The first 2014-15 ODA Parish Cup quarter final tie was played last Friday in the Commodore when Holm played host to Birsay for the first time. Birsay received a bye in the last round whilst Holm began the defence of their title with an 11-7 away win over Stronsay.

The match got underway with the doubles being played on one board and Holm got off to the perfect start when Bruce Moar and Billy Ward beat Robbie Norquoy and James Gaudie 2-0. Birsay’s response was rapid with Derry Sinclair and Juicy Johnston beating Freddie Tait and Leigh Shearer 2-0 then John Norquoy and Shane Sinclair taking out Brian Stevenson and Sean Stanger 2-1 to put Birsay in front going into the first singles.

Brian Stevenson and Sean Stanger put Holm back in front both winning 2-1 against Robbie Norquoy and James Gaudie respectively. Holm’s Freddie Tait beat Derry Sinclair 2-1 before Juicy Johnston clawed one back for Birsay with a 2-1 win against Leigh Shearer to make the score 4-3 in Holm’s favour. Holm skipper Bruce Moar hit form with a 12 dart leg and a 121 checkout in a high scoring match against Shane Sinclair which he won 2-1 before Billy Ward beat John Norquoy 2-0 to give Holm a 6-3 half time lead, Billy taking out a 117 checkout on the way.

Both teams enjoyed a feed of the finest Lasagne north of Italy you will get before starting into the second half. Birsay needed at least a repeat performance of the first half doubles but it was Holm that got off to a flyer with Brian and Sean taking out Robbie and James to put Holm 7-3 ahead. Freddie and Leigh got their revenge over Derry and Juicy, reversing the 2-0 scoreline from the first half to extend Holm’s lead to 8-3. With the match slipping away from Birsay John Norquoy and Shane Sinclair put in a solid display to beat Bruce and Billy 2-1 to give Birsay a lifeline going in to the singles but it would be an uphill task trailing 4-8 to the defending champions.

Once again the Holm’s skipper Moar hit form in the singles with a 156 checkout to beat James Gaudie 2-0 to put Holm 9-4 ahead before John Norquoy hit a 120 checkout to beat Billy Ward 2-1 to reduce the deficit to 9-5. Next up was Brian Stevenson versus Birsay captain Robbie Norquoy, a repeat of their first half match, and fortunately for Holm the result was the same this time with Brian winning two straight to put Holm 10-5 in front and give Holm the overall victory.

Birsay’s Juicy Johnston beat Sean Stanger 2-1 to make it 10-6 before Freddie Tait and Leigh Shearer beat the Sinclair brothers Shane and Derry 2-1 and 2-0 respectively to seal a 12-6 win for Holm. In time honoured fashion the gallon was played and despite a good effort from a thirsty Birsay team Leigh Shearer hit double ten to win the gallon for Holm.

The next quarter final will take place this Saturday, 15th November, in the Murray Arms at 3pm when South Ronaldsay take on last year’s runners up Orphir. The last two quarter finals will both take place on Saturday 29th November. St.Andrews will host Sanday at the Quoyburray Inn at 3pm and the last quarter final will take place in the Merkister Hotel at 7pm between Harray and Shapinsay.

GBM