Nineteen pairs entered for the Steven Flett Memorial Shield, one up on last year, and what an array of talent was on show.
As always, some big names tumbled early on, but the new format of best of five legs seemed to meet favour with most and, by the semi-final stage, it was two very familiar pairs and two maybe surprise names, but they had played great darts to get there.
In the top-half, former champions Stevie Linklater and Cath Symonds proved too strong for Alan Gray and Jacquie Stevenson, winning 3-1, and the defending champions, Kevin and Shona Gray, proved too strong for Michael Muir Snr and Morag Donaldson, winning 3-0.
I can only class the final as a classic!
Kevin and Shona went one up, but soon found themselves 2-1 down as the ladies really shone, with big scores and great finishing.
Then it was 2-2, and on to the final deciding leg.
Steady darts saw both pairs down to a double.
It was a bit jittery, with chances on both sides, but it was Kevin and Shona who got that vital strike to retain their title.
A big thank-you to Belle for the flowers and drinks and the Legion.
It’s still all to play for in the Williamson’s ‘A’ League as far as second spot is concerned, as both Untouchables and Wanderers won and, with Quoyburray ‘B’ going down 9-3 to the Untouchables, it relegated them to the ‘B’ league and the wooden spoon.
The Wanderers also won 8-4 against Meadowbank and are still three points off second spot and, with only one game to go, must win 10-2 with the Untouchables losing 10-2 to take second spot.
The Golf Club can not now take second spot after winning 8-4 over the Commodores, but could still get third spot.
The Legion are still on course to remain undefeated for the season after beating Sanday 10-2, and Quoyburray got a good six-all draw with Untouchables ‘A’.
There was a surprise defeat for the Murray Arms, going down 9-3 to the Shore ‘2’.
It doesn’t affect the top two places, but puts the Shore ‘2’ in a third place position, and that’s where they will finish.
Tankerness had a 12-0 walk over against the Shore, and the Shore also lost 11-1 to Shapinsay in a postponed game.
RBLM are still on course to finish undefeated following a 10-2 win over the Sands. The Deerness game against Shapinsay was postponed.
Another good point for the Likely Lads, holding the Bilco Boys to 6-6.
There were 180s from Derek Manson, Ryan Tulloch, Ian Linklater, Fraser Laird, Davy Henderson, Ivan Leslie, Robbie Stanger, Leigh Shearer, Michael Montgomery, Brian Moar, and two from Brian Murray, Roy Griffiths, Graham Reid and Kevin Gray.
High checkouts: 100 Derek Ward Snr; 103 Arthur Cruickshanks; 106 Stevie Linklater; 111 Ian Eunson; 114 Henry Bateman; 123 Wilfie Tulloch; 127 David Kirkpatrick; and 129 and 134 from Paddy.
This week will see both the 180 and high checkout tables completed, so there’s just one last chance to shine.
The next big game is up in Shetland on April 20.
League secretray Tattie Bogle says: “I wish the Kirkwall team lots of luck, and come back with that cup!”
RESULTS
Steven Flett Memorial Shield Final
Kevin Gray and Shona Gray beat Stevie Linklater and Catherine Symonds 3-2.
Williamson’s ‘A’ League
Wanderers 8, Meadowbank 4; OGC 8, Commodores 4; Quoyburray ‘B’ 3, Untouchables 9; Sanday 2, Legion 10; Untouchables ‘A’ 6, Quoyburray 6.
Williamson’s ‘B’ League
Tankerness v Shore – 12-0 w.o.; Shapinsay v Deerness, postponed; RBLM 10, Sands 2; Bilco Boys 6, Likely Lads 6; Shore ‘2’ 9, Murray Arms 3; Shore 1, Shapinsay 11.
FIXTURES
Friday, April 20
Inter County/League, Lerwick.