qualifying game (open), Masonic, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, May 25
2nd qualifying game (open), Stromness Golf Club, 7.30 p.m.

Six new pages have been added to the website displaying the winners of all the KDDL trophies.

The new pages are the Ranking Points Hall of Fame, Representative Roll of Honour, 'A' League Roll of Honour, 'B' League Roll of Honour, Knockout Singles Hall of Fame and the Knockout Doubles Hall of Fame.

Some of the names are still missing from some of the tables but will be added when the information becomes available. If anyone can contribute more names please contact Bruce Moar.

The Kirkwall and District Darts League’s 2011-12 season finally came to a close with the presentation of trophies being held last Friday in the Masonic Club.
A very good turn-out of trophy winners and team players enjoyed a fun night of darts and pool organised by the combined ladies’ and men’s committees, with music by Martin Meek. A good time was held by all.
But the darts action is not finished yet as on Friday, the ladies and gents charity doubles takes place in the Masonic Club at 7.30 p.m.
It’s a agreat fun night with a big raffle and cash prizes for the winners in the darts. Enter with a partner, if possible, but if not come along anyway.
All the proceeds go to help the Belarus children fund.
Then, next Friday, it’s the ever popular Tattie Bogle mixed doubles. It’s also for charity.
Any player or non player can enter as it’s names out of a hat. There’s also a raffle.
A correction to the 1990 game up in Shetland – the last time Kirkwall won up there before this year’s great result was in 1990, Jim Scollie says he was was captain of the victorious team and not a player. We won 11-6. His last game in Shetland was in 1992.
All players should be getting ready for the four qualifying games coming up. The first is on Friday, May 18 in the Masonic Club – names by 7.30 p.m.
It’s an open entry so any player, male or female, over 18, can enter.
Two players from each game go forward to the “big one” on September 1 at Picky. Registration books are now available from the secretary.

KIRKWALL DARTS FIXTURES
Friday, May 4
Ladies and gents charity doubles – Masonic.

Friday, May 11
Tattie Bogle Mixed Doubles – Legion, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, May 18
First qualifying game open – Masonic, 7.30 p.m.

The winning moment as captured by Kevin A Jones Photography

http://www.kevinajonesphotography.co.uk/p161162087/h35f76566#h35f76566

On the domestic front, it’s the presentation night this Friday, April 27, in the Masonic.

So, if you have a cup or trophy to collect, come along but remember entry is by ticket only. Tickets from the secretary Jim Scollie or from Kairds.

Next Friday (May 4) it’s the Ladies and Gents Charity Doubles in the Masonic at 7.30 p.m.

It’s hoped that the Mintlaw team, from Aberdeenshire, will be up.

Enter with a partner or just come along and maybe a partner can be found.

The proceeds from the darts and raffles goes to help the Belarus children who visit Orkney every year.

Then, on May 11, it’s the very popular fun game, the Tattie Bogle Mixed Doubles Shield.

It’s names out of the hat, so come along and have fun and there’s the little matter of a raffle.

A week later, it’s the first of the qualifying games to find players to take on the professionals at the Orkney Darts Classic.

It’s in the Masonic Club on May 18, at 7.30 p.m.

Remember, it’s open, so any player, male or female, can enter.

There will be a committee meeting on Wednesday, May 2, in the Masonic, at 8 p.m.

RESULTS

Lerwick Ladies 11, Kirkwall Ladies 7; Shetland 10, Orkney (K-DDL) 11.

FIXTURES

Friday, April 27: Presentation “Do” , Masonic, 8 p.m.

Friday, May 4: Ladies and Gents Charity Doubles, Masonic, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, May 11: Tattie Bogle Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

A 22 – year wait came to an end on the big stage in the Lerwick Legion on Friday night when the Kirkwall and District Darts League side beat their Shetland counterparts 11-10 in a match which will no doubt be spoken about for years to come as an absolute classic, packed with drama and excitement.

Going into the annual fixture, being officially played for the 40th time, the Kirkwall side were the current holders of the cup, but it was back in 1990 that the KDDL side last won on Shetland soil.

The epic match came to an end around 1am in the packed venue which had an atmosphere to rival the Sky Sports Premier League of Darts.

Flashing lights, big tv screens and walk on music added to the highly charged atmosphere, and the players on both sides were certainly up for it.

At the request of the hosts, the evening started with a warm up match of the Shetland reserves John Robert Scott and Jim Wood playing Kirkwall's reserve Michael Bain and a somewhat surprised KDDL committee member Allan Brown, who had come up with the Orkney squad! Much to the delight of the home team it was Shetland who won this prematch opener.

Getting down to the main event, KDDL captain Craig Taylor and Shetland skipper Andy Glen had their team sheets entered into the computer so that the crowd who packed into the hall could be kept up to speed with the play.

The home team decided to play the 6 doubles first with a mouth-watering opening game between KDDL champs Derek Firth and Kevin Gray taking on Shetland champs George Smith and Paul Scarsbrook.

It was the Orkney pair that won 2-1 with Kevin hitting five scores of 100 or above. Kirkwall then went 2-0 up with Ivan Leslie and Robbie Stanger beating Neal Redfern and Brian Patterson 2-0 with Robbie hitting a maximum. 

Shetland got their first point on the board when Angus Galbraith and Danny Irvine beat brothers Stevie and Ian Linklater 2-1. This was despite Kirkwall winning the first leg as Stevie hit a maximum. But the away team hit back with Brian and Bruce Moar getting the better of Andrew Simpson and Gordon Irvine 2-1. 

 Up next were Iain Wilkie and Roy Foubister against Shetland’s Gareth MacRitchie and George Mackay. The home pair won the first leg and it looked like they were going to lose the second until George hit a brilliant 136 checkout to win the game 2-0. Then home pairing of Barry Couper and Roger Irvine levelled the match beating Martin Peace and Michael Moodie 2-1.

So with the match all square at 3-3 it was set up nicely for the 12 singles matches. Shetland put star man Neal Redfern up front and he didn't let them down beating the KDDL raking points table topper Derek Firth 2-1, hitting a 180 in the deciding leg. Again the away team hit back immediately with Ivan Leslie overcoming Angus Galbraith 2-1, with Angus checking out 106 to win the first leg. 

Then Brian Patterson making his county debut for Shetland played an excellent game to take the scalp of Kevin Gray 2-1. Gareth MacRitchie put the home team two games ahead for the first time playing well to beat Robbie Stanger 2-0.

The next match was probably the crucial turning point with Bruce Moar against George Smith. George won the first leg with a good 94 checkout then when he hit a 180 in the second leg it looked all over, but the double proved elusive and Bruce took the leg, before winning the decider in 16 darts. 

Stevie Linklater then once again levelled the match with a good 2-1 over Paul Scarsbrook, winning the third leg in 15 darts including a 102 checkout. The Orkney boys were now on a bit of a roll with Brian Moar playing really well to beat Andrew Simpson 2-0 with the help of a good 113 checkout in the first leg. Things were starting to look bleak for Shetland as Ian Linklater won 2-0 against Danny Irvine.

With the KDDL boys having won four in a row, Shetland’s George Mackay had a lot of pressure on him but he rose to the challenge beating Iain Wilkie 2-0.

However, the Orcadians then went 9-7 ahead with Roy Foubister edging out Barry Couper 2-1. 

Shetland won the last two singles with two 2-0 wins for Roger Irvine and debutant Gordon Irvine over KDDL’s Martin Peace and debutant Michael Moodie respectively.

So the destination of the cup was to be decided with the three 4 a sides (one leg 1001).

Kirkwall put up Derek Firth, Ivan Leslie, Kevin Gray and Robbie Stanger against George Smith, Paul Scarsbrook, Neal Redfern and Andrew Simpson. The boys in red got to the double first but after a couple of misses the home team had a chance to nick it, but didn't take it. Kevin hit the double to put Kirkwall 10-9 up. 

The visitors were now one away from a historic victory, but Shetland had other ideas.

Shetland’s Neal Redfern, George Mackay, Gareth MacRitchie and Danny Irvine beat Bruce Moar, Stevie Linklater, Brian Moar and Ian Linklater, with Neal hitting tops. 

With the crowd now at fever pitch, and well after midnight, it all came down to the last fours, Iain Wilkie, Roy Foubister, Martin Peace and Michael Moodie, against Shetland’s Roger Irvine, Barry Couper, Brian Patterson and Gordon Irvine. 

Both teams came down pretty even, but it was Iain Wilkie who hit a brilliant 180 at the crucial time to give Kirkwall the advantage. With nerves really on edge the Orkney boys were struggling to finish off the leg. 

Young Michael Moodie, who was making his début on the big stage, left Iain Wilkie a shot at double 7. Shetland’s Gordon Irvine had a chance to steal the glory but just missed tops for a 78 finish.

Iain stepped up to the plate to nail double 7 with his second dart to send his team into a state of delirium!

It was the first time in 22 years the Orkney team had won in Shetland.

All in all it was a great nights entertainment for the full house watching, with the walk on music really getting the crowd on their feet adding to the brilliant atmosphere.

The Kirkwall side were cheered on by the ladies team who had travelled to play their game the night before. Some of the members of the Orkney Badminton team, in Shetland for their inter-county, and also added their vocal support.

Kirkwall’s Brain Moar won the man of the match title awarded for the highest average on the night. He had 90.74 in the doubles, 80 in the singles, and 57.75 in the fours, with an overall average of 76.16.

KDDL captain Craig Taylor thanked all involved in the darts and for the hospitality shown to the team over the entire weekend, describing the win as a “proud moment” for all involved from Orkney.

He also thanked Williamson Butchers for sponsoring the team shirts and Ali Flett’s continued support of the KDDL.

On the Saturday afternoon the anniversary shield competitions were held in the Lerwick Legion. 52 men entered as well as 32 women.

The visitors were unlucky not to take the silverware home with them. Kevin Gray lost in the final of the men's competition to Barry Couper 4-2 and Kirkwall’s Katy Croy lost in the ladies final to Iris Anderson 3-2 in a very close match which saw Iris retain her title.

On Sunday, Kirkwall ladies player Catherine Symons, running in the London Marathon, wore a shirt congratulating the men's team on their victory!

A link to the players averages can be found here: http://www.shetlanddartsassociation.co.uk/Inter%20County%20averages%202012.pdf

Both the Williamson’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ Leagues are complete, except for one ‘B’ game which won’t affect the placings.

In the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, the Legion, already crowned champions, finished off with a 12-0 whitewash of bottom team Quoyburray ‘B’, and remained undefeated over the 18 games, averaging 10,1 for every game.

The Untouchables had a very good, but close, game at the Golf Club, winning 7-5.
This was good enough to give them second spot, but 13 points behind the Legion.
The Golf Club did very well to come in fourth, behind third-placed Wanderers, who are in sixth spot.

The Untouchables ‘A’ finished in great style with a 8-4 defeat of Meadowbank, and there was also a good win for Sanday by 10-2 over Quoyburray, who were a bit disappointing after a good start, but finished well clear of bottom spot.

In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, RBLM also finished undefeated and just pipped the Legion, averaging 10,3 over the season each game, and also had five whitewashes.

The Murray Arms finished with a six-all draw with Bilco Boys but still took second spot, ahead of Shore ‘2’, who beat the Shore 7-5.

It was a good week for Shapinsay, who had two wins – 10-2 over Sands and 9-3 against Tankerness. The Sands also lost out 7-5 to Deerness.
The Likely Lads lost out 9-3 to RBLM.

There were 180s from Alan Gray, Raymond Foubister, Derek Firth, Kevin Gray, Graham Reid, Ian Wilkie, Mike Bain, Billy Ward, Brian Stevenson, David Kirkpatrick, Trevor Shearer, Thorfinn Eunson, Billy Bruce, and two from Ivan Leslie, Martin Peace, Brian Moar and Robbie Stanger, with four from Keith Brumpton.That takes the total 180s to 399 for the season – a new record. The old record was 286!

Top of the table was Kevin Gray, with 30, also a new record. Second was Ivan Leslie on 26, with Robbie Stanger third on 24.

High checkouts: 100 from Kevin Gray, who also had a 102; 100 from Neil Drever; 101 Freddy Tait; 102 Robbie Stanger and Brian Moar who also had a 104, as did Steve Gray; 108 Ian Wilkie; 116 Leigh Shearer; 118 Brian Stevenson; 126 Edrian Skea; and 129 Mark Louttit.

That brings the total to 250, with Kevin Gray hitting 15, just ahead of Robbie Stanger on 14.

Jimmy Miller had the highest out in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, with 160, and Glen Miller heads the ‘B’ list, with 152.

The presentation “do” is on Friday, April 27, the week after the team’s return from Shetland.

All players who have won cups or trophies during the season should attend, but not only winners as it’s a do to wind down the season.

Tickets are on sale from the secretary and are only £3 – the price of a pint. It’s surely not too much to ask once a year. A lot of people put a lot of effort in to organise these events – don’t let them down.

With eight professionals coming up in September, the K-DDL will be holding qualifying rounds to find eight locals to play.

The Big boys dates as follows: Friday, May 18, Masonic Club; Friday, May 25, Stromness Golf Club; Friday, June 1, Commodore bar; Friday, June 8, Kirkwall Legion Club. All games, 7.30 p.m. start.

Two from each venue will go forward, and winners from the previous game will not be allowed to play twice.

RESULTS

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Sanday 10, Quoyburray 2; Legion 12, Quoyburray ‘B’ 0; OGC 5, Untouchables 7; Commodores 5, Wanderers 7; Untouchables ‘A’ 8, Meadowbank 4.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Tankerness 3, Shapinsay 9; Shore 5, Shore ‘2’ 7; Murray Arms 6, Bilco Boys 6; Likely Lads 3, RBLM 9; Sands 5, Deerness 7; Shapinsay 10, Sands 2.

FIXTURES

Friday, April 20: Inter League/County game, Lerwick.

Friday, April 27: Darts Do, Masonic, 8 p.m.

Friday, May 4: Charity Ladies and Gents Doubles, Masonic, 7.30 p.m.

Nineteen pairs entered for the Steven Flett Memorial Shield, one up on last year, and what an array of talent was on show.
As always, some big names tumbled early on, but the new format of best of five legs seemed to meet favour with most and, by the semi-final stage, it was two very familiar pairs and two maybe surprise names, but they had played great darts to get there.
In the top-half, former champions Stevie Linklater and Cath Symonds proved too strong for Alan Gray and Jacquie Stevenson, winning 3-1, and the defending champions, Kevin and Shona Gray, proved too strong for Michael Muir Snr and Morag Donaldson, winning 3-0.
I can only class the final as a classic!
Kevin and Shona went one up, but soon found themselves 2-1 down as the ladies really shone, with big scores and great finishing.
Then it was 2-2, and on to the final deciding leg.
Steady darts saw both pairs down to a double.
It was a bit jittery, with chances on both sides, but it was Kevin and Shona who got that vital strike to retain their title.
A big thank-you to Belle for the flowers and drinks and the Legion.

It’s still all to play for in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League as far as second spot is concerned, as both Untouchables and Wanderers won and, with Quoyburray ‘B’ going down 9-3 to the Untouchables, it relegated them to the ‘B’ league and the wooden spoon.
The Wanderers also won 8-4 against Meadowbank and are still three points off second spot and, with only one game to go, must win 10-2 with the Untouchables losing 10-2 to take second spot.
The Golf Club can not now take second spot after winning 8-4 over the Commodores, but could still get third spot.
The Legion are still on course to remain undefeated for the season after beating Sanday 10-2, and Quoyburray got a good six-all draw with Untouchables ‘A’.

There was a surprise defeat for the Murray Arms, going down 9-3 to the Shore ‘2’.
It doesn’t affect the top two places, but puts the Shore ‘2’ in a third place position, and that’s where they will finish.
Tankerness had a 12-0 walk over against the Shore, and the Shore also lost 11-1 to Shapinsay in a postponed game.
RBLM are still on course to finish undefeated following a 10-2 win over the Sands. The Deerness game against Shapinsay was postponed.
Another good point for the Likely Lads, holding the Bilco Boys to 6-6.

There were 180s from Derek Manson, Ryan Tulloch, Ian Linklater, Fraser Laird, Davy Henderson, Ivan Leslie, Robbie Stanger, Leigh Shearer, Michael Montgomery, Brian Moar, and two from Brian Murray, Roy Griffiths, Graham Reid and Kevin Gray.
High checkouts: 100 Derek Ward Snr; 103 Arthur Cruickshanks; 106 Stevie Linklater; 111 Ian Eunson; 114 Henry Bateman; 123 Wilfie Tulloch; 127 David Kirkpatrick; and 129 and 134 from Paddy.
This week will see both the 180 and high checkout tables completed, so there’s just one last chance to shine.

The next big game is up in Shetland on April 20.
League secretray Tattie Bogle says: “I wish the Kirkwall team lots of luck, and come back with that cup!”

RESULTS
Steven Flett Memorial Shield Final
Kevin Gray and Shona Gray beat Stevie Linklater and Catherine Symonds 3-2.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Wanderers 8, Meadowbank 4; OGC 8, Commodores 4; Quoyburray ‘B’ 3, Untouchables 9; Sanday 2, Legion 10; Untouchables ‘A’ 6, Quoyburray 6.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League
Tankerness v Shore – 12-0 w.o.; Shapinsay v Deerness, postponed; RBLM 10, Sands 2; Bilco Boys 6, Likely Lads 6; Shore ‘2’ 9, Murray Arms 3; Shore 1, Shapinsay 11.

FIXTURES
Friday, April 20
Inter County/League, Lerwick.

After the busy cup week, it was back to league duty.
There were no real changes, with the Legion chalking up another big win out in Quoyburray, winning 11-1 – a defeat that puts Quoyburray only five points ahead of Quoyburray ‘B’ in bottom spot.
The ‘B’ boys are putting up a great fight to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon, by holding high-flying Commodores to a six-all draw, a result that puts the Commodores in fifth spot, and that’s as high as they can go.

There’s a fair old fight going on for second and third spot.
The Wanderers are still in third spot, but only just, after their 9-3 defeat of Untouchables ‘A’, and they are also out of it.
Still in second sport are Untouchables, after a big 9-3 win over Sanday, but they are only three points ahead of the Wanderers and four ahead of the Golf Club, who beat Meadowbank 9-3.
There’s only two games left, so it could go down to the last game.

In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, the Murray Arms are now runners-up to RBLM, after their 10-2 defeat of Tankerness, so well done to them.
RBLM are still on course to finish undefeated as they beat Deerness 10-2.
The Shore ‘2’ are pretty safe in third spot but were held to a 6-6 draw by the Likely Lads.
The Sands had a narrow 7-5 win over the Bilco Boys, who have done well over the season.
There was no score from the Shore once again. And, to avoid the wooden spoon, the Shore must win their last three games and hope that other results go in their favour.

There were 180s from Neil Croy, Thorfinn Eunson, Aaron Edwardson, Billy Bruce, Michael Montgomery, Derek Ward Snr, Brian Stevenson, Michael Moodie, Ian Linklater, Derek Firth, Kevin Gray, David Kirkpatrick, Des Gillespie, Robbie Stanger and John Thomson.
Kevin Gray still leads the 180 table and there’s only two more weeks for counting.

High checkouts: 100 from Brian Moar and Gary Drever; 103 Sinclair Craigie; 113 Mike Bain and Robbie Norquoy; 123 Ian Pottinger; 128 Sean Stanger; and 138 from Brian Stevenson.

On Friday, it’s back to a cup game, or rather a shield, with the popular Steven Flett Memorial Shield.
It’s for mixed doubles and you play with the person you enter with and must be entered as a double – no single entries.
It’s in the Legion Club. Names by 7.30 p.m.

RESULTS
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Quoyburray 1, Legion 11; Sanday 3, Untouchables 9; Quoyburray ‘B’ 6, Commodores 6; Meadowbank 3, OGC 9; Untouchables ‘A’ 3, Wanderers 9.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore v Shapinsay – no score; Murray Arms 10, Tankerness 2; Likely Lads 6, Shore ‘2’ 6; Sands 7, Bilco Boys 5; Deerness 2, RBLM 10.

FIXTURES
Friday, March 30: Steven Flett Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

Monday, April 2
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Sanday v Quoyburray; Legion v Quoyburray ‘B’; OGC v Untouchables; Commodores v Wanderers; Untouchables ‘A’ v Meadowbank.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Tankerness v Shapinsay; Shore v Shore ‘2’; Murray Arms v Bilco Boys; Likely Lads v RBLM; Sands v Deerness.

It was back to the nitty gritty after the Carling Kirkwall Open with a week of 301 double start competitions, starting with the Knight Cup for the ‘A’ boys.
Seven teams entered, with the Legion going for the complete whitewash of cups, and they showed they were in no mood to do anyone favours, white washing Sanday 4-0.
In the top half, the Commodores and Untouchables were locked in a titanic struggle, with the game going to the play-off which the Holm boys won, before meeting the Wanderers in the semi-final, and winning 4-0.

So, would it be the Legion or Golf Club they met in the final? The Golf Club boys played well, but couldn’t hold the Legion, going down 4-2.

So, it looked like a rare old battle for the cup, but it only looked it, as the Legion changed gear and raced to a 4-0 victory. So it’s the lot for the Legion – every domestic cup.
The following night, the ‘B’ boys got their chance, with the Seatter Cup and nine teams entered, with RBLM going for their third cup.

And it didn’t take them long to make the final, taking out Tankerness and the Murray Arms. The Shore, winners last year, also made it to the final but had no answer to the Legion boys, losing out 4-1.
The last event of the week was the once very popular Tom Notman Memorial Cup. Only 16 players entered and, as it is open to any player who had played for the K-DDL, it was disappointing that only one “old boy” took up the challenge.

This was Arthur Barnett, the 1977 singles champion the year that the entry was 224 players – the most ever entered in an Orkney event.
Arthur didn’t last long, and by final time it was two very familiar faces toeing the oche – Kirkwall open champion Kevin Gray and Martin Peace.
Kevin came out 2-1 the winner.

In a 301 double start, a good start is needed and Kevin started four times with a 148.
Also there were not many 180s scored, but Leigh Shearer managed one. Robbie Stanger nearly did scoring 177.
High checkouts: 100 from Mike Bain; 129 Sean Stanger; and 134 Bruce Moar.
The next cup is the Steven Flett Mixed Doubles, on March 30.

RESULTS
Knight Cup, Final: Legion beat Commodores 4-0.
Seatter Cup Final: RBLM beat Shore 4-1.
Tom Notman Singles Cup Final: Kevin Gray beat Martin Peace 2-1.

FIXTURES
March 30: Steven Flett Mixed Doubles, Legion.

March 26
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Wanderers v Meadowbank; OGC v Commodores; Quoyburray ‘B’ v Untouchables; Sanday v Legion; Untouchables ‘A’ v Quoyburray.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Tankerness v Shore; Shapinsay v Deerness; RBLM v Sands; Bilco Boys v Likely Lads; Shore ‘2’ v Murray Arms.

Could all players and reserves, and those flying to Shetland with the team, please give Craig Taylor their ADS numbers as quickly as possible. Can you also go along John Kemps and give them your shirt sizes. Thanks.

UPDATE: The tables for the Tennents Orkney Darts Classic sold out by 11am this morning. Tiered seating tickets go on sale on Saturday, April 14.

The Tennents Orkney Darts Classic is due to be held on September 1 this year and will once again see eight of the biggest names in professional darts travel to the county.

The 2012 will follow the same format as last year, with the eight pro’s — five of whom were part of last year’s inaugural event — taking on eight local qualifiers.

The eight professionals are Raymond Van Barneveld, James Wade, Mark Webster, Co Stompe, Vincent Van Der Voort, Arron Monk, John Henderson and Simon Whitlock, who won last year’s competition.

Well-known voice of darts John Gwynne is MC.
Event organiser is Neil Stevenson.The KDDL are delighted to once again be involved by running the qualification events. They will take place in the Kirkwall Masonic on May 18, Stromness Golf Club, May 25, Commodore, June 1, Kirkwall Legion June 8, 7.30pm start.

Tickets can be reserved this morning, Thursday 15th March, by calling 872239 or emailing neil@groovesrecords.co.uk. Prices are £75 per ticket at priority tables; £60 per ticket at standard tables and £45 per ticket for tiered seating, and tables are available in blocks of eight or nine.
Individual table seats will be sold with the tiered seating on Saturday, April 14, Mr Stevenson added.
The event is open to everyone aged 14 or over, although 14-17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.

Well done to Knight Cup winners The Legion. The win made it a clean sweep for the team as they won every cup they entered this season.

What a day of darts, as a record 122 players entered for the fourth Kirkwall Open – and that included 35 ladies and lots of players from Shetland and Caithness.

As with such a big entry, some big names bit the dust early on and, by the last 16 stage, 13 local players were left, with two from Shetland and one from Caithness.

Big Tam Mulraine, from Wick, was the only one from outside Orkney to survive, but he found Kevin Gray too hot to handle in the semi-final, losing out 4-1.

In the other semi-final, defending champion Robbie Stanger beat Mike Bain 4-0.

The final wasn’t a classic, as both players struggled to find form.

At the start, it looked good as the first game could have been a 13-darter, but it didn’t happen as a lack of a finishing double made it drag on, and that seemed to affect both players as they struggled from then on.

But Kevin was the one who hit the doubles to come out 5-1 winner.

Surprise player of the day was a young lady from Kirkwall, Debbie Tait, as she stormed into the quarter-finals, taking some notable scalps, and she easily won the top ladies prize.

Keith Bain won the ‘B’-registered players top prize, beating Ryan Tulloch in a play-off, but only 14 ‘B’ players entered.

In the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, there’s no let-up from the Legion. Even so, they’ve won the title as they pounded the Untouchables ‘A’ 11-1.

The Untouchables are now clear in second spot after a 9-3 win over Quoyburray, while the Wanderers are losing ground after going down 8-4 to the Golf Club, which takes them into the picture for the runners-up place, but games are running out.

The Commodores are still up there in the top half, following a good 11-1 defeat of Sanday who, after showing promise early on, have faded away.

Quoyburray ‘B’ have still to win a game but came close, with a six-all draw with Meadowbank, which leaves them six points behind second-bottom Quoyburray.

It’s congratulations to RBLM on winning the Williamson’s ‘B’ League with games to spare after two wins, firstly in a postponed game in Shapinsay (9-3), then 10-2 over the Bilco Boys.

The Murray Arms are quite safe in second spot after a narrow 7-5 defeat of Shapinsay, who were one of the teams looking for second place. One more win for the Murray’s will take it.

Tankerness also had a very good win 9-3 over Likely Lads. Once again, there was no score from the Shore v Deerness game and, barring miracles, it looks like the Shore are heading for the wooden spoon.

The Shore ‘2’ are doing alright, with a good 7-5 win over the Sands.

There were 180s from Peter Liddle, Roy Griffiths, Brian Murray, Ivan Leslie, Paul Foubister, Stevie Linklater, Keith Brumpton, Ryan Tulloch, Michael Muir Jnr, Mike Bain, Ian Linklater, Davy Henderson, Craig Taylor, Hamish Baillie and two from Ian Wilkie and Ross Donaldson.

High checkouts: 100 from Craig Taylor, Callum Miller, Aaron Edwardson, and F. Tait; 102 Robert Gatt; 104 Magnus Walker; 107 Sean Stanger; 108 Mike Bain and Thorfinn Eunson; 114 Roy Griffiths; 120 Derek Ward Jnr; and 126 Ray Butcher.

It’s back to basics, Friday night, with the Tom Notman Memorial Cup.

It’s a 301-double start singles and any player who has ever played in the K-DDL can play, so it’s a fine chance for some of the older boys to have a go.

Then, it’s back to league darts on Monday.

The team to travel to Shetland on April 20 is: Craig Taylor (captain), Derek Firth, Kevin Gray, Ivan Leslie, Robbie Stanger, Michael Moodie, Ian Linklater, Brian Moar, Stevie Linklater, Bruce Moar, Roy Foubister, Martin Peace and Ian Wilkie. Reserves are Paul Foubister and Mike Bain.

Late in: 180s: both with two Derek Ward Snr and Brian Stevenson, who also had a 12-dart leg.

A final word on the Kirkwall Open: on behalf of the K-DDL, I would like to thank our main sponsors, Carling. They did us proud.

Also, thanks to J. W. Gray, K. T. Sports, who always support us, John Craigie, who set up the Masonic, and the new boards, the Masonic, with Charlie and her staff who kept the bar ticking, Mitzi for the all-day food, and the K-DDL committee who, along with their good ladies, manned the bottle stall and sold raffle tickets all day. And, last but not least, the markers and players who without them there would be no contest.

RESULTS

Kirkwall Open

Semi-finals: Kevin Gray beat Tam Mulraine 4-1; Robbie Stanger beat Mike Bain 4-0.

Final: Kevin beat Robbie 5-1.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League

Meadowbank 6, Quoyburray ‘B’ 6; Commodores 11, Sanday 1; Quoyburray 3, Untouchables 9; Untouchables ‘A’ 1, Legion 11; Wanderers 4, OGC 8.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League

Tankerness 9, Likely Lads 3; Shapinsay 5, Murray Arms 7; Shore v Deerness – no score; Bilco Boys 2, RBLM 10; Shore ‘2’ 7, Sands 5; Shapinsay 3, RBLM 9.

FIXTURES

March 16: Tom Notman Singles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

March 19

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Quoyburray v Legion; Sanday v Untouchables; Quoyburray ‘B’ v Commodores; Meadowbank v OGC; Untouchables ‘A’ v Wanderers.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore v Shapinsay; Murray Arms v Tankerness; Likely Lads v Shore ‘2’; Sands v Bilco Boys; Deerness v RBLM.

Kevin Gray beat defending champion Robbie Stanger 5-1 in the final to win his first Carling Kirkwall Open. Kevin had earlier beaten Wick's Tam Mulraine in the semi-final and Robbie beat Michael Bain in the other semi final.

Debbie Tait lost out to Tam Mulraine in the quarter-finals and received the prize for the furthest progressing lady on the day whilst Keith Bain received the prize for the furthest 'B' player after beating Ryan Tulloch in a play-off. Both players had made it to the last 16.

A record breaking entry of 122 players took part in the competition from Orkney, Shetland and Caithness. Many thanks to all who played and to all the sponsors involved.

More to follow . . .

Harrows ORKNEY flights now on sale from KT Sport Intersport in Kirkwall.

Anyone fancy a throw of darts, Friday, as a warm up for the Carling Kirkwall Open the next day? In the Masonic, Singles £2 entry. Names by 7.30pm. Spread the word!!

Following the end of the ranking competitions and the selection of the final players and reserves, the team to face Shetland in Lerwick on April 20, 2012 are:

Captain: Craig Taylor. Players: Derek Firth, Kevin Gray, Ivan Leslie, Robbie Stanger, Michael Moodie, Ian Linklater, Brian Moar, Stevie Linklater, Bruce Moar, Roy Foubister, Martin Peace and Iain Wilkie. 1st Reserve: Paul Foubister, 2nd Reserve: Mike Bain.

Can all players contact Craig with ADS numbers please.
 

What a great night of darts! Forty-one players turned up for the League Singles - the last of the ranking points events.

All the top players were there, but only seven 'B' League players.

With places on the plane to Shetland still open for quite a few of the players, competition was fierce.

With some of the hopefuls failing early on, standards were very high, now more so from the finals onwards.

Seven of the players were more or less certain the top spot was very much still within reach, but the leader, Derek Firth, was showing good form and made his way into the semi-finals with a good win over Stevie Linklater.

Joining him was team-mate Ivan Leslie, Robbie Stanger, and Michael Moodie, who was having a great season. He had already booked his seat, but went down 3-2 to Derek, and Ivan saw off Robbie, also 3-2.

So, it was an all-Legion Final, and what a final.

I always say this, but the score of 4-1 to Derek didn't tell the whole story, as both players played to a very high standard, with Ivan averaging 80.3 and Derek hitting 82.1, and that was the only difference.

If it hadn't been for one poor leg by both players, the averages would have been much higher, but it was class, and it's congratulations to the Legion team, who retained the Williamson's 'A' League title, with a 9-3 win over the Untouchables. They still have four games to spare.

The Wanderers joined the Untouchables in second spot, with a narrow 7-5 win over Quoyburray 'B', who have still to win this season.

The Golf Club is still in with a chance of second spot, but had to settle for one point after a six-all draw with Untouchables 'A'.

The Commodores are going along fine, with a good 8-4 win in Quoyburray, but are a bit too far behind, with games running out.

Sanday and Meadowbank also shared the points in a 6-6 draw.

The RBLM team is one win away from winning the Williamson's 'B' League, after a 9-3 win over Shore '2' - one of their challengers, who now can't win the league.

Only the Murray Arms can prevent RBLM from winning the title after beating the Shore 9-3, but to do so they have to win all their remaining games, and RBLM must lose all their games, and I can't see that happening.

The Bilco boys picked up the points with a 7-5 win over Deerness, and there was a very good 7-5 win for Tankerness out at the Sands.

Shapinsay have dropped out of the picture, after drawing with the Likely Lads 6-6, and last week also, the Likely Lads drew with the Shore, which didn't do the Shore much good as they look like the wooden spoon contenders.

There were lots of 180s, with a new record of 38 being scored in one week.

There was one each from Roy Foubister, Keith Brumpton, Jimmo Robertson, Leigh Shearer, Davy Henderson, Keith Bain, Ewan Rendall, Mike Bain, Martin Peace, Brian Moar, Fraser Laird, Graham Louttit, Alan Bruce, Brian Murray, Sean Stanger, Craig Taylor, Kevin Gray, Derek Firth and Stevie Linklater, two from Michael Moodie, Ronald Reid, Ian Linklater and David Kirkpatrick, five from Robbie Stanger but, setting a new record, was Ivan Leslie, who had six.

That takes the 180s to well over 300 for the season, also a new record.

High finishes: 100 Roy Foubister; 101 Gordon Rendall; 103 Keith Brumpton; 104 Robbie Stanger; 105 Derek Ward Snr and Neil Drever; 107 Martin Kemp; 108 Billy Ward and Ian Wilkie; 110 Derek Ward Snr; 114 Alan Garrioch; 116 Derek Farmer and Jamie Robertson; 118 Roy Griffiths; 119 Jimmy Miller and Bruce Moar; 120 Derek Firth; 137 Stevie Linklater; and 157 from Brian Moar.

It's all set up now for the big one on Saturday, with the Carling Kirkwall Open being held in the Masonic Club at 2.30pm.

It looks like a big entry, with lots of players from Shetland and Caithness and maybe further afield.

The cup has never left Orkney, so let's hope this continues.

There are lots of prizes and a big, big raffle, and there are special prizes for the lady who does the best, and the best 'B' registered player - £100 at stake each - and prizes down to the last eight.

It's then on to a great week of darts.

With all the 301 Double Start Cups on Monday, it's down to the 'A' boys, with the 'B' boys on Tuesday.

Both days are team events.

Then, on Friday, it's the Tom Notman Singles Cup, which is open to any player who has played in the Kirkwall Darts League.

It's a fun night, so let's see some of the old boys take part.

All games are in the Legion. Names in by 7.30pm.

Any player who lost money during the Singles, see the secretary.

RESULTS
League Singles, Final:
Derek Firth beat Ivan Leslie 4-1.

Williamson's 'A' League:
Untouchables 3, Legion 9; Quoyburray 4, Commodores 8; Sanday 6, Meadowbank 6; Wanderers 7, Quoyburray 'B' 5; Untouchables 'A' 6, OGC 6.

Williamson's 'B' League:
Murray Arms 9, Shore 3; Likely Lads 6, Shapinsay 6; Sands 5, Tankerness 7; Shore'2' 3, RBLM 9; Deerness 5, Bilco Boys 7; Shore 6, Likely Lads 6.

FIXTURES
Saturday, March 10: Kirkwall Open, Masonic, 1.30pm.
Monday, March 12, Knight Cup 'A', Legion, 7.30pm.
Tuesday, March 13: Seatter Cup 'B', Legion, 7.30pm.
Friday, March 16: Tom Notman Singles Cup, Legion, 7.30pm.

The Carling Kirkwall Open takes place on Saturday March 10, not long now folks!

As well as giving away over £1000 in prize money, we have a prize draw for the Terry Jenkins shirt that he wore at the World Championships last year. We also have a bottle stall.

All donations for the bottle stall are welcome and can be brought along on the day. It would be great if each team in the KDDL could donate a bottle, cans or whatever they would like to.

The Ranking Points and League Tables have been updated.

Well done to Derek Firth for winning the League Singles, the final ranking competition of the season, he beat Ivan Leslie in the final. Derek tops the table with a record breaking 59 points. Many thanks to all the players for turning out at all the ranking competitions throughout the year.

The top nine go straight in the team to play Shetland next month. The final three place, reserves and captain will be selected by the committee at their meeting on Wednesday night.

For the second last ranking points event, the League Doubles, 20 pairs turned up. The same number as last year, and it ended the same as last year.
Most of the top players were there, so competition was fierce, with lots of players close points-wise. As always, there were some surprise results, with fancied pairs crashing out but, by the semi-final stage, most of the players involved were up near top of the table, and both semi-finals ended 3-2, with Wayne Monkman and Michael Moodie winning over the Legion Doubles champions, Brian Moar and Martin Peace.

In the other semi, the holders, Derek Firth and Kevin Gray, won over Michael Bain and Willie Bremner, and they continued their great form in the final, as they stormed to a 4-nil win, and it wasn't that Wayne and Michael played poorly, it was just that Derek and Kevin were very nearly unbeatable. I don't think there was a leg that took more than 15 darts, so it's on to the last ranking event tomorrow, Friday, with the League Singles.The top six players in the table are safe, but another eight players could still make the last three places, depending on results during the Singles.

Then it's on to the big one, the Kirkwall Open on Saturday, March 10, in the Masonic Club. There is over £1,000 in prize money, plus trophies, and there is the usual raffle, with dartboards, including a Rangers one, and all the usual prizes.
A lot of players are coming down from Shetland and from across The Firth. Last year, there were two players from Bournemouth.

The battle for the Williamson's 'A' title is nearly over, as the Legion moved ten points clear after a 9-3 win over Commodores, while their nearest challenger,  Untouchables, could only get a 6-all draw with Untouchables 'A'; the second time they have drawn this season.
The Wanderers, 10-2 winners over Sanday, are now only three points off second spot. Not far behind are the Golf Club, after beating Quoyburray 'B' 9-3, so it looks like Quoyburray 'B' could be heading for the 'B' League next year. The other Quoyburray team are still on the edge, after going down 8-4 to Meadowbank.
There was another 12-0 whitewash for RBLM, and on the receiving end was Tankerness.
In the Williamson's 'B' League, it's RBLM's fifth whitewash of the season, and one more win will put them out of reach of the rest.
The weather was the winner in the Shapinsay v Sands game, and there are no cards in from the Shore v Likely Lads.
The Murray Arms are closing in on the second stop, after beating Deerness 10-2, but don't write off the Shore '2', after beating the Bilco Boys 11-1.

There were 180s from Brian Sutherland, Andrew Rendall, Stevie Linklater, Keith Brumpton, Brian Moar, Robert Gatt, Allan Gray, Keith Bain, Neil Croy, Billy Ward, Leigh Shearer, Ivan Leslie, Sean Stanger, Derek Firth, Willie Bremner and two from Kevin Gray. That takes the total of 180s to 286 for the season.
Kevin Gray is on 25 high checkouts of a 100 from Edrian Skea. Robbie Stanger has two double tops, Ivan Leslie a 100 and 112, Alan Brown 104, Gordon Rendall 105, Kevin Gray 108, Neil Croy 114, Neil Drever and Bruce Moar 121, 120 and 133 from Michael Moodie, 144 Alan Gray, and 146 from Willie Bremner. David Kirkpatrick had a 113.
There will be a committee meeting on Wednesday, March 7, in the Masonic Hall at 8pm. All committee members are requested to attend, as the team to travel to Shetland will be selected.

FIXTURES
Monday, March 12: Knight Cup 'A' teams - Legion, 7.30pm.
Tuesday, March 13: Seatter Cup 'B' teams - Legion, 7.340pm.
Friday, March 16: Tom Notman Singles - Legion, 7.30pm.

Monday, March 5
Williamson's 'A' League
Meadowbank v Quoyburray B; Commodores v Sanday; Quoyburray v Untouchables; Untouchables 'A' v Legion; Wanderers v OGC.
Williamson's 'B' League
Tankerness v Likely Lads; Shapinsay v Murray Arms; Shore v Deerness; Bilco Boys v RBLM; Shore 2 v Sands.

It was not a great turnout for the ‘B’ League Doubles, with 13 pairs entering, but an improvement on last year.
There was some splendid darts thrown and no more so than in the final, as the trophy crossed the water to Shapinsay with Graham Rendall and Colin Leslie beating Neil Drever and Roy Griffiths 4-2 in a really first-class display.
Steady scoring and great finishing won the day, and there’s more darts this Friday, with the League Doubles.
It is open to registered players only, as it’s a ranking points event – the second last one, with the final one next Friday, the League Singles.
Both are in the Legion Club at 7.30pm.
There’s still about a dozen players who could make the selection to go to Shetland in April, so let’s have a great turnout.
There is no change at the top of either of the Williamson’s leagues, and it’s getting to the stage that teams are dropping out of the points possible range.
The Legion are nearly there after another 10-2 win, this time over Meadowbank.
Now, only four teams can stop them but, even then, they would have to lose three games out of six to lose the Williamson’s ‘A’ League crown.
Still in second spot are Untouchables after a close 7-5 win over the Commodores, and the Wanderers are still in third place, following their 10-2 defeat of Quoyburray.
The other Quoyburray team didn’t fare much better, going down 9-3 to Untouchables ‘A’.
The Golf Club are still in with a shout, after beating Sanday 8-4, but it’s not a very loud shout.
The Williamson’s ‘B’ League is very much like the ‘A’ League, with RBLM still nine points ahead.
Their game with Shapinsay wasn’t played for some reason, and that allowed the Murray Arms to close the gap, with a 9-3 defeat of the Likely Lads.
There was a very big win for Shore ‘2’, a 12-nil whitewash of Deerness – meaning they become only the second team behind RBLM to score a whitewash in the ‘B’ League.
Also, there was a good 9-3 win for the Sands over the Shore, who look like candidates for the wooden spoon.
No score from the Bilco Boys match with Tankerness.
Every effort much be made to have these games played before the break.
There were 180s from Stewart Gray, Billy Ward (Billy also had a 177), David Kirkpatrick, Bruce Moar, Keith Brumpton, Stevie Linklater, Hamish Baillie, Brian Moar, Davy Henderson, Michael Montgomery, Brian Stevenson, Mark Louttit, Neil Croy and two from Kevin Gray, which puts him away ahead in the table with 23, with Ivan Leslie second on 17.
High checkouts: 100s from Edrian Skea, Paul Foubister and James Flett; 106 Michael Muir Jnr; 108 Ryan Tulloch; 116 and 117 Bruce Moar; 118 Ross Groundwater; 130 Ryan Tulloch on the bull; and a table-topping 160 from Jimmy Miller that will take some beating!
There is still no sign of the Albert Cup (Seatter Cup). It was won last year by the Shore, so they should know is whereabouts. Please let the secretary know.

RESULTS
‘B’ League Doubles Final
Graham Rendall and Colin Leslie beat Neil Drever and Roy Griffiths 4-2.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Commodores 5, Untouchables 7; Meadowbank 2, Legion 10; Wanderers 10, Quoyburray 2; OGC 8, Sanday 4; Quoyburay ‘B’ 3, Untouchables ‘a’ 9.

Wiliamson’s ‘B’ League
Likely Lads 3, Murray Arms 9; Sands 9, Shore 3; RBLM v Shapinsay, no score; Bilco Boys v Tankerness, no score; Deerness 0, Shore ‘2’ 12.

FIXTURES
Friday, February 24: League Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm.
Friday, March 2: League Singles, Legion 7.30pm.

Monday, February 27
Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Legion v Untouchables; Quoyburray v Commodores; Sanday v Meadowbank; Wanderers v Quoyburray ‘B’; Untouchables ‘A’ v OGC.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League
Murray Arms v Shore; Likely Lads v Shapinsay; Sands v Tankerness; RBLM v Shore ‘2’; Deerness v Bilco Boys.

Win Terry 'The Bull' Jenkins darts shirt he wore at the PDC World Championships. It will be a raffle prize at the Carling Kirkwall Open

.

The Kirkwall Legion qualifers, Ivan Leslie, Brian Moar, Martin Peace and Kevin Gray(who are all KDDL players) beat Inverness in the final of the Legion Highlands and Islands Area Finals in Forres. Five teams entered. Brian also won the singles title, beating Ivan in the final. This means they have now qualified for the nationals. Well dones boys!

There’s no holding back the Legion, as they powered their way to another 10-2 win, this time over third-placed Wanderers in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League.
That defeat allowed the Untouchables to move five points clear in second spot, following their narrow 7-5 defeat of Meadowbank.
The Golf Club are clear in fourth spot, after a good 9-3 over Quoyburray, and watch out for Untouchables ‘A’ as they beat the Commodores out in Holm 9-3 and move above their opponents in fifth place.
There was no luck for Quoyburray ‘B’, who remain in bottom spot after going down 8-4 to Sanday.

In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, RBLM continued their record-breaking run with an 11-1 demolition job on the Shore.
This keeps RBLMs 12-point lead over the Murray Arms, who bounded back with a narrow 7-5 win over the Sands, which just about ends their hopes of glory. Shapinsay moved up to third place with a very good 9-3 defeat of the Bilco Boys, and Deerness secured their fourth draw on the trot, with a six-all score with the Likely Lads. Also a 6-6 draw for Tankerness, who entertained Shore ‘2’, and it was the Shore’s fifth draw of the season, and they are too far adrift now to worry the top places.

There were 180’s from Peter Liddle, Brian Murray, Derek Manson, Kevin Gray, Brian Moar, Raymond Foubister, Keith Brumpton, Colin Kirkpatrick, Michael Moodie, Alan Gray, Billy Ward, David Kirkpatrick, Robbie Stanger, Ian Wilkie, Willie Bremner and Moose Montgomery, two from Craig Taylor and Neil Croy.
High checkouts: 100 twice from Roy Foubister; 100 from Craig Taylor; 106 Colin Barnett; 119 John Thomson; 146 Kevin Gray.

It’s time for the ‘B’ boys to stand up and be counted at the ‘B’ League Doubles on, Friday, in the Masonic at 7.30 p.m.
A lack of entries last year put this fixture in doubt. Let’s show them!
That’s only the start of a busy period over the next few weeks, starting next Friday with the second last ranking points event, the League Doubles.
Then, the last ranking event on March 2 – The League Singles.
Both events are in the Legion Club and, with lots of players still in contention for selection, big turn outs are expected.
That event is followed by a week of 301 double start events. See notice boards.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of the Albert Cup, won last year by the Shore, let the secretary, Jim Scollie, know.

RESULTS
Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Untouchables 7, Meadowbank 5; Commodores 3, Untouchables ‘A’ 9; Quoyburray ‘B’ 4, Sanday 8; Quoyburray 3, OGC 9; Wanderers 2, Legion 10.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League
Tankerness 6, Shore ‘2’ 6; Shapinsay 9, Bilco Boys 3; Shore 1, RBLM 11; Murray Arms 7, Sands 5; Likely Lads 6, Deerness 6.

FIXTURES
Friday, February 17: ‘B’ League Doubles, Masonic, 7.30 p.m.
Friday, February 24: League Doubles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.
Friday, March 2: League Singles, Legion.

Monday, February 20: Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Meadowbank v Quoyburray; Legion v Commodores; Untouchables v Untouchables ‘A’; OGC v Quoyburray ‘B’; Wanderers v Sanday.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Tankerness V RBLM; Shapinsay v Sands; Shore v Likely Lads; Murray Arms v Deerness; Shore ‘2’ v Bilco Boys.

Click here to get the latest Williamson's 'A' & 'B' League Tables

Is it all over in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League?
Few people would argue, as the Legion moved eight points clear after a devastating display up at the Golf Club, as they came from 2-0 down to win 10-2 and also reach the magic 100 for games for.
With only 20 conceded, it means they are averaging 10-2 for the season.
The reason they moved eight points clear was because second-placed Untouchables went down 7-5 to third-placed Wanderers and they are now only two points off the second spot, so the real fight could be for that runner-up spot.
At the other end, Quoyburray ‘B’ are in trouble as they went down 8-4 in the local Derby with Quoyburray and the gap is seven points – a lot to take back with only eight games to go.
Elsewhere, there was a good win for the Commodores (8-4 over Meadowbank) and look out for Untouchables ‘A’, 10-2 winners over Sanday.

The lead for RBLM in the Williamson’s ‘B’ League is even larger, as with a 10-2 win over their nearest challengers the Murray Arms, they are now 12 points in the lead, so it looks as if the battle there is also for second spot.
RBLM are also over the 100 games for mark and, in ten games, have only lost 14.
The Shore ‘2’ and Shapinsay battled out a hard-fought 6-6 draw and both are very much in the hunt for the runner-up spot, as are the Bilco Boys with a very good 8-4 win over the Shore, who are five points adrift at the bottom.
Deerness and Tankerness gained a good point with a 6-6 draw, and the Likely Lads dented the hopes of the Sands by beating them 7-5 on their home patch.
There were 180s from Thorfinn Eunson, Leigh Shearer, Martin Peace, James Flett, Davy Henderson, Kevin Gray, David Kirkpatrick, Neil Drever, Henry Bateman and two from Stevie Linklater.

High finishes of: 100 from Brian Moar; 102 Michael Muir Snr; 103 Wilfie Tulloch; 104 twice from Graham Rendall, Shapinsay; 114 Stevie Linklater; 116 Robbie Stanger; 117 Keith Brumpton; 120 Ray Butcher; 113 Brian Stevenson; and a 150 from Jamie Robertson, and Ian Linklater scored a 171.

It’s the ‘B’ boys chance for glory next Friday (February 17), with the ‘B’ League Doubles in the Masonic Club. Names by 7.30 p.m.
All ‘B’-registered players can play, enter as a pair.
There’s great news from Neil Stevenson, as he’s hosting another Orkney Darts Classic on Saturday, September 1.
Eight top players will be taking on eight of Orkney’s best.
Four qualifying games will be played, with full details on the line-up, dates and venues to be confirmed at a later date.

RESULTS
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Meadowbank 4, Commodores 8; Untouchables 5, Wanderers 7; Legion 10, OGC 2; Quoyburray 8, Quoyburray ‘B’ 4; Untouchables ‘A’ 10, Sanday 2.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: RBLM 10, Murray Arms 2; Bilco Boys 8, Shore 4; Shore ‘2’ 6, Shapinsay 6; Sands 5, Likely Lads 7; Deerness 6, Tankerness 6.

FIXTURES
Friday, February 17
‘B’ League Doubles – Masonic Club – 7.30 p.m.

February 13
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Commodores v Untouchables; Meadowbank v Legion; Wanderers v Quoyburray; OGC v Sanday; Quoyburray v Untouchables ‘A’.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Likely Lads v Murray Arms; Sands v Shore; RBLM v Shapinsay; Bilco Boys v Tankerness; Deerness v Shore ‘2’.

The full updated ranking points table has been added to the website.

Click here to see

Another good turnout for the last of the dual 'A' and 'B' cups, the Henderson Cup, which attracted 49 players, making up 11 teams, nine 'A' teams - only Quoyburray missing - and the top two 'B' teams, RBLM and the Murray Arms.

They both lost out at the first hurdle, with RBLM losing in the play-off game with Quoyburray 'B', and the Murray Arms did well to take two games off the Untouchables.

By semi-final time, it was the two Untouchables teams in the one semi-final, and the Commodore against the Legion in the other.

Both games went to the play-offs, with the Untouchables and Legion both winning 4-3 and that was the score in the final, with the Legion winning 4-3, to give them their fifth team cup of the season.

The fifth ranking event, the E. R. & T. Craigie Singles Cup was played out in the Quoyburray. (See full report)

The next ranking event is on February 24, the League Doubles in the Legion.

There were lots of 180s, from Derek Firth, Neil Drever, Sean Stanger, Brian Moar, Ian Wilkie, Martin Peace, Robbie Stanger, Michael Moodie, and two from Ian Linklater, Ivan Leslie and Kevin Gray, and that keeps Kevin out in front with 19, closely followed by Ivan on 17.

There were high checkouts of: 101 from Paul Foubister and S. Craigie; 102 from Kevin Gray and 106, 116; 105 from James Flett and Michael Muir senior; Ian Linklater also had a 101; 106 and 116 from Robbie Stanger; Ivan Leslie 110; Sean Stanger 126, and 154 from Michael Moodie.

The next cup game is the 'B' League Doubles on Friday, February 17, in the Masonic Club at 7.30pm.

Results:

Henderson Cup Final: Legion 4, Untouchables 3.

Fixtures:Monday, February 6:

Williamson's 'A' League:
Untouchables v Meadowbank; Commodore v Untouchables 'A'; Quoyburray 'B' v Sanday; Quoyburray v OGC; Wanderers v Legion.

Williamson's 'B' League:
Tankerness v Shore '2'; Shapinsay v Bilco Boys; Shore v RBLM; Murray Arms v Sands; Likely Lads v Deerness.
 

The Quoyburray Inn was the scene on friday for what some were describing as one of the best darts competition that there has been in the KDDL. 40 players turned up hoping to walk home with the E.R & T Craigie singles cup and almost every one of those players produced their very best darts.

Right from the offset in the preliminary round the high standard was evident. Robbie Stanger beat Brian Moar 3-2 in the preliminary round despite Brian averaging 92.65! Into the last 32 and the 180's and high checkouts came thick and fast with 11 180's and 8 big finishes recorded during the night. Robbie and Ivan Leslie had a humdinger with robbie again winning the game 3 games to 1 courtesy of 2 big finishes in defiance of Ivan's brace of 180's. Iain Wilkie lost by the odd game in 5 in another great game with Derek Firth. Other points of note were young Sean Stanger losing to Ross Donaldson despite hitting a 180 and 126 finish in his match. Another two young guns came head to head in the guise of Michael Moodie and James Flett. Both played superbly, James finishing 105 before standing back and watching Michael wrap up the match 3-2 with a terrific 154 checkout.

A combination of high quality entertaining darts and just the right level of alcohol consumption had the Quoyburray punters in good voice. When it came to the business end of the night and the semi final stage, the lively crowd were not to be disappointed. A resurgent Martin Peace found Ian Linklater too hot to handle in the 1st semi final and Kevin Gray won a close tussle with Stevie Linklater to progress. In the final Ian played very well, averaging 79.7, an average that would have won many a final,but could not keep up with the scoring and finishing prowess of Kevin who was epitomising everything that had been great about the night as a whole. Kevin had an astounding average of 91.1 in his 4-0 win which included 5 140s, a 102 check and the match winning 116 finish.

Kevin went home with the trophy, but many a player went home with a smile on their face as they knew they couldn't play much better. It's been said for a while now that the standard on the KDDL just keeps getting better, but many were stunned by just how good it has really become and how many players, both young and experienced are capable of producing the standard required to become a county player. Roll on the next ranking competition.

Quarter final results were - S Linklater bt D Ward Snr, K Gray bt B Ward, M Peace bt W Bremner, I Linklater bt R Stanger

Semi finals - K Gray bt S Linklater 3-1, I Linklater bt M Peace 3-0
Final K Gray 4 Ian Link 

The first domestic team cup of the new year attracted players making up 11 teams — eight from the Williamson’s ‘A’ League.

Only the two Quoyburray teams were missing and the top three ‘B’ teams made up the 11, with only RBLM making any headway into the second round. But, that was as far as they got and making it to the final was Commodores, showing great form.
Waiting for them was the Legion, who had still to drop a game. But they did — as they lost the first one before winning the next three to win 3-1. In fact, the Legion have won all the team cups up to now.
The first 180s’ of the new year were scored by Martin Peace, Ian Linklater and Kevin Gray and there were high checkouts from: Kevin Gray 116; Jimmy Miller 116; Keith Bain 126; and Neil Drever 140.
The cup games continue on Friday, with the E. R. & T. Craigie Singles in the Quoyburray. Names by 7.30pm, and it’s a ranking points event for registered players only and, with lots of players close points-wise, a big entry is expected.
On Monday, it’s back to league business for both ‘A’ and ‘B’ players. Both the Williamson’s Leagues have clear leaders.
In the ‘A’ League, the Legion have a five-point lead, which means they have to lose two games out of nine — and they haven’t lost two games in one season since 2004/05, but I’m sure the teams chasing them may have something to say about that.
In the ‘B’ League, RBLM are nine points ahead of their nearest challengers, so it’s unlikely they will drop as many points as that. Both the Legion and RBLM remain undefeated.
Team captains are reminded that score cards must be handed into the Legion club by the deadline of noon on Saturday and the secretary must be informed of the result by noon on Sunday.
There will be a committee meeting in the Masonic Club on Wednesday, February 1 at 8pm.

Results
Swanney Cup final: Legion 3, Commodores 1.

Fixtures for January 27
E. R. & T. Craigie Singles, Quoyburray, 7.30pm.

Fixtures for January 30

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Meadowbank v Commodores; Untouchables v Wanderers; Legion v OGC; Quoyburray v Quoyburray ‘B’; Untouchables ‘A’ v Sanday.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: RBLM v Murray Arms; Bilco Boys v Shore; Shore ‘2’ v Shapinsay; Sands v Likely Lads; Deerness v Tankerness.

Another great crowd, this time for the Legion Men’s Doubles.
There were thirty-six players, making 18 pairs and, once again, lots of young players, but also most of the top players, all fighting for the two places to make the Legion team to defend their Northern Area title in Forres, in February. By semi-final time, it was very familiar faces who faced each other. Getting into the final were Kevin Gray and Derek Firth and Brian Moar and Martin Peace.

It was Brian and Martin who won 4-2 in a very good final, and will join Kevin and Ivan in Forres. Good luck to them.

The Kirkwall League continues on Monday, 23,  with the Henderson Cup.
It’s the old Royal Cup and it’s for ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams of four to six players and will be held in the Legion Club. Names by 7.30 p.m.
The Henderson Cup is not the only one next week, as on Friday it’s the E. R. & T. Craigie Singles, out in Quoyburray, and it’s also a ranking points event for registered players only.
With lots of players still in the running for a place in the team for Shetland in April, it’s sure to be a big entry.

Carling are the main sponsors of the Kirkwall Open, being held on Saturday, March 10, in the Masonic Club. Names by 2.30 p.m. and it is £500 to the winner, plus the trophy, and lots of other prizes.
It’s open to any player over 18.
Both leagues get underway on Monday, January 30.

RESULTS
Legion Men’s Doubles, semi-finals:
Kevin Gray and Derek Firth beat Paul Foubister and Neil Croy 3-1; Brian Moar and Martin Peace beat Ian Linklater and Stevie Linklater 3-2.
Final:
Brian and Martin beat Kevin and Derek 4-2.

FIXTURES
Monday, January 23: Henderson Cup, ‘A’ and ‘B’, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, January 27: E. R. & T. Craigie Singles, Quoyburray, 7.30 p.m.

Carling Kirkwall Open Darts Singles 2012

Over £1000 in prize money
£500 First Prize

Kirkwall Masonic Club, Saturday, March 10, 2012.

Prizes for winner, runner-up, semis, furthest progressing B league player and lady.
Names by 2.30pm                        £5 entry
Sponsored by Carling, JW Gray & Co, Kirkwall Kilwinning Recreation Club, Kirkwall & District Darts League and Jim Scollie.
For further information contact: Craig Taylor. Email: craigtaylormedia@hotmail.co.uk

The Masonic Club (Kirkwall Kilwinning Recreation Club) hall can also be hired for private functions. Tel: 872407

Darts got back on the oche on Friday, when 30 members turned up for the Men’s Legion Singles.
It was great to see a lot of young members entered, and with most of the top players taking part, only one of the young guns made it to the semi-finals.
That was Neil Croy , the ‘B’ League Singles Champion, but he found Kevin Gray too hot to handle and went down 3-0.
In the other semi, Ivan Leslie won 3-1 against Brian Moar.
The final wasn’t a classic, just honest darts, and better finishing from Kevin saw him win 4-1.
Both players will now be invited to represent the Kirkwall Legion at Forres, in February, in defence of the area championships, and will be joined by the winners of the Legion Men’s Doubles, to be played on Friday, in the club. Names by 7.30 p.m. It’s for paid-up members only.
The Kirkwall Darts League programme gets underway on Monday, January 16, with the Swanney Cup.
It’s a team event for four to six players and is for ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams, being held in the Masonic Club. Names by 7.30 p.m.
A new cup programme is now out, so ignore the orange one and go with the yellow one.
Fixture lists for league games are also out. The ‘A’ League has been rearranged after Wanderers ‘B’ dropped out, so some teams may find they have a couple of home or away games one after the other.
The next committee meeting is on Wednesday, February 1, in the Masonic Club at 8 p.m.
The Kirkwall Open will be played on March 10, in the Masonic.

RESULTS
Legion Men’s Singles, semi-finals:
Ivan Leslie beat Brian Moar 3-1; Kevin Gray beat Neil Croy 3-0.
Final:
Kevin beat Ivan 4-1.

FIXTURES
Friday, January 13 – Legion Men’s Doubles, Legion; Monday, January 16 – Swanney Cup – ‘A’ and ‘B’, Masonic; Monday, January 23 – Henderson Cup, ‘A’ and ‘B’, Legion; Friday, January 27 – E. R. & T. Craigie Singles, Quoyburray.

Monday, January 30 – both leagues start.

A record entry of 74 players turned up for the last event of the year – the Festive Singles – well up on last year.
It was also a ranking points event, with only registered players getting points.

There were 51 registered and 23 non-registered players, but, before the main event, the KDDL presented two cheques of £300 each to the Fishermen’s Mission and RNLI.
Back to the darts and, as usual, there were some big names going out early, such as Billy Ward, the defending champion, but, even with all the non-registered players in, only two survived going in to the last 16. They were Clive Hewison and Jim Brown, from Westray, who was playing great darts, but went out in the quarter-finals by Kevin Gray, who was joined in the semi-finals by team-mates Ivan Leslie and Derek Firth, along with Ian Linklater.

It was Ivan and Ian who made the final. On the way there, Ivan had 11 and 12-dart legs, and Kevin also had a 12-dart leg.
In the final, Ivan went one leg up, only for Ian to equal. But that was all he got, as Ivan rattled off the next three legs to win 4-1.
But it was far from being one-sided. Only sharper finishing on the doubles won it for Ivan.

In all, 13 180s were scored, and 11 over 100s finishes.
There were 180s from Kevin Gray, Robbie Rendall, Alan Johnston, Ian Linklater, Willie Bremner, Martin Peace, Derek Firth, and two each from Ivan Leslie, Jim Brown and Roy Foubister.
High finishes: 100 and 111 from Ivan Leslie; 105 Derek Firth; 106 Michael Moodie; 108 Michael Muir Jnr; 109 Trevor Shearer; 112 James Flett; 121 Kevin Gray; 128 Stevie Linklater; 129 Wayne Small; and 130 from Ian Wilkie.
Top 12 places in the ranking table are: Derek Firth 38; Ivan Leslie 30; Kevin Gray 24; Robbie Stanger 19; Bruce Moar 15; Brian Moar 15; Ian Linklater 14; Roy Foubister 13; Michael Moodie 11; Stevie Linklater 10; Paddy and Trevor Shearer both have eight.
Another 18 players have points, ranging from six to three, and there’s three more ranking events to go. The next one is the E. R. & T. Craigie Singles, which takes place on JAN 27, not 2nd as wrongly stated in The Orcadian.

The Williamson’s ‘B’ League has finally been completed, with Shapinsay beating the Likely Lads 9-3 and Shore ‘2’ getting the better of the Shore 8-4.
The festive raffle was also held on Friday. The winners of the two main prizes were, first, “Muggins”, and second, Fraser Laird. Another 15 prizes were spread all over Orkney.
Thanks to everyone who sold or bought tickets.

Well, that’s it for this year, the committee wish all the players and friends a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

RESULTS
Festive Open Singles, semi-finals
Ivan Leslie beat Derek Firth 3-1; Ian Linklater beat Kevin Gray 3-2.
Final
Ivan Leslie beat Ian Linklater 4-1.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League
Shapinsay 9, Likely Lads 3; Shore ‘2’ 8, Shore 4.

The KDDL made a cheque presentation to representatives from the RNLI and Fishermen's Mission of cheques for £300 each. The money was raised at the Davy Cooper Memorial Singles.

There were mixed fortunes for the East teams in the annual East v West fixtures.
The East ‘B’ boys started off not too bad, as they shared the doubles 2-2, and the first two singles, but only won one more out of the next six and lost out 8-4.
But, the East still lead in the fixture overall, with a score of 10-6.
The only score of note was Neil Croy’s 180 and 112 finish in the same leg.

No problems for the big boys in the main event though, as they quickly raced to the first five games – all by 3-0 scorelines.
They lost one 3-2, but took the next four to lead 9-1 and, only needing two more games, had to wait for the doubles, as the West took the last two singles to trail 9-3.
The doubles ended up three-all, so the East won for the 31st time.
The West have seven wins, but their last win was in 1998-99, and they also won in 1997-98 to make it the only time the West have won back-to-back events.

In the last of the first half Williamson’s ‘A’ League fixtures, the Untouchables closed the gap on the Legion with a narrow 7-5 win over Quoyburray ‘B’, but still trail by five points.
Quoyburray ‘B’ also played their postponed game against the Golf Club but, once again, came up short, losing 5-7.
The other Quoyburray team also had hard luck, going down by 7-5 to the Untouchables ‘A’.
The Wanderers stay in third spot, but only just, after Meadowbank held them to a 6-6 draw, and watch out for the Commodores – they had a very good 8-4 win over Sanday, who have faded away after a good start.

There were 180s from: Gordon Rendall; Michael Muir Jnr; Alan Gray; Brian Stevenson; Michael Montgomery; Willie Bremner; Roy Foubister; Andrew Rendall; David Kirkpatrick; Trevor Shearer; and two from Mike Bain; Robbie Stanger; and Paddy Kirkpatrick.High checkouts of a 103 and 124 from Ian Linklater; 118 Robbie Stanger; and Brian Moar had a 155. Just short of the highest of 158 from Derek Firth. The total number of 180s for first half of the season is 192.

There’s still a couple of ‘B’ games to play and they must be completed by tomorrow, Friday, or the committee will make the decision on the result.

And, of course, it’s a big night on Friday with the Festive Singles and raffle, both in the Legion. Names by 7.30 p.m.
It’s an open event, as well as a ranking points game. Only registered players can score points and if any players have any raffle tickets left, get them in to the Legion by 8 p.m., sold or unsold.
Darts will resume on Monday, January 16, 2012, with the Swanney Cup.

RESULTS
East 14, West 7; East ‘B’ 4, West ‘B’ 8.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Quoyburray 5, Untouchables ‘A’ 7; Untouchables 7, Quoyburray ‘B’ 5; Meadowbank 6, Wanderers 6; Sanday 4, Commodores 8; Quoyburray ‘B’ 5, OGC 7.

FIXTURES
Friday, December 16: Festive Open Singles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

A good turn-out of 26 players entered for the ‘B’ League Singles. This was well up on last year’s entry and, as in all competitions, there were some surprise results – like all of the RBLM players going out at the first hurdle and, by quarter-final time, there were three players from Kirkwall-based teams and five from teams outwith Kirkwall.
There were then two each in the semi-finals – Jamie Robertson and Neil Croy from the Kirkwall teams and Ryan Tulloch and Derek Ward Jnr from across the Barriers.
It was Derek and Neil who made it to the final and what a final it was, with the games going the whole hog.
Neil won the first leg, but Derek took the next three to lead 3-1 and only needed one leg. But he never got it, as Neil reeled off the next three to win 4-3.
It’s a pity there had to be a loser, as both these young men played their hearts out and, with all the other good players on show, I think the future of Kirkwall darts looks very bright indeed.

The Williamson’s ‘A’ League is on its last games for the first half, and the Legion are sure to be leading by at least five points, as they thumped Sanday 11-1, while their nearest challengers, Untouchables, dropped points, as the Untouchables ‘A’ held them to a six-all draw.
In fact, it was a week for draws, as the Wanderers also drew 6-6 with the Commodores and that was also the score at Quoyburray, as the ‘B’ team held Meadowbank.
It was a second point for Quoyburray ‘B’, but they still haven’t won a game as of yet.
There was no trouble for the Golf Club though, as they beat the other Quoyburray teams 9-3.

There’s still a couple of games to play in the Williamson’s ‘B’ League and they must be played by Friday, December 16, or the committee will decide the outcome. The one postponed game played saw the Murray Arms go clear in second spot with an 8-4 defeat of Shore ‘2’, but they are nine points behind RBLM.

There were 180s from Ian Linklater, Derek Ward Jnr, Jamie Robertson, Martin Peace, Robbie Stanger, Kevin Gray, two from Billy Ward and three from the ‘B’ Singles Champion Neil Croy. High finishes: 101 Martin Peace; 115 Fraser Laird; 116 Hendry Bateman; 142 from Aaron Mitchell. 158 is still the top finish in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, from Derek Firth, and Glen Miller has the lead in the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, on 152. One detail missed from a previous report was that father and son doubles partnership Robbie and Sean Stanger had an 11 dart leg in a recent match.

It’s a big night on Friday night, with the visit of the West Mainland ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams for the annual East v West encounters. It’s in the Masonic Club at 8 p.m. and then on Friday, December 16, it’s the fourth ranking points event, with the Festive Singles in the Legion at 7.30 p.m. It’s open, and there’s the raffle also.

Ranking points after three events:
D. Firth 31; I. Leslie 18; K. Gray 17; G. B. Moar 17; B. Moar 15; R. Stanger 14; M. Moodie 8; Roy Foubister 8; S. Linklater 7; G. Rendall 6; D. Ward Jnr 6; C. Moar 6; I. Wilkie 5; I. Linklater 5; M. Louttit 5; B. Murray 5; C. Kirkpatrick 5; B. Stevenson 5; D. Gillespie 3; G. Louttit 3; D. Kirkpatrick 3; R. Gatt 3; M. Muir Jnr 3; C. Taylor 3; L. Shearer 3; R. Donaldson 3; P. Foubister 3; J. Flett 3; M. Peace 3; T. Shearer 3; B. Ward 3.

RESULTS
‘B’ League, Singles Final: Neil Croy beat Derek Ward Jnr 4-3.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Legion 11, Sanday 1; Wanderers 6, Commodores 6; Quoyburray ‘B’ 6, Meadowbank 6; Untouchables ‘A’ 6, Untouchables 6; OGC 9, Quoyburray 3.
Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Murray Arms 8, Shore ‘2’ 4.

FIXTURES
Friday, December 9: East ‘A’ and ‘B’ v West ‘A’ and ‘B’, Masonic Club, 8 p.m.
Friday, December 16: Festive Open Singles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

Ranking points latest.

D Firth 31, I Leslie 18, K Gray 17, Bru Moar 17, Bri Moar 15, R Stanger 14, M Moodie 8, R Foubsiter 8, S Linklater 7, G Rendall 6, D Ward Jnr 6, C Moar 6, I Wilkie 5, I Linklater 5, M Loutitt 5, B Murray 5, C Kirkpatrick 5, B Stevenson 5.

Neil Croy beat Derek Ward 4-3 in the final of the B League Singles on Friday night. 26 players entered the competition. KDDL vice-president Kevin Gray presents Neil Croy with the B League Singles Cup, also pictured is league secretary Jim 'Tattie Bogle' Scollie and runner-up Derek Ward.

In the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, the Untouchables took advantage of the Legion not having a game to move to within six points of the top team with an easy 8-4 win over the Golf Club.
The only other team in with a shout are the Wanderers with a 9-3 defeat of Sanday who, after a great start, have faded as the season nears the end of the first half.
Meadowbank and Untouchables ‘A’ shared the points in a six-all draw and both are well off the leaders.
Quoyburray ‘B’ have still to win a game, after going down 9-3 to the Commodores.
The Williamson’s ‘B’ League has reached the half-way mark, but there’s still three games to play, and team captains are reminded that these games must be played before the Festive Singles or they will be classed as void and no points or scores recorded.
But, on the games that were played, and RBLM are totally clear after their fourth 12-nil whitewash, and it was the Likely Lads who had to suffer.
Their nearest challengers are the Murray Arms, after a good 9-3 win over Bilco Boys, and they still have a game to play.
The Sands, in third spot, lost ground as Deerness held them to a 6-6 draw.
Shapinsay stayed in touch, with an 8-4 defeat of Tankerness and they also have a game to play.
There was no score once again from the Shore.

There were lots of 180s, with 28 being scored from Ian Linklater and Keith Bain in a 14-leg game, Roy Griffiths, Brian Murray, Craig Moar, Michael Kemp, Aaron Mitchell, Martin Peace, Des Gillespie, Colin Barnett, Michael Montgomery, Billy Ward, Derek Firth, Stevie Linklater, and two from Trevor Shearer, Kevin Gray, Michael Moodie, Craig Taylor, three from Brian Stevenson and Ivan Leslie.
Top of the table is Kevin Gray, with 14; Ivan Leslie has 13.
High checkouts of a 100 from Craig Moar and Bruce Moar; 104 Des Gillespie and Billy Ward; 111 Trevor Shearer; 112 Leigh Shearer; 114 Neil Drever; 117 Robbie Stanger and Aaron Mitchell; 120 Stevie Linklater and Derek Firth, also 131 and 137; Paul Foubister had a 147.
Thirty-five players entered for the Commodore Singles. Derek Firth beat Ivan Leslie 4-1 in the final.
Derek leads the table on 31 points. Ivan is second on 18 points.
On Friday night, the ‘B’ boys get their chance with the ‘B’ Singles being played in the Masonic Club at 7.30 pm.
Then, next Friday it’s the annual East v West encounters in the Masonic Club at 8 p.m.
All raffle tickets should now be in to the treasurer, sold or unsold.

RESULTS
Commodore Singles, Final
Derek Firth beat Ivan Leslie 4-1.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Untouchables 8, OGC 4; Meadowbank 6, Untouchables ‘A’ 6; Commodores 9, Quoyburray ‘B’ 3; Sanday 3, Wanderers 9; no game – Quoyburray and Legion.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League
Shapinsay 8, Tankerness 4; Shore ‘2’ v Shore, no score; Bilco Boys 3, Murray Arms 9; RBLM 12, Likely Lads 0; Deerness 6, Sands 6.

FIXTURES
Monday, December 5
Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Quoyburray v Untouchables ‘A’; Untouchables v Quoyburray ‘B’; Meadowbank v Wanderers; Sanday v Commodores; no games – OGC and Legion.

Friday, December 2
‘B’ League Singles – Masonic Club, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, December 9
East ‘A’ and ‘B’ v West ‘A’ and ‘B’ – Masonic Club, 8 p.m.

There’s no change, position-wise, in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, as the Legion went nine points clear after an 11-1 win over Quoyburray but, with the withdrawal of Wanderers ‘B’, they have played two games more than the Untouchables, who didn’t have a game. So, in real terms, the Legion only have one game to play before the festive break.
Another good win for the Golf Club, 9-3 over Meadowbank, and I’m sure they will be boosted with the signing of Stevie Linklater.
The Wanderers remain in third spot after a win over Quoyburray ‘B’ by eight points to four and the Commodores gained a good point in a six-all draw with the Untouchables ‘A’.
All postponed games must be played by December 9, or games will be classed as void and no points or scores recorded.

Is it all over in the Williamson’s ‘B’ League? It could be, as RBLM moved 11 points clear after beating their nearest challengers, the Sands, 9-3.
The Murray Arms or the Shore ‘2’ could have moved up into second spot, but no score card handed in on time which is 12 noon on Saturday.
The Bilco Boys got back on track with a 7-5 defeat of the Likely Lads and Shapinsay had a mixed week, drawing 6-6 with Deerness but going  down 7-5 to the Shore, which was their first win.
Tankerness are going strong, beating the Shore 7-5. The Shapinsay game was held over from last week.

There were 180s from: David Kirkpatrick; Billy Ward; Davy Henderson; Derek Firth; Gary Drever; Erik Bews; and three from Bruce Moar. High checkouts of: 1 100 from Derek Ward Snr; 104 Ewen Rendall and Brian Stevenson, who also had 114; 107 Colin Findlay; 108 Derek Firth; 110 Kevin Gray; and two from Brian Moar; 130 Colin Barnett; and 138 from Ryan Tulloch. It’s called a Keith Deller finish.

It’s back to ranking points on Friday night, with the Commodore Singles. It’s for registered players only, then the following Friday it’s the turn of the ‘B’ boys to shine, with the ‘B’ League Singles in the Masonic Club. For both events, it’s names by 7.30 p.m.

It’s time to get the festive raffle tickets back to the treasurer, Davy Henderson, at the Bank of Scotland.
There will be a committee meeting on Wednesday, November 30, in the Masonic Club, at 8 p.m.

RESULTS
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Legion 11, Quoyburray 1; Quoyburray ‘B’ 4, Wanderers 8; Untouchables ‘A’ 6, Commodores 6; OGC 9, Meadowbank 3; no game – Untouchables and Sanday.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore 5, Tankerness 7; Deerness 6, Shapinsay 6; Sands 3, RBLM 9; Likely Lads 5, Bilco Boys 7; Murray Arms v Shore ‘2’ no score; Shapinsay 5, Shore 7.

FIXTURES
Monday, November 28
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Legion v Sanday; Wanderers v Commodores; Quoyburray ‘B’ v Meadowbank; Untouchables ‘A’ v Untouchables; OGC v Quoyburray.

Friday, November 25
Commodore Singles – Commodore, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, December 2
‘B’ League Singles – Masonic Club, 7.30 p.m.

A great turn-out of 62 players entered for the Davy Cooper Open Singles. Players from East, West and the Northern Isles turned up to honour the memory of Davy, and it was good to see some non-darts players taking part, but no female players entered.

As it was a short format of only three legs, some of the better known players didn’t get far, but by the quarter-final stage it was all Kirkwall players, except for two, who were left and only Simon Parry, from Westray, carried the Northern Isles flag. But that was as far as Simon got. The other one was Erlend Ritch, from Stromness, but he went out in the semi-final to Bruce Moar.

In the other semi, Robbie Stanger powered past Mike Bain to make it an all-Kirkwall final.
It looked like the title was going to Robbie when he won the first two games, but Bruce wasn’t finished as he dug deep, and he won the next three to win 3-2 in an excellent final.
No big finishes but steady honest darts. About £600 was raised for the two charities, the RNLI and Fishermen's Mission, and a big thank you goes to all who took part.

In the Williamson’s ‘A’ League, the top two undefeated teams, the Legion and Untouchables clashed, and it was the Legion who came out best, winning 8-4. They now lead by six points, but have played a game more and, of course, with the withdrawal of Wanderers ‘B’, two teams each week will have a no game week, so things will change. A big gap has now opened up to the third-placed team, Wanderers, who beat the Untouchables ‘A’ 7-5.
It was the same score the Golf Club obtained out at the Commodore, and Sanday also won 7-5 over Quoyburray ‘B’, who have still to win a game and prop up the League.
Meadowbank had an 8-4 win over Quoyburray.

In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, RBLM have opened up an eight point gap at the top, following their big 11-1 win over Deerness. Their nearest challengers, the Sands, also won 11-1 over the Bilco Boys, and the Shore ‘2’ dropped points once again, as they only drew 6-6 with the Likely Lads, but Tankerness had a great result by beating the strong Murray Arms 8-4. No score in from the Shapinsay v Shore game.

All postponed games must be played before the festive break.

There were 180s from Danny Wards, Arthur Cruickshanks, Eddie Craigie, Michael Kemp, Davy Henderson, Hamish Baillie, Fraser Laird, David Kirkpatrick, Ivan Leslie, Ian Linklater, Kevin Gray, Paul Foubister, Ross Donaldson, Sean Stanger and three from Robbie Stanger. Kevin Gray leads the table on 12.

High checkouts of a 100 and 106 from Alan Gray; also a 100 and 106 from Derek Farmer; 101 and 113 from Michael Muir Jnr; 104 from Kevin Gray; 106 and 124 from Michael Moodie; Alan Gray 106 and 107; Robbie Stanger 106, 109, 115 and 117; 110 from Ivan Leslie; Paul Foubister 105; David Kirkpatrick 116; and Neil Drever 134.
Next big cup game is the Commodore Singles, on Friday, November 25.
It’s a ranking points event for registered players only.

RESULTS
Davy Cooper Singles – semi-finals: Robbie Stanger beat Mike Bain 3-0; Bruce Moar beat Erlend Ritch 3-2.
Final: Bruce Moar beat Robbie Stanger 3-2.
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Legion 8, Untouchables 4; Quoyburray 4, Meadowbank 8; Commodore 5, OGC 7; Wanderers 7, Untouchables ‘A’ 5; Sanday 7, Quoyburray ‘B’ 5.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shapinsay v Shore, no score; Tankerness 8, Murray Arms 4; Shore ‘2’ 6, Likely Lads 6; Bilco Boys 1, Sands 11; RBLM 11, Deerness 1.

FIXTURES
Friday, November 25
Commodore Singles – Commodore, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, December 2
‘B’ League Singles – Masonic Club, 7.30 p.m.

Monday, November 21
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Untouchables v OGC; Meadowbank v Untouchables ‘A’; Commodore v Quoyburray ‘B’; Sanday v Wanderers. No game – Legion v Quoyburray.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shapinsay v Tankerness; Shore ‘2’ v Shore; Bilco Boys v Murray Arms; RBLM v Likely Lads; Deerness v Sands.

The Wanderers ‘B’ team have folded and withdrawn from the Williamson’s ‘A’ League. Points will be readjusted and a new table compiled.
Onto happier matters – and what a classic night of darts there was at the Golf Club on Friday night in the Pit Stop Open Singles, when a total of 34 players took part.
Before the final, some classic darts were played. By the quarter finals, left in were six registered players and two non registered players.
And there was very nearly a nine darter as Stevie Linklater hit seven treble 20s only to just miss the treble 19. But he did finish in 11 darts.
Also going forward to the semi-finals was the holder of the cup, Kevin Gray, along with his doubles partner Derek Firth, and Bruce Moar who only just went down 3-2 to Stevie Linklater.
Kevin reached the final with a 3-0 victory over Derek.
And what a final it was. League secretray Jim Scollie has  been involved with darts in Kirkwall for 45 years and said that he  thought that the final was as good, if not better, than anything he had seen in Orkney.
It had everything – great scoring, classic finishing and four 180s – two by each player.
In the end, it was Stevie who came out on top with a 4-2 scoreline and a 85.4 three dart average. Kevin was on 79 average, and Stevie hit five 180s overall.
In the Williamson’s ‘A’ League the Legion moved three points clear of the Untouchables, who didn’t have a game, with a 9-3 win over Meadowbank.
Both the two top reams meet this week.
Elsewhere the Wanderers had a narrow 7-5 win at the Golf Club. It was a mixed week for Sanday. They beat Quoyburray  9-3 but lost 8-4 to Untouchables ‘A’.
It’s good to see some of the postponed games getting played now. The Untouchables ‘A’ also played twice and drew 6-6 with Quoyburray ‘B’ which was their first point this season.
The poor old Wanderers ‘B’ only had three players once again and crashed 10-2 to the Commodores.
In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League RBLM have opened a six point gap after yet another 12-0 whitewash. On the receiving end were the Bilco Boys.
Moving into second spot are the Murray Arms who won 9-3 at the Shore but the Murray also lost at home to Shapinsay 8-4.
The Shore also had another game losing to Deerness 8-4. The Sands had a good 6-6 draw with the Shore 2. Tankerness also held the Likely Lands to a 6-6 draw.
It was a record week for 180s with 37 being scored from Derek Ward Snr, Keith Bain, Aaron Edwardson, Lee Macpherson, Sean Stanger, Gordon Rendall, Ali Flett, Graham Reid, Trevor Shearer, Sinclair Craigie, Davy Henderson, Michael Moodie, and two each from Alan Gray, Martin Peace, Ray Butcher, Paul Foubister and Derek Firth, three each from Kevin Gray, Ivan Leslie and Derek Ward Jnr.
High checkouts included a 100 from David Kirkpatrick (twice), 102 from Brian Moar, who also had a 150, 103 from Monty, 105 by Gary Drever, 108 by Ray Butcher, Michael Muir Snr, Michael Moodie, 111 by Derek Ward Jnr, 116 by Colin Ross, Alan Gray (twice) and Neil Croy, 121 by Derek Firth, 123 by Michael Muir Jnr, 130 by Billy Ward and 152 by Gordon Rendall.
Saturday sees the start of a busy period for the Kirkwall District Darts players – first with the Davy Cooper Memorial Cup. It’s an open singles event in memory of Davy who tragically lost his life earlier this year.
Davy was the West Mainland and Orkney Singles Champion. The event in the Masonic Club on Saturday – names by 2.30 p.m. for a 3 p.m. start.
Any player can enter, male or female. It’s the first of five cups to be played for before the Christmas break.
Don’t forget to get the raffle tickets in by November 30.
Derek Firth leads the ranking points table on 19 points while, on 12 points, are Brian Moar, Bruce Moar, and Kevin Gray, Ivan Leslie has nine.

RESULTS
Pit Stop Open Singles Semi-finals: Kevin Gray beat Derek Firth 3-0; Stevie Linklater beat Bruce Moar 3-2. Final: Stevie Linklater beat Kevin Gray 4-2.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Wanderers ‘B’ 2, Commodores 10; Legion 9, Meadowbank 3; Quoyburray 3, Sanday 9; Untouchables ‘A’ 6, Quoyburray ‘B’ 6; OGC 5, Wanderers 7; Sanday 4, Untouchables ‘A’ 8. No game – Untouchables.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Likely Lads 6, Tankerness 6; Murray Arms 4, Shapinsay 8; Deerness 8, Shore 4; RBLM 12, Bilco Boys 0; Sands 6, Shore 2 6; Shore 3, Murray Arms 9.

FIXTURES
Monday, November 14
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Wanderers ‘B’ v Untouchables; Legion v Quoyburray; Quoyburray ‘B’ v Wanderers; Untouchables ‘A’ v Commodore; OGC v Meadowbank. No game – Sanday.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore v Tankerness; Deerness v Shapinsay; Sands v RBLM; Likely Lads v Bilco Boys; Murray Arms v Shore 2.

Saturday, November 12
Davy Cooper Open Singles – Masonic Club at 2.30 p.m.

Friday, November 25
Commodore Singles – Commodore at 7.30 p.m.

A very poor turnout of only 14 players turned up for the Cricket Singles and Doubles competition. At one time this used to attract more than 40 players.
However, although it was not a big entry, the standard of darts played was top notch in both events.
In the doubles, the Legion pairing of Derek Firth and Kevin Gray were showing great form with big scoring and lots of bulls (which count as wickets) and they stormed into the final. Their opponents were the Untouchables’ defending champs, Ian Wilkie and Craig Taylor – but even they could not match the high scoring of Derek and Kevin as they ran out 3-0 winners.
In the singles, Kevin Gray kept up the high class darts and made the final to meet Keith Brumpton who had also played well. However he could not match Kevin and went down 3-0.
Two players hit the magic three bulls – that’s six wickets in cricketing terms. t was Ross Donaldson and Robbie Stanger who did the damage, and Ian Wilkie hit a 180 which counts as 140 runs.
There were nearly shocks in both the Williamson’s-sponsored darts leagues with the ‘A’ leaders, the Legion, only just making it 7-5 at the Commodore. However, they do remain undefeated as do the Untouchables after beating Quoyburray 9-3. The top two meet next week.
Elsewhere the Wanderers beat Wanderers ‘B’ 10-2. Once again Wanderers ‘B’ only had three players. Other teams should take note as the other two games were postponed as they couldn’t get four players together.
In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, RBLM, the leaders, had to settle for a 7-5 win over Shore 2 who suffered their first defeat. There’s now a five point gap to second placed Shore 2.
The Sands had a win and a loss as they went down 8-4 to Shapinsay in a postponed game, but they won 7-5 against Tankerness.
There was a very good 9-3 win for Deerness up at the Golf Club against the Bilco Boys.
The other two games were also postponed. Too many games are being postponed. Teams with six players registered should easily get four to play.
There were 180s from Michael Kemp, James Flett, Kevin Gray, Sean Stanger, Colin Ross, Davy Henderson and three from Ian Wilkie.
High checkouts included 107 from Derek Firth, 126 from Mike Bain, and 127 Billy Bruce but Neil Croy had a 177 and Aaron Mitchell 162.
It’s back to ranking points on Friday night with the Pit Stop singles in the Golf Club. Names by 7.30 p.m.
It’s an open event so any male player can take part but only registered players will get points.
Then, next week it’s the big one with the Davy Cooper Open Singles being played on Saturday, November 12, in the Masonic Club. Names must be in by 2.30 p.m. for a 3 p.m. start. It’s open to all players – male or female. All funds raised to to the RNLI and Fishermen's Mission.
All festive raffle tickets are to be returned to the treasurer by November 30 sold or unsold.

RESULTS
Cricket Doubles Final: D. Firth and K. Gray beat I. Wilkie and C Taylor 3-0.
Cricket Singles Final: Kevin Gray beat Keith Brumpton 3-0.
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Untouchables 9, Quoyburray 3; Commodores 5, Legion 7; Wanderers 10, Wanderers ‘B’ 2. Quoyburray ‘B’ v OGC and Sanday v Untouchables ‘A’ both postponed. No game – Meadowbank.
Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore v Murray Arms and Shapinsay v Likely Lads both postponed. Tankerness 5, Sands 7; Shore 2 7, RBLM 5; Bilco Boys 3, Deerness 9; Sands 4, Shapinsay 8.

FIXTURES
November 4
Pit Stop Open Singles – Golf Club at 7.30 p.m.
Saturday, November 12
Davy Cooper Memorial Singles – Masonic Club at 2.30 p.m.
Monday, November 7
Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Untouchables v Legion; Meadowbank v Wanderers ‘B’; Commodores v OGC; Wanderers v Untouchables ‘A’; Sanday v Quoyburray ‘B’. No game – Quoyburray.
Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shapinsay v Shore; Tankerness v Murray Arms; Shore 2 v Likely Lads; Bilco Boys v Sands; RBLM v Deerness.

The teams to face the West in the Kirkwall Masonic Club on Friday December 9th have been selected. Any players unable to play, please let captains know as soon as possible.

A Team: Captain Craig Taylor. Players: Robbie Stanger, Bruce Moar, Ian Wilkie, Ian Linklater, Brian Moar, Ivan Leslie, Paul Foubister, Kevin Gray, Derek Firth, Michael Moodie, Michael Bain, Billy Ward. 1st reserve: Michael Muir Jnr, 2nd reserve Wayne Monkman.

B Team Captain: Jim Scollie. Players: Ray Butcher, Neil Croy, Neil Drever, Derek Farmer, Brian Murray, Roy Griffiths, Craig Moar, Keith Bain. 1st reserve Allan Brown 2nd reserve Ryan Tulloch.

 It’s early in the season, but already it’s looking like a two-horse race for the Williamson’s ‘A’ League title, as the top two teams easily dispatched two of their main challengers.

Leading the way were the Legion, as they stroked out another big win, coming from a game down to take the next eleven for an 11-1 win over the Wanderers. The Legion are now averaging 11-1 for the season so far.

Level on points, but a bit off the average total, are the Untouchables, as they beat Sanday 9-3. So, the meeting of the top two, in a couple of weeks time, should go a long way towards the overall top team.

Elsewhere, the Golf Club had a very good 8-4 win over the Untouchables ‘A’.

No scores in from the other two games and remember team captains, points will go for failure to hand in score cards by Saturday noon to the Legion Club.

Also, too many teams are not letting their home venues know about when the nights’ games are to be played.

In the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, the RBLM are now clear leaders after yet another 12-0 whitewash, and it was Tankerness who had to suffer, so they are one game better off than the Legion.

Second-placed Shore 2 dropped points, after a six-all draw with the Bilco Boys, but both teams remain undefeated.

Also sharing the points after a 6-6 draw were the Likely Lads and the other Shore team, but it was the Shore’s first points.

The Murray Arms are going strong, and had a good 8-4 win over Deerness.

The Sands v Shapinsay game was postponed, as Shapinsay couldn’t get in.

Teams are reminded that no league games are to be played on Fridays when there’s a cup game being played.

There were 180s from Adrian Skea, Ian Linklater, Michael Moodie, Derek Firth, Keith Brumpton, Wayne Monkman and three from Kevin Gray; high finishes of 100 from: David Kirkpatrick; 105 Keith Bain; 107 Ian Wilkie; 109 Wayne Monkman; and Keith Brumpton 120; and Ivan Leslie 130.

It’s back to cup business again on Friday, with the Cricket Singles and Doubles being played in the Masonic Club. Names by 7.30 p.m., and it’s for both ‘A’ and ‘B’ players, and the last chance to make it worthwhile.

RESULTS

Williamson’s ‘A’ League

Wanderers ‘B’, Quoyburray ‘B’, no score; Legion 11, Wanderers 1; Quoyburray, Meadowbank, no score; Untouchables 9, Sanday 3; OGC 8, Untouchables ‘A’ 4; no game – Commodores.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League

RBLM 12, Tankerness 0; Sands, Shapinsay, postponed; Likely Lads 6, Shore 6; Deerness 4, Murray Arms 8; Bilco Boys 6, Shore ‘2’ 6.

FIXTURES

Friday, October 28: Cricket Singles and Doubles, Masonic Club, 7.30 p.m.

Friday, November 4: Pit Stop Open Singles, Golf Club, 7.30 p.m.

Monday, October 31:

Williamson’s ‘A’ League

Wanderers ‘B’ v Commodores; Legion v Meadowbank; Quoyburray v Sanday; Untouchables ‘A’ v Quoyburray ‘B’; OGC v Wanderers; no game – Untouchables.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League

Likely Lads v Tankerness; Murray Arms v Shapinsay; Deerness v Shore; RBLM v Bilco Boys; Sands v Shore 2.

Helen and Jack Muir are pictured being presented with a cheque for £300 for the Chernobyl Childrens Lifeline Charity, which was raised by the KDDL with a raffle during the Orkney Darts Classic. The cheque was handed over by league secretary Jim Scollie, committee members Allan Brown and Bruce Moar, and league President Craig Taylor. Children helped by the charity will once again be visiting Orkney next summer, in a trip to Scotland which improves and extends their lives.

There was a good turn-out of 41 players for the first of the ranking points games. The Louttit Singles, and it included ten ‘B’ League players, but only Derek Ward Jnr got into the points rounds. That’s the last 16.

RESULTS

Louttit Singles, semi-finals: Ivan Leslie 3, Brian Moar 0; Derek Firth 3, Robbie Stanger 0.

Final: Derek Firth 4, Ivan Leslie 1.

Williamson’s ‘A’ League

Meadowbank 3, Untouchables 9; Commodore 5, Quoyburray 7; Quoyburray ‘B’ 2, Legion 10; Untouchables ‘A’ 10, Wanderers ‘B’ 2; Sanday 7, OGC 5; no game – Wanderers.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League

Murray Arms 11, Likely Lads 1; Shore v Sands – no result; RBLM 11, Shapinsay 1; Tankerness 5, Bilco Boys 7; Shore ‘2’ 7, Deerness 5.

Fixtures, Friday, October 28

Cricket singles and doubles – Masonic, 7.30 p.m.

Monday, October 24

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Untouchables v Quoyburray; Commodores v Legion; Wanderers v Wanderers ‘B’; Quoyburray ‘B’ v OGC; Sanday v Untouchables ‘A’; no game – Meadowbank.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore v Murray Arms; Shapinsay v Likely Lads; Tankerness v Sands; Shore ‘2’ v RBLM; Bilco Boys v Deerness.

 They’re at it again – after hitting five whitewashes last season, the Legion has wasted no time in stacking up their first of the season, with a 12-0 win over the strong Untouchables ‘A’, and I’ve no doubt it’s the first of a few before the end of the season.

Level on points are the Untouchables, with a very good 9-3 win over the Commodores and, along with the Legion, are the only two undefeated teams, after Sanday went down to Meadowbank 7-5 – the same score as Wanderers and Quoyburray, who won their postponed game against Quoyburray ‘B’ 7-5.

The Golf Club got off the mark 9-3 against Wanderers ‘B’.

Not to be outdone, the other Legion team, RBLM, playing in the Williamson’s ‘B’ League, also scored a 12-nil whitewash, and it was the Shore on the receiving end, but the Shore ‘2’ did better, with a 7-5 win over Tankerness.

The Bilco Boys shared the points in a six-all draw with Shapinsay and, with them winning their first game 7-5 over the Shore, are well in touch with the top two.

The Likely Lads had their first win, after defeating Deerness 7-5. No score came in from the Sands.

Teams are warned that failure to hand in score cards by 12 noon on Saturdays will result in the home team losing points.

Also, teams failing to pay League entry fees by October 26 will also lead to loss of points.

There were 180s from Bruce Moar, Kevin Gray, Ali Flett, Paul Foubister, David Kirkpatrick, Robbie Stanger, Craig Taylor, Ian Wilkie, Michael Montgomery, Neil Tait, Brian Murray, Steven Gray, Derek Manson, Ali Learmonth and two from Brian Moar. Steven Gray also had one from the first game.

There were high-checkouts of 107 from Arthur Cruickshanks, Derek Firth and Steven Walls, who also had a 130. Davy Henderson had a 112, Eddie Craigie had 113, Kevin Gray scored 117 and Ian Wilkie realised 122. Robbie Stanger also had a 13-dart leg. The total of 180s scored is already up to 41.

Highest finish in the ‘A’ League went to Alan Gray with 153. Highest finish in the ‘B’ League was Thorfinn Eunson with 118.

But there’s a long way to go yet.

It’s down to ranking points events, with the first of seven taking place on Friday, in the Legion, and it’s the Louttit Singles. Names by 7.30 p.m.

It’s for registered players only, and it’s about time some player from the ‘B’ League won a ranking event. But, of course, if you don’t enter, you can’t win, so let’s see some of the up-and-coming young players get on the podium.

It’s the first of four ranking events leading up to the Christmas break and, of course, Shetland in April.

RESULTS

Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Wanderers ‘B’ 3, OGC 9; Legion 12, Untouchables ‘A’ 0; Quoyburray 5, Wanderers 7; Untouchables 9, Commodores 3; Meadowbank 7, Sanday 5; Quoyburray ‘B’ 5, Quoyburray 7.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Shore ‘2’ 7, Tankerness 5; Bilco Boys 6, Shapinsay 6; RBLM 12, Shore 0; Sands v Murray Arms – no score; Deerness 5, Likely Lads 7; Shore 5, Bilco Boys 7.

FIXTURES

Monday, October 17, Williamson’s ‘A’ League:

Wanderers ‘B’ v Quoyburray ‘B’; Legion v Wanderers; Quoyburray v Meadowbank; Untouchables v Sanday; OGC v Untouchables ‘A’; no game – Commodores.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: RBLM v Tankerness; Sands v Shapinsay; Likely Lads v Shore; Deerness v Murray Arms; Bilco Boys v Shore ‘2’.

Friday, October 14: Louttit Singles, Legion, 7.30 p.m.

It was a high-scoring start to the new league programme, and leading the way and carrying on from last season were the defending Williamson's 'A' League champions, the Legion, with an 11 - 1 defeat of the Golf Club.

Last season the Legion hit five and 12 - 0 whitewashes and four and 11 - 1 wins and, already, it looks as if they have no intention of handing over their crown, but there are some good teams out there, and what about last year's 'B' champions. They got off to a splendid start, with a 9 - 3 win over Wanderers 'B', and there are always many times champions the Untouchables, with a very good win by 8 - 4 over the Wanderers.

I also understand that the Commodore Bar has changed its name, so the darts team will be called the Commodores, and they got off to a good start with an 8 - 4 defeat of Meadowbank.

The local derby at Quoyburray was postponed because of illness.

In the Williamson's 'B' League, RBLM led the way with a 10 - 2 defeat of the Murray Arms out in the 'Hope. Close behind, with a 9 - 3 score, was Shore '2', over in Shapinsay - not an easy place to pick up points.

The Sands also had a good win, 8 - 4 over the Likely Lads, while Tankerness just made it, winning 7 - 5 over Deerness.

No scorecard came in from the Shore, and team captains are warned that failure to get the card in to the Legion by 12 noon on Saturday will result in the home team losing the points, if they have any.

Also, where two teams are drawn at home in the same venue, team captains are reminded that darts can be played on all nights of the week, and not only Monday and Tuesday.

Rule five, league entry fees are now due and must be paid by October 26. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted every week until paid. This is a committee decision.

There were one hundred and eighties from Paul Foubister, Ray Findlay, Lee MacPherson, Billy Ward and two from Ivan Leslie, Kevin Gray, Brian Moar and Andrew Watson.

High finishes: 100 from Brian Moar; 102 Neil Croy; 105 Brian Murray; 107 Ray Findlay; 113 Roy Griffiths. Derek Firth, in a 12-dart leg, got 114; Gordon Rendall 115; Kevin Gray 108; Ivan Leslie 116; Willie Bremner and Lee MacPherson 118; Thorfinn Eunson and Mike Bain had a 132, with Bull-Bull double 16 - exhibition stuff?

I was noticing that some scorecards have been written out with just first names or nicknames. Cards must be made out with the name that's on registration forms, so they can be checked.

There's a new cup on the go - the Davy Cooper Open Singles Cup.

Davy was the Orkney Singles champion. It will be played for on Saturday, November 12, in the Masonic Club. Names in by 2.30pm, and it's open to any player in Orkney, male or female.

It's going to be a fun day, with raffles and fun boards.

Festive raffle tickets must be returned to the treasurer, Davie Henderson by the end of November.

Results:

Williamson's 'A' League:

Commodores 8, Meadowbank 4; Wanderers 4, Untouchables 8; OGC 1, Legion 11; Quoyburray 'B' v Quoyburray postponed; Sanday 9, Wanderers 'B' 3; No game - Untouchables 'A”.

Williamson's 'B” League:

Murray Arms 2, RBLM 10; Shore v Bilco Boys no score; Shapinsay 3, Shore '2' 9; Likely Lads 4, Sands 8; Tankerness 7, Deerness 5.

Fixtures:

Monday, October 10:

Williamson's 'A' League:

Meadowbank v Untouchables; Commodores v Quoyburray; Quoyburray 'B' v Legion; Untouchables 'A' v Wanderers 'B'. Sanday v OGC; No game - Wanderers.

Williamson's 'B' League:

Murray Arms v Likely Lads; Shore v Sands; Shapinsay v RBLM; Tankerness v Bilco Boys; Shore '2' v Deerness.

Friday, October 14:

Louttit Singles - Legion 7.30pm

Spiers Cup

Eleven teams entered for the first of the dual ‘A’ and ‘B’ league cups. Seven ‘A’ and four ‘B’ teams put their team names forward for the Spiers Cup.

It is grand to see ‘B’ league teams entering for a go against ‘A’ opposition. None are expected to make it too far, but the Shore ‘2’ did make the semi-finals, but found the Untouchables ‘A’ too strong.

The bottom-half had all the rest of the top ‘A’ teams, with the Legion taking on Wanderers, and it went all the way to the team game, after the score reached two all, but the Legion came out on top, 3-2.

The Untouchables were waiting, but they failed to take a game, as the Legion ran out 4-0 winners, and they beat new boys Sanday 4-1 in the semi-final.

The final was pretty one-sided, as the Legion took their second cup, with a 4-1 win.

180’s came from Derek Ward Jnr, Michael Muir Snr, Robert Gatt, Colin Barnett and two from Ivan Leslie to put him on three after only two weeks.

It is on to league business now, with a full league programme starting on Monday.

Will anyone stop the Legion in the ‘A’ league and what about Sanday’s chances in the top league? Who’s your money on in the ‘B’ league?

I am sure there’s going to be a few surprise results before April, next year.

Don’t forget to get the score cards in to the Legion Club by 12 noon, on Saturdays. Entry fees are now due for league teams. Pay to the treasurer, or secretary.

The annual East v West game has been arranged for Friday, December 9, in the Masonic Club, the week before the festive singles. Festive raffle tickets are on sale from all team captains.

The next committee meeting is on Wednesday, September 28, in the Masonic Club, at 8 p.m.

Results

Spiers Cup Final – Legion beat Untouchables ‘A’ 4-1.

Fixtures 

Monday, September 26 – Williamson’s ‘A’ League: Commodore v Meadowbank; Wanderers v Untouchables; OGC v Legion; Quoyburray ‘B’ v Quoyburray; Sanday v Wanderers ‘B’; no game – Untouchables ‘A’.

Williamson’s ‘B’ League: Murray Arms v RBLM; Shore v Bilco Boys; Shapinsay v Shore ‘2’; Likely Lads v Sands; Tankerness v Deerness.

 Allied Hotels Cup

Williamsons Butchers have kindly agreed to sponsor the A and B leagues for the 2011/12 season. Many thanks for Ali Flett for his continued support once again.

Before the leagues begin in the week starting September 26 there are still two weeks of cup fixtures to be played.

Next week, Sept 12, the Spiers Cup takes place. It is open to both A and B teams and will be played in the Legion with a 7.30pm start.

The cup is a chance for the B boys to take on the big guns of the A league. Who knows we could see some surprise results on the night.

Fixtures

Monday, September 12. 

‘A’ and ‘B’ teams – Spiers Cup,  (Teams 4, 4 singles, 2 doubles, 1 team. All 1 leg 601), Legion Club, 7.30 p.m.

Monday, September 19. 

A teams:  Lynnfield Cricket Cup,  7.30pm Legion  (Team of 4).

Tuesday, September 20.   

B teams:  Foubister Cricket Cup, 7.30pm Masonic, (Team of 4).

Reserves can be used in all cup games.

The new season finally gets underway on Monday, September 5 with the Allied Hotels Cup for ‘A’ league teams.

It was called the Orkney Darts Classic and it was a classic – an all day classic, as eight top professionals visited the county for the first time, and waiting for them were eight of Orkney’s top players. It must be said that not one of the players let the county down.

The only local player to make it to the quarter-finals was Kevin Gray, who was well in control of his game with ex-world champion Andy Fordham, when Andy had to retire as he wasn’t feeling well.

That was the only winning success for the locals, but some very good games from Stevie Linklater, who took three games off Co Stompe, and Jim McDill, who also won three games, and it was off the world champion, Adrian Lewis. But every local player can hold his head up high. Kevin found the world champion too hot to handle in the quarter-finals and went down 5-0.

By finals time, it was the world champion, against the crowd’s favourite Simon Whitlock, and the Aussie never let the champion settle, as good finishing took him to a 6-2 result, to become the first Orkney Darts Classic Champion.

There were ninety games played, and 27 180s scored, with Adrian top scorer with nine. Stevie was the only Orkney 180 scorer, but what a super day. Secretary Jim Scollie was asked up on stage to be presented by Simon Whitlock and and league president Craig Taylor, a photo of all the players, signed by the pros. Jim's wife, Ruby, got a lovely bunch of flowers.

It’s back to the local darts now, as the K-DDL held their AGM last week. Twenty-one teams was the final count. It’s 11 in the ‘A’ league and 10 in the ‘B’ league. The only changes in the committee is Davy Henderson who has taken over as treasurer, and Alan Brown is on, as the ninth person, so it’s back to full strength.

The league will get underway on Monday, September 5, with cup games. See lists on notice boards. There’s no change in entry fees for league and cup games and, hopefully, all team fees will be paid on time, which is within four weeks of getting underway. Fees can be paid to the secretary or treasurer. It’s also the 45th year of the league, and Jim Scollie has been on the committee all that time – it’s his 44th year as secretary.

RESULTS

First round: Kevin Gray v Andy Fordham – Andy retired; Jim McDill 3, Adrian Lewis 5; Mike Bain 0, Robert Thornton 5; Stevie Linklater 3, Co Stompe 5; Jim Flett 0, Mark Webster 5; Brian Moar 1, John Henderson 5; Ivan Leslie 2, Aaron Monk 5; Keith Chalmers 1, Simon Whitlock 5.

Quarter-finals: Kevin Gray 0, Adrian Lewis 5; Robert Thornton 5, Co Stompe 2; Mark Webster 5, John Henderson 2; Aaron Monk 0, Simon Whitlock 5. Semi-finals: Adrian Lewis 5, Robert Thornton 3; Mark Webster 2, Simon Whitlock 5.

Final: Adrian Lewis 2, Simon Whitlock 6.

All the one-day shows are over, so it’s time now to concentrate on the show that lasts until April, 2012 – that’s the new season of the Kirkwall District Darts League.

The AGM takes place in the Legion Club, at 8 p.m. this Thursday, August 18th. A good turn-out is hoped for, and all team captains are requested to attend.

At present, 20 registration books are out, but not all have been returned to the secretary. 8 p.m. on AGM night is the deadline.

Four of last year’s teams have failed to re-register. They are Fanooks, RBL2, Sands and Sands 2. However there’s a return for RBLM and Shapinsay, so it looks as if it will be two leagues of ten team, but this will be sorted out at the AGM. There is also still time to put your name forward for committee duties.

Only a few days to go now until the big one – the Orkney Darts Classic, due to be held at Picky, on Saturday, where eight of Orkney’s top players put their skills on the line, or oche, against eight of the top professionals.

There’s also a big raffle, on behalf of the K-DDL. Tickets will be on sale on the day.

Time is just about up for entries into the new 2011-12 season of the Kirkwall District Darts League.

Sunday, August 14, is the date for registration books to be returned to the secretary, with at least four players signed up. 

At present, 17 books are out, but only three have been returned. Books are still available from the secretary.

Five of last year’s teams have still to register, but I believe two of those teams are not entering.

The AGM is on Thursday, August 18, in the Legion Club, at 8 p.m.

Also, players are needed for committee duties. Names to the secretary, Jim Scollie Tel: 875740.

The draw for the afternoon session of the Orkney Darts Classic is as follows.

Adrian Lewis v Jim McDill
Andy Fordham v Kevin Gray
Robert Thornton v Michael Bain
Co Stompe v Stevie Linklater
Mark Webster v James Flett
John Henderson v Brian Moar
Aaron Monk v Ivan Leslie
Simon Whitlock v Keith Chalmers

The players will play best of 9 legs during the event which takes place on August 20th at Pickaquoy. A limited number of tickets priced £45 are still on sale from Grooves in Kirkwall. Tel:01856 872239

Time is running out fast for teams wanting to enter for the new season of the Kirkwall and District Darts League.

Registration books must be returned to the secretary, completed with at least four names by August 14.

The AGM, is on Thursday, August 18, in the Royal British Legion Club, at 8 p.m.

A good turnout is hoped for, and all team captains are requested to attend. Players are also needed to stand for committee duties during the season. Names to the secretary by August 14.

Two days after the AGM, it is the big one, out at the Pickaquoy Centre, for the Orkney Darts Classic, where eight of Orkney’s top players take on eight of the top professionals in the afternoon, with the winners into the finals, at night time.

The K-DDL will be holding a raffle at the Classic. Raffle tickets are on sale from the secretary and tickets for the event are on sale from Grooves.

Back to the registration for the leagues, books are available from the secretary.

Only 15 teams have entered so far, which leaves seven of last year’s teams still to show interest, and no sign of any new teams coming in, but there is still time left. Remember only four players are needed to form a team.

B&L Builders are sponsoring and supplying the shirts for the 8 qualifers for the Orkney Darts Classic.

Could the players please go to John Kemps in Kirkwall for shirt fittings and also get in touch with Neil Stevenson at Grooves and tell him their choice of walk on music for the big day.

Thanks to Bob Budge for the support.

44 darts players all keen to gain the final two places to play the pro's in the Orkney Darts Classic entered the final qualification event which took place in the Stromness Golf Club on Friday night.

With six players already through and players keen to earn their way on to play on the big stage there were a lot of nerves in many of the matches.

Players from around Orkney took part in the competition including some Orkney players who travelled home from south to be at the event. There was only one lady player, Linda Ratter, who was delighted to get into the second round by beating Ross Donaldson.

The two semi-finals saw Brian Stevenson take on Jim McDill while on the other board Iain Wilkie played Keith Chalmers, but it was Jim and Keith who had the edge on the night, Keith beating Iain 3-1 and Jim winning by the same score.

The two west players won their way through to the final and therefore earned a place in the top eight players who will take on the professionals on the big stage at Pickaquoy on August 20. In the actual final Jim beat Keith 3-0.

There were 180's from Stuart Patterson and Keith Chalmers. High finishes included a 130 by Mal Reid and a 114 by Bruce Moar.

A very poor turnout of only 33 players entered for the third and second last of the qualifying rounds to find players to take the stage at Pickaquoy on August 20 to face the professionals.

If the 13 non-registered players including two ladies are deducted, only a sixth of the Kirkwall registered players took part, but it didn't detract from the quality of play as there were some terrific games, especially in The later stages.
 

By quarter-final time, it was six home-based players and two West Mainland players who toed the oche, but only one made it into the semi-final. It was Keith Chalmers who went down 3-0 to Ivan Leslie. In the other semi-final, James Flett played very good darts to beat Willie Bremner 3-1.
 

The final was a bit of an anti-climax, as both players, with nothing to play for, struggled to find any form, but Ivan came back from behind twice to win 3-2 and they will both join the other four qualifiers.
 

There were 180s from Ross Donaldson, Leigh Shearer, Alan Gray, Keith Brumpton, Craig Taylor, Keith Chalmers and two from Ivan Leslie. There were high finishes of 103 from Kevin Critchlow, 114 from Ivan Leslie, 130 from Dennis Watt and a 145 from Bruce Moar.
 

It is now on to last chance saloon on Friday, in the Stromness Golf Club. Names to be in by 7.30pm. Will there be a West Mainland qualifier, or will the Kirkwall players invade Stromness? Only time will tell. A service bus leaves Kirkwall Travel Centre at 6.35pm, and earlier at 5.45pm, or telephone your entry in before 7.30pm. Remember, this is your last chance.
Registration books are now available from the secretary Tattie Bogle.

RESULTS
THIRD QUALIFYING SINGLES
Semi-finals ­ Ivan Leslie 3, Keith Chalmers 0; James Flett 3, Willie Bremner
1.
Final ­ Ivan Leslie 3, James Flett 2.

FIXTURE
FOURTH QUALIFYING SINGLES
Friday, June 10
In the Stromness Golf Club, at 7.30pm.

Ivan Leslie and James Flett qualified to play the pro's in the third qualification event for the Orkney Darts Classic which held in the Masonic in Kirkwall on Saturday, June 4th.

All the tables have now sold out for the Orkney Darts Classic as well as over a hundred of the tiered seats. So if you have not got your tickets, better get them fast! On sale from Grooves, Kirkwall.

Another great entry of 43 players made their way out to the Commodore for the second round of the Qualifying Open Singles. Some of the top players were missing as they were on their way to Fraserburgh for the RBL Scottish Finals.

Thirteen non-registered players took part, including two young ladies, but only one made it into the quarter-finals and he was a young player from Rousay called Jamie Marwick, and he is one to watch for the future.
 

But, by semi-final time, it was well kent faces who took to the oche, withKevin Gray beating Ian Linklater 3-1 and in the other one, Mike Bain playedvery well to take out Martin Peace 3-0, as Martin had been on fire allnight, taking out the singles champion Paul on the way to  the semi-final,but ran out of steam.In the final, Kevin ran out a 3-0 winner and both Kevin and Mike will join
Stevie and Brian at Pickaquoy in August to play the professionals.

There were 180s from Leigh Shearer, Mike Bain, Craig Taylor and Kevin Gray. There were high checkouts of 100 from Craig and a 111 from Juicy. There may have been more, but that is all that was reported to the secretary.

So, it is on to the second last qualifier which will take place this Saturday night in the Masonic Club. Please note that it is on Saturday and not Friday. Then it is on to the last one which will be held in Stromness Golf Club on Friday, June 10, with names in by 7.30pm. Telephone entries
will be accepted as long as they are in before 7.30pm.
 

What a result in Fraserburgh, where the Legion teem of Stevie Linklater, Robbie Stanger, Bruce Moar and Alan Gray who are the Northern Area RBL champions were playing in the RBL Scottish Championships, winning the team event. Stevie is now the RBL Scottish Singles Champion and it was nearly a hat-trick, as Robbie and Bruce lost in the final of the doubles. It is the second time that the Kirkwall Royal British Legion team has won the team cup, but it is the first singles title for a member of the Kirkwall team and it is 22 years since the doubles was won. So, well done everyone.


RESULTS
SECOND QUALIFYING OPEN SINGLES
Semi-finals ­ Kevin Gray 3, Ian Linklater 1; Mike Bain 3, Martin Peace 0.
Final ­ Kevin Gray 3, Mike Bain 0.

FIXTURES
Saturday, June 4
THIRD QUALIFYING OPEN SINGLES
In the Masonic Club, at 7.30pm.

Friday, June 10
FINAL QUALIFYING OPEN SINGLES
In Stromness Golf Club, at 7.30pm.
 

A great turnout of 40 players entered for the first of the four qualifying opens to find eight players to play the top professionals when they visit in August. Eleven non-registered players entered, including two ladies. Players from the West Mainland, South Ronaldsay and three from Westray all took part, although none of them figured in the later stages.

Erlend Ritch did get as far as the quarter-finals and by the semi-final stage, it was very familiar faces who won through. Brian Moar came from 2-0 down to beat Willie Bremner 3-2 and Stevie Linklater overcame Ivan Leslie 3-1 in the other semi-final. So, both Brian and Stevie will to the oche at Pickaquoy. Stevie won the play-off 3-2 in a very close game.

The only 180 recorded came from father and son Robbie and Sean Stanger. There were high outs shots of 114 from Mike Bain and Stevie Linklater who also had a 104.

So, it is on to the second qualifying on Friday, in the Commodore and, of course, Stevie and Brian can¹t take part, as they have already qualified. Service buses going past the Commodore on Friday leave the Travel Centre at 6.15pm and 7.15pm. Players taking the 7.15pm one are asked to telephone the Commodore on 781788 to enter their names before the list closes at 7.30pm.

Registration books are very slow going out this year. Remember, books must be in the secretarys hand by AGM time, with at least four names registered. Only teams registered will be included in the draw. Books are available from the secretary, Jim Scollie.


RESULTS
FIRST QUALIFYING OPEN SINGLES
Semi-final ­ Brian Moar 3, Willie Bremner 2; Stevie Linklater 3, Ivan Leslie
1.
Final ­ Stevie Linklater 3, Brian Moar 2.

FIXTURES
Friday, May 27
SECOND QUALIFYING OPEN SINGLES
In the Commodore, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, June 4
THIRD QUALIFYING OPEN SINGLES
In the Masonic Club. at 7.30pm.
 

Brian Moar and Stevie Linklater were the top two players in the Legion on Friday night after the first qualification event to play the professionals in the Orkney Darts Classic. They will now take on the pro's on the big stage in August.

Next week's competition takes place in the Commodore. (Tel:781 788) Names by 7.30pm. 

The priority tables for the Orkney Darts Classic have sold out within a few hours of going on sale today, Thursday.

£45 unreserved tiered seating and £55 reserved table tickets go on sale from Grooves Saturday 4th June 9.00am. These tickets can be sold to individuals and entire tables do not require to be booked at once. It is not possible to book these in advance of this date.

Event open to over 14s (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult). Contact Neil Stevenson at neil@groovesrecords.co.uk or 01856 872239 for further details.

The first of the qualifers to have a chance to play the professionals takes place on Friday in the Kirkwall Legion. Names in by 7.30pm.