Orkney Darts Association
Parish Cup Final
Orphir v Holm

The Noust in Orphir was the venue last Saturday for the 2014-15 ODA Parish Cup Final, a repeat of last year’s final between Orphir and Holm. Last year Holm won the last two singles games to just pip Orphir to the title 10-8 so this year, especially playing on home turf, the Orphir team were more determined than ever.

First match on was a repeat of the opening game from last year as Kevin Critchlaw and Adam Savage took on Holm’s Bruce Moar and Billy Ward and the Holm pairing got their team off to a great start with a 2-0 win. Freddie Tait and Leigh Shearer doubled the lead with a 2-0 win over Orphir’s Ian Findlay and Francis Ballantyne before Neil Croy and Ritchie Ballantyne pulled one back for Orphir with a close 2-1 win over Holm’s Brian Stevenson and Sean Stanger to make the match score 2-1 to Holm after the first doubles.

Onto the singles and Ritchie Ballantyne drew Orphir level with a 2-1 win over Sean Stanger before Kevin Critchlaw showed good form against Brian Stevenson, hitting the first 180 of the match on his way to a 2-1 win. This put Orphir into the overall lead with the ever increasingly partisan crowd showing their approval.

Holm skipper Moar defeated Neil Croy 2-0 to draw his team level at 3-3 before the experienced Billy Ward edged out Orphir skipper Adam Savage 2-1 to put Holm back in front. Freddie Tait extended the Holm lead to 5-3 with a 2-0 win over Francis Ballantyne before Orphir’s Ian Findlay, with the assistance of a 180, defeated Leigh Shearer 2-1 to make the half time score 5-4 in favour of the defending champions Holm.

Both teams enjoyed an excellent supper of fish and chips provided by The Noust, it was very much appreciated, while Adam and Bruce wrote out the cards for the second half.

Once again Kevin and Adam led the way for the Orphir team and this time they made no mistake as they beat Stevenson and Stanger 2-1 to draw the score level at 5-5. Unfortunately for the Orphir team and their loyal support that was as good as it was going to get. First Moar and Ward and then Tait and Shearer both won their respective games 2-0 to put Holm 7-5 in front after the second series of doubles.

Orphir’s Critchlaw had the task of stopping the rot but Holm’s Leigh Shearer just did enough to edge the game 2-1. Next up was a repeat of the first half game between Croy and Moar and although both players played better Moar took the honours 2-1 after Croy took out an excellent 110 checkout to force the decider.

This put Orphir in the very difficult position of having to win the last four games to force a playoff. Holm’s Billy Ward was having none of it though, after winning the first leg against Ian Findlay Billy started the second leg with a 180. For a minute the crowd thought the nine darter was on as Billy started his next throw with another treble 20 but he had to settle for a ton as the boos echoed around The Noust! Billy continued his fine form though and with 142 left he hit two treble twenties before just missing out on the double eleven for what would have been a fantastic way to seal the win. The Holm players didn’t have to wait long though as Billy wrapped up the win with double eleven on his next visit to the board.

Although the match was now over all the games were played out with Freddie and Tone both securing close 2-1 wins for Holm over Francis and Adam respectively before Ritchie Ballantyne put a smile on the faces of the Orphir team and support with a 2-1 win over Sean Stanger to make the final score 12-6 in Holm’s favour.

On the night Holm just had too much for the Orphir team and the run of wins at the start of the second half swung things Holm’s way to claim their fourth title in a row having participated in all six finals. For Orphir it is their second final defeat in succession so can it be third time lucky for them next year? With the continued support they get from their supporters, maybe one or two young players like Alan Findlay coming through and a bit of luck, why not?

To close out the proceedings Orphir’s Adam Savage called forward Holm’s Bruce Moar and presented him with the trophy. Bruce thanked The Noust for being excellent hosts and thanked the folk in the bar for their continued support of the Parish Cup on what had been an excellent evening. Without any more ado both teams, in time honoured fashion, played out the gallon with Holm once again just grabbing the spoils.