Kevin Gray beat Paul Foubister 5-3 in the final of the Jim Scollie Masters.
The first quarter of the Williamsons Butchers sponsored KDDL season ended last week, and it's all change at the top of the 'A' league as it really starts to tighten up in what is now looking like a four horse race for the title. Aided by a maximum 170 checkout by Stevie Linklater, the Golf Club had a resounding win over Sanday to knock the islanders from first to third place, whilst sliding into second themselves on game difference. This result allowed the Untouchables to move one point clear in pole position with a thumping win over the Exiles, a result which the Legion repeated over the Bilco Boys.
Weather related issues created a couple of postponements in the 'B' league but Tankerness continued their winning start to the season with a hard fought win over Quoyburray. The Muppets won over Skippers to move clear in second place of the Murray Arms, whose match was called off. A win over Shandy Bass was enough for the Young Loons to remain within touching distance of the leading pack.
The Legion hosted the third of this years ranking competitions on Friday evening. Named in honour of our league secretary of 50 years, the Jim Scollie Masters always has a special place in the minds of the players, and 36 entered, all keen to gain points and possibly lift the trophy.
There were some tremendously close pairings thrown up by the draw computer but, by semi-final time, it was Sanday team-mates Alan Gray and Paul Foubister who would face off in the top of the draw having overcome a string of tough opponents each. Alan had his chances but failed to capitalise as Paul ran off 4 legs without reply.
Brian Moar clawed his way through a tough draw, grinding out results to reach the other semi, where the indomitable Kevin Gray would be waiting, himself having played some scintillating darts en route. This included two 12 dart legs, eclipsing Craig Taylor's single 12 darter in the Davy Cooper Cup a few weeks previous! Kevin's only defeat in KDDL competition this season had come at the hands of Brian just the previous week in the league and Kevin made sure there would be no repeat, whitewashing his opponent with ease as Brian struggled to relax.
With both finalists having one ranking title each to their name this season so far, it was expected to be a real firecracker. It began with supreme scoring from Kevin but Paul still had a chance at the double before Kevin took it. Paul replied by pinching the second before a 14 darter saw Kevin regain the lead. With the throw at his advantage, Kevin moved 3-1 ahead before a rally from Paul saw the scores draw leve once more. Another 14 darter, which included a 180, from Kevin helped him move 4-3 ahead. A few missed darts in the 8th leg allowed Paul a possible shot at a 107 checkout but unfortunately he just missed the chance to set it up before Kevin clinched the title, followed by a short speech of how proud he was to win the 'Tattie Bogle' cup.
This Friday the 'B' league boys have the first of three 'B' ranking competitions in the Legion. Points gained in these competitions will be added to any earned in the main ranking competitions, with the top 12 players earning the right to play against the Shetland 'B' team.
180s came from: Ian Findlay, Wayne Small, Brian Moar, Stevie Linklater, Brett Dickinson, Nicol Gray, Dennis Watt, Robbie Stanger (two), George Low (two), Keith Brumpton (two), Paul Foubister (three) and Kevin Gray (six). Bruce Moar had a score of 177 and apologies to Gary Wilson who had three 180s that missed the report last week.
High finishes came from: Daryl Robertson 100, Connor Crawford 101, Davy Henderson 105,
Robbie Norquoy 106, Brett Dickinson 107, Robbie Stanger 109, Erland Ritch 115, Billy Ward 120, Fraser Dowell 121, Keith Brumpton 123, Allan Brown 136, Stevie Linklater 170, Aiden Halleran (126 & 113), Paul Foubister (147 & 102), Kevin Gray (170 & 116) and Wayne Monkman (118, 118 & 100).
Results:
'A' League:
Untouchables 10, Exiles 2
Legion 10, Bilco Boys 2
Sanday 3, OGC 9
'B' League:
Shandy Bass 4, Young Loons 8
Vikings v Murray Arms - postponed
Shapinsay v Sands - postponed
Skippers 3, Muppets 9
Tankerness 7, Quoyburray 5
Jim Scollie Masters Final:
Kevin Gray 5, Paul Foubister 3
Fixtures:
'A' League: Untouchables v Legion
Exiles v Sanday
Bilco Boys v OGC
'B' League:
Shandy Bass v Sands
Vikings v Shapinsay
Skippers v Murray Arms
Tankerness v Young Loons
Muppets v Quoyburray
Friday November 25, Albyn Video Games Singles ('B' Ranking), Legion, 7.30pm
Friday December 2, Festive Singles (Ranking), Masonic, 7.30pm