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