KDDL Orkney lost out to Shetland in Lerwick by the narrowest of margins with a 11-10 scoreline as Shetland won the last 1001 shootout on the 4's after the match was tied 9-9 after the singles and doubles and 10-10 after the first two 4's.

Full report on the Inter-County news and archive page, click here

The KDDL Orkney team who take on Shetland this weekend are pictured with shirt sponsor George Stout from The Brig Larder. Pictured back row from left are: Stevie Linklater, Stevie Garner, Wayne Monkman, Ian Linklater, Brett Dickinson, Leigh Shearer, Kevin Gray, Erland Ritch, Erlend Lennie. Front from left: Bruce Moar, Gary Wilson, George Stout, Craig Taylor (captain), Brian Moar and Ian Findlay.
Missing from picture Jamie Drever.
The league would like to very much thank George and Anne Stout for the continued sponsorship.

https://www.facebook.com/thebriglarder

The match will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43eTmBrjbR4

Friday evening saw the Legion play host to the annual East v West matches played between representatives from the Kirkwall and District Darts League (KDDL) and the West Mainland Darts Association (WMDA).

With the WMDA having seen a resurgence in the number of players participating in their competitions this year, and some very decent stats being posted, a closer encounter than has been seen previously was expected from both sides.

Taking this potential threat seriously, the East lined up with their full team which will take on Shetland in Lerwick in just over a week's time in the annual intercounty match, which is a first for many a year.

The customary jokes regarding the players on both sides who were representing the opposite region from which they are normally associated with were dispensed early on in proceedings and the match began in a very relaxed spirit.

It looked as though the West were going to start strong as Mal Reid went 2-0 up on Stevie Garner. However, Mal missed one dart at a double to win 3-1 and, as fate would have it, that would be the only singles match in which a West player had a dart to win their individual game. Stevie put in back to back 16 dart legs to clinch the first point 3-2. Gary Wilson and Erland Ritch both won 3-0 against John Munson and Erlend Pirie respectively, whilst Brian Moar came from a leg behind to beat Davie Scott 3-1. As the matches went the way of the East, the West seemed to lose their composure and Kevin Gray and Wayne Monkman both won without dropping a leg to Derry Sinclair and Gary Chalmers to put the East 6-0 ahead in the match.

Recently crowned WMDA singles champion Andrew Seator showed flashes of his recent hot streak against Jamie Drever, but couldn't prevent Jamie powering to a 3-1 win. Ian Findlay beat Dale Groundwater 3-1 before Bruce Moar put in a scintillating display, beating Sinclair Craigie 3-0 with back to back 13 dart legs. Stevie Linklater put Gary Aim to bed with a 113 finish in a 3-0 win which put the East 10-0 ahead, and one away from victory.

Brett Dickinson was pushed all the way in a 5 leg thriller by Christopher Seator, with Brett triumphing 3-2 but not before East captain for the night, Ian Linklater, sealed the 11-0 victory for the East with a 3-0 win over Robbie Brass.

Although officially over, both teams decided to play out the doubles as it was not even 9pm at this point. The East rattled off another 5 victories but the West had some joy as Davie Scott hit a 180, and Erlend Pirie a 100 checkout in a consolation 3-1 win over Brian Moar and Erland Ritch to finalise the unofficial score at 17-1 to the East, a far cry from the close result nearly everyone had expected.

The 'B' game was a much tighter affair with the West winning the first singles courtesy of John Norquoy, and then Jim Hamilton got the West back on level terms after James Flett and Josh Alexander had hit back for the East. Keith Brumpton and Kieren Doherty put the East 4-2 up before Ross Hewison beat East 'B' captain Martin Peace to keep the West within one game at 4-3.

Young Ross MacPherson has been the revelation of the season in the KDDL and extended the East's lead, followed by the less young Davy Henderson following suit. Craig Drury finished off the singles with a victory for the West, which made the score 8-4 to the East, but the West could have been all square had Owen Young and Mark Harcus hit one more double each against Andy Green and Ally Linklater.

With the match still very much up for grabs, a few wins for the West would have seen them right back in the tie, but unfortunately it was not to be for them. Ryan Tulloch and James Flett put the East 9-4 ahead, with Josh Alexander and Alan Findlay winning the penultimate game, leaving it to Keith Brumpton and Kieren Doherty to wrap up an 11-4 win for the East 'B'.

Again it was decided to play out the remaining doubles matches and Ross Hewison and Trevor Johnston clawed one back for the West before Davy Henderson and Andy Green retaliated, with Ally Linklater and Ross McQuillan wrapping up the evenings play to make the unofficial score 13-5 to East 'B'.

West captain Gary Chalmers thanked the East for their hospitality, wished them luck for the match against Shetland and swore they would put up a bigger fight next year. With more keen young players coming into their fold, nobody would bet against them doing just that on their home patch.

180s were scored by: Josh Alexander, Erland Ritch, Andrew Seator, Ian Findlay, Ian Linklater, David Scott, Jamie Drever (two) and Bruce Moar (two). Ross Wood registered a score of 177.

High Checkouts: Erlend Pirie 100, Brett Dickinson 100, Wayne Monkman 120 and Stevie Linklater (100, 113).

Short Legs: Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Brett Dickinson 15, Wayne Monkman 15, Ian Findlay 14, Kevin Gray 14, Bruce Moar/Stevie Linklater 12 and Bruce Moar (13, 13).

Results: 

East 11, West 0

East 'B' 11, West 'B' 4

Fixtures:

Friday April 18, Shetland v KDDL Orkney, Lerwick Legion, 7pm

Saturday April 25, Anniversary Shield, Lerwick Legion 1.30pm

Friday April 25, Orkney Championships, tbc, 7.30pm

Saturday May 3, KDDL Orkney 'B' v Shetland 'B', Masonic, 1.30pm

Saturday May 10, Presentation do incorporating Tattie Bogle Charity Shield, Masonic, 7p

2024-25 Final tables

League Singles winner Kevin Gray, league president Robbie Norquoy, runner-up Brain Moar.

A League winners, the Untouchables, from left, Billy Ward, Craig Taylor, Brett Dickinson (captain), Ian Linklater, Robbie Stanger.

This past week saw the conclusion of the domestic part of the KDDL season with both leagues and the ranking points competitions drawing to a close.

In the Williamsons Butchers 'B' league the Toonies won their final game to gain promotion via third place, behind Sands and Wanderers.

The Untouchables played back to back games against the Muppets, winning both to secure their second 'A' league title in three years. The Exiles drew with last years champions Sanday to finish runners up.

Then on Friday evening the League Singles took place in the Masonic, with players desperate to gain valuable ranking points to secure places in either the intercounty or 'B' intercounty teams.

The draw pitched many team-mates against each other in an extremely strange twist of fate. Some big names fell by the wayside early on but three players who desperately needed points clawed their way to the semi-final stages. One of those was Brett Dickinson who played superbly all night but lost out to Kevin Gray, who was a man on a mission to try and win his eight singles title. In the other semi Ian Linklater and Brian Moar had a great tussle, with Ian missing out by the width of the wire as Brian claimed victory by the odd leg in seven.

It is almost a given these days that if Kevin Gray reaches a final he will win it, as it is many years since he last lost in a ranking final. Having played all season in the 'B' league, Brian would have been seen as a massive underdog, but he started determinedly with a 13 dart leg before going 2-0 up. Kevin was now scoring heavily as well and a tremendous tussle ensued with both scoring tremendously. Kevin managed to capitalise on spurned opportunities to first equalise the match, and then went 4-2 up, hitting a 136 finish for a 15 dart leg in the process. With Kevin one leg away, Brian dug deep and reduced the deficit to 4-3 with a 15 dart leg of his own, which included a 180 and a 131 checkout. Brian made good use of the advantage of throw in the eight leg to draw level and set up a nail biting finale for the crowd who were watching on. Kevin started the leg magnificently with 140, 100 and 100 in his opening salvo. Brian managed to pop in a couple of 140s of his own but with Brian sitting on 54, Kevin took out 74 with two darts to win it. A great spectacle for those watching in the venue and via the livestream, and a fitting match to close the season. Brian had the higher average of the two, but Kevin used all of his experience to take his opportunities when they came along, and finds himself only two League singles wins behind Stevie Linklater's record of ten victories.

The KDDL Orkney team was then selected on Sunday by the top 9 in the rankings, plus non-playing team captain Craig Taylor, voting in three wildcards and four reserves, the first two of which travel up to Shetland with the team, which is as follows:

Craig Taylor (captain), Kevin Gray, Bruce Moar, Ian Findlay, Erland Ritch, Stevie Linklater, Wayne Monkman, Brett Dickinson, Ian Linklater, Brian Moar, Gary Wilson, Stevie Garner and Jamie Drever. 1st reserve: Erlend Lennie, 2nd: Leigh Shearer, 3rd: George Low, 4th: Ryan Tulloch

180s were scored by: Robbie Stanger, Steven Griffiths, Richard Polson, Kevin Peace, Stewart Gray, Ross McQuillan, Glen Foubister, Andrew Moar, Keith Holland, Ross Howe, Derek Ward Senior, Michael Montgomery, Alan Findlay, Adam Savage, Leigh Shearer, Michael Muir, Robbie Norquoy, Billy Ward, Jamie Marwick, Des Gillespie, Ian Linklater, Brett Dickinson, Gavin Linklater (two), Robbie Scott (two), Kevin Sarling (two), Josh Alexander (two), Jamie Drever

(two), Graham Firth (two), Wayne Monkman (two), Stevie Garner (two), Kevin Gray (three), Brian Moar (three) and Stevie Linklater (five). Kevin Gray also scored 174 whilst Brett Dickinson hit 177.

High Checkouts: Aaron Mitchell 100, James Flett 100, Derek Ward Senior 100, Ian Findlay 102, Craig Taylor 113, Davy Henderson 114, Kevin Sarling 115, Keith Bain 117, Jamie Drever 121, Bruce Moar 126, Brian Moar 131, Michael Montgomery 135, Gavin Linklater (100, 101), Billy Ward (100, 115), Ian Linklater (108, 135)Kevin Peace (111, 139), Erland Ritch (126, 148) and Kevin Gray (101, 102, 136).

Short Legs: Trevor Shearer/Graham Firth 15, Billy Ward/Robbie Stanger 15, Jack Kirkpatrick 15, Stevie Linklater 15, Bruce Moar 15, Robbie Stanger 14, Leigh Shearer 14, George Low 14, Martin Peace/Brian Moar 13, Ian Linklater 13, Brett Dickinson (15, 15), Kevin Gray (15, 15, 15) and Brian Moar (13, 14, 15).

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 2, OGC 10

Untouchables 11, Muppets 1

Exiles 6, Sanday 6

Tankerness 1, Legion 11

OGC 11, Ale Stars 1

Muppets 0, Untouchables 12

'B' League:

Vikings 1, The Toonies 11

Shandy Bass 6, Sands 6

Quoyburray 2, Wanderers 10

Bilco Boys 10, Murray Arms 2

EMYFC 3, Young Loons 9

Rough 'n' Rowdy 9, Quoyburray 'B' 3

Vikings 0, Rough 'n' Rowdy 12

League singles semi-finals: Brian Moar 4, Ian Linklater 3

Kevin Gray 4, Brett Dickinson 2

Final: Kevin Gray (78.10) 5, Brian Moar (85.18) 4

Fixtures:

Friday March 28, Steven Flett Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday April 4, East v West, Kirkwall Legion, 7.30pm

Friday April 18, Shetland v KDDL Orkney, Lerwick Legion, 7pm

Saturday April 19, Anniversary Shield Lerwick Legion 1.30pm

Friday April 25, Orkney Championships, tbc, 7.30pm

Saturday May 3, KDDL Orkney 'B' v Shetland 'B', Masonic, 1.30pm

Saturday May 10, Presentation do incorporating Tattie Bogle Charity Shield, Masonic, 7pm

Kevin Gray pictured with the trophy having won the JW Gray Tennent's Kirkwall Open. 103 players entered. Full details on the Tennent's Kirkwall Open page.

Kirkwall Open weekend is here, over £1000 to be won! 

 Mitzi will have the kitchen open at 12.30 for hot meals on Saturday. Please remember it is a cash only bar in thge Masonic Club.

As the competitive part of the KDDL season starts drawing to a close, two of the main 'B' league trophies were won this past week.

The 'B' league singles took place in the Masonic on Friday evening, attracting 27 entrants. It was encouraging to hear how keen some of the younger players were, trying to work out how many points they would need to make the top 12 in the 'B' rankings in order to be selected for the 'B' intercounty match in May, which is the main reason this ranking system was introduced.

Fresh from a couple of very hot performances in the league earlier in the week, Ryan Tulloch was in great form as he registered a 13 darter against Ray Butcher before taking out Albyn Singles champ Brian Moar in the quarters. He was met by defending 'B' singles champ Josh Alexander, who took advantage of some slack play from Ryan to progress to the final.

Two of the elder statesmen of the lower tier met in the other semi-final, with Keith Brumpton losing out to Andy Green, who had been hitting tons for fun all evening.

Josh started the more positively of the two, taking the first before Andy sneaked back into it with the second. Unfortunately for Andy, he ran out of steam at this point, and as he faltered Josh just seemed to grow in confidence, taking out consecutive 17 dart legs to retain the title.

A resounding win over East Mainland Young Farmers Club in the Sands on Tuesday night saw the Wanderers claim the 'B' league title. Meanwhile both Sands and Toonies played two matches that night, including one between themselves which Sands narrowly won. Another convincing win against Bilco Boys saw Sands leapfrog them into second place in the table. Any of the four teams in the chase for the two remaining promotion places (Sands, Bilco Boys, Quoyburray and the Toonies) can still make it. The only thing that is guaranteed is that it will go down to the final week of fixtures.

The 'A' league looks all but over as the Exiles made it a miserly three points from their last four matches as they could only draw with the Legion, allowing the Untouchables to pull three points clear at the top with their win over Tankerness, with a game in hand.

This weekend sees the biggest prize in Orkney darts up for grabs as the Kirkwall Open, sponsored by J.W Gray and Tennents, takes place on Saturday afternoon. Now in its 15th year, the trophy and £500 first prize has never gone to a winner from outside Orkney. Will this be the year that trend is broken?

There is also a money in – money out singles competition taking place on Friday evening prior to the main event.

180s were scored by: Jamie Marwick, Kevin Gray, Leigh Shearer, Davy Henderson, Wayne Small, Glen Foubister, Lee Rendall, Michael Montgomery, Aaron Mitchell, Ray Butcher, Ross MacPherson, Alan Gray, Trevor Shearer, Bruce Moar, Kevin Peace, Billy Ward, Jim Brown, Toby Penwarden, Robbie Scott, Stevie Garner (two), Graham Firth (two), Erland Ritch (three), Alan Findlay (three), Keith Brumpton (three), Josh Alexander (four), Jamie Drever (four), Robbie Stanger (four) and Ryan Tulloch (six). Shane Rendall had a score of 171, bettered by Brett Dickinson with 174 and Billy Ward with 177 and 171.

High Checkouts: Davy Henderson 104, Billy Ward 108, Brian Moar 110, Bruce Moar 110, James

Flett 111, Ryan Wilkie 112, Robbie Scott 112, Stewart Gray 116, Stevie Garner 129 and Alan Findlay (109, 122)

Short Legs: Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 15, Kevin Sarling/Erland Ritch 15, Ryan Tulloch/Gary Kemp 15, Stuart Thomson 15, Josh Alexander 15, Josh Alexander/Adam Savage 14, Erland Ritch 14, Jamie Drever 14, Jim Brown 14 and Ryan Tulloch 13.

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 2, Sanday 10

Untouchables 8, Tankerness 4

Exiles 6, Legion 6

Sanday 3, OGC 9

'B' League:

Quoyurray 4, The Toonies 8

Shandy Bass 7, Vikings 5

Bilco Boys 4, Sands 8

EMYFC 0, Wanderers 12

Quoyburray 'B' 6, Murray Arms 6

Rough 'n' Rowdy 6, Young Loons 6

The Toonies 5, Sands 7

'B' League singles final: Josh Alexander 5, Andy Green 1

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v OGC

Untouchables v Muppets

Exiles v Sanday

Tankerness v Legion

'B' League:

Vikings v The Toonies

Shandy Bass v Sands

Quoyburray v Wanderers

Bilco Boys v Murray Arms

EMYFC v Young Loons

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Quoyburray 'B'

Friday 14th March, Kirkwall Open warmup singles, Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday 15th March, Tennents Kirkwall Open, Masonic, 1.30pm

League mixed doubles presentation. L to R:  Kevin Gray, Shona Gray, KDDL president Robbie Norquoy, Nicole Norquoy and Stevie Linklater

There was another exciting week of darting action in the KDDL as the season nears it's conclusion. The Untouchables took a huge leap towards the 'A' league title with a 7-5 win over main challengers Exiles, putting them one point clear but with a game in hand and potentially the easier run-in of the two. It's not quite time to put their coats on and head for the title exit door for the Exiles, but they will be hoping for other teams to do them a favour.

In the 'B' league the Wanderers had one hand on the trophy as they defeated Quoyburray 'B' and then watched on as The Toonies squandered a chance to beat Bilco Boys which would have handed them the title. However, any scoreline better than a 9-3 defeat this week to bottom side EMYFC will see them crowned champions as their points tally and game difference will be unassailable.

The Mixed Doubles trophy was played for in the Legion on Friday evening, and what a relaxed night of darts it was. In amongst the hilarity there were some decent arrows thrown. Linda Harcus managed to rack up a 171 score, whilst Stevie Linklater continued his recent good form as he partnered Nicole Norquoy to the final. Meeting them there were the multiple times winners of the competition Shona and Kevin Gray. Both men had a 180 apiece in the final, with Nicole and Stevie taking the first leg before Shona and Kevin ran away with it to win 4-1. They will now go on to contest the Orkney Mixed Doubles cup at the Orkney Championships held at the end of April.

All eyes will be on the 'B' league singles played in the Masonic this Friday, with a multitude of players capable of winning it with the form they are in. Can Josh Alexander defend his title? Will three-times champ Jamie Drever triumph once more? Will one of the Wanderers come to the fore? Or will some of the hot young talent turn on the style? Time will tell.

180s were scored by: Jim Brown, Sam Caithness, Leigh Shearer, Erland Ritch, Stevie Linklater, Gary Wilson, Robbie Stanger, Wayne Small, Raymond Foubister, Michael Montgomery, Aaron Mitchell, Keith Bain, Nicol Gray, Ross McQuillan, Ray Butcher, Jamie Marwick (two), Stevie Garner (two), Kevin Sarling (two), Billy Ward (two), Ross MacPherson (two) and Kevin Gray (three). Linda Harcus had a score of 171 in the mixed doubles.

High Checkouts: Jim Brown 100, George Low 105, Lee MacPherson 105, Brian Moar 112, Ian Linklater 120, Leigh Shearer 129, Billy Ward 158, Bruce Moar (115, 118) and Erland Ritch (126, 139).

Short Legs: Brett Dickinson/Ian Linklater 15, Jamie Marwick/Nicol Holland 15 and Erland Ritch 15.

Results:

'A' League:

Tankerness 7, Ale Stars 5

Legion 11, Muppets 1

Exiles 5, Untouchables 7

'B' League:

The Toonies 6, Bilco Boys 6

Vikings 4, Quoyburray 8

Shandy Bass 1, Rough 'n' Rowdy 11

Sands 12, EMYFC 0

Wanderers 11, Quoyburray 'B' 1

Murray Arms 4, Young Loons 8

Rough 'n' Rowdy 9, Murray Arms 3

Mixed Doubles Final: Shona Gray & Kevin Gray 4, Nicole Norquoy & Stevie Linklater 1

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Muppets v Ale Stars

Legion v OGC

Sanday v Untouchables

Tankerness v Exiles

'B' League:

The Toonies v Shandy Bass

Vikings v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Sands v Quoyburray

Wanderers v Bilco Boys

Murray Arms v EMYFC

Young Loons v Quoyburray 'B'

Friday, March 7, 'B' League Singles ('B' ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday March 14, Kirkwall Open Warm-up singles, Masonic 7.30pm

Saturday March 15, Kirkwall Open, Masonic, 1.30pm

With a reprieve from cup competitions for a week, all eyes were focussing once more on league action. Exiles have been top of the Williamsons Butchers 'A' league for most of the season but seem to be experiencing a slump in form. Last week's draw with OGC was followed this week with another draw to second bottom Ale Stars, who almost pulled off a real shock. Untouchables narrowly lost out to the Legion but managed to squeeze past Sanday in a rearranged game to remain two points adrift but with a game against the Muppets in hand. The Muppets themselves were thrashed by Sanday whilst the Golf Club defeated Tankerness.

The promotion race in the 'B' league continues to be an exciting watch. Sands had looked good in recent weeks but a draw against Quoyburray 'B' has seen them lose ground but remain in close contention. The Bilco Boys had a good win over Vikings to remain second, with The Toonies whitewashing the Young Farmers to maintain the best game difference of the chasing pack. League leaders Wanderers have never been off top spot all season and recorded their sixth whitewash of the campaign with a win over the Young Loons, which sees them secure promotion due to the remaining fixture schedule of the teams immediately below them. The Wanderers look set to obliterate the record games difference in the 'B' League set by the Exiles in the 2018-19 season, but defeat to the Sands a few weeks ago ended any chance of surpassing the Exiles points tally.

Tomorrow evening the Mixed Doubles takes place in the Legion with the chance to get a shot at the Orkney Mixed Doubles title in late April on offer to the winners.

180s were scored by: Bruce Moar, Stevie Linklater, Kevin Sarling, Stevie Garner, Wayne Monkman, Ian Findlay, Graham Firth, Paul Foubister, Lee Rendall, Andy Green, Logan Peace, Keith Brumpton, James Flett, Ryan Wilkie, Michael Muir (two), Gordy Rendall (two), Robbie Stanger (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Trevor Shearer (two). There were additional high scores of 177 from Kevin Gray and 171 from Scott Wilson and Billy Ward (two).

High Checkouts: Gordy Rendall 100, Keith Brumpton 101, Brett Dickinson 101, Brian Moar 104, Ben Hogan 105, Bruce Moar 110, Ian Linklater 117, Toby Penwarden 123, Keith Holland 123, Stevie Garner 161, Scott Wilson (104, 114), Jamie Tulloch (115, 119) and Aidan Nicolson (120, 122).

Short Legs: Robbie Stanger 15, Ian Findlay 15, Paul Foubister 15, Ryan Wilkie 15, Ivan Rendall/Graham Reid 14, Erlend Lennie 14, Kevin Sarling 14, Ian Linklater/Billy Ward 13, Kevin Gray (15, 15, 14).

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 6, Exiles 6

OGC 8, Tankerness 4

Muppets 0, Sanday 12

Untouchables 5, Legion 7

Untouchables 7, Sanday 5

'B' League:

EMYFC 0, The Toonies 12

Bilco Boys 10, Vikings 2

Quoyburray 8, Shandy Bass 4

Quoyburray 'B' 6, Sands 6

Young Loons 0, Wanderers 12

Quoyburray 'B' 4, Quoyburray 8

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Sanday

OGC v Muppets

Untouchables v Tankerness

Exiles v Legion

'B' League: Quoyurray v The Toonies

Shandy Bass v Vikings

Bilco Boys v Sands

EMYFC v Wanderers

Quoyburray 'B' v Murray Arms

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Young Loons

Friday February 28, Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday March 7, 'B' League Singles ('B' Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Louttit Singles, winner Stevie Linklater is presented with the cup by Graeme Loutitt, with runner-up Robbie Stanger.

With it all to play for in the hunt for a place in this season's intercounty trip to Shetland, 36 players toed the oche for the Louttit Cup, the penultimate ranking points competition of the season.

The atmosphere was full of nervous anticipation as a few of the early favourites crashed out. Young Ross MacPherson claimed yet another big scalp as he added three points to his tally to narrowly cling on to his place in the current top 9.

By this stage of the season there are no easy games in these competitions, but both Robbie Stanger and Stevie Linklater had to battle through some tough draws to reach the semi-finals. Both players progressed to the final with 4-0 wins, Robbie dispatching Ian Findlay while Stevie slayed Gary Wilson.

The final between two lifelong friends was a great spectacle for the onlooker, containing a little bit of everything that makes up a brilliant match. Stevie started the brighter of the two, but his finishing let him down as Robbie produced a 117 checkout to take the first leg. Stevie hit back in the second but his finishing once again deserted him as Robbie seemed to grow in stature, taking the third, fourth and fifth legs for a commanding 4-1 lead.

Lesser players would have capitulated at this point, but Stevie rolled back the clock, shook off the shackles of his advancing years and proved to everyone why he is rightly regarded as one of the best players to ever the play the sport in Orkney. The sixth leg saw Robbie hit his second 180 of the match but it went virtually unnoticed as Stevie piled in back to back maximums on his way to a 15 dart leg. Stevie took advantage of having the throw in the seventh, and tied the match in the eighth as Robbie began to falter with his ability to seek out the trebles. Nerves were clearly present in the final leg, as it took 24 darts to reach its conclusion, with Stevie checking out 56 to clinch his first ranking points trophy since he won the Pitstop Cup way back in November 2016.

In league action, the race to the 'A' league title had a twist this week as the Exiles could only manage a draw against the Orkney Golf Club. They remain top but only four points clear of Untouchables who still hold two games in hand.

The Wanderers, never having been off top spot all season, took a huge step closer to clinching the 'B' league trophy with an emphatic win over Murray Arms. The real fight is the four-way battle for the remaining two promotion slots. Bilco Boys, Sands and The Toonies remain as they were as all three won their matches by the same scoreline, but Quoyburray were made to sweat by the Rough 'n' Rowdy lads as they only just pinched the win at the end to maintain their chance to reach the big time.

180s were scored by: Gary Wilson, Gordy Rendall, Graham Firth, Alan Findlay, Graeme Reid, John Garson, Aidan Halleran, David Shearer, Ross MacPherson, Keiran Doherty, Ally Linklater, James Flett, Kenny Gunn, Leigh Shearer, Ian Linklater, Brett Dickinson (two), Kevin Gray (two), Wayne Monkman (two), Bruce Moar (two), Brian Moar (two), Martin Peace (two), Keith Brumpton (two), Stevie Garner (three), Ian Findlay (three), Stevie Linklater (five) and Robbie Stanger (six). Additional scores of 171 were registered by Robbie Stanger and 177 for Kevin Gray, Ian Linklater and Stevie Linklater.

High Checkouts: Stevie Linklater 101, Graeme Reid 108, Ian Findlay 110, Andrew Moar 113, Gordy Rendall 114, Jim Brown 115, Kevin Peace 116, Brian Moar 116, Alan Findlay 116, Keith Brumpton 117, Neil Tait 133, Ian Linklater 152, Richie Ballantyne 156, Paul Foubister (101, 120) and Robbie Stanger (117, 130, 130).

Short Legs: Robbie Norquoy/Jim Brown 15, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Kevin Peace/Gordy Rendall 15, Bruce Moar/Stevie Linklater 15, James Flett 15, Ian Linklater 15, Michael Muir 15, Erland Ritch 14, Robbie Stanger/Billy Ward 13, Kevin Gray 13, Stevie Linklater (15, 15) and Robbie Stanger (13, 15).

Results:

'A' League:

Untouchables 12, Ale Stars 0

Exiles 6, OGC 6

Tankerness 10, Muppets 2

Legion 9, Sanday 3

'B' League:

The Toonies 10, Quoyburray 'B' 2

Vikings 8, EMYFC 4

Shandy Bass 2, Bilco Boys 10

Quoyburray 7, Rough 'n' Rowdy 5

Sands 10, Young Loons 2

Wanderers 12, Murray Arms 0

Louttit Cup Final: Stevie Linklater 5, Robbie Stanger 4

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Tankerness v Ale Stars

Sanday v OGC

Legion v Muppets

Exiles v Untouchables

'B' League:

The Toonies v Bilco Boys

Vikings v Quoyburray

Shandy Bass v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Sands v EMYFC

Wanderers v Quoyburray 'B'

Murray Arms v Young Loons

Friday, February 28, Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday, March 7, 'B' League Singles ('B' ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Taylor Singles presentation, pictured from left are Mason Taylor, runner-up Bruce Moar, winner Kevin Gray and Craig Taylor.

The fifth of this season's ranking points competitions, the Taylor Singles, took place in the Legion on Friday evening and by the end of play the ranking points table is as wide open as it possibly has ever been. The top five players consisting of Kevin Gray, Bruce Moar, Erland Ritch, Wayne Monkman and Ian Findlay have all but secured their place in the intercounty side, but with only six points separating 6th from 21st, the remaining four automatic places are very much still up for grabs with two events remaining. The next of which takes place this Friday, again in the Legion.

A very open draw saw quite a few surprises with plenty of 'B' league players making it to the last 16 or beyond. Of these, Sands team-mates Ryan Tulloch and Toby Penwarden made it the furthest, reaching the semi-finals where both were defeated 4-2 by Kevin Gray and Bruce Moar respectively.

Kevin and Bruce occupied the top two slots in the ranking points table before play commenced that evening, and not without good reason as they have been arguably the best two players in the KDDL this season. Kevin's form has perhaps dipped slightly from his impeccably high standards in recent weeks whilst Bruce seems to grow in confidence every week.

The final had no legs under 15 darts, no high checkouts and no 180 scores yet strangely it was played to quite a high standard. Very steady and consistent scoring together with assured finishing saw both players averaging north of 80 for the bulk of the match, only dipping in the last leg and a half. He was incredibly unlucky to see his dart hit the bed of double tops only for his flight to catch another dart and cause the dart to fall out of the double, allowing Kevin to nip in and pinch the leg. Kevin also took the fourth before Bruce hit back to make the score 3-2. Kevin had the advantage of throwing first in the sixth leg which he again took, before capitalising on a few slack scores from Bruce in the seventh to clinch the trophy with a 5-2 victory.

Craig and Mason Taylor presented the trophy on behalf of the Taylor family, with Craig highlighting how exciting the points table was now looking.

180s were scored by: Graham Firth, Robbie Stanger, Billy Ward, Ian Scott, Wayne Small, Ray Butcher, Stewart Gray, Simon Parry, James Flett, David Shearer, Erland Ritch, Paul Foubister, Jamie Drever, Kevin Sarling, Erlend Lennie, Stevie Garner,Wayne Monkman (two), Ian Linklater (two), Toby Penwarden (two), Kevin Gray (three), Leigh Shearer (three), Gary Wilson (three) and Ryan Tulloch (three). Ian Linklater, Brett Dickinson and David Shearer all registered a score of 177.

High Checkouts: Brian Moar 100, Ryan Wilkie 100, Robbie Stanger 101, Bruce Moar 101, Adam Savage 102, Ally Linklater 108, Stuart Thomson 108, Ivan Rendall 109, Kevin Sarling 110, Alan Findlay 116, Ian Findlay 117, Graham Reid 118, Wayne Small 120, Ross McQuillan 125, Billy Ward 126, Stevie Garner 141, Martin Peace 141, George Low 154, Erlend Lennie 160, Kevin Gray (112, 112), Jim Brown (125, 144) and Ian Linklater (110, 110, 115).

Short Legs: Robbie Stanger/Brett Dickinson 15, Erlend Lennie/George Low 15, Ally Linklater/Kieran Doherty 15, Brian Moar/Martin Peace 15, George Low 15, Ian Linklater 15, Kevin Sarling 15, Toby Penwarden 15, Bruce Moar 15, Bruce Moar/Stevie Linklater 13, Ryan Tulloch (14, 15), Gary Wilson (11, 15) and Kevin Gray (14, 14, 15, 15, 15).

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 1, Legion 11

OGC 5, Untouchables 7

Muppets 1, Exiles 11

Sanday 7, Tankerness 5

'B' League:

Young Loons 2, The Toonies 10

Quoyburray 'B' 8, Vikings 4

EMYFC 3, Shandy Bass 9

Bilco Boys 10, Quoyburray 2

Murray Arms 3, Sands 9

Rough 'n' Rowdy 3, Wanderers 9

Taylor Singles Final: Kevin Gray 5, Bruce Moar 2

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Exiles

OGC v Tankerness

Muppets v Sanday

Untouchables v Legion

'B' League:

EMYFC v The Toonies

Bilco Boys v Vikings

Quoyburray v Shandy Bass

Quoyburray 'B' v Sands

Young Loons v Wanderers

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Murray Arms

Friday February 14,

Louttit Cup (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

 Runners up Alan Findlay and Jamie Tulloch, Winners Ryan Tulloch and Jamie Drever.

The twentieth week of competitive action in the KDDL season saw the attention swing once again to the boys in the 'B' league, with the 'B' league doubles taking place in the Masonic on Friday evening. With competition heating up for places in the 'B' county team, there was a very good entry of 17 pairs.

The Wanderers duo of Brian Moar and Martin Peace got off to a flying start, registering a 13 dart leg in their first round victory, but the young pairing of Jamie Tulluch and Alan Findlay dashed their hopes in the quarter-finals, winning by the odd leg in five with a bull finish on 85 by Alan being the decisive moment in the match. Meeting them in the semi-final were the Ross twins from Rough 'n' Rowdy, MacPherson and McQuillan, who are steadily improving week on week. With their tie going the distance, the two Ross's got within striking distance, only for Jamie Tulloch to shanghai 20s for a 120 checkout to win it.

In the other half of the draw Ryan Tulloch was in imperious form as he and fellow defending champ Jamie Drever made their way to the other semi-final. They were also pushed to a deciding leg by the other Wanderers duo of Keith Brumpton and Aaron Mitchell, but the Sands lads came out on top.

With there having been some really good darts throughout, and the most consistent pairs making the final, the watching crowd would have been forgiven to think they'd be in for a tungsten treat. Unfortunately nerves seemed to take over for both pairs, which lessened the quality but perhaps heightened the excitement levels. But for missed doubles, Alan and Jamie T could have been 3-1 up, but instead found themselves with the scoreline reversed. Ryan meanwhile had been the only player really showcasing their talent early on but, as his throwing waned, Jamie D came to the fore and helped see them past the winning line for their third succesive title.

The highlight of the league action earlier in the week saw Sands produce a second half whitewash to end Wanderers run of perfection after going 14 wins from 14. The Wanderers still look well placed to take the title at this stage, but perhaps seeds of doubt have been sown? The race for the next two promotion slots is between four teams who are all within a few points of each other. Bilco Boys, Quoyburray, Sands and The Toonies all won their matches in the week so no places were exchanged this time around.six points over Untouchables, who have two games in hand.

Disappointingly, only half the matches went ahead in the 'A' league, with wins for both the Legion and Exiles seeing the Exiles extend their lead at the top to six points over the Untouchables, who have two games in hand. With the end of the season only a few weeks away, teams are reminded that any outstanding matches must be played before the end of the final week of league action.

The next two Fridays it's back to ranking compeition action with the Taylor singles and the Louttit Cup taking place, both in the Legion.

180s were scored by: Derek Firth, Jim Brown, Josh Alexander, Adam Savage, David Shearer, Brian Moar, Ryan Tulloch, Ross MacPherson (two), Trevor Shearer (two), Kevin Gray (two), Kevin Sarling (two) and Stevie Garner (two).

High Checkouts: Ian Findlay 102, Ryan Wilkie 107, Logan Peace 111, Erland Ritch 120, Jamie Tulloch 120 and Aaron Mitchell 126.

Short Legs: Brian Moar 15, Brian Moar/Martin Peace 13, Ian Findlay 13 and Kevin Gray 12.

Results:

'A' League:

Sanday 4, Exiles 8

Legion 8, Tankerness 4

'B' League:

The Toonies 10, Murray Arms 2

Vikings 1, Young Loons 11

Shandy Bass 5, Quoyburray 'B' 7

Quoyburray 8, EMYFC 4

Bilco Boys 8, Rough 'n' Rowdy 4

Sands 9, Wanderers 3

'B' League Doubles Final: Jamie Drever & Ryan Tulloch 5, Jamie Tulloch & Alan Findlay 2

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v Ale Stars

Exiles v OGC

Tankerness v Muppets

Legion v Sanday

'B' League:

The Toonies v Quoyburray 'B'

Vikings v EMYFC

Shandy Bass v Bilco Boys

Quoyburray v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Sands v Young Loons

Wanderers v Murray Arms

Friday, February 7, Taylor Singles (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Friday, February 14, Louttit Singles (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Runner up Paul Foubister, while sponsor Thorfinn Craigie presents the cup to winner Bruce Moar.

The fourth of this season's seven ranking points competitions took place in the Tankerness Hall on Friday evening, a great venue and a change from the usual venues. With a licenced bar supplied by Tasmin Learmonth, the suitably refreshed players were well set up for a good competition.

For once, the randomised computer draw didn't throw up too many big games early on, Bruce Moar's win over Erland Ritch being one of few exceptions to that. Making big waves in the ranking points table this year is relative newcomer Ross MacPherson. Having defeated the in-form Stevie Garner in a previous cup, he set about dispatching Kenny Gunn, Gary Wilson and Erlend Lennie with a display of solid scoring and composed finishing which belied his lack of experience. His run ended in the quarter-finals where he took Ian Linklater to the wire but eventually lost out.

Meeting Ian in the first semi-final was Bruce Moar, who has also been a star performer this year. He had some tough matches on his run, ending the hopes of another 'B' league player who had made the quarters, Robbie Scott, along the way. A 4-2 scoreline in favour of Bruce saw him progress to the final at Ian's expense.

The recently bespectacled Paul Foubister was responding to his new visual prowess as he lined up against the KDDL's main man Kevin Gray, who was somewhat fortunate to have scraped through to the semi-finals, although his path there was decidedly tough. Another 4-2 scoreline ensued, with Paul winning through to his first final in a couple of years.

With the storm beginning to rage outside, it was Paul who thundered to the first leg, finding his scoring form right from the off. Bruce responded in kind, taking the second leg to equalise before really starting to find his scoring range. Paul banged in a 180 in the third but Bruce took that leg, before hitting a max of his own as he took the fourth. As Bruce grew in confidence, Paul looked a defeated man and his darts started to wander as his scoring fell away. Bruce soon made in 4-1 before wrapping up the title with a 5-1 win. After many seasons without a trophy, Bruce now has one win in each of the last two, highlighting how much he has improved of late.

Thorfinn Craigie presented the trophy on behalf of the Craigie family, saying how good it was to see the local hall so full for a competition like this.

Next week it is the turn of the 'B' league players to try and earn points towards the 'B' intercounty match, with the 'B' league doubles taking place in the Masonic. With a lot of experienced players now competing in the 'B' league, and an awful lot of youngsters showing some real promise, it will be anyone's guess who will come out on top.

180s were scored by: Ben Hogan, Gavin Linklater, Gordy Rendall, Wayne Monkman, Kenny Gunn, Erlend Lennie, Brian Moar, David Shearer, Robbie Scott, Wayne Small, Ross MacPherson, Steven Tulloch, Ryan Tulloch, Martin Peace, Alan Findlay, Gary Wilson, Stevie Garner, Jamie Drever, Erland Ritch, Brett Dickinson, Robbie Norquoy, Paul Foubister, James Flett (two), Bruce Moar (two), Leigh Shearer (two), Ian Linklater (two) and Kevin Gray (four). Wilfie Tulloch had a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Andrew Green 104, Paul Foubister 106, Bruce Moar 110, James Flett 115, David Shearer 116, Brett Dickinson 118, Erland Ritch 130, Leigh Shearer 137, Ross MacPherson (114, 151) and Brian Moar (140, 160).

Short Legs: Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Wayne Monkman 15, Stevie Linklater 15, Jamie Drever 15, Kevin Sarling 14, Kenny Gunn 14, Ray Butcher 14, Erlend Lennie 14, Erland Ritch 12, Kevin Gray (15, 15) and Paul Foubister (15, 14).

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 9, Muppets 3

OGC 4, Legion 8

Exiles 9, Tankerness 3

'B' League:

Wanderers 8, The Toonies 4

Murray Arms 7, Vikings 5

Young Loons 8, Shandy Bass 4

EMYFC 0, Bilco Boys 12

Rough 'n' Rowdy 3, Sands 9

E.R & T. Craigie Cup: Bruce Moar 5, Paul Foubister 1

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Legion

OGC v Untouchables

Muppets v Exiles

Sanday v Tankerness

'B' League:

Young Loons v The Toonies

Quoyburray 'B' v Vikings

EMYFC v Shandy Bass

Bilco Boys v Quoyburray

Murray Arms v Sands

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Wanderers

Friday January 31, 'B' League Doubles ('B' ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday February 7, Taylor Singles (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

L to R:  winners Gary Wilson, Stevie Garner, KDDL president Robbie Norquoy, runners-up Kevin Gray and Wayne Monkman.

This season's League Doubles competition took place in the Legion on Friday evening, tempting 20 local pairs to try their luck at one of the most prestigious and long running competitions in the calendar.

There were some exceptionally close matches but by semi-final time there was a real mix of youth and experience in the lineups. 'B' league due Jamie Tulloch and Alan Findlay played well to reach this far, and upped their game even further, taking holders Kevin Gray and Wayne Monkman to the deciding leg. Unfortunately for the young guns, experience took control over nerves and saw the holders progress to the final.

Meanwhile Gary Wilson and Stevie Garner had played some exhilirating darts at times, despite also being faced with match darts against in almost all their games on the way to the semi final. Meeting them was father and son duo Ian and Gavin Linklater, who were really gelling in the competition and contributing equally, as all good pairs do. Chances came for the Linklaters to take it to a deciding leg, but Stevie Garner punished the spurned opportunity by taking out a 136 finish to progress.

The final was every bit as exciting as the onlooking crowd could have hoped for. There was a real mixture of scintillating darts, nervy misses and high tension as the match swung back and forth in favour of each pair. With Kevin and Wayne 4-3 up, Gary and Stevie put in an excellent leg to force the decider and both pairs displayed some sublime scoring. Wayne had the chance to settle the tie in 15 darts but he missed by the narrowest of margins, before Stevie stepped up and sunk a 96 checkout with aplomb to seal the title with a 15 darter of their own.

Next Friday sees the return of ranking points competitions with the E.R & T. Craigie Singles taking place in the Tankerness Hall. This is followed the following week with the 'B' league doubles in the Masonic.

180s were scored by: Ben Hogan, Stuart Thomson, Kevin Peace, George Low, Robbie Norquoy, Kevin Sarling, Aaron Mitchell, Richie Ballantyne, Iain Wilkie, Ross MacPherson, Kenny Gillespie, Jamie Tulloch, Bruce Moar, Kevin Gray (two), Stevie Garner (two), Erland Ritch (two) and Gary Wilson (four). Ian Linklater registered a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Ian Linklater 103, Jamie Tulloch 107, Billy Ward 110, Glen Foubister 114, Keith Bain 122, Stevie Garner 136 and Wayne Monkman (106, 118).

Short Legs: Brett Dickinson/Ian Linklater 15, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Jamie Tulloch/Alan Findlay 15, Ian Linklater/Gavin Linklater 15, Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 15, Kevin Gray 15, Gary Wilson 14, Kevin Sarling 13, George Low 13 and Jamie Tulloch 13.

Results:

'A' League: Sanday 8, Ale Stars 4

Muppets 2, OGC 10

Tankerness 4, Untouchables 8

Legion 4, Exiles 8

'B' League:

Vikings 0, Wanderers 12

Shandy Bass 5, Murray Arms 7

Quoyburray 7, Young Loons 5

Bilco Boys 9, Quoyburray 'B' 3

EMYFC 0, Rough 'n' Rowdy 12

Rough 'n' Rowdy 1, The Toonies 11

League Doubles Final: Gary Wilson & Stevie Garner 5, Kevin Gray & Wayne Monkman 4

Fixtures:

'A' League: OGC v Ale Stars

Muppets v Untouchables

Sanday v Exiles

Legion v Tankerness

'B' League: The Toonies v Murray Arms

Vikings v Young Loons

Shandy Bass v Quoyburray 'B'

Quoyburray v EMYFC

Bilco Boys v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Sands v Wanderers

Friday January 24, E.R & T Craigie Cup (Ranking), Tankerness Hall, 7.30pm

Friday, January 31, 'B' League Doubles ('B' Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

180s were scored by: Jamie Marwick, Jim Brown, Erlend Lennie, Bruce Moar, Kevin Peace, Graham Firth, Robbie Stanger, Ian Linklater, Billy Ward, Kevin Gray, Stevie Garner, Erland Ritch, Jamie Drever, James Flett, Keith Bain and Des Gillespie. Other noteable scores of 171 and 174 came from Brett Dickinson and Kevin Gray respectively.

High Checkouts: Jamie Marwick 100, Des Gillespie 100, Robbie Stanger 101, Kevin Gray 101, George Low 110, Stevie Linklater 117, Ian Linklater 120, Leigh Shearer 120 and Derrick Firth 122.

Short Legs: Stevie Linklater/Bruce Moar 15, Billy Ward/Robbie Stanger 15, Ryan Tulloch/Toby Penwarden 15, George Low 15, Stevie Linklater 15, Kevin Gray 15, Ian Linklater 15, Billy Ward 15, Jamie Drever 15 and Iain Wilkie 15.

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 6, Tankerness 6

OGC 6, Sanday 6

Muppets 0, Legion 12

Untouchables 6, Exiles 6

'B' League:

Sands 10, Vikings 2

Wanderers 11, Shandy Bass 2

Murray Arms 3, Quoyburray 9

Young Loons 2, Bilco Boys 10

Quoyburray B 11, EMYFC 1

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Muppets

OGC v Legion

Untouchables v Sanday

Exiles v Tankerness

'B' League:

Wanderers v The Toonies

Murray Arms v Vikings

Young Loons v Shandy Bass

Quoyburray B v Quoyburray

EMYFC v Bilco Boys

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Sands

Friday January 17, League Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday January 24, E.R & T Craigie Cup (Ranking), Tankerness Hall, 7.30pm

What was initially predicted as a four or five way fight for the Williamsons Butchers 'A' League title is looking like a two horse race at the festive break.

Exiles lead the way, tied on points with Untouchables, but with slightly superior games difference. They square up in the first week as action resumes, in what is going to be a real humdinger of a match.

Two big wins during the week for the Golf Club propelled them to third place, but still eight points adrift of the leaders. Legion and Sanday have a catch up match to play against each other, but appear to be too far behind to be considered in the title race, although both may play a huge part in deciding who does come out on top.

Meanwhile at the bottom the writing is almost on the wall already for the muppets, with no points from ten matches, and an average match score slightly greater than 11-1 against, it is doubtful whether they can catch the Ale Stars who are four points clear of them.

At the time of going to press there is still one round of games left in the 'B' League before the break. Wanderers are sitting pretty on top with ten wins out of ten and second placed Quoyburray yet to play, who are already seven points behind. The Toonies sit a further three points behind in the third promotion place, but they could still be overtaken by Sands or Bilco Boys once all outstanding matches have been played. The Young Loons have an outside chance of going up, but will need to have a better second half to the season to push into real contention.

League matches resume in the week beginning January 6th.

The KDDL committee would like to wish all players and followers of the local game a very merry christmas and a happy new year.

180s were scored by: Stevie Garner, Graham Firth, Damian Stout, Trevor Shearer, Paul Foubister, Michael Scollie, Raymond Foubister, Davy Henderson, Andrew Moar, Scott Wilson, Brett Dickinson, Jamie Drever, Michael Montgomery, Martin Peace, Grant Harrold, Nicol Gray, Ally Linklater, Karl Scott, Gordy Rendall, Ian Findlay, Wayne Monkman (two), Toby Penwarden (two), Robbie Stanger (two), Bruce Moar (two), Stevie Linklater (three), Kevin Peace (four) and Kevin Gray (five).

High Checkouts: Bruce Moar 101, George Low 106, Robbie Norquoy 112, Damian Stout 114, Jamie Drever 116, Des Gillespie 119, John Thomson 122, Graham Reid 127, Jim Brown 135, Wayne Monkman 136, Derrick Firth 164, Ian Findlay (100, 129), Billy Ward (102, 110), Stevie Linklater (107, 153), Robbie Stanger (110, 114), Kevin Peace (111, 152) and Kevin Gray (116, 160).

Short Legs: Bruce Moar/Gordon Rendall 15, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Jim Brown 15, Kevin Gray 15, Bruce Moar 15, Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 14, Kenny Gunn 14, Martin Peace (14, 15).

Results:

'A' League:

Exiles v Ale Stars

Tankerness v OGC

Sanday v Muppets

Legion v Untouchables

'B' League:

Shandy Bass v The Toonies

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Vikings

Quoyburray v Sands

Bilco Boys v Wanderers

EMYFC v Murray Arms

Quoyburray B v Young Loons

Fixtures:

Week beginning Monday January 6

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Tankerness

OGC v Sanday

Muppets v Legion

Untouchables v Exiles

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v The Toonies

Sands v Vikings

Wanderers v Shandy Bass

Murray Arms v Quoyburray

Young Loons v Bilco Boys

Quoyburray B v EMYFC

Week beginning Monday January 13

'A' League:

Sanday v Ale Stars

Muppets v OGC

Tankerness v Untouchables

Legion v Exiles

'B' League:

The Toonies v Sands

Vikings v Wanderers

Shandy Bass v Murray Arms

Quoyburray v Young Loons

Bilco Boys v Quoyburray B

EMYFC v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Friday January 17,

League Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Festive Singles runner up Bruce Moar, KDDL president Robbie Norquoy and winner Kevin Gray.

The annual Festive Open Singles was held on Friday evening in the Masonic, and it lived up to it's billing as one of the most entertaining nights in the darting calendar. 53 eager souls took part, some keen on earning ranking points, some just for fun, but all with the £100 first prize and the glass trophy in mind.

The random draw nearly always throws up some mouth watering ties early on and this was no exception, with plenty of big guns facing up to each other in the early rounds. On the flip side, there was one or two sections of the draw where 'B' league players had a great chance to progress, with youngster Jamie Tulloch and not-so-youngster Davy Henderson taking advantage to earn points.

The semi-finals saw an all Legion team match-up with Ian Findlay taking on Kevin Gray, in a match that seemed to be over in a flash, with Kevin winning 4-0. On the other board Bruce Moar was throwing darts from the gods as he blitzed Wayne Monkman by the same scoreline.

And so the final was set to be a battle between the two players who were playing by far the best darts of anyone on the night. In terms of the exepcted high quality the match could have been considered a bit of a let down, but quality entertainment in darts can come from close and tense action as well as lots of impressive scoring. Bruce had chances at doubles early on, but it was Kevin who took the first two legs. As both players started finding their range, Bruce managed to level things up, before Kevin once moar opened up a two game lead, helped by a 110 checkout. The seventh leg saw both players miss numerous darts at the double, before Bruce pegged double three to pull himself back within one leg. Would the pressure tell on Kevin? He answered that question with three big scores, including a maximum, and a quick finish to wrap up the 5-3 win with a tremendous 12 dart leg.

Prior to the trophy presentation, KDDL committee member Craig Taylor gave an emotional speech in memory of the late Sheona Watt from Shetland, who along with her husband Tommy, had done so much for the KDDL Orkney players over numerous Intercounty trips over the years. Craig announced that the KDDL committee had unanimously agreed that a £500 donation to Macmillan Shetland would be made on behalf of the members of the KDDL in appreciation for all Sheona had done.

180s were scored by: Ian Linklater, Kevin Peace, Kenny Gunn, Lee MacPherson, David Shearer, Karl Scott, Keith Brumpton, Liam Drever, Gary Wilson, Martin Peace, Erlend Ritch, Billy Ward (two), Stevie Linklater (two), George Low (two), Davy Henderson (two), Jamie Tulloch (two), Gavin Linklater (three), Stevie Garner (three), Kevin Gray (three), Robbie Stanger (five), Brett Dickinson (six). Billy ward also scored 171.

High Checkouts: Brett Dickinson 106, Ross MacPherson 108, Robbie Stanger 111, Ben Hogan 112, Kenny Gunn 112, Erlend Ritch 115, Wayne Monkman 132, Alan Findlay 134, Jamie Tulloch (106, 148), Michael Scollie (111, 114), Jamie Drever (114, 120), Stevie Garner (116, 120, 140) and Kevin Gray (110, 121, 156, 158).

Short Legs: Ian Linklater 15, Stevie Linklater 15, Jamie Tulloch 15, Robbie Stanger 14, Billy Ward 14, Kenny Gunn 14, Stevie Garner 14 and Kevin Gray (15, 15, 15, 15, 12).

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 3, Untouchables 9

OGC 4, Exiles 8

Muppets 1, Tankerness 11

Untouchables 10, Ale Stars 2

OGC 3, Untouchables 9

'B' League:

The Toonies 8, Quoyburray 4

Vikings 3, Shandy Bass 9

Sands 6, Bilco Boys 6

Wanderers 12, EMYFC 0

Murray Arms 6, Quoyburray B 6

Young Loons 6, Rough 'n' Rowdy 6

Festive Open Singles:

Kevin Gray 5, Bruce Moar 3

Fixtures:

'B' League:

The Toonies v Vikings

Sands v Shandy Bass

Wanderers v Quoyburray

Murray Arms v Bilco Boys

Young Loons v EMYFC

Quoyburray B v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Following eight weeks of action in the Williamsons Butchers 'A' League, it is the Exiles who currently occupy top spot courtesy of another strong showing, this time against the Muppets, who seem all but doomed to finish in the solitary relegation position. The Legion sit behind them with a game in hand after beating the Ale Stars, but the Golf Club got the better of the Untouchables to end their unbeaten start to the season. Sanday responded to the disappointment of the previous week with a resounding win over Tankerness for whom the honeymoon period in the top division is showing glimpses of being over.

The Wanderers continue to run rampant in the 'B' League, notching up their eight consecutive win to maintain their perfect start, but Quoyburray refuse to be shaken off in the title hunt. The next four teams in the table are really too close to call for the other promotion place at this time, with games in hand about to prove pivotal to how things shape up. Debutants Rough 'n' Rowdy are starting to find their feet, picking up their third win of the season, whilst fellow newcomers East Mainland Young Farmers are finding the going tough, but are showing distinct signs of improvement.

The Festive Open Singles takes place this Friday in the Masonic, along with the annual festive prize draw. This is always one of the best nights of the year and despite being open to all, there are ranking points on offer to any KDDL registered player. Names are to be in by 7.30pm sharp and league members are reminded that any raffle tickets, whether sold or unsold, that are still outstanding need to be returned prior to the draw taking place before the semi-finals.

180s were scored by: Wayne Monkman, Ian Linklater, Robbie Stanger, Stevie Linklater, Lee MacPherson, Trevor Shearer, Alan Gray, Wayne Small, Jamie Tulloch, Brian Moar, Davy Henderson (two), Stevie Garner (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Bruce Moar (two), Kevin Gray (two) and Erland Ritch (three). There were also scores of 171 and 174 from Orkney Golf Club duo Stevie Linklater and Bruce Moar respectively.

High Checkouts: Brian Moar 100, Alan Gray 102, Andrew Green 106, Stevie Linklater 112, Billy Ward 132, Graham Firth 157, Gary Wilson (104, 122) and Kevin Gray (102, 121, 128).

Short Legs: Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Trevor Shearer/Graham Firth 15, Bruce Moar 15, Andrew Green 15, Brian Moar 14, Brian Moar/Martin Peace (14, 15), Kevin Gray (13, 15) and Brett Dickinson (13, 13)

Results:

'A' League:

Legion 9, Ale Stars 3

Untouchables 5, OGC 7

Exiles 12, Muppets 0

Tankerness 1, Sanday 11

'B' League:

Bilco Boys 6, Toonies 6

Quoyburray 9, Vikings 3

Rough 'n' Rowdy 8, Shandy Bass 4

EMYFC 2, Sands 10

Quoyburray B 1, Wanderers 11

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Exiles v Ale Stars

Tankerness v OGC

Sanday v Muppets

Legion v Untouchables

'B' League:

Shandy Bass v The Toonies

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Vikings

Quoyburray v Sands

Bilco Boys v Wanderers

EMYFC v Murray Arms

Quoyburray B v Young Loons

Friday December 6, Festive Open Singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Albyn Singles presentation, runner up Nicol Gray, committee member Kevin Sarling, and winner Brain Moar.

With a number of unplayed games in the Williamsons Butchers 'A' League it is hard to determine exactly how things are looking. Presently it is the Exiles who sit on top of the pile following a good win over last season's champions Sanday, but a whitewash by Untouchables over Muppets has them in second place, unbeaten but with two games in hand. The Legion and golf club remain in contention following wins over Tankerness and Ale Stars respectively, but it is already looking like Sanday's title defence is all but over.

The main focus of attention in the 'B' league was on the first of this season's 'B' ranking competitions, the Albyn Video Games singles held on Friday evening in the Legion. 25 players entered, a little short of what was expected, but any lack of numbers was more than made up for in enthusiasm.

Jamie Drever has once again been dominant in the 'B' league fixtures for the Sands team thus far, but his evening finished prematurely with a first round exit courtesy of a 3-2 defeat to the up-and-coming Kieran Doherty.

With the Wanderers team sitting clear at the top of the 'B' table after seven wins from seven, it was perhaps unsurprising that by semi-final time three of the four left in were from the Wanderers.

Wanderers captain Martin Peace had found his scoring form but unfortunately for him, his ability to hit doubles deserted him when he needed it most, allowing Young Loons skipper Nicol Gray to sneak through to the final with a 4-3 win.

The other semi saw team-mates Keith Brumpton and Brian Moar lock horns in what turned out to be the match of the night. With most legs going against the throw it was Keith, unbeaten in the league so far, who found himself 3-2 ahead. Despite having the backing of those watching, Keith was never to have a shot at a double to progress as Brian put in legs of 18 then 16 darts to progress.

The final was unfortunately a pretty one-sided affair. Nicol appeared to have shot his bolt in his semi-final and Brian took full advantage as he raced into a two leg lead. The introduction of Nicol's team-mate Logan Peace into the venue certainly seemed to raise the volume levels along with Nicol's determination, as he put in a 17 dart leg to halve the deficit. Brian called on his experience at this point and hit a series of two treble throws, reeling off the fourth leg in 16 darts, followed by two 18 dart legs to seal the win.

There are no cups scheduled for this Friday so this may perhaps be a good time for teams with outstanding fixtures to try and catch up, which needs to be done before the end of the first half of the season.

Next Friday sees the Festive Open Singles and christmas prize draw take place in the Masonic.

180s were scored by: Robbie Stanger, Stevie Linklater, Gary Wilson, Paul Foubister, Graham Firth, Trevor Shearer, Jim Brown, Robbie Norquoy, George Low, Wayne Small, Iain Wilkie, Allan Brown, Toby Penwarden, Aaron Mitchell, Nicol Gray, Ross McQuillan, Martin Peace, Mark Shearer, Brian Moar, Keith Brumpton (two), Robbie Scott (two), Kevin Gray (three) and Erland Ritch (four). Gary Wilson also had a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Stevie Linklater 100, Erland Ritch 104, Davy Henderson 104, Robbie Norquoy 108, Wayne Monkman 115, Jamie Drever 117, Ian Findlay 118, Kevin Gray 121, Jamie Tulloch 130, Martin Peace (100, 106) and Trevor Shearer (120, 156).

Short Legs: Martin Peace 15, Brian Moar 15, Stevie Garner 15, Billy Ward 15, Brett Dickinson 15, Derek Firth/Ian Findlay 14, Derek Firth 14, Robbie Stanger (14, 14) and Kevin Gray (12, 14).

Results:

'A' League:

Ale Stars 1, OGC 11

Untouchables 12, Muppets 0

Exiles 8, Sanday 4

Tankerness 3, Legion 9

'B' League:

The Toonies 11, EMYFC 1

Vikings 3, Bilco Boys 9

Shandy Bass 2, Quoyburray 10

Sands 9, Quoyburray B 3

Wanderers 9,Young Loons 3

Murray Arms 5, Rough 'n' Rowdy 7

Albyn Video Games Shield: Brian Moar 5, Nicol Gray 1

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Untouchables

OGC v Exiles

Muppets v Tankerness

Sanday v Legion

'B' League:

The Toonies v Quoyburray

Vikings v Shandy Bass

Sands v Bilco Boys

Wanderers v EMYFC

Murray Arms v Quoyburray B

Young Loons v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Friday December 6, Festive Open singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Runner up Erland Ritch, Jim Scollie Masters winner Kevin Gray being presented with the cup by Robbie Stanger.

The Jim Scollie Masters was held in the Legion on Friday evening, attracting a turnout of 41 players all eager to gain ranking points.

As is always the case, some tasty ties ensued early on with Wayne Monkman beating Bruce Moar in the preliminary round, and Stevie Linklater beating the Pitstop Cup champion Robbie Stanger in the last 32. Young Ross MacPherson deserves a mention for a notable win over the in form Stevie Garner, hitting a 108 checkout en route to a 3-1 win.

The first semi-final saw a resurgent Stevie Linlater battle it out with Erland Ritch, who is making a habit of appearing in later stages of competitions this season. The tie was a close affair, swinging both ways and with both players having darts at the crucial double, it was Erland who eventually nicked it 4-3. Jamie Drever was displaying the same steely ruthlessness he displayed in last years intercounty, as he battled through a tough draw to face Kevin Gray in the other semi. A high quality match could have had a different result had Jamie been more clinical on the doubles, but it was Kevin who won through 4-2.

Kevin started the final at a blistering pace, a 180 helping him to the first leg, which was followed soon after by the second. Erland found his range by this time and took the third, before Kevin checkout out the fourth. By this time, both players were playing well and pretty much matching each other in scoring terms. Erland pulled it back to 3-2 with a tremendous 14 dart leg, but Kevin showed that bit more determination as he held out to win the match 5-2. Jim 'Tattie Bogle' Scollie loved to see good darts, and he would have been delighted to see the number of players both young and old who were playing well in his competition.

The 'B' league players have the first of their exclusive ranking points competitions this Friday with the Legion playing host to the Albyn Video Games Shield. This is followed a week later by the Festive Open Singles which is the last of the main ranking competitions before the christmas break.

180s were scored by: Graham Firth, Erlend Lennie, Josh Alexander, Shane Rendall, Michael Montgomery, Ryan Tulloch, Stevie Garner, Keith Brumpton, Craig Taylor, Brian Moar, George Low, Gary Wilson (two), Jamie Tulloch (two), Nicol Gray (two), Jamie Drever (two), Kieran Doherty (two), Brett Dickinson (three), Kevin Gray (three), Stevie Linklater (three), Erland Ritch (four) and Alan Findlay (four). Ian Linklater, Paul Foubister and Derek Firth all registered scores of 171, with Jamie Tulloch and Trevor Shearer scoring 177.

High Checkouts: Jim Brown 100, Michael Montgomery 102, Brian Stevenson 107, Ross MacPherson 108, Ian Linklater 112, Kevin Gray 116, Fraser Laird 118, Erland Ritch 126, Jamie Marwick 130, Stevie Garner 140, Wayne Small 141, Jamie Anderson 152, Brian Moar 160, Paul Foubister (100, 106), Jamie Drever (112, 114), Robbie Stanger (115, 120)

Short Legs: Ian Linklater 15, Nicol Gray 15, Jamie Drever 15, Brian Moar 15, Kevin Gray (15, 15), Stevie Linklater (15, 15) and Erland Ricth (14, 15).

Results:

'A' League:

Muppets 3, Ale Stars 9

Sanday 5, Untouchables 7

Tankerness 0, Exiles 12

'B' League:

Quoyburray B 0, Toonies 12

EMYFC 5, Vikings 7

Bilco Boys 9, Shandy Bass 3

Rough 'n' Rowdy 5, Quoyburray 7

Young Loons 8, Sands 4

Murray Arms 2, Wanderers 10

Sands 6, Toonies 6

Jim Scollie Masters Final: Kevin Gray 5, Erland Ritch 2

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Legion v Ale Stars

Untouchables v OGC

Exiles v Muppets

Tankerness v Sanday

'B' League:

Bilco Boys v Toonies

Quoyburray v Vikings

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Shandy Bass

EMYFC v Sands

Quoyburray B v Wanderers

Young Loons v Murray Arms

Friday November 22, Albyn Video Games Shield ('B' Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Friday December 6, Festive Open Singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

The First of this season's charity cups takes place in the Masonic this Saturday afternoon with the Davie Cooper Memorial Open Singles. Raising money for both the local RNLI and Fisherman's Mission, it is sure to be another fun day. As well as the main competition, there will be raffle prizes and other games such as a coin push on offer to all. Names in by 2.30pm.

With both the 'A' and 'B' leagues seeing quite a few postponements early doors, it is hard to get a true indication of the main contenders just yet. The Legion and Exiles are tied in top spot, with the Legion edging it on game difference just now. The Untouchables are however poised to leapfrog them both should they win their two games in hand. The Wanderers are clear top of the 'B' league having beaten two of the main challengers in recent weeks, although Quoyburray are only 2 points behind in second. Once all matches are caught up, the 'B' league could very well look completely different.

180s were scored by: Paul Foubister, Graham Firth, Stevie Garner, Ben Hogan, Bruce Moar, Stevie Linklater, Ian Linklater, Jamie Rendall, Keith Brumpton, Iain Wilkie, Raymond Foubister, Ivan Rendall, Ian Findlay (two), Gary Wilson (two), Gordy Rendall (two), Brian Moar (two), Trevor Shearer (three), Robbie Stanger (three), Kevin Gray (five). There were other big visits of 171, 174 and 177 from Toby Penwarden, Kevin Peace and Josh Alexander respectively.

High Checkouts: Kenny Gunn 100, Michael Montgomery 100, Karl Scott 101, Trevor Shearer 108, Ian Linklater 112, Keith Brumpton 115, Ryan Tulloch 146, Paul Foubister 146 and Wayne Monkman (114, 149).

Short Legs: Paul Foubister 15, Trevor Shearer 15, Bruce Moar 15, Robbie Stanger 15, Wayne Monkman 15, Jamie Drever 14, Alan Gray 13, Stevie Garner 13 and Kevin Gray (15, 15, 13).

Results:

'A' League:

Tankerness 6, Ale Stars 6

Sanday 6, OGC 6

Legion 12, Muppets 0

Exiles 3, Untouchables 9

'B' League:

Murray Arms 1, Toonies 11

Young Loons 8, Vikings 4

EMYFC 2, Quoyburray 10

Rough 'n' Rowdy 5, Bilco Boys 7

Wanderers 7, Sands 5

Quoyburray 7, Quoyburray B 5

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Muppets v Ale Stars

Legion v OGC

Sanday v Untouchables

Tankerness v Exiles

'B' League:

Quoyburray B v Toonies

EMYFC v Vikings

Bilco Boys v Shandy Bass

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Quoyburray

Young Loons v Sands

Murray Arms v Wanderers

Saturday November 9, Davy Cooper Memorial Cup (open), Masonic, 2.30pm

Pit Stop Cup, runner-up Ian Findlay, league president Robbie Norquoy, winner Robbie Stanger.

The Orkney Golf Club played host on Friday evening to the first of this season's ranking points competitions, with 39 eager souls toeing the oche in the Pitstop Cup in a bid to earn a place in the intercounty team for the trip to Shetland in April.

A top heavy draw so some hard hitting ties early on. Kevin Gray and Stevie Garner have been topping the individual statistics tables since the season started, so all eyes were on their first round tie. Kevin started with a 180, but it was Stevie who would go on to progress 3-0. Robbie Stanger and Bruce Moar played magnificantly to battle through to meet each other in the first semi-final, where Robbie was just too hot to handle, winning 4-0.

There are no easy games in the KDDL these days and, whilst the bottom half of the draw looked easier on paper, nobody was progressing without working hard for it. But for missed doubles, Martin Peace could have reversed his 3-0 defeat to Stevie Linklater in their quarter-final. Ian Findlay had a pretty tough run too, beating James Flett, Ryan Tulloch and Gary Wilson to meet Stevie in their semi. A veteran of many ranking finals, Stevie was hoping his experience would help but Ian was determined to break his ranking final virginity, and his scoring was on point as he won 4-2.

With both finalists having been in fine form, it was a shock that the standard in the opening few legs was pretty poor, with both players winning one apiece. As the match progressed, both improved their standard of play, but Robbie was beginning to really find his scoring form, deservedly coming out on top by 5 legs to 1.

180s were scored by: Jack Kirkpatrick, Kevin Sarling, Stuart Thomson, Brian Stevenson, Brian Moar, Keith Brumpton, Keith Bain, Wilfie Tulloch, Ryan Tulloch, Ian Findlay, Robbie Stanger, Paul Foubister, Wayne Monkman, Kevin Peace, Erland Ritch (two), Kenny Gunn (two), Erlend Lennie (two), Trevor Shearer (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Billy Ward (two), Ian Linklater (two), Martin Peace (two), Bruce Moar (three), Stevie Garner (four) and Kevin Gray (five).

High Checkouts: Aaron Mitchell 100, Kevin Gray 101, Jamie Drever 106, Keith Brumpton 108, Ryan Tulloch 109, Billy Ward 117, Kevin Peace 120, Robbie Stanger 122, Martin Peace 126, Bruce Moar (100, 101), Ian Findlay (100, 107) and Stevie Linklater (100, 126).

Short Legs: Robbie Stanger/Billy Ward 15, Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 15, Robbie Stanger 15, Bruce Moar/Stevie Linklater 14 and Kevin Gray (15, 15, 13).

Results:

'A' League: Ale Stars 2, Exiles 10

OGC 7, Tankerness 5

Muppets 0, Sanday 12

Untouchables 7, Legion 5

'B' League: The Toonies 4, Wanderers 8

Vikings 3, Murray Arms 9

Shandy Bass 4, Young Loons 8

Sands 9, Rough 'n' Rowdy 3

Pitstop Cup Final: Robbie Stanger 5, Ian Findlay 1

Fixtures:

'A' League: Ale Stars v Sanday

OGC v Muppets

Untouchables v Tankerness

Exiles v Legion

'B' League: The Toonies v Young Loons

Vikings v Quoyburray B

Shandy Bass v EMYFC

Quoyburray v Bilco Boys

Sands v Murray Arms

Wanderers v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Saturday November 9, Davy Cooper Memorial Open Cup, Masonic, names by 2.30pm

Tom Notman Cup Final: Erland Ritch 2, Bruce Moar 1, cup presented by league president Robbie Norquoy, left.

The focus in the KDDL this week will be on the opening ranking points competition of the season, the Pitstop Cup, in the Orkney Golf Club this Friday. With that in mind, it was obvious from the scores registered in the league that players are ramping up their practice routines.

In the Williamsons Butchers 'A' League, it is the Exiles who have set the early pace, notching up another win over last seasons runners up the Orkney Golf Club. Defending champions Sanday lost out to the Legion, whilst newcomers to the top table Tankerness hammered the Muppets.

The Wanderers have run rampant at the start of the 'B' League, recording their second consecutive whitewash as they defeated Vikings. The battle of the newly formed teams saw Rough 'n' Rowdy inflict a reasonably heavy defeat on the Young Farmers. Murray Arms returned to winning ways with victory over Shandy Bass whilst Young Loons and Quoyburray had to settle for a draw.

Postponements are disappointing to see this early in the season, with three games off last week. Teams are reminded that first half matches must be caught up before the end of the last week before the christmas break. Captains are also reminded to not only inform the league secretary but also the home venue.

Erland Ritch took home his second piece of individual silverware of the season on Friday evening, narrowly defeating Bruce Moar 2-1 in the final of the Tom Notman Memorial Cup, held in memory of one of the seven founding members of the KDDL. The old league format of 301 double start, best of 3 legs is not to everyone's taste, but gives anyone a great chance to win as seen by the varied number of winners over time, but in recent years it generally has had a poor turnout. However for the second year running, entries were in the high 20's which is pleasing to see.

180s were scored by: Erlend Lennie, Wayne Monkman, Simon Parry, Nicol Gray, Kieran Doherty, Iain Wilkie, Ross McQuillan, Glen Foubister, Kevin Gray (two), Erland Ritch (three) and Trevor Shearer (three). Jamie Tulloch had a score of 177 whilst Erland lennie also registered 171.

High Checkouts: Brett Dickinson 100, Bruce Moar 100, Trevor Shearer 104, Erland Ritch 106, Martin Peace 107, Gary Wilson 112, Kevin Gray 115, Gordy Rendall 116, Simon Parry 120, Declan MacLeod 120, Brian Moar 130, Keith Brumpton 138, Daryl Robertson (102, 119) and Stevie Linklater (120, 160)

Short Legs: Paul Foubister/Trevor Shearer 15, Keith Brumpton/Simon Parry 15

Results:

Tom Notman Cup Final: Erland Ritch 2, Bruce Moar 1

'A' League: Exiles 8, OGC 4

Tankerness 10, Muppets 2

Legion 9, Sanday 3

'B' League: Wanderers 12, Vikings 0

Murray Arms 9, Shandy Bass 3

Young Loons 6, Quoyburray 6

Rough 'n' Rowdy 10, EMYFC 2

Fixtures:

'A' League: Tankerness v Ale Stars

Sanday v OGC

Legion v Muppets

Exiles v Untouchables

'B' League: Murray Arms v Toonies

Young Loons v Vikings

Quoyburray B v Shandy Bass

EMYFC v Quoyburray

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Bilco Boys

Wanderers v Sands

Friday October 25, Pitstop Cup (Ranking), Orkney Golf Club, 7.30pm

Saturday November 9, Davy Cooper Memorial Cup (open), Masonic, 1.30pm

The first week of action in the Kirkwall and District darts leagues showed that many of the players had shaken of the rustiness from the summer, with some great darts on show. 'A' league debutants Ale Stars had their first taste of the big time, with Kevin Gray putting them to the sword with some stellar scoring and finishing in the Legion's 10-2 win. Also making their top tier debut were Tankerness, who fared considerably better as they started their campaign against current Orkney team champions Sanday and earned themselves a draw. Having lost their best player Damian Stout to Sanday, the Muppets were expected to struggle this season and they were whitewashed by the Exiles who have been on fire in the cup competitions. The final match between the Golf Club and Untouchables was postponed.

With 3 promotion spaces up for grabs in the 'B' league, competition will be fierce with at least seven of the twelve teams in with a realistic chance, on paper at least. Newly reformed Wanderers wasted no time in setting a marker for the campaign, whitewashing Shandy Bass in a dominant display. The Toonies narrowly missed the cut last time out and they began by bullying newcomers Rough 'n' Rowdy 11-1. A similar fate befell other new boys East Mainland Young Farmers Club against Quoyburray B, who like Wanderers, were reforming for the first time since the Covid break. With plenty potential amongst the new teams, it will be interesting to see how they develop as they gain experience. Sands will be another team in the promotion mixer and they also won 11-1 against Vikings, bettering the 10-2 win that Quoyburray had over Murray Arms. The game of the week saw relegated Bilco Boys clashing with the steadily improving Young Loons, with Bilco just edging it 7-5.

The first of this season's ranking points competitions takes place in the Orkney Golf Club next Friday evening (October 25). Points accumulated over the 7 main ranking competitions determine who gets selected for the intercounty trip to Shetland at the end of the season. They also count towards the 'B' points system for 'B' league players for their representative match against our friends from the North, being added together with points from the 3 'B' ranking points competitions.

180s were scored by: Ian Findlay, Paul Foubister, George Low, Shane Rendall, David Shearer, Ross McQuillan, Michael Montgomery, Brian Moar, Keith Brumpton, Kieran Doherty, Ivan Rendall and Kevin Gray (four). Raymond Foubister recorded a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Brian Moar 100, Karl Scott 100, Ryan Tulloch 100, Nicol Gray 102, Erlend Eunson 104, Paul Foubister 108, Davy Henderson 111, Des Gillespie 113, Iain Wilkie 122, Andrew Moar 122, Erlend Lennie 126, Erland Ritch 127, Ian Findlay 131, Kevin Gray 131 and Jamie Tulloch 142.

Short Legs: Erland Ritch 14 and Kevin Gray (12, 14, 15, 15).

Results:

'A' League: Ale Stars 2, Legion 10

Muppets 0, Exiles 12

Sanday 6, Tankerness 6

'B' League: The Toonies 11, Rough 'n' Rowdy 1

Vikings 1, Sands 11

Shandy Bass 0, Wanderers 12

Quoyburray 10, Murray Arms 2

Bilco Boys 7, Young Loons 5

EMYFC 1, Quoyburray B 11

Fixtures:

'A' League: Ale Stars v Exiles

OGC v Tankerness

Muppets v Sanday

Untouchables v Legion

'B' League: The Toonies v Wanderers

Vikings v Murray Arms

Shandy Bass v Young Loons

Quoyburray v Quoyburray B

Bilco Boys v EMYFC

Sands v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Friday October 25, Pitstop Singles (Ranking), Orkney Golf Club, names for 7.30pm

With League matches now underway, the Swanney Cup rounded off this season's team cups last Monday evening and there was a pleasing entry this time of 9 teams. As is often the case these days, the teams were split into two groups with the top teams contesting the final.

Four of the five 'A' league teams involved were drawn together in the group of death, with Sanday progressing by winning all of their games. In the other group, the Exiles were clear favourites and again won all their matches, although they were pushed hard by the Wanderers.

The final was a pretty one sided affair. Sanday did miss a few chances at doubles, but the Exiles deservedly won out 3-1 in the end.

Then on Friday evening the future talent of Orkney darts got their chance to shine in the under 30's Open Singles. 22 players entered, not all of whom are currently registered to teams, and there were some interesting tussles throughout the night. With defending champ Jamie Tulloch not entering, Josh Alexander was the only previous winner taking part. He made it through to the semi-finals but narrowly lost out to Nicol Gray. Meanwhile Kieran Doherty was continuing to show his steady improvement in the other half of the draw, beating Aidan Robertson a little more comfortably in their semi.

Unfortunately for Kieran, he found Nicol in an unforgiving mood as he continued his early season run of form to take the title 4-0. All in all, it was an encouraging evening for the future of the sport in the county.

180s were scored by: Ally Linklater, Brett Dickinson, Robbie Stanger, Aidan Robertson, Keith Brumpton, Alan Findlay, Shane Rendall, Connor Crawford, Josh Alexander (two), Kevin Gray (two), Erlend Lennie (two) and Stevie Garner (two).

High Checkouts: Erlend Lennie 100, Brett Dickinson 102, Trevor Shearer 104, Nicol Gray 104 and Brian Moar 105.

Short Legs: Brett Dickinson 15, Robbie Stanger 13 and Stevie Garner (13, 14, 15).

Results:

Swanney Cup final: Exiles 3, Sanday 1

Under 30's Open Singles Final: Nicol Gray 4, Kieran Doherty 0

Fixtures:

'A' League: Untouchables v Ale Stars

Exiles v OGC

Tankerness v Muppets

Legion v Sanday

'B' League: Sands v Toonies

Wanderers v Vikings

Murray Arms v Shandy Bass

Young Loons v Quoyburray

Quoyburray B v Bilco Boys

Rough 'n' Rowdy v EMYFC

Friday October 18, Tom Notman Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

The early season team cups in the KDDL are drawing to a close now, with three more competitions played last week. 301 double start was the format this time out and the Exiles won the 301 Challenge Cup for 'A' teams by topping their round robin group. The following night the Wanderers topped their round robin group but it had already been agreed that the top two would play out a final, which The Toonies were fortunate enough to win on the gallon.

Friday saw teams from both leagues competing for the Royal Cup, once one of the most prestigious of the team cups in the season. Disappointingly none of last season's top four teams in the top league entered, leaving only two 'A' and three 'B' to slug it out in a round robin followed by top two final. Wanderers put up a stern challenge, but it was the top league pairing of Exiles and Tankerness who made it through. Exiles took a 3-1 lead, but Tankerness fought back and eventually took the biggest prize in their history with a 4-3 win on the gallon.

The young guns get their chance to strut their stuff this Friday, with the Legion playing host to the Under 30's cup, which is open to any players aged 18 to 29. With lots of exciting young talent bursting onto the scene, it is sure to be an interesting contest to see who comes out on top.

180s were scored by: Stevie Linklater, Ray Butcher, Jamie Tulloch, Brian Moar, Gary Wilson, Erland Ritch, Aaron Mitchell, Robbie Norquoy, Stevie Garner and Simon Parry (three). Trevor Shearer had a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Jim Brown 100, Stevie Linklater 101, Robbie Norquoy 112, Kevin Sarling 114, Iain Findlay 116, Stevie Garner 146, Damian Stout 150 and Ian Linklater (100, 115).

Results:

301 Challenge Cup: Exiles won the round robin to win

301 Double Start Cup final: The Toonies 4, Wanderers 3

Royal Cup final: Tankerness 4, Exiles 3

Fixtures:

Friday October 4, Under 30's (18-29) Open Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

Week commencing Monday October 7

'A' League: Ale Stars v Legion

OGC v Untouchables

Muppets v Exiles

Sanday v Tankerness

'B' League: The Toonies v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Vikings v Sands

Shandy Bass v Wanderers

Quoyburray v Murray Arms

Bilco Boys v Young Loons

EMYFC v Quoyburray B

It was the cricket format of darts cups to play for in the KDDL last week, and it was a real mixed bag in terms of attendances at each, with the eagerness to play from the young boys putting many of the seasoned players to shame.

An abysmal entry of only three 'A' teams saw the Lynnfield cup being played as two rounds of a round robin, with the Orkney Golf Club coming out on top. However, 9 teams entered the Foubister Cup for 'B' teams the following evening, admittedly made up of smaller teams, but it was great to see they were mostly the younger members of the league. Young Loons C put up a valiant fight, but in the final the experience of the Wanderers saw them lift the trophy

Having obviously enjoyed their taste of this different format, the same youngsters all showed up on Friday evening for the Cricket Singles and Doubles, which attracted a healthy entry of 22 singles and 11 pairs. Brian Moar and Keith Brumpton made steady progress to the final but found Craig Taylor and Robbie Stanger too hot to handle, winning by three legs to nil. Meanwhile it was a family affair in the Singles final, with Bruce Moar squaring up to brother Andrew, both of whom had thrown some excellent darts to reach that stage. Unfortunately for Andrew, Bruce was in an uncompromising mood and comfortably won three nil. Another fun evening of darts and it was great to see the hunger by the young players who stayed on to play games of killer once they were all out.

180s were scored by: Josh Alexander, Keith Brumpton, Kevin Gray, Brian Moar, Robbie Stanger and Jamie Tulloch, with Bruce Moar hitting a score of 174. Four players hit 6 wickets (3 x bullseye) in one throw, they were: Aaron Mitchell, David Shearer, Josh Alexander and Jamie Tulloch.

Results:

Lynnfield Cup: Orkney Golf Club won by topping the round robin table.

Foubister Cup: Wanderers 2, Young Loons C 1

Cricket doubles: Craig Taylor and Robbie Stanger 3, Brian Moar and Keith Brumpton 0

Cricket Singles: Bruce Moar 3, Andrew Moar 0

Fixtures:

Friday September 27, Royal Cup ('A' & 'B'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Monday September 30, Swanney Cup ('A' & 'B'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday October 4, Under 30's (18-29) Open Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

League matches begin on Monday October 7.

Friday night saw the first of this season's singles competitions take place in the Legion, with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Open attracting an excellent entry of 57 participants. With a number of non-regular players and women amongst the entries, a few slow games made for a long night, but there were some superb darts on show from the big guns.

Stevie Garner looked unplayable at times but fell foul of Ian Linklater at the semi-final stage, with Erland Ritch disposing of Ian Findlay in the other. The final was a close affair with Ian taking a two nil lead before Erland found his finishing touch and took the title with the next four legs in succession. Jimmy himself would have enjoyed the night's entertainment and would no doubt be thrilled to see yet another different name added to the cup, continuing the theme since it's inception.

Next up is the Cricket singles and doubles tomorrow night this Friday, before seperate 'A' and 'B' cups take place on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

180s were scored by: Graham Firth, Trevor Shearer, Gary Wilson, Erlend Lennie, Erland Ritch, Ian Findlay, Ian Linklater (two), Stevie Garner (three) and Kevin Gray (four).

High Finishes came from: Graham Firth 100, Ian Findlay 100, Erland Ritch 102, Trevor Shearer 104, Brett Dickinson 110, Kenny Gunn 125, Billy Ward 125, Stevie Garner (100, 100) and Ian Linklater (100, 117).

Short Legs (15 darts or less): Brian Moar/Keith Brumpton 15, Brett Dickinson 15, Graham Firth 14, Brian Moar 14, Kevin Gray 14, Ian Findlay 14, Erland Ritch (15, 15), Ian Linklater (15, 14) and Stevie Garner (14, 14, 14).

Results:

Spiers cup: Exiles 4, Sanday 0

Jimmy Miller Memorial Open Singles: Erland Ritch 4, Ian Linklater 2

Fixtures:

Friday September 20, Cricket Singles and Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Monday September 23, 301 Challenge Cup ('A'), Legion, 7.30pm

Tuesday September24, 301 Double Start Cup ('B'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday September 27, Royal Cup ('A' & 'B'), Masonic, 7.30pm

The KDDL season kicked off last week with the Allied Hotels cup for the 'A' league teams and the Untouchables showed their intent to improve on last years third place position by dominating the competition, beating Exiles 'A' 3-0 in the final following a round robin format.

The 'B' league boys had their time to shine the following night and again round robin groups were called for due to the low entries. In a strange evening where all teams ended up on the same number of points after winning and losing one apiece, it was the two teams from the Young Loons who progressed on game difference. Young Loons 'A' proved too much for Young Loons 'B' in the final, running out 4-0 winners.

This Friday sees the first singles competition of the season, the Jimmy Miller Memorial Open, take place in the Legion, which is always a great warm up for the season ahead. Then next week it's the cricket format of darts that comes to the fore, with 'A' and 'B' cups on Monday and Tuesday respectively, then the cricket singles and doubles on the Friday evening.

180s were scored by: Kevin Gray, Ian Linklater, Bruce Moar, Neil Croy, Kevin Peace, Gary Wilson, Stevie Garner, Keith Brumpton, Andrew Rendall, Logan Peace and Ryan Wilkie.

High Finishes came from: Stevie Garner 102, Robbie Stanger, 113, Trevor Shearer 121 and Jamie Tulloch 149.

Short Legs (15 darts or less): Trevor Shearer (15), Stevie Garner (15) and Brian Moar (15).

Results:

Allied Hotels Cup: Untouchables 3, Exiles 'A' 0

St.Ola Cup: Young Loons 'A' 4, Young Loons 'B' 0

Fixtures:

Friday September 13, Jimmy Miller Memorial Open Singles, Legion, names for 7.30pm

Monday September 16, Lynnfield Cup ('A'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Tuesday September 17, Foubister Cup ('B'), Legion, 7.30pm

Friday September 20, Cricket Singles and Doubles, Legion, 7.30p

It only seems a few short weeks ago since the Orkney Darts scene closed for the summer but, after 4 months off, the local darters will once more toe the oche, starting on September 2. 

Following the AGM the 2024-25 committee is: president Robbie Norquoy; vice-president Kevin Sarling; treasurer David Henderson; secretary Brian Moar. Committee members: Craig Taylor, Ian Linklater, Mark Shearer, Robbie Stanger and Martin Peace.

Craig Taylor starts his 29th season on the committee, having joined back in 1995.

Good night on May 11th 2014 at the end of season presentation and Tattie Bogle shield which was won by Stevie Moar and Helen Corsie. When combined with the money raised at Steven Flett Memorial darts £500 will be donated from the league to Cardiac Risk in the Young for heart testing in the young in Orkney. Thanks to all for donating to raffles and prize boards. Thanks also to all who bought and sold tickets