An atmospheric Pomona Inn last Friday night witnessed a classic game of two halves in the ODA Parish Cup match between Firth and Deerness. With both sets of teams being unfamiliar with the other, a cagey start was always on the cards and so it turned out. The doubles started with a close game with the visitors taking the first leg before a two dart 100 finish from Firth skipper Brian Moar levelled. However, with the Firth pair scoring better to take control of the last leg, the Deerness captain Craig Moar then hit a 180 followed by an excellent two dart 92 checkout from his colleague Glenn Miller to take the first match of the night.  Christopher Seator and Stewart Gray then levelled the tie before the Bruce boys, Alan and Billy, restored Deerness’s lead.

Onto the singles and the game continued to ebb and flow. Brian Moar won to level the match only for Billy Bruce to regain the lead. Stevie Moar won his game for Firth as did Graham Shearer to put Firth 4-3 up but two excellent wins for Glenn Miller and Craig Moar made the half-time score 5-4 to Deerness, mainly due to superior finishing. The Firth skipper was left with a headache as he pondered his next move with the match looking like it could go either way.

Following a welcome helping of Whilma's rolls and sandwiches, the second half got under way and the home side stepped up a gear to win all doubles matches with Stewart Gray and Keith Aim shining for Firth in their matches. The pressure was now firmly on Deerness and that seemed to help the Firth players as Steven Moar and Eric Walls put victory within their grasp. Graham Shearer nailed the decisive double to ensure that Firth progressed and Stewart Gray and Chris Seator compounded the victory. With the score at 12-5 and a second half whitewash on the cards, the two captains went head to head. The Deerness skipper enjoyed the support of the whole crowd as he tried to restore some pride for Deerness however Brian held his nerve to wrap up a remarkable second half performance from Firth.

The final 13-5 score line was a little harsh on the Deerness boys but they can take away a lot of positives and will surely be back in the hat next year. In typical fashion the losing team went on to win the gallon gaining a free dram in the process. Both teams enjoyed the social occasion of the night and the Deerness lads commented that it was fine to visit a different venue from their usual haunts. The Firth boys now go on to play away to the winner of the South Ronaldsay v Orphir tie next month and have been assured that many of the Pomona faithful will be there in support for another grand day out.
Firth: Brian Moar, Stevie Moar, Keith Aim, Gary Aim, Christopher Seator, Stewart Gray, Graham Shearer, Eric Walls.
Deerness: Craig Moar, Glenn Miller, Raymond Foubister, Gary Ward, Billy Bruce, Alan Bruce.