Darts - Sea Angling A secure Autoparts Cup with hard fought win

The prelim round was a closely fought match with the Rangers Club A fighting back from 3-2 down after the singles to win 5-3 against the Sea Angling B. David ‘Babz’ MacLeod claimed double trouble was their downfall.

The next round saw some other tight matches with the Sea Angling A, who started the night by withdrawing until they scrabbled a team together just in time, beating the Rangers Club A 5-3. This time it was the turn of the Rangers A to be on the end of a comeback after leading 3-2. Iain Leitch hit two 180s in this match but couldn’t prevent Stephen O’Donnell winning their singles 2-1.

The All Stars beat the Carlton 5-0 in the only whitewash of the night with Neil grabbing a solitary consolation leg. The Rangers Club B prevented any thoughts about a comeback from the Sparrows winning the triple and first double for a 5-2 win.

The last tie of the round saw another comeback with the Golf Club turning around a 3-2 deficit to win 5-3. A special mention to Gordon Cameron who gave James Macaskill a fright with a 50 checkout to go 1-1. He succumbed in the last leg but another one for the future.

The first semi-final was another close affair with the Sea Angling A beating the All Stars who were minus Alex ‘Momby’ Morrison and Finlay MacIver who were away on County duty.

In the other semi the Golf Club raced into a 4-0 lead before being pegged back to 4-2.

Alas, that’s as far as any comeback was to go with the Golf Club winning the first double for a 5-2 win.

On to the final which not many would have predicted from the start or even the start of the final itself as the Golf Club claimed a 2-1 lead with Jim Hood beating David MacMillan.

The Sea Angling A won the next two singles to lead 3-2 but just as they thought the match was over the Golf Club won the triple to make it 3-3.

With chances for both teams in the doubles the Sea Angling team hit the vital doubles claiming both for the win. A valiant effort from the Golf Club but well done to the Sea Angling A winning the inaugural Autoparts Cup.

Autoparts Western Isles Darts Festival Monday (25th) sees the start of the 12th Western Isles Darts Festival where competitors from the Islands, the Highlands and beyond battling it out in a week-long series of competitions.

This year the main sponsor is Autoparts Stornoway Ltd.

Martin Magee said: “Autoparts is delighted to sponsor the 12th Western Isles Darts Festival.

“We are more than happy to do our part to support the local community in hosting this fantastic event’.

“In a similar format to last year, this will be played across three venues within Stornoway. This begins on the Monday night in the Stornoway Golf Club with the Early Bird Singles and the Area Cup with a 7pm start.

“On the Tuesday night the Four Man Team and the Under 25s takes place, again in the Golf Club with a 7pm start. Marten James the Club Captain said: “The Stornoway Golf Club is very much looking forward to welcoming the 12th Western Isles Darts Festival back after the success of last year.”

Wednesday night sees the Island Masters event being played in the Lewis and Harris Rangers’ Supporter’s Club. Can Alex Morrison retain the Masters title?

The remaining events will be played out of the Stornoway Sea Angling Club. Chairman Angus MacKenzie stated: “The Western Isles Darts Festival is going from strength to strength and we look forward to providing a warm welcome to all those taking part.”

The Thursday night kicks off at 6.30pm with the Over 40 Singles won last year by Iain Leitch followed by Allan Dowie Memorial Singles currently held by Martin Murison which starts at 7.30pm.

On to Frantic Friday which starts with the Blind Draw Pairs at 3pm, followed by the Open Three Man Team at 5pm and the Open Doubles which will start at 7.30pm.

Who will be able to take the crown for the Open Doubles away from Brian Woods and Martin Murison?

The penultimate day is always popular in the build up to the final day.

Saturday starts with the Mixed Doubles at 11.30am followed by the Women’s Singles at 12.30pm whose reigning champion is Joyce Elder. The Open Singles also starts at 12.30pm.

Stevie Mitchell is the current holder of the Festival Singles having beaten Andy Dowie in the final last year.

There are numerous individuals who should also be in the running including Sandy Morrison, Alex Morrison, Murdo Alex MacLeod, David MacMillan, Nicky Denoon, Derick MacLean and Martin Murison.

It will also be very interesting to see how other local players such as Murdo MacLeod, Jamie Reid, Jim O’Donnell, Kenny MacLeod, Dol Norrie MacKay, Murdo ‘Griddy’ MacLeod, Innes MacLean and Alex Keiller amongst others get on.

Anyone who is interested and looking for further information can contact organisers – Don MacLeod (07753 389987) or Alex Morrison (07763 483017).