Orkney Darts Association Parish Cup

The semi-finals of the 2013-14 Orkney Darts Association Parish Cup have now both been played in recent weeks with reigning champions Holm reaching the final for the fifth successive year at the expense of Westray and Orphir beating Stronsay to reach their first final. Holm and Orphir have never met before but it has the potential to be a cracker with both teams having a good mix of experience. The final will be played in the Sands Hotel in Burray with a date and time still to be confirmed. Watch the Orkney Darts Association website for updates.

Westray v Holm

The first semi to be played was Westray v Holm when the Holm team flew out at the end of January. After an excellent lunch in the Pierowall Hotel both teams congregated in the snooker room at the Community Centre to play for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

The first series of doubles was a tense affair with Holm getting the upper hand to lead 2-1 going into the singles. Westray’s Ian Rendall and Holm’s Tone Stevenson won the first two singles before Westray skipper Simon Parry levelled the scores at 3-3.

There was nothing in the match at this stage but Holm’s experience at the bottom of the card with Fred Tait, Bruce Moar and Billy ward showed as they won the last three singles of the half to put Holm 6-3 ahead at half time.

Both skippers shuffled their teams around for the second half and it was Holm that got the rewards winning all three doubles to go 9-3 ahead. Westray started the singles well with Ian Rendall and Simon Parry both winning their second singles of the match to close the gap to 9-5 but Holm didn’t have to wait long before they could celebrate when Leigh Shearer hit Holm’s winning double against a below par Jim Brown.

The Westray team continued to battle on despite the match being over but again Holm’s experience just gave them the edge. Bruce Moar held on to beat Leslie Drever 2-1 in a cracking match after Leslie took out a superb bull checkout in the second leg before Billy Ward and Freddie Tait both won to make the final score 13-5. Holm’s Leigh Shearer scored the only 180 of the match.

Although the final score suggested a thrashing the overall match was much closer than the scoreline showed. Of the nine games that finished 2-1 Holm’s experience showed as they won seven of them however real signs of progress can be seen in the Westray team’s darts. A very enjoyable day was had by both teams and the good spirit and hospitality shown by the Westray team epitomises everything good about the Parish Cup.

After the gallon both team’s retired to the Pierowall Hotel for one or two refreshments before the Holm team were ‘delivered’ to the ferry for a very pleasant trip back home – apart from the cards!

                                                                                GBM

Orphir v Stronsay

The Noust played host to the Parish Cup semi-final clash between Orphir and Stronsay. With Orphir competing in their first ever semi-final and Stronsay playing in their second in as many years, Orphir knew they would be in for a tough match.
As play commenced Orphir got off to a dream start, winning all three doubles. Orphir marched on in the singles, with Kevin Critchlaw, Neil Croy and Ian Findlay all winning, giving Orphir a 6-0 lead. Damian Stout put Stronsay back in the game with a good win over Orphir Captain Adam Savage. At half time Orphir had an 8-1 lead, after Francis and Ritchie Ballantyne beat Dennis Williamson and Jim Holland.

The Captains wrote out the cards for the second half and amazingly the order of play was exactly the same as the first. With their backs against the wall, Stronsay came out all guns blazing by winning all three sets of doubles. As Stronsay became more vocal and confident, they were certainly giving Orphir something to think about but Orphir stood their ground with Kevin Critchlaw beating Richard Groat and Neil Croy just pipped Trevor Shearer 2-1. Ian Findlay followed and played some good darts to beat Mike Holland and seal the match for Orphir.

Damian Stout and Jim Holland gave Stronsay pride back by playing great darts beating Orphir’s Adam Savage and Ritchie Ballantyne. Finally Francis Ballantyne pipped William Caithness to make the final score 12 – 6.

Despite the score line the match was far closer than it suggests with so many games going the full three legs. The game was played in great spirit with both teams playing some good darts. Damian Stout hit the only 180 of the afternoon.
Orphir would like the thank Davie and Ann Hewison of the Noust for their suppers and their support over the years.

                                                                       NC