Duncan Louttit presents Paul Foubister with the cup, also pictiured league vice-president Kevin Sarling and runner -up Wayne Monkman.

The intensity of competition began to increase in the KDDL this week with the return of the ranking competitions after a two and a half year break.

'A' players had to firstly renegotiate the Lynnfield Cup on Monday which was of the cricket format. A shortage of teams did not retract from the quality, with Orkney Golf Club eventually winning the final over the Untouchables. It has almost become the norm with a cricket cup in the KDDL for someone to take six wickets (three bullseyes) in a throw and it was Brian Moar who achieved the feat against Kevin Peace, who was denied a chance to hit back in the next leg by 'Robin Hood-ing' his third dart.

The Louttit Cup took place in the Legion on Friday, with 35 players entering all aiming to earn points towards qualification for the respective main or 'B' intercounty squads.

With several regular big hitters missing, it was a chance for the fringe players to stake a real claim and several did with the draw spreading everyone out pretty evenly. By the semi-final stage it was Wayne Monkman who progressed beating Stevie Linklater 4-2. Paul Foubister would repeat that scoreline in his win over Ian Linklater in a tremendous match.

Paul began the final like a rocket, power scoring his way to a 3-0 lead with Wayne struggling to find consistency in scoring. As Wayne found his range, Paul began to feel the pressure and soon the score was 3-1. Paul took the fifth leg, before Wayne turned the screw and soon made it 4-3. With both players obviously feeling the nerves the averages started to tumble as both missed numerous darts at the double. Paul eventually sunk double 9 to secure the cup and, perhaps more importantly, the full 12 ranking points.

League darts return this Monday with the Tom Notman Cup taking place on Friday. It is a 301 double start, best of 3 all the way through format, and is open to any player who has ever been registered in the KDDL.

Results: Lynnfield Cup ('A') – Orkney Golf Club 3, Untouchables 1

Louttit Cup (Ranking) – Paul Foubister (69.99) 5, Wayne Monkman (65.76) 3

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v OGC

Exiles v Legion

Bilco Boys v Sanday

'B' League:

Shandy Bass v Quoyburray

Vikings v Skippers

Shapinsay v Tankerness

Sands v Muppets

Murray Arms v Young Loons

Friday October 21, Tom Notman Singles, Legion, names by 7.30pm

180s were scored by: Stevie Linklater, Craig Taylor, Iain Findlay, Brett Dickinson (two), Ian Linklater (two), Erland Ritch (two), Kevin Peace (three) and Paul Foubister (five). Paul also had a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Wayne Monkman 102 and George Low 104.