Please see the Inter-County news and archive page for full report.

Untouchables A league winners. From left; Craig Taylor, Robbie Stanger, Brett Dickinson, Ian Linklater, Billy Ward.

Sands won the B League, pictured from left, Jamie Drever, Michael Montgomery, Toby Penwarden (captain), Robbie Scott and Gary Kemp.

The week just passed was the penultimate week of action in the Williamsons Butchers sponsored KDDL leagues, and there were some huge matches played, securing quite a few of the important league positions.

The Exporters were a completely new team to the league, with only captain Mason Taylor having played before, but they have only gone and triumphed in the inaugural 'C' league, beating Shandy Bass to the title, who themselves sealed promotion this week. Commiserations go to the East Mainland Young Farmers Club who find themselves in the wooden spoon position, but hopefully they have enjoyed another foray into the darting world and will be back next year.

The Sands had long since won the 'B' league in a dominant year, but it was Rough 'n' Rowdy who will join them in being promoted to the top tier following what was essentially a play-off with the Young Loons. The Muppets have already been relegated but the second relegation place will go the the wire with both the Bellevue and Quoyburray 'B' hoping to beat the drop.

The 'A' league has been a close affair this season. The relegation spots may have long since been sealed for Ale Stars and Tankerness but results between the other 6 teams have been extremely close at times. As the season finale loomed, defending champions the Untouchables played the Legion in a catch up fixture on Sunday evening, with a 9-3 win sealing the Untouchables second successive title, and their third in four years. Congratulations to Brett Dickinson and his team who can complete an “invincibles” season if they avoid defeat in their final fixture.

East A winners.

East B winners.

The Pomona Inn was the venue on Friday evening for this year's East v West fixture, and what a superb night it was, with some great darts thrown in a fantastic atmosphere.

With the WMDA seeing a resurgence in numbers of late, and visibly improving in standard, the 'A' match was predicted to be a close run tie. By the end of the doubles, the score would pay testament to that with it level at 3 games apiece and the West perhaps should have had more. The singles is usually where the East boys come to the fore and this time was no different. Win followed win as the East rolled off 11 consecutive wins before Josh Alexander stopped the rot. Final score East 'A' 14, West 'A' 4.

The 'B' encounter is generally a much tighter game and it went according to script once more as the match swayed one way then the other multiple times. As the drink flowed, the noise levels from the front bar increased, and it was great to see so many folk taking such a keen interest in it. The East managed to claw themselves just about ahead following the singles and sealed victory with a win in the first team-of-4 match. Final score East 'B' 11, West 'B' 8

There were several scores of note hit on the night. There were 180s for Stevie Moar, Robbie Stanger, Erland Ritch, George Low and two apiece for Andrew Seator and Tony Leask. Kieran Learmonth also scored 171. Ian Linklater had a checkout of 102 and both he and Kevin Gray posted 15 dart legs.

Results:

East v West: East 'A' 14, West 'A' 4

East 'B' 11, West 'B' 8

'A' League:

OGC 2, Untouchables 10

Ale Stars 2, Exiles 10

Legion 8, Tankerness 4

Legion 3, Untouchables 9

'B' League:

Quoyburray 5, Rough 'n' Rowdy 7

Bilco Boys 3, Sands 9

Muppets 2, Young Loons 10

Bellevue 4, Quoyburray 8

Rough 'n' Rowdy 9, Young Loons 3

'C' League:

EMYFC 4, Exporters 8

Shandy Bass 9, Vikings 3

Nomads 7, Bull Hitters 5

Outcasts 6, Sands '2' 6

Bull Hitters 6, EMYFC 6

180s were scored by: Gordy Rendall, Kevin Peace, Ben Hogan, Robbie Stanger, Brett Dickinson, Kenny Gunn, Gary Wilson, George Low, Erlend Lennie, Aidan Robertson, Alex Cooper, Kieran Doherty, Stewart Gray, Wayne Monkman (two), Kevin Gray (two), Davy Henderson (two), Ryan Tulloch (two) and Ian Linklater (five). There were also other big scores of 177 from both Ryan Tulloch and Raymond Williamson, 174 from Billy Ward and 171 each of Derek Firth and Brett Dickinson.

High Checkouts: Glen Foubister 100, Aiden Stout 100, Aidan Robertson 100, Kevin Gray 100, Stephen Griffiths 101, Liam Budge 107, Mark Shearer 108, Stevie Garner 110, Michael Montgomery 117, Jamie Drever 122, Brian Stevenson 126, Geordie Harcus 136, Ross MacPherson 144, Stuart Thomson 151, Derek Firth (100, 107), Robbie Stanger (101, 121) and Billy Ward (104, 110, 120).

Short Legs: Gavin Linlater/Geordie Harcus 15, Leigh Shearer/Ian Findlay 15, Jamie Drever 15, Michael Montgomery 15, Wayne Monkman 14, Robbie Stanger 12, Kevin Gray 15, 14, Ryan Tulloch 14, 13 and Robbie Stanger/Ian Linklater 15, 15, 15.

Fixtures:

Friday April 17, Orkney Championships, East venue tbc, 7.30pm

Saturday April 18, Shetland 'B' v KDDL Orkney 'B', Lerwick, tbc

Friday April 24, KDDL Orkney v Shetland, Legion, 7.00pm

Saturday April 25, Anniversary Shield (open), Masonic, 1.30pm

KDDL president Robbie Norquoy, Gary Wilson, Katie Croy and Belle Bartlett

There was a busy week in the KDDL last week as teams made a sterling effort to catch up on games which had been postponed from earlier in the half.

Whilst the Ale Stars and Tankerness had their relegation from the Williamsons Butchers sponsored 'A' league weeks ago, the destination of the title remains in the balance as the Untouchables, Legion and Orkney Golf Club all won by the narrowest of margins. With the Untouchables and Legion yet to catch up on their previous tie, much will depend on the result of that match, with OGC still mathematically in contention at present.

The Sands wrapped up the 'B' league title a few weeks ago too, but Rough 'n' rowdy have given themselves an uphill challenge to gain promotion after drawing with bottom side Quoyburray 'B'. The Young Loons have been pushing for promotion for years now and have a real chance this season after beating the Bilco Boys and much will depend on their rescheduled tie with RNR. At the bottom end of the table nothing is settled yet. A double header between Bellevue and Quoyburray 'B' saw one win apiece move Bellevue out of the second relegation spot on game difference from the Muppets. Any two of the three can still go down.

With just two matches remaining in the inaugural 'C' league it is debutants Exporters who are first to gain promotion and will hope to seal the title this week. Shandy Bass could still pip them to the title but they have to secure their promotion first and hope the Exporters slip up.

Friday evening saw the Steven Flett Memorial Mixed doubles take place in the Legion, with funds of £355 raised going into the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) Fundraising for Freya Rose fund , which funds heart screening events for anyone aged 14-35 here in Orkney. It was Katie Croy and Gary Wilson who emerged victorious, beating Senga and Craig Taylor in the final.

Results: Steven Flett Memorial Mixed Doubles Final: Katie Croy & Gary Wilson 3, Senga Taylor & Craig Taylor 1.

'A' League:

Untouchables 7, Wanderers 5

Exiles 5, OGC 7

Sanday 5, Legion 7

Tankerness 10, Ale Stars 2

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy 6, Quoyburray 'B' 6

Sands 11, Quoyburray 1

Bellevue 10, Muppets 2

Young Loons 7, Bilco Boys 5

Bellevue 7, Quoyburray 'B' 5

Quoyburray 'B' 7, Bellevue 5

'C' League:

Exporters 7, Nomads 5

Vikings 6, EMYFC 6

Bull Hitters 6, Outcasts 6

Sands '2' 4, Shandy Bass 8

EMYFC 4, Sands '2' 8

Nomads 8, Vikings 4

180s were scored by: Robbie Stanger, Ian Linklater, Kenny Gunn, Erland Ritch , Gary Wilson, Kevin Sarling, Kevin Peace, Gordy Rendall, Trevor Shearer, Leigh Shearer, Des Gillespie, Michael Muir, Jamie Drever, Michael Montgomery, Robbie Scott, Paul Firth, Craig Harrison, Alex Cooper, Ross Howe, Lee Rendall, Sean Chalmers, Ivan Rendall, Logan Peace, Ally Linklater, Brett Dickinson (two), Craig Taylor (two), Keith Brumpton (two), Bruce Moar (two), Erlend Lennie (two), Stewart Gray (two) and Kevin Gray (three). Paul Foubister and Wilfie Tulloch both recorded scores of 177, with Paul Firth hitting 174.

High Checkouts: Derrick Firth 100, Stan Groundwater 100, Wilfie Tulloch 103, Jamie Drever 104, Des Gillespie 105, James Flett 107, Gavin Skea 107, Sean Chalmers 108, Aidan Stout 111, Paul Foubister 112, Matthew Wylie 112, Derek Ward 113, Kevin Peace 113, Gavin Linklater 114, Craig Harrison 115, Gordy Rendall 115, Bruce Moar 116, Stevie Garner 116, Derek Firth 120 and Erlend Lennie (112, 117).

Short Legs: Gary Wilson 15, Erlend Lennie 15, Jamie Drever 15, Derek Firth 15, Erland Ritch/Kenny Gunn 14, Jamie Drever/Ryan Tulloch 13 and Kevin Gray 13.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v Exiles

Sanday v OGC

Tankerness v Wanderers

Legion v Ale Stars

'B' League:

Rough 'n Rowdy v Sands

Bellevue v Quoyburray

Young Loons v Quoyburray 'B'

Muppets v Bilco Boys

'C' League:

Exporters v Vikings

Bull Hitters v EMYFC

Sands '2' v Nomads

Outcasts v Shandy Bass

Friday April 3, East v West, Pomona, 7.30pm

Friday April 17, Orkney Championships, East venue tbc, 7.30pm

Saturday April 18, Shetland 'B' v KDDL Orkney 'B', Lerwick, time tbc

Runner up Brian Moar, winner Ian Linklater and KDDL president Robbie Norquoy.

The ranking points events reached their conclusion on Friday evening in the Masonic with the League singles attracting 41 players, all trying to secure a place in this season's Intercounty and 'B' intercounty sides.

Usually a tense and nervy affair lacking real quality as a result, this year's singles would prove to be the polar opposite,with some of the highest overall standard of play all season. As names fell, the committee were hard at work figuring out the live points table, trying to see who was in, who was out and who could still make it?

By quarter final time the cream was beginning to rise to the top, with seven regular county players making it through. Ryan Wilkie made up the eight following a very good night of darts from the youngster.

On-form Robbie Stanger would have been one of the names deemed a favourite on the lips of all prior to the competition, but he lost out to last season's runner-up Brian Moar in a tremendous quarter-final tie. Bruce Moar has been another big hitter this year, but he found Erlend Lennie in great form and the Tankerness man found a route through to the semi's. Erland Ritch and Kevin Gray piled in the 180s in another superb match, with defending champion Kevin making it through and Ian Linklater completed the semi-final line-up with a win over Ryan Wilkie.

Erlend Lennie took an early 2-0 lead over Brian, missed his chances to go 3 up and ended up losing 4-2 in what was more a battle of attrition than a high quality game. That description was held by the other semi in which Ian produced some exceptional darts to beat Kevin 4-2.

A new name was guaranteed to be on the trophy prior to the final commencing, but would Brian go one step further than last season, or would Ian continue his sensational form on the night and take it? Ian answered that question straight away, flying out of the blocks with a 180, 177 and a 13 dart leg in the opening 3 legs as he cruised to a 3-0 lead. Brian was struggling to get any sort of grip on the game but did claw a leg back and missed his chance to get another in the following leg. The winning double is always the hardest to hit, would Ian falter as the finishing line drew near? The answer was a resounding no as Ian threw yet another scintillating leg, finished off with a brilliant 120 chekout to claim the league singles title, and a shot at the Orkney championship title next month. By far the best player on the night, Ian had saved his best until last with his 89.14 average one of the highest recorded in a final since the league started recording them.

On sunday evening, following a 9th place play-off between Bruce Moar and Wayne Monkman, the top 9 players plus captain Craig Taylor met to vote in the three wildcard picks for the intercounty team, as well as four reserves, the first two of whom play a warm-up doubles match before the main event.

The KDDL Orkney Intercounty team for 2026 is as follows: Craig Taylor (non-playing Captain), Robbie Stanger, Ian Linklater, Kevin Gray, Erland Ritch, Erlend Lennie, Brian Moar, Stevie Garner, Brett Dickinson, Bruce Moar, Wayne Monkman, Jamie Drever and Stevie Linklater.

Reserves: 1. George Low 2. Graham Firth 3. Leigh Shearer 4. Gary Wilson

Results:

League Singles Final: Ian Linklater 5, Brian Moar 1

'A' League:

Tankerness 4, Wanderers 8

Legion 6, OGC 6

'B' League:

Bilco Boys 6, Quoyburray 6

Muppets 2, Quoyburray 10

'C' League:

EMYFC 2, Nomads 10

Vikings 7, Sands '2' 5

180s were scored by: Erlend Lennie, Andy Green, Bruce Moar, Kevin Peace, Leigh Shearer, Wayne Monkman, Ian Findlay, Stephen Griffiths, Ryan Wilkie, Wilfie Tulloch, Mason Taylor, Alex Cooper, Damian Stout, Robbie Stanger, Brian Moar, Aaron Mitchell (two), Kevin Sarling (two), Ian Linklater (two), Erland Ritch (three) and Kevin Gray (four). Ian Linklater also registered a score of 177, with Aaron Wilkie and Bruce Moar hitting 171 each.

High Checkouts: Stevie Garner 100, John Garson 103, Stuart Thomson 110, Bruce Moar 111, Robbie Stanger 111, Ian Linklater 120, George Low 122, Kevin Gray 136, Gary Drever (100, 106) and Brian Moar (110, 124).

Short Legs: Robbie Stanger 15, Stevie Garner 15, Brian Moar 14, Bruce Moar 14, Erland Ritch 13, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, 14, Paul Foubister 15, 14, Kevin Gray 15, 15, 14 and Ian Linklater 15, 15, 14, 13.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

OGC v Untouchables

Ale Stars v Exiles

Wanderers v Sanday

Legion v Tankerness

'B' League:

Quoyburray v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Bilco Boys v Sands

Quoyburray 'B' v Bellevue

Muppets v Young Loons

'C' League:

EMYFC v Exporters

Shandy Bass v Vikings

Nomads v Bull Hitters

Outcasts v Sands '2'

Friday March 27, Steven Flett Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday April 3, East v West, Pomona Inn, 7.30pm

KDDL president Robbie Norquoy, winner Jamie Drever and runner-up Andy Green.

Last week saw a huge week in terms of the lower leagues, with the 'B'/'C' League singles taking place in the Masonic on Friday. Prior to that however, the Sands first secured promotion to the 'A' league on Tuesday evening with a win over the Muppets before beating the Bellevue later in the week to seal the 'B' league title. Congratulations to Toby and his team, who have been the standout team in the 'B' league this season.

With places at stake in the 'B' county team to face Shetland 'B' on away soil in April, there was a good turnout of 32 players, meaning a full array of points were on offer.

Playing for the Bull Hitters, young Liam Budge turned 18 just a few weeks ago, becoming the first graduate of the Orkney Youth Darts system to make his way into the KDDL setup, and he earned his first points by reaching the last 16.

Andy Green was continuing his recent spell of great form as he made his way to the final by dispatching Craig Rendall, hoping to go one better than finishing runner-up last year. Meeting him there would be 3 times 'B' singles champion Jamie Drever, who put paid to the experienced Wayne Small in their semi.

The final was a cracker by all accounts, with both players worthy of the the title, but it was Jamie who emerged a 5-4 winner, claiming his 4th 'B' singles title in the process and rounding off a great week for the Sands player.

This weekend sees the biggest darts competition in Orkney take place, with the Tennents Kirkwall Open on Saturday afternoon. With over £1000 total prize money on offer, it is once again attracting players from all over Orkney, as well as further afield. It is preceded on Friday evening by a warm-up competition in the Masonic, which this year carries a guaranteed £100 first prize, amongst others.

Results:

B/C League singles Final: Jamie Drever 5, Andy Green 4

'A' League:

Untouchables 7, Tankerness 5

Exiles 4, Legion 8

OGC 6, Wanderers 6

Sanday 8, Ale Stars 4

'B' League:

Sands 11, Muppets 1

Bellevue 3, Bilco Boys 9

Quoyburray 'B' 4, Quoyburray 8

Sands 10, Bellevue 2

'C' League:

Exporters 10, Sands '2' 2

Vikings 7, Outcasts 5

Bull Hitters 6, Shandy Bass 6

180s were scored by: Robbie Stanger, Stevie Garner, Alan Gray, Graham Firth, Paul Foubister, George Low, Leigh Shearer, Ian Findlay, Kevin Gray,Jamie Marwick, Geordie Harcus, Derek Ward Snr, Aaron Edwardson, Alan Clouston, Des Gillespie, Michael Scollie, Iain Wilkie, Grant Harold, Ray Butcher, Davy Henderson, Jamie Drever, Brett Dickinson (two), Stevie Linklater (two), Ben

Hogan (two), Andy Green (two) and Jack Sinclair (two). Scores of 171 were also recorded by Ian Linklater and Derek Ward Snr.

High Checkouts: Trevor Shearer 100, Robbie Norquoy 100, Jamie Anderson 102, Brett Dickinson 103, Andy Green 105, Logan Peace 112, Derek Ward Snr 112, John Thomson 114, Erland Ritch 116, Aaron Edwardson 116, Thomas Leslie 117, Martin Peace 122, Graham Reid 130, Davy Henderson 158, Bruce Moar (131, 160), Jamie Drever (100, 105, 112, 131).

Short Legs: Des Gillespie/Ivan Rendall 15, Bruce Moar/Stevie Linklater 15, Andy Green 15, Stevie Linklater 13, Jamie Drever 15, 15, Brett Dickinson 14, 15, 15 and Kevin Gray 14, 15, 15, 15.

Fixtures:

Friday March 13, Kirkwall Open Warm-up singles, Masonic, 7.30pm

Saturday March 14, Kirkwall Open, Masonic, 1.30pm

                     Runners-up Michael Muir, Irene Thomson, winners Shona and Kevin Gray.

An unusually quiet week in the season culminated with the Mixed Doubles in the Legion on Friday night. 12 pairs took part, all hoping to win through to get a crack at their West Mainland counterparts in the Orkney Championships.

Defending champions Kevin and Shona Gray made short work of their opponents to reach yet another final. Meeting them there were Michael Muir and Irene Thomson, who had endured one less round on their route to the final.

The final began very evenly with both pairs winning legs on through for the first four legs, before Kevin and Shona showed their class by going up through the gears. A 180 and a 145 checkout from Kevin helped enormously as they won out 4-2 in the end.

This Friday sees the final 'B'/'C' ranking competition take place with the 'B' singles in the Masonic, although points from the main League singles can also be added to the 'B' points tally yet.

Then next week it's the biggest singles competition of the year, the Tennent's Kirkwall Open taking place in the Masonic on Saturday, with a warm-up singles competition in there on the previous night.

Results:

Mixed Doubles Final: Kevin Gray & Shona Gray 4, Michael Muir & Irene Thomson 2

'A' League:

Sanday 3, Untouchables 9

Tankerness 5, Exiles 7

Ale Stars 2, Wanderers 10

'B' League:

Bellevue 4, Rough 'n' Rowdy 8

Young Loons 5, Sands 7

Muppets 5, Qoyburray 7

Bilco Boys 10, Quoyburray 'B' 2

'C' League:

Bull Hitters 3, Exporters 9

Sands '2' 9, Vikings 3

Outcasts 3, EMYFC 9

Shandy Bass 7, Nomads5

180s were scored by: Ryan Findlater, Jamie Marwick, Gavin Linklater, Trevor Shearer, James Flett, Connor Crawford, Gary Kemp, Alex Cooper, Gavin Skea, Keith Holland, Erland Ritch, Kevin Gray (two), Andy Green (two), Ross MacPherson (two), Kenny Gunn (two), Robbie Stanger (two), Brett Dickinson (three) and Martin Peace (three). Brett also had a score of 171.

High Checkouts: Brian Moar 100, Andrew Moar 100, Lee Rendall 106, Ian Munro 107, Craig Harrison 108, Michael Montgomery 108, Hazel Firth 108, Martin Peace 116, Stevie Garner 116, Craig Taylor 121, Kenny Gunn 126, Robbie Scott 149, Robbie Stanger (100, 120), Kevin Gray (108, 145) and Erlend Lennie (108, 121, 156).

Short Legs: Trevor Shearer/Graham Firth 15, Brett Dickinson/Billy Ward 15, Robbie Stanger 15, Stevie Garner/Kenny Gunn 15, 15 and Paul Foubister 14, 15.

Fixtures:

Friday March 6, 'B' League Singles ('B'/'C' Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday March 13, Kirkwall Open Warm-up singles, Masonic, 7.30pm

Saturday March 14, Tennent's Kirkwall Open, Masonic, 1.30pm

Friday March 20, League Singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

                  Winners Wayne Monkman, Kevin Gray, runners-up Brett Dickinson and Billy Ward.

There was yet another busy week in the KDDL season with the League Doubles capping it off on Friday evening. For what was once an extremely prestigious trophy it was somewhat disappointing that only 15 pairs turned up out of a possible 83! Nevertheless, there was a sizeable contingent of young players from the lower leagues, which is always pleasing to see.

By the semi-final stages it was experience that was proving to be the key, with defending champs Gary Wilson and Stevie Garner taking on Brett Dickinson and Billy Ward. This proved to be a scintillating tie which swung one way then the other, but ultimately it was Brett and Billy who won through by four legs to three. The other semi proved equally as close, finishing with the same scoreline in favour of Kevin Gray and Wayne Monkman over Bruce Moar and Kevin Peace.

As is becoming common in finals this season, the final had a little bit of everything from the sublime to the ordinary. At two legs apiece Kevin and Wayne produced a superb 12 dart leg to move ahead, helped in no small part by a 180 and a 116 finish from Kevin. They extended the lead to 4-2 before being pegged back again. However, as Billy saw darts go agonisingly wide of the wire in an attempt to force a deciding leg, it was down to the Legion duo to wrap up a 5-3 victory.

In league action things could hardly be closer at the top of the 'A' league in what remains a three horse race. OGC maintained their third place spot and slim hopes of silverware with a win over Tankerness. The Legion remain top on game difference but can consider themselves somewhat fortunate to come back from behind against Wanderers to scrape the win. The Untouchables remain level on points with the Legion but a sizeable win over Ale Stars, who could be officially relegated next week, keeps their defence of the title very much alive.

The Sands sit pretty atop the 'B' league despite not playing last week, but the second promotion place looks like it will go down to the wire, with Rough 'n' Rowdy, Young Loons and Bilco Boys all in the hunt. In the 'C' league the Exporters remain top but a rare defeat, this time at the hands of Shandy Bass, may signal that nerves are begin to show. That result allowed Shandy Bass to move into the second promotion place meantime as Nomads fell to the Outcasts.

Results:

League Doubles Final: Kevin Gray / Wayne Monkman 5, Brett Dickinson / Billy Ward 3

'A' League:

Untouchables v Ale Stars

Exiles v Sanday

OGC v Tankerness

Wanderers v Legion

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Bilco Boys

Sands v Bellevue

Quoyburray v Young Loons

Quoyburray 'B' v Muppets

'C' League:

Exporters v Shandy Bass

Vikings v Bull Hitters

EMYFC v Sands '2' (Monday)

Nomads v Outcasts

180s were scored by: Kevin Sarling, Kevin Peace, Billy Ward, Ian Linklater, Gavin Linklater, Paul Foubister, George Low, Leigh Shearer, Ian Findlay, Keith Brumpton, Ross MacPherson, Raymond Foubister, Andrew Moar, Craig Harrison, Matthew Wylie, Craig Taylor, Gary Wilson, Kevin Gray (two), Robbie Stanger (two), Thomas Leslie (two), Wayne Small (three), Wayne Monkman (three) and Brett Dickinson (six). Other scores of 177 and 174 came from Erlend Lennie and Kevin Peace respectively.

High Checkouts: Erland Ritch 105, Ian Findlay 106, Leigh Shearer 107, Kevin Sarling 111, Kevin Gray 116, Connor Crawford 120, Graham Firth 120, Brett Dickinson 124, Craig Harrison 127, Ross McQuillan 129, Stewart Gray 145, Stevie Garner 156 and Wayne Monkman (100, 101).

Short Legs: Robbie Stanger/Ian Linklater 15, Stuart Thomson 15, Ian Findlay 15, Brian Stevenson 15, Craig Harrison 15, Erland Ritch 15, Stevie Garner 15, Brett Dickinson/Billy Ward 14, Robbie Stanger 14, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 12, Brett Dickinson 15, 15 and Wayne Monkman 15, 14.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v Tankerness

Exiles v Legion

OGC v Wanderers

Sanday v Ale Stars

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Young Loons

Sands v Muppets

Bellevue v Bilco Boys

'C' League:

Exporters v Sands '2'

Vikings v Outcasts

EMYFC v Nomads (Monday)

Bull Hitters v Shandy Bass

Friday February 27, Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday March 6, 'B' League Single (B/C Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

L to R: Mason Taylor, Robbie Stanger, Ian Linklater and Craig Taylor.

Friday night saw the Legion play host to the penultimate ranking points event of the season, the Taylor Singles. Usually drawing a large entry due to it's importance, it unusually only attracted 38 participants, although this did not detract from the quality on show.

Perhaps the story of the night was 'C' league player Craig Harrison who, in his debut season, was a wire away from reaching a semi-final, eventually being beaten by Graham Firth. Graham himself is having his best ever ranking points season but up against Robbie Stanger it was going to be an uphill task. Graham played well, but Robbie won through 4-1.

Elsewhere Brett Dickinson and Ian Linklater were playing some superb stuff against tough opposition, and eventually they met in the other semi. The tie could have gone either way, but a poor start from Brett cost him as Ian managed to keep enough distance to give him room to finish off.

The final really did have a bit of everything from stellar darts to the mediochre at times, but it made for an exciting match. Ian looked like taking an early lead, only for Robbie to pop in a 180 and a 125 checkout for a 15 darter to pinch it. Ian was having none of that as he hit a 180 himself in taking the second, before Robbie hit back in the third. The fourth leg went to Ian as the pattern of legs going against the throw continued. Ian stopped that rot with a 14 darter in the fifth only for Robbie to checkout the sixth with a 152 finish to draw level at 3-3. Robbie once more broke Ian's throw to go ahead once more only to see a second 180 from Ian landing which helped him claim the eight leg. It was impossible to tell how the final leg would go but the advantage of throw to Ian ultimately made the difference as he won out by 5 legs to 4 to claim the trophy which was presented by Craig and Mason Taylor. A great game to watch by the sizeable crowd remaining, notably made up mainly of lower league players – take note all you primmadonnas in the 'A' league who lose and instantly clear off!

Results: Taylor Singles Final: Ian Linklater 5, Robbie Stanger 4

'A' League:

Untouchables 6, Legion 6

Exiles 6, Wanderers 6

'B' League:

Sands 8, Rough 'n' Rowdy 4

Sands 11, Bilco Boys 1

Quoyburray 9, Bellevue 3

'C' League: EMYFC 2, Bull Hitters 10

180s were scored by: Ryan Tulloch, Alex Cooper, Leigh Shearer, Gary Wilson, Iain Wilkie, James Flett. Erlend Lennie, Stevie Garner, Aaron Mitchell, Martin Peace, Craig Harrison (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Erland Ritch (two), Jamie Drever (two), Ian Findlay (three), Ian Linklater (six) and Robbie Stanger (seven).

High Checkouts: Brian Moar 100, Graham Firth 100, Jamie Drever 101, Ryan Wilkie 110, Leigh

Shearer 111, Andrew Moar 119, Davy Henderson 119, Ally Linklater 145, Erland Ritch (105, 126), Billy Ward (111, 116), Brett Dickinson (100, 100, 141), Robbie Stanger (106, 115, 117, 125, 152)

Short Legs: Ally Linklater 15, Aaron Mitchell 14, Erland Ritch 15, 15, Ian Linklater 14, 15, Brett Dickinson 15, 15, 15 and Robbie Stanger 14, 15, 15.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Sanday v Untouchables

Tankerness v Exiles

Legion v OGC

Ale Stars v Wanderers

'B' League:

Bellevue v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Young Loons v Sands

Muppets v Qoyburray

Bilco Boys v Quoyburray 'B'

'C' League:

Bull Hitters v Exporters

Sands '2' v Vikings

Outcasts v EMYFC

Shandy Bass v Nomads

Friday February 20, League Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday February 27, Mixed Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Under 30's runner up Robbie Scott, winner Andrew Seator and Stevie Linklater who created the trophy.

In a weekend where the spotlight was on the future of Orkney darts, it was fitting that the under 30's open singles also took place in the Legion on Friday night. Updates were being watched for from up in Shetland but that didn't distract the slightly older young guns from playing their best in a bid to win the hand crafted standing stone trophy.

It was pleasing to see a strong contingent from the west mainland taking part, but once again there were no young ladies present.

There were some very close matches early on, with several of the main contenders crashing out, and by a quirk of fate, the quarter final line-ups guaranteed that there would be an east versus west clash in the final. Robbie Scott was looking determined as he overcame Shane Rendall 4-1 in the first semi, whilst Andrew Seator whitewashed Ross Wood in the other.

Former WMDA singles champion Andrew was undoubtedly the favourite, but Robbie had been on form all night and seemed to have the backing of the sizeable crowd that had remained to watch. Andrew let chances go begging in the first leg and Robbie picked his pocket with a brilliant 102 finish, soon following this with the second leg. The third leg was heading Robbie's way too but Andrew calmly set about clawing his way through the legs and started finishing when it counted. As Andrew maintained his levels, Robbie appeared to lose his focus and belief, allowing Andrew to reel of five consecutive legs to win the title by five legs to two.

The under 30's cup was the brainchild of Stevie Linklater and he was on hand to present the trophy he had also made himself.

Attention returns to the main ranking points competitions this friday with the penultimate event, the Taylor Singles, taking place once again in the Legion.

Results:

Under 30's Open Final: Andrew Seator 5, Robbie Scott 2

'A' League:

Exiles 4, Untouchables 8

OGC 7, Sanday 5

Wanderers 8, Tankerness 4

Ale Stars 1, Legion 11

'B' League:

Young Loons 8, Quoyburray 'B' 4

Bilco Boys 7, Muppets 5

'C' League:

Vikings 3, Exporters 9

Nomads 9, Sands '2' 34

Shandy Bass 9, Outcasts 3

180s were scored by: Kenny Gunn, Stevie Linklater, Martin Peace, Trevor Shearer, Paul Foubister, Ian Linklater, Billy Ward, Erlend Lennie, Ian Findlay, Nicol Gray, Andy Green, Thomas Leslie, Morgan Foubister, Shaun Sutherland, Josh Alexander, Ross Wood, Andrew Seator, Keith Holland (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Ross MacPherson (two), Kevin Gray (three) and Robbie Stanger (six). Kevin Gray also scored 177, with Aidan Nicolson recording 171.

High Checkouts: Kenny Gunn 100, Erland Ritch 100, Jamie Marwick 101, George Low 101, Robbie Scott 102, Ross Howe 104, Andy Green 105, Wayne Monkman 108, Nicol Gray 109, Gary Wilson 114, Robbie Stanger 120, Brian Moar 130, Wayne Small 130, Brett Dickinson 138, Ian Linklater 100, 122 and Gaham Firth 110, 130.

Short Legs: Gary Wilson/Kevin Sarling 15, Paul Foubister 15, Martin Peace 14, Brian Moar 14, Trevor Shearer/Graham Firth 13, Brett Dickinson 12, Wayne Monkman 15, 15, Keith Holland 15, 15 and Robbie Stanger 15, 15, 13.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v Ale Stars

Exiles v Sanday

OGC v Tankerness

Wanderers v Legion

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Bilco Boys

Sands v Bellevue

Quoyburray v Young Loons

Quoyburray 'B' v Muppets

'C' League:

Exporters v Shandy Bass

Vikings v Bull Hitters

EMYFC v Sands '2' (Monday)

Nomads v Outcasts

Friday February 13, Taylor singles (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Friday February 20, League Doubles, Legion, 7.30p

B' League Doubles Final: Andy Green & Wayne Small  (right) beat Ally Linklater & Aidan Robertson.

Friday evening saw the 'B' league doubles cup take place in the Masonic, with points on offer whch count towards the 'B' intercounty team selection for the trip to Shetland in April. With the 'C' league being a new concept this season, and no more room in the fixture calendar for a separate event, 'C' players were allowed to compete in this cup as well. Given that there are 118 players between the two lower leagues, a turnout of just 15 couples was a little disappointing but in keeping with numbers from previous seasons.

Nevertheless, there were some very good arrows thrown on the night. Andy Green still has one eye on the main intercounty team following his final appearance in a ranking event earlier in the season and he continued his good run of form, helped in no small part by his partner Wayne Small, as they progressed to the final beating the Shearer brothers (Mark and David) 4-0 in the semis.

In the bottom half of the draw it was a couple of Young Loons, Ally Linklater and Aidan Robertson,who were flying. They barely gave Vikings pair Sean Chalmers or Shane Rendall a sniff as they won their semi 4-1.

The form of the night would suggest the final would be a tight affair and in fairness it was up to a point,with little separating the pairs in terms of scoring, but the Young Loons lads could barely buy a double when it counted. As chances went begging, the Bilco Boys pair amassed a 4-0 lead, which Ally and Aidan managed to peg back slightly before Andy and Wayne sealed a 5-1 victory.

Next Friday any young adult player in Orkney has a chance to participate in the under 30's Open Singles in the Legion. This is open to all players aged 18-29.

The KDDL would like to wish the Orkney Junior Intercounty Darts team all the best as they head up to Shetland this Friday for the inaugural Darts Junior Intercounty match.

Results:

'B' League Doubles Final: Andy Green & Wayne Small 5, Ally Linklater & Aidan Robertson 1

'A' League:

Untouchables 8, OGC 4

Exiles 9, Ale Stars 3

Sanday 7, Wanderers 5

Tankerness 1, Legion 11

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy 7, Quoyburray 5

Young Loons 8, Muppets 4

'C' League:

Exporters 8, EMYFC 4

Vikings 2, Shandy Bass 10

Bull Hitters 4, Nomads 8

Sands '2' 4, Outcasts 8

180s were scored by: Robbie Stanger, Kenny Gunn, Paul Foubister, Stuart Thomson, Kevin Peace, Ray Findlater, Martin Peace, James Flett, Wayne Monkman, Ian Findlay, Logan Peace, Xander Hayes, Aidan Foubister, Nicol Gray, Aidan Robertson, Alan Clouston (two), Gary Wilson (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Stevie Linklater (two) and Kevin Gray (three). Steven Tulloch scored 177 whilst Gary Wilson also hit 171.

High Checkouts: Stuart Thomson 100, Martin Peace 100, Stevie Linklater 101, Alan Clouston 102, Billy Ward 102, Kevin Gray 116, Thomas Leslie 116, Wilfie Tulloch 119, Aaron Wilkie 121, Sean Chalmers 130, Jamie Marwick, Brian Moar (105, 140).

Short Legs: Stevie Linklater 15, Kevin Gray 15, Brett Dickinson 14, Jamie Marwick 14, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 13.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v Ale Stars

Exiles v Sanday

OGC v Tankerness

Wanderers v Legion

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Bilco Boys

Sands v Bellevue

Quoyburray v Young Loons

Quoyburray 'B' v Muppets

'C' League:

Exporters v Shandy Bass

Vikings v Bull Hitters

EMYFC v Sands '2' (Monday)

Nomads v Outcasts

Friday February 6, Under 30's open singles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday February 13, Taylor singles (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Highest finish was Brett Dickinson, ER&T Craigie Cup runner up Ian Linklater, sponsor Thorfinn Craigie, winner Robbie Stanger.

The wet and windy weather didn't prevent 47 hardy souls venturing out to the Tankerness Hall last friday evening to take part in the E.R & T. Craigie singles, the fifth of seven ranking points competitions this season.

Kenny Gunn was showing signs that a recent shoulder injury was on the mend, as he progressed to the semi-finals, where he found Ian Linklater in an unforgiving mood, with Ian winning 4-0. Ian's Untouchables team-mate Robbie Stanger would meet him in the final after another whitewash over Wayne Monkman in the other semi.

With both players having been on fire earlier in the week during their league match, it was little surprise to see them locking horns in the final. Robbie started clinically, hitting two 180s in the first three legs as he roared to a 4-0 lead with Ian struggling to find his range. That changed in the fifth leg as Ian finally got a mark on the board, followed immediately by a 15 dart leg finished with a 122 on the bull. Could a comeback be on the cards? Robbie decided that no was the answer to that, finding his scoring form once more to keep far enough ahead to finish the match before Ian could notch another leg. Yet more silverware for Robbie this season who has been on an untouchable run of form of late.

Results:

Craigie Singles Final: Robbie Stanger 5, Ian Linklater 2

'A' League:

Wanderers 3, Untouchables 9

OGC 6, Exiles 6

Legion 10, Sanday 2

Ale Stars 4, Tankerness 8

'B' League:

Quoyburray 'B' 4, Rough 'n' Rowdy 8

Quoyburray 4, Sands 8

Muppets 6, Bellevue 6

Bilco Boys 8, Young Loons 4

'C' League:

Nomads 6, Exporters 6

EMYFC 4, Vikings 8

Outcasts 4, Bull Hitters 8

Shandy Bass 5, Sands '2' 7

180s were scored by: Stuart Thomson, Leigh Shearer, Ian Findlay, Graham Reid, Gary Wilson, Erland Ritch, Kevin Sarling, Trevor Shearer, Paul Foubister, Nicol Gray, Brian Stevenson, Michael Moodie, Aidan Foubister, Ross Howe, Gavin Skea, David Henderson, George Low, Kenny Gunn, Graham Firth, Ian Linklater, Brett Dickinson, Robbie Norquoy (two), Stevie Linklater (two), Kevin Peace (two), Logan Peace (two), Jack Sinclair (two), Andrew Moar (three), Jamie Drever (three), Kevin Gray (four) and Robbie Stanger (seven). Scores of 177 came from Ivan Rendall, Wayne Monkman and George Low, with Erlend Lennie posting 171.

High Checkouts: Ross McQuillan 100, Wayne Small 102, Bruce Moar 102, Craig Harrison 106, Robbie Scott 108, Derrick Firth 109, Logan Peace 112, Kevin Gray 114, Paul Foubister 116, Leigh Shearer 116, Brian Moar 116, Michael Montgomery 117, Don Gray 138, Kenny Gunn 158, Jamie Drever (100, 105), Gavin Skea (100, 119), Brett Dickinson (100, 164), James Flett (112, 127), Ian Linklater (107, 114, 122) and Robbie Stanger (108, 108, 116, 152, 152).

Short Legs: Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 15, Keith Brumpton 15, Leigh Shearer 15, Jamie Drever 15, Ian Linklater 15, Erland Ritch 15, Simon Parry 14, Robbie Stanger/Ian Linklater 15, 13, 13, Kevin Gray 15, 15, 13 and Robbie Stanger 15, 15, 15, 13.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Exiles v Untouchables

OGC v Sanday

Wanderers v Tankerness

Ale Stars v Legion

'B' League:

Sands v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Quoyburray v Bellevue

Bilco Boys v Muppets

Young Loons v Quoyburray 'B'

'C' League:

Vikings v Exporters

EMYFC v Bull Hitters (Monday)

Nomads v Sands '2'

Shandy Bass v Outcasts

Friday January 30, B League Doubles (B/C Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday February 6, Under 30's Open Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

With league action now back underway following the Festive break, the attention returns to the Ranking points competitions this Friday in the Tankerness Hall, with the E.R and T Craigie Cup taking place. Please note this is cash only at the bar and there will be mince rolls available to purchase this year as well as the regular refreshments.

Results:

'A' League:

OGC 8, Ale Stars 4

Sanday 8, Tankerness 4

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy 5, Muppets 7

Sands 10, Quoyburray 'B' 2

Quoyburray 6, Bilco Boys 6

Bellevue 2, Young Loons 10

'C' League:

Exporters 8, Outcasts 4

Vikings 4, Nomads 8

EMYFC 2, Shandy Bass 10

Bull Hitters 5, Sands '2' 7

180s were scored by: Gavin Skea, Malcolm Coghill, Derrick Firth, Andy Green, Iain Wilkie, Toby Penwarden, Thorfinn Eunson, Stephen Griffiths, Xander Hayes, Trevor Shearer, Jamie Marwick (two), Stuart Thomson (two) and Stevie Linklater (two).

High Checkouts: Trevor Shearer 101, Michael Muir 102, Kieran Doherty 102, Stevie Linklater 119, Derek Firth 123, Erlend Lennie (110, 120) and Jim Brown (110, 127).

Short Legs: Erlend Lennie 15, Trevor Shearer 15, Gavin Linklater 15 and Stevie Linklater 14.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v OGC

Exiles v Ale Stars

Sanday v Wanderers

Tankerness v Legion

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Quoyburray

Sands v Bilco Boys

Bellevue v Quoyburray 'B'

Young Loons v Muppets

'C' League:

Exporters v EMYFC

Vikings v Shandy Bass

Bull Hitters v Nomads

Sands '2' v Outcasts (Monday)

Friday January 23, E.R & T Craigie Cup (Ranking), Tankerness Hall, 7.30pm

Friday January 30, B League Doubles (B/C Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Robbie Stanger beat Stevie Garner to win the festive singkes title. Also pictured semi-finalists Kevin Gray and George Low.

The eagerly awaited Festive Open Singles took place in the Masonic on Friday evening with 53 players taking part. The standard of darts throughout the night was outstanding, even from many of those who failed to progress far.

George Low was having one of those nights where everything seemed to be falling into place as he slipped silently into the semi-finals, claiming some sizeable scalps en route. Meeting him there was Stevie Garner, who was himself throwing some eye catching arrows, taking out two of his Exiles team-mates along the way. George gave a good account of himself, but Stevie was in determined mood and didn't give him much of a sniff at it, winning out 4-1.

Kevin Gray will have had harder routes to a semi-final than he did on the night, but that isn't to say that he wasn't pushed hard and he was still chucking some exceptional darts. His opponent would be Robbie Stanger, who had come through a tough draw himself, but was in devastating form, hitting the big stuff just when he needed it most. Kevin isn't outscored very often, but he couldn't get close to Robbie's treble hitting ability during the match, with Robbie deservedly triumphing 4-1.

Stevie Garner is starting to become a regular in ranking competition finals, already having secured one victory, and he looked super focussed as he moved into an early two leg lead with Robbie struggling to find his mark. A wild dart at the double blew the chance for a 3-0 lead and seemed to throw Stevie's concentration momentarily as Robbie pinned one back. Stevie scraped the fourth leg with both players looking nervy, but Robbie took the fifth with chances being missed by both players.

By this point Stevie was looking visibly flustered, and it showed as his darts were beginning to miss by a bigger margin. Robbie could smell blood and as Stevie faltered, he seemed to gain composure and seized control, reeling off the next three legs for a 5-3 victory.

The annual Festive draw took place on the night, with Myra Hazell scooping the first prize and Robbie Norqouy the second. The committee would like to say a huge thank you to all who sold and purchased almost all of the 3000 tickets we had printed. The money raised greatly reduces the financial burden on the league for sending teams to Shetland every year now.

Finally, the KDDL committee would like to wish all players, sponsors and followers of our leagues a very merry christmas and best wishes for 2026.

Results:

Festive Open Singles Final: Robbie Stanger 5, Stevie Garner 3

'A' League:

Ale Stars 3, Untouchables 9

Sanday 3, Exiles 9

Tankerness 2, OGC 10

Legion 9, Wanderers 3

'B' League:

Bilco Boys 6, Rough 'n' Rowdy 6

Bellevue 2, Sands 10

Young Loons 8, Quoyburray 4

'C' League:

Bull Hitters 11, Vikings 1

Sands '2' 10, EMYFC 2

Outcasts 6, Nomads 6

Bull Hitters 8, EMYFC 4

180s were scored by: Gavin Linklater, Trevor Shearer, Graham Firth, Michael Muir, Erlend Lennie, Ian Linklater, Billy Ward, Andy Green, Gordy Rendall, Kevin Peace, Keith Brumpton, Jamie Drever, Shaun Sutherland, Kieran Doherty, Mason Taylor, Brett Dickinson, Stuart Thomson (two), Ian Findlay (two), Stevie Linklater (two), Kevin Sarling (three), Erland Ritch (three), Stevie Garner (three), Kevin Gray (four), Leigh Shearer (four) and Robbie Stanger (eight). Three scores of 177 were recorded from Kevin Gray, Stevie Linklater and Bruce Moar with Leigh Shearer posting 174.

High Checkouts: Aidan Robertson 101, Ross MacPherson 104, Ian Linklater 104, Bruce Moar 104, Trevor Shearer 106, Erland Ritch 108, Brett Dickinson 112, Leigh Shearer 114, Craig Taylor 118, Graham Firth 120, Ryan Findlater 130, Martin Peace 131, Mason Taylor 147, Kenny Gunn 151, Kevin Sarling 100, 102, Wayne Monkman 126, 157 and Kevin Gray 101, 104, 121.

Short Legs: Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 15, Gordy Rendall/Stuart Thomson 15, Iain Wilkie/Davy Henderson 15, Brett Dickinson 15, Ian Linklater 15, Graham Firth 14, Erland Ritch 14, Wayne Monkman 14, Stevie Linklater 14, Stevie Garner 14, Gavin Linklater 13, Trevor Shearer 13, Kevin Gray/Wayne Monkman 12, Leigh Shearer 12, Robbie Stanger 15, 13, 12 and Kevin Gray 15, 15, 15, 15, 15, 13.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Tankerness v Untouchables

Legion v Exiles

Wanderers v OGC

Ale Stars v Sanday

'B' League:

Young Loons v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Muppets v Sands

Quoyburray 'B' v Quoyburray

Bilco Boys v Bellevue

'C' League:

Sands '2' v Exporters

Outcasts v Vikings

Nomads v EMYFC

Shandy Bass v Bull Hitters

League matches resume after the festive break on Monday January 12.

Albyn Video Games: The score was Toby Penwarden 4, Davy Henderson 5 in a very close final.

The 'B' and 'C' league boys took centre stage on Friday night, with the first of the 'B' intercounty ranking competitions taking place in the Legion. Since it began, the Albyn Video Games Shield has seen quite a few of it's victors progress to eventually represent the KDDL Orkney side in the main intercounty fixture in future seasons. With this in mind, numbers were predicted to be higher than the 26 that participated, but it was encouraging to see the bulk of those taking part were under 30 years old. There seems to be a genuine hunger for these boys to make the 'B' county squad, and that can only be a good thing for the local game.

It may have been a competition for the lower leagues, but some of the darts on display was of a very high standard and it was encouraging to see those waiting for their games applauding the best of that on show. Toby Penwarden epitomised this with a show of force that would have challenged the very top 'A' league players on the night. And despite how well he was playing, he still had to survive match darts against in the first round and semi-finals as he progressed to the final.

Meeting him there would be the less spritely Davy Henderson who used every bit of his experience to glide through the draw. A previous winner of not only this competition, but also a main ranking event, a mouthwatering final awaited.

The final was every bit as nerve tingling as predicted, albeit sligthly lacking the quality both had shown in previous rounds. In most legs, both players came down in the scoring reasonably equally, both having shots at the doubles, with Davy using his experience well in timing double-treble visits at the business end of legs to pile the pressure on Toby. With the score sitting at 4-3 to Davy, he put in another big visit to leave himself 32 to come back to, but Toby produced the shot of the night, hitting two treble 18s and tops for a 148 checkout to force the decider. They say the roar at Hampden registered on the richter scale last Tuesday evening, and it would be a surprise if Toby's didn't do the same following that checkout!

Unfortunately for Toby, the danger of a spur of the moment outburst is the sudden surge of adrenaline, which can make it hard to settle into the next leg, and so it seemed as he struggled to find the treble. Hendo meanwhile did enough to put himself comfortably ahead and, despite Toby briefly finding parity, it was only the elder statesman who reached the doubles. It took a few darts to hit, but eventually Davy took out double 5 to seal the win 5-4.

Results:

Albyn Video Games Shield Final: Davy Henderson 5 Toby Penwarden 4

'A' League:

Untouchables 8, Exiles 4

Sanday 5, OGC 7

Tankerness 5, Wanderers 7

Legion 12, Ale Stars 0

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy 6, Sands 6

Bellevue 7, Quoyburray 5

Quoyburray 'B' 4, Young Loons 8

Muppets 2, Bilco Boys 10

'C' League:

Exporters 5, Vikings 7

Sands '2' 7, Nomads 5

Outcasts 5, Shandy Bass 7

180s were scored by: Robbie Stanger, Billy Ward, Stevie Garner, Erland Ritch, Kevin Sarling, Paul Foubister, Trevor Shearer, Kevin Peace, Gordy Rendall, Erlend Lennie, Jim Brown, Keith Brumpton, Brian Moar, Gavin Linklater, Jamie Drever, Derek Ward, Keith Bain, Davy Henderson, Stephen Griffiths, Brian Stevenson, Richie Ballantyne, Thomas Leslie, Wilfie Tulloch (two), Stevie Linklater (two), Kevin Gray (three), Ally Linklater (three) and Toby Penwarden (four). Derek Firth, Davy Henderson and Billy Ward all registered scores of 171 as well.

High Checkouts: George Low 100, Karl Scott 100, Davy Henderson 100, Ian Findlay 101, Derek Ward 103, Brian Stevenson 103, Robbie Stanger 103, Ivan Rendall 104, Kieran Doherty 106, Jamie Drever 109, Bruce Moar 110, Raymond Foubister 111, Jim Brown 114, Kevin Sarling 114, Graham Firth 115, Erlend Lennie 116, Kevin Peace 120, Billy Ward 123, Andy Green 125, Allu Linklater 132, 116 and Toby Penwarden 148, 104.

Short Legs: Erlend Lennie 15, Kevin Gray 15, Billy Ward 15, Graham Firth/Damian Stout 14, Erland Ritch 14, Trevor Shearer 14, Ian Linklater 14, Toby Penwarden/Michael Montgomery 13, Wayne Monkman 13, Toby Penwarden 13, 14, 15.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Ale Stars v Untouchables

Sanday v Exiles

Tankerness v OGC

Legion v Wanderers

'B' League:

Bilco Boys v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Bellevue v Sands

Young Loons v Quoyburray

Muppets v Quoyburray 'B'

'C' League:

Shandy Bass v Exporters

Bull Hitters v Vikings

Sands '2' v EMYFC

Outcast v Nomads

Friday December 5, Festive Open Singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm

Robbie Norquoy presents Kevin Gray with the Jim Scollie Masters Cup after he beat Andy Green in the final.

The Jim Scollie Masters, the third of seven ranking competitions in the KDDL calendar, took place in the Legion on Friday evening and attracted 48 participants, the largest so far this season.

The draw produced the usual mix of big name clashes and opportunities for some of the lower league boys to make their mark. Derek Ward senior rolled back the years and surged towards the quarter-finals where he showed every ounce of his well known tenacity to take Brian Moar to the deciding leg, but that was where Derek's quest ended for the evening.

Elsewhere in the draw, Kevin Gray and Robbie Stanger, two of the top players at present, were making their usual charge through the field until they locked horns in the semi-final. Robbie arguably played the better of the two, but Kevin was taking his chances when Robbie couldn't, and it was Kevin who made it to yet another final.

It was however a 'B' league player who was the standout performer of the night. Andy Green saw off two past Orkney singles champions in Paul Foubister and Stevie Linklater, before dispatching another two intercounty regulars in Leigh Shearer and Brian Moar, throwing nothing but sub 18 dart legs in those last two matches.

With Kevin not having shown his best form, and Andy annihilating all before him, many wondered if the lower leaguer could maintain that level under the pressure of the final and the live-stream? It would be unfair to say Andy didn't perform, a 68 average proving that he played some decent darts, but he didn't look as fluid as in previous rounds and Kevin was almost unplayabl. He won out by 5 legs to 1, hitting two 180s, a 15 darter and a 12 darter, and averaging mid to high 80's all game before settling on a 85.31 average.

Thus Kevin retained his titled and Bruce Moar pulled one more statistic out of the bag. Whilst Kevin hasn't reached every final in recent years, of the last 25 ranking points competition finals that he has contested, he has won them all! A truly remarkable record, especially considering the level the local game is currently at.

The Legion hosts the first B/C ranking points competition of the season, the Albyn Video Games Shield. Points from the three competitions are gained in the same manner as for the main ranking competitions, and are added on to any main ranking points gained, leading to a points table from which the top 12 'B' and 'C' players are selected to represent KDDL Orkney in the 'B' intercounty match held in Lerwick in April next spring.

There are no scheduled league matches for next week which gives teams with games outstanding a chance to catch up. Please note that rearranged games should be cleared with the venue, as some are only planning to open when matches are scheduled.

Results:

'A' League:

OGC 6, Untouchables 6

Ale Stars 4, Exiles 8

Wanderers 6, Sanday 6

Legion 11, Tankerness 1

'B' League:

Quoyburray 9, Rough 'n' Rowdy 3

Bilco Boys 3, Sands 9

Quoyburray 'B' v Bellevue

Muppets 5, Young Loons 7

'C' League:

EMYFC 5, Exporters 7

Shandy Bass 9, Vikings 3

Nomads 7, Bull Hitters 5

Outcasts 8, Sands '2' 4

Jim Scollie Masters Final: Kevin Gray 5, Andy Green 1

180s were scored by: Trevor Shearer, Michael Muir, Brian Moar, Ian Findlay, Gordy Rendall, Ian Linklater, Geordie Harcus, Ross McQuillan, Graham Reid, Derek Firth, Graham Firth, Erland Ritch, Leigh Shearer, Glen Foubister (two), Andy Green (two), Aidan Robertson (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Bruce Moar (two), Stevie Linklater (three), Kevin Gray (four) and Robbie Stanger (six). Scores of 177 were also registered by Alan Gray and Kevin Gray.

High Checkouts: Billy Ward 100, Trevor Shearer 100, Stewart Gray 100, Ross MacPherson 101, Michael Muir 103, Richie Ballantyne 109, Ian Linklater 111, Martin Peace 117, Wayne Monkman 120, Leigh Shearer 120, Robbie Stanger 120, Brian Moar 136, Logan Peace 142, Sean Chalmers 102, 123 and Kevin Peace 112, 118.

Short Legs: Leigh Shearer/Ian Findlay 15, Kevin Peace 15, Jamie Marwick 15, Leigh Shearer 15, Trevor Shearer 15, Brian Moar/James Flett 14, Brett Dickinson 14, Stevie Garner 14, Stevie Linklater 14, Paul Foubister 13, Robbie Stanger 15, 15, 15 and Kevin Gray 15, 15, 15, 14, 13, 12.

Fixtures:

Friday November 21, Albyn Video Games Shield (B/C Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Pit Stop Cup winner Robbie Stanger and runner-up Jamie Drever.

The spooky season is upon us and the 44 souls who braved the tempestuous weather to enter the Pit Stop Cup in the Orkney Golf Club on Friday evening clearly got the memo, as there were some ghastly darts on show, which is unusual to report these days.

The dastardly draw pitched many of the usual county team suspects together in the bottom half of the draw, with many of them clashing in the preliminary round, and as a result big names went tumbling early on almost as frequently as the oche on board one!

However, this opened up the top half of the draw, enabling some of the lower league players to add crucial points in their bid to claim a 'B' county spot. Stevie Garner won the opening ranking event of the season, but he was dispatched before the points stage, as was regular top points scorer Kevin Gray. It was noted at this stage how well the newer players to the league were doing with marking games, there are plenty of more experienced members who could take note and follow suit.

Wayne Monkman and Jamie Drever both navigated their way through the top half of the draw to meet in the semi-final. A close encounter was expected, but it was Jamie who displayed the most assured finishing to progress 4-1.

Robbie Stanger meanwhile had a tougher run to the semi-finals, winning a host of games in the deciding leg against a handful of strong opponents. There he would meet Erlend Lennie, who had a somewhat easier draw, although he was pushed almost as hard by his opponents. Robbie would prove far too hot to handle, winning through 4-0.

And so the final was set between arguably the battle of the two poster boys of the KDDL. Unfortunately, anyone expecting good looking darts was to be disappointed. Robbie was unusually slow out of the traps and Jamie looked very steady and composed as he went 2-0 ahead. A 180 out of the blue in the third leg spurred Robbie into life as he started finding the trebles with ease, although the doubles were proving almost impossible to hit for both of them.

A puzzling and uncharacteristic miscount should have cost Robbie the fourth, but Jamie's scoring game had deserted him by then and Robbie rattled off five straight legs to retain the title, thanks almost completely to his heavy scoring. A strange night of darts with only 6 180s, 4 ton-plus checkouts and one leg under 15 darts. Hopefully normal service will resume from everyone at the next ranking event, the Jim Scollie Masters in a few weeks time.

Results:

Pit Stop Cup Final: Robbie Stanger 5, Jamie Drever 2

'A' League:

Untouchables 9, Tankerness 3

Exiles 4, Legion 8

OGC 7, Wanderers 5

Sanday 8, Ale Stars 4

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy 9, Young Loons 3

Sands 12, Muppets 0

Bellevue 4, Bilco Boys 8

'C' League:

Exporters 8, Sands '2' 4

Vikings 8, Outcasts 4

EMYFC 3, Nomads 9

Bull Hitters 1, Shandy Bass 11

180s were scored by: Jim Brown, Ian Linklater, Brett Dickinson, Stevie Linklater, Stevie Garner, Paul Foubister, Wayne Monkman, Alan Gray, Nicol Gray, Logan Peace, Jamie Drever, Michael Montgomery, John Garson, Malcolm Coghill, Kevin Gray, Leigh Shearer, Ian Findlay, Simon Parry, Erland Ritch (two), Robbie Stanger (two), Gavin Skea (two) and Kevin Peace (three). Kenny Gunn had a score of 177 with Billy Ward also hitting a 171.

High Checkouts: Leigh Shearer 101, Brian Moar 102, Brian Stevenson 103, Stevie Linklater 108, Kevin Peace 108, Erland Ritch 110, Malcolm Coghill 117, Matthew Wylie 117, Toby Penwarden 118, Keith Holland 120, Jamie Drever 122, Matty Boler 122, Kevin Gray 101, 123, Ian Linklater 104, 108 and Thomas Leslie 106, 106 and 129.

Short Legs: Brian Moar 15, Stevie Linklater 15, Leigh Shearer 15, Ryan Findlater 15, Ian Linklater 14, Simon Parry 14, Kevin Gray 14, Kevin Peace/Stevie Linklater 14 and Robbie Stanger 15, 15.

Fixtures:

'A' League:

Untouchables v Wanderers

Exiles v OGC

Sanday v Legion

Tankerness v Ale Stars

'B' League:

Rough 'n' Rowdy v Quoyburray B

Sands v Quoyburray

Bellevue v Muppets

Young Loons v Bilco Boys

'C' League:

Exporters v Nomads

Vikings v EMYFC

Bull Hitters v Outcasts

Sands 2 v Shandy Bass (Monday)

Saturday November 8, Davie Cooper Memorial Cup (Open), Masonic, 1.30pm

Last week was one of very few in the KDDL calendar with no Friday night darts, so it was league action all the way. Only two matches took place in the 'A' league, with last season's 'B' champions the Wanderers setting the early pace at the top.

The 'B' league was predicted to be as unpredictable as any league ever has been, with very little separating any of the eight participants on paper, which seems to be supported already with fifty percent of results ending by the narrowest 7-5 margin. It would not be a surprise if, with three or four matches remaining of the season, there may be teams who could still potentially end up in either the two promotion or two relegation slots.

All the new teams in the 'C' league have now gained points with the Bull Hitters drawing with the Exporters and the Outcasts repeating that result against last season's newbies, the East Mainland Young Farmers Club. The Nomads have the most experience amongst all those in the league and sit top already, but the real battle will be in the chase to claim the other promotion spot.

Singles cup action returns in the Legion tomorrow (Friday) evening with the Tom Notman Memorial Cup which is open to any player who has ever been registered with the KDDL. Played in Tom's beloved best of 3, 301 double start format the whole way through the competition, it really is open to anyone who hits a purple patch on the night to emerge as champion, regardless of age or experience.

League action returns the following Monday, succeeded by the second ranking points competition of the year, the Pit Stop Cup in the Golf Club on Friday 24th.

Results:

'A' League: Tankerness 4, Exiles 8

Ale Stars 2, Wanderers 10

'B' League: Bellevue 4, Rough 'n' Rowdy 8

Young Loons 5, Sands 7

Muppets 2, Quoyburray 10

Bilco 7, Quoyburray 'B' 5

'C' League: Bull Hitters 6, Exporters 6

Outcasts 6, EMYFC 6

Shandy Bass 2, Nomads 10

180s were scored by: Jim Brown, Nicol Holland, Gavin Linklater, Brian Moar, Nicol Gray, Logan Peace, Steven Tulloch, Ryan Tulloch, Aaron Wilkie, Matthew Wylie, Aiden Stout and Erland Ritch (two).

High Checkouts: Erland Ritch 100, James Flett 100, Derek Ward snr 100, Keith Brumpton 101, Craig Harrison 102, Michael Montgomery 104, Keith Bain 116 and Andrew Green 116.

Short Legs: Keith Brumpton / Aaron Mitchell 15, Jim Brown 15, Kenny Gunn / Erland Ritch 14 and Keith Brumpton 14.

Fixtures:

'A' League: Untouchables v Tankerness

Exiles v Legion

OGC v Wanderers

Sanday v Ale Stars

'B' League: Rough 'n' Rowdy v Young Loons

Sands v Muppets

Quoyburray v Quoyburray B

Bellevue v Bilco Boys

'C' League: Exporters v Sands '2'

Vikings v Outcasts

EMYFC v Nomads (monday)

Bull Hitters v Shandy Bass

Friday October 17, Tom Notman Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

Friday October 24, Pit Stop Cup (Ranking), Orkney Golf Club, 7.30pm

Jimic Flett, Stevie Garner, Sam and Graeme Louttit

For some the darts season only really starts once the league games begin and all three leagues roared into action, producing some shock results as well as some nail-biting finishes. At first glance, it appears the three tier system may work very well for the KDDL players.

The Louttit cup on Friday evening signalled the beginning of this season's ranking points competitions and the standard was extremely high, with lots of quality darts thrown. And to add an extra spice to the competition it was the emergence of players not normally reknowned for making the latter stages that added to the feel good factor. By semi-final time, Stevie Garner squared up to Bruce Moar, winning through in a deciding leg thriller. Meanwhile Wanderers player Jimic Flett proved he can still throw a mean dart, surving several match darts from Stevie Linklater to take his place in the final.

The final was exceptionally close, both averaging about the 70 mark for the entire game, but it was Stevie who finally broke Jimic's throw in the sixth leg to gain a huge advantage. Jimic roared back to make it 4-3 but missed his opportunity to draw level as Stevie's finishing which had been decisive all nigh, did not let him down as he hit the winning double. The cup was presented by Graeme and Sam Louttit on behalf of the Louttit family, with a slightly emotional champion thanking all who had come along and saying how hard it is to win anything up here with the current standard so high.

The league's take a break for the October holidays, but there is the Swanney Cup on Monday for all teams, followed by the Tom Notman Cup on Friday, which is open to anyone who has ever been registered in the KDDL.

Results: Louttit Singles final: Stevie Garner 5, Jimic Flett 3

180s were scored by: Graham Rendall, Iain Wilkie, Ryan Tulloch, David Shearer, Andrew Green, Robbie Norquoy, Damian Stout, Stuart Thomson, Kenny Gunn, Jamie Marwick, Ian Linklater, James Flett, Martin Peace, Kevin Sarling,Trevor Shearer (two), Brett Dickinson (two), Bruce Moar (two), Paul Foubister (two), Stevie Linklater (three), Kevin Gray (three), Robbie Stanger (four) and Stevie Garner (four). There were also scores of 174 (Leigh Shearer and Gordy Rendall) and 177 (Brian Moar, Brett Dickinson and Stevie Linklater).

High Checkouts: Paul Foubister 101, Brian Moar 107, Andy Green 109, Kevin Sarling 110, Graham Firth 110, Sam Davidson 110, Robbie Norquoy 112, Graham Reid 112, Derrick Firth 116, Neil Croy 118, Derek Firth 118, Jamie Drever 120, Ross MacPherson 125, Kevin Peace 127, Kevin Gray 128, Ian Linklater 137, Thomas Leslie 158 and Stevie Garner 110, 116, 117 and 118.

Short legs: Stevie Garner/Gary Wilson 15, Andy Green/Derrick Firth 15, Ian Linklater 15, Ian Findlay 15, Brett Dickinson 14, Stevie Linklater 14, Brian Moar 13, 15, Stevie Garner 13, 14, 15 and Kevin Gray 14, 14, 15 and 15.

Fixtures:

'A' League: Untouchables 11, Ale Stars 1

Exiles 6, Sanday 6

OGC 9, Tankerness 3

Wanderers 7, Legion 5

'B' League: Rough 'n' Rowdy 7, Bilco Boys 5

Sands 10, Bellevue 2

Quoyburray 7, Young Loons 5

Quoyburray B 4, Muppets 8

'C' League: Exporters 7, Shandy Bass 5

Vikings 9, Bull Hitters 3

EMYFC 1, Sands '2' 11

Nomads 9, Outcasts 3

Fixtures:

Monday October 13, Swanney Cup ('A', 'B' and 'C'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday October 17, Tom Notman Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

Untouchables won the A League 301 Cup.

Quoyburray won the B/C League 301 Cup

Royal Cup winners Exiles.

With the league season now underway this week, it was the turn of the 301 double start team cups last week. Deliberately scheduled to try and hone players finishing prior to the leagues kicking off, it certainly achieved that.

The 'A' teams turned up in force on Monday evening, with some superb darts thrown and in the end it was the Untouchables who won the final against the Exiles, with the match settled on the deciding leg. The same scenario unfolded in the 'B' and 'C' cup the following evening, with Quoyburray pipping Sands to the cup in the gallon.

The Henderson (Royal) cup took place on Friday for teams from all three divisions, with the one leg 601 format designed to get the big scorers firing. The Bull Hitters and Young Farmers teams put up a plucky display in a tough group, but by the final it was the Exiles who took on the Wanderers. The reigning 'B' league champs had their chances but were ultimately defeated by the Exiles, who looked that little bit sharper at the business end of the legs.

The first of this season's ranking competitions, the Louttit Cup, takes place this Friday, followed by another week of league action, before the league takes a break for the October holidays. But fear not, there will still be darts on offer with the last of the team cups and the Tom Notman singles.

Results:

301 Challenge Cup: Untouchables 4, Exiles 3

301 Double Start Cup: Quoyburray 4, Sands 3

Royal Cup: Exiles 4, Wanderers 2

180s were scored by: Daryl Robertson, Billy Ward, Stevie Garner, Brett Dickinson, Bruce Moar, Kenny Gunn, Erlend Lennie (two) and Robbie Stanger (two). Michael Muir had a score of 171, whilst Ian Linklater registered a 177.

High Checkouts: Derek Firth 101, Martin Peace 106, Leigh Shearer 113, Jamie Drever 124, Robbie Norquoy 127, Brian Moar 145, Aaron Mitchell (104, 105) and Billy Ward (112, 112).

Fixtures:

'A' League: Sanday v Untouchables

Tankerness v Exiles

Legion v OGC

Ale Stars v Wanderers

'B' League: Bellevue v Rough 'n' Rowdy

Young Loons v Sands

Muppets v Quoyburray

Bilco v Quoyburray 'B'

'C' League: Bull Hitters v Exporters

Sands 2 v Vikings

Outcasts v EMYFC

Shandy Bass v Nomads

Friday October 3, Louttit Singles (Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm

Runner-up Stevie Low, winner Brian Moar,with Eoin Miller presenting the Jimmy Miller Memorial Cup.

Exiles won the Spiers Cup.

With the team cups coming thick and fast at this early stage of the season, it was time for the first of the cups for all leagues combined, the Spiers Cup, to take place in the Legion. The longer format called for a straight knockout, and it was the Exiles who emerged victorious, beating the Orkney Golf Club 4-2 in the final.

The Legion was again the place to be for the first singles competition of the season, the much sought after Jimmy Miller memorial open singles, which attracted a healthy 37 participants. It may not have the incentive of carrying ranking points, or the longstanding prestige of events such as the League doubles, but for many KDDL players, this is one of the main cups to win in a season because of the local legend it is named after.

There were some high quality darts on show, but by semi-final time it was one of Jimmy's best friends, Alan Gray, who found himself facing Brian Moar in the top half of the draw, but unfortunately that was as far as he would proceed. Young Ross MacPherson was once again excelling under the spotlight of singles competition, but he missed chances to win as he just lost out to Jimmy's grandson Steven Low.

The onlooking crowd were beginning to wonder if a fairytale ending was going to happen, with Steven, who rarely plays darts other than the odd parish cup excursion each year, about to win his grandad's cup. Brian however had other ideas and was in a party pooper mood as he scored heavily (apart from his score of 3!) and finished well to quickly win out by four legs to nil. Jimmy's son Eoin Miller thanked the KDDL once again for hosting the trophy and for all those who took part, before presenting the coveted trophy to the winner.

Results: Spiers Cup final: Exiles 4, Orkney Golf Club 2

Jimmy Miller Open Singles Final: Brian Moar 4, Steven Low 0

180s were scored by: Gordy Rendall, Kenny Gunn, Gary Wilson, Derek Firth, Steven Low, and Brett Dickinson. Brian Moar had a score of 174.

High Checkouts: Stevie Garner 100, Daryl Robertson 102, Gary Wilson 108 and Bruce Moar 116.

Short legs: Daryl Robertson 15, Brett Dickinson 15, Stevie Garner 14, Leigh Shearer 14 and Bruce Moar 13.

Fixtures:

Friday September 19, Cricket Singles and Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

Monday September 22, 301 Challenge Cup ('A'), Legion, 7.30pm

Tuesday September 23, 301 Double Start Cup ('B' and 'C'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Friday September 26, Royal Cup ('A', 'B' and 'C'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Top photo is Legion team who won Allied Hotels Cup: Leigh Shearer, Kevin Gray, Ian Findlay

The first team cup competitions of the season took place last week and attracted decent turnouts considering how early in the season it is.

In the battle of the 'A' teams, it was the Legion who went home with the Allied Hotels Cup, beating newly promoted Wanderers in the final. In the St.Ola cup for 'B' and 'C' teams, it was defending champions Young Loons who once again emerged victorious, with a final win over Quoyburray. Although players are understandably rusty at this stage, it was encouraging to see the standard of darts on offer already, which bodes well for another fantastic domestic season ahead.

The Jimmy Miller Memorial Open takes place this Friday, the first singles competition of the season which always attracts a good entry of players, followed by a week of cricket format cups for teams and individuals.

180's: Nicol Gray, Logan Peace, Ally Linklater, Gary Wilson, Erlend Lennie, Bruce Moar and Kevin Peace.

High checkouts: Sean Chalmers 100, Aaron Mitchell 102, Logan Peace 114, Erland Ritch 118 and Leigh Shearer 109 & 138.

Short Legs: Brett Dickinson 15, Logan Peace 14 and Kevin Gray 15 & 14.

Fixtures:

Friday September 12, Jimmy Miller Memorial Open Singles, Legion, 7.30pm

Monday September 15, Lynnfield Cup ('A'), Masonic, 7.30pm

Tuesday September 16, Foubister Cup ('B' & 'C'), Legion, 7.30pm

Friday September 19, Cricket singles and Doubles, Legion, 7.30pm

The dust has settled following the AGM, the nights are starting to draw in now the shows are by and it's time for the darts players to hunt out their darts from whichever drawer they've been hiding in and sand the rust of the points.

Fixture lists will be appearing shortly, but cup action begins on Monday September 1, with the leagues commencing on September 29.

The committee were left with a healthy problem to solve as an unprecedented five new teams joined over the summer, creating issues with an imbalance between leagues in the current setup, venue congestion as well as how to keep matches competitive at all levels within the KDDL system. It is both exciting and healthy to see so many new faces entering the sport, which surely bodes well for the future.

With there being 24 teams and the prospect of a few additional teams after this season, a committee proposal to alter the league structure to three leagues of eight teams was passed at the AGM. As far as records show, this is a historic change for the KDDL which has grown accustomed to a two tier structure, which at times dropped to a single league due to lack of numbers. 'A' matches are scheduled for Monday evenings, 'B' for Tuesdays and almost all 'C' for Tuesdays as well, with a few exceptions which are scheduled for Mondays due to venue clashes.

The eight team setup, which was based on finishing positions in the league last season, should make for closer matches at all levels and, with a two up/two down promotion/relegation system, teams should now be fighting right to the end of the season. As per the rules, all new teams enter at the bottom tier and this setup should prevent the difficulties faced previously by debutants who encountered some heavy drubbings in the old 'B' league. Should more teams enter at any point, the 'C' league will be expanded to accommodate them, thus leaving the highest league to remain more stable, which has been something of an issue of late.

Fixture lists will be appearing online and in venues shortly. The 'Orkney Darts' Facebook page is the best source for anyone looking for the most up to date information.