Albyn Videogames Shield presentation photo L to R: Oskar Stout, Josh Alexander and Robbie Norquoy KDDL president.
With places up for grabs in the 'B' intercounty team to face Shetland at the end of April next year, it was time for the 'B' league players to show what they can do in the first of their ranking competitions last Friday, the Albyn Videogames Shield. Points from the three 'B' league specific ranking competitions are added to those gained from the main ranking points events,with the top 12 players qualifying for the trip north.
31 players entered, with some tasty first round draws produced. Ally Linklater quickly dispatched last weeks main event runner-up Erlend Lennie early doors, blowing the top quarter of the draw wide open, which ranking event debutant Oskar Stout capitalised on. Meeting him in the first semi-final was George Low, who had dispatched the on-form Ben Hogan in the quarters, but it was Oskar who was to progress with a 4-1 victory.
Jamie Marwick had been on fire all week and he made steady progress to the semi's, hitting some big finishes along the way. Josh Alexander would be his opponent, having come through an unfeasibly tough draw by beating Davy Henderson, Jamie Drever and Nicol Gray, all of whom would have been potential winners at the start of the evening. Josh once again proved too strong, running out 4-2 winner.
The Toonies were only formed this season so it was perhaps a surprise to see two teammates slugging it out in the final. Josh has been one of the players to watch this past year, with numerous victories including the under 30s cup and Davy Cooper singles and his greater experience was to prove vital. Oskar played well but heavier scoring from Josh was the difference as he ran away with it, winning 5-0.
This friday the Masonic plays host to the Festive Open Singles, the last ranking event of the calendar year, which also carries with it a £100 first prize. The annual KDDL festive raffle will also be drawn on the evening.
180s were scored by: Stevie Garner, Gary Wilson, Erland Ritch, Kevin Peace, Stevie Linklater, Keith Bain, Martin Peace, James Flett, Andrew Moar, Brett Dickinson, Billy Ward, Ally Linklater, Toby Penwarden, Oskar Stout, Logan Peace, Josh Alexander, Jamie Marwick, Kevin Gray (two), Nicol Gray (two), Dennis Watt (three) and Robbie Stanger (four). Erlend Lennie also registered a score of 171.
High Finishes came from: Wayne Small 100, Andrew Moar 100, Ryan Tait 100, Gary Wilson 104, Ian Findlay 104, George Low 105, Kevin Gray 106, Davy Henderson 111, Allan Brown 113, Gordy Rendall 115, John Thomson 116, Josh Alexander 121, Bruce Moar 123, Erlend Lennie 124, Scott Wilson 130, Oskar Stout (102, 112) and Jamie Marwick (100, 114 and 145).
Short Legs (15 darts or less): Bruce Moar 15, Stevie Linklater 15, Robbie Stanger 15, Jamie Marwick 15, Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 15, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, George Low 14, Kevin Gray 15, 14 and Brett Dickinson 15, 15 and 13.
Results:
Albyn Videogames Shield: Josh Alexander 5, Oskar Stout 0
'A' League:
Exiles 5, Legion 7
Bilco Boys 2, OGC 10
Murray Arms 8, Muppets 4
Bilco Boys 3, Untouchables 9
'B' League:
Young Loons 7, Vikings 5
Sands 8, Wooden Spoons 4
Shandy Bass 1, Tankerness 11
Ale Stars 8, The Toonies 4
MA2 2, Quoyburray 10
Fixtures:
'A' League:
Exiles v Bilco Boys
Legion v Murray Arms
OGC v Sanday
Muppets v Untouchables
'B' league:
Tankerness v Vikings
Shandy Bass v Wooden Spoons
Sands v The Toonies
Young Loons v Quoyburray
Ale Stars v MA2
Friday 1st December, Festive Open Singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm