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