The first semi final of the 2010-11 ODA Parish Cup took place last Sunday when reigning champions Sandwick played host to Shapinsay in the Smithfield Hotel. Shapinsay, after beating Firth 10-8 in the last round, were playing in their first semi final against a Sandwick team that are many people's favourites to retain the cup.

Sandwick, without their skipper Ian Linklater, got off to a great start and raced into a 6-3 lead at the half time break. Shapinsay, with a full strength squad, were far from finished though and stormed back into the match after the break to level the scores at 7-7. With Shapinsay hopeful of taking Sandwick to a 1001 play-off leg, the experienced Sandwick players dug their heals in and won the last four ties to go through to the final with a very good 11-7 victory. Sandwick hero Jimmy Sinclair got the match winning point with a 17 darter in his 2-1 win over Ian Eunson. This takes Sandwick through to next month’s final which will be played in the Smithfield Hotel, their home venue. Shapinsay’s Kevin Gray scored the only 180 of the match.

In the other semi final Holm, last years losing finalists, take on St.Andrews in what promises to be a very close match. St.Andrews, who have done just enough to get through their previous two rounds, will be the underdogs in this all East Mainland clash and will be determined to give their merry band of faithful supporters something to cheer about. This match will take place next Saturday 26th February in the Commodore with a 2pm start.

Any parish that still has any outstanding money due in please hand it into Bruce Moar asap. No payment may lead to disqualification from future participation.