Nine teams entered the Swanney Cup for 'A' and 'B' teams last Monday night and there were some good darts thrown despite the subdued atmosphere that resulted from the news that Legion player, and KDDL legend, Jimmy Miller had unexpectedly passed away earlier that evening. (See tribute on seperate page).
The preliminary round saw the Ale Stars pitted against Sanday, and in spite of a plucky display from the young 'B' side it was Sanday who progressed to the quarters.
Defending champions Shapinsay were brushed aside 3-0 by Commodores, whilst the other three matches between Nomads v Quovburray, Wanderers v Tankerness and Orkney Golf Club v Sanday all went the distance and were settled by the nominated players, namely Davy Henderson Quoyburray), Brian Moar (Wanderers) and Ivan Leslie (Sanday).
The first semi between Commodores and Quoyburray was a pretty one sided affair, with
Commodores triumphing four nil. The other semi was far closer, not to mention far more scrappy with Ivan Leslie eventually trumping Brian Moar in the nominated player leg to put Sanday through.
The final began with a rip-roaring tie between Ivan Leslie and Robbie Stanger, with the Commodores captain eventually coming out on top. Leigh Shearer put them two up before Billy Ward sealed the victory against Michael Muir. Freddie Tait and Sanday debutant Colin Cruden played out the final leg which the newcomer won, making the final result Commodores 3, Sanday 1.
Freddie Tait accepted the trophy on behalf of the Commodores and league vice-president Robbie Stanger made a short speech about how much Jimmy Miller would be missed.
The evening finished off with several elder statesmen of the leagues recanting many of Jimmy's darting exploits and attics both at and away from the oche over the years. It seemed a fitting way to mark the passing of a man who was so full of fun.
Ivan Leslie and Colin Cruden both nailed 13 dart legs during the course of the competition.
This Friday is the Legion doubles, at 7.30pm. It's not a KDDL competition, but one which is very much supported by players in the league who are also members of the Kirkwall Legion.
The following Friday sees the fifth ranking competition of the season, the E.R & T. Craigie cup, which will take place in the Tankerness Hall, names by 7.30pm.
180s this week were hit by Davy Henderson, Robbie Norquoy and Stuart Thomson.
Ton-plus checkouts came from: Keith Brumpton 105 and Ali Flett 112
Results
Swanney Cup: Semi Finals: Commodores 4, Quoyburray 0
Sanday 3, Wanderers 2. Final: Commodores 3, Sanday 1
Fixtures
Week beginning Monday, January 22
A league
Quoyburray v Commodores
Wanderers v Quoyburray 'B'
Legion Arrows v Sanday
OGC v Legion
Untouchables 'A' v Warriors
Untouchables v Shapinsay
B League:
Sands v Young Loons
Tankerness v Bilco Boys
Ale Stars v Vikings
Muppets v Streamline
Sanday 'B' v Murray Arms
Nomads - No game
Friday, January 26, E.R & T. Craigie Cup (Ranking competition), Tankerness Hall, names by 7.30pm.