Last comp of 2018, and it saw the Towerlands dart team well some off them anyway make their way to Morcambe for an open tournament, Sadly to say the men being Ronnie, Neil, Jim and Willie did not make that much of an impact, HOWEVER hats of the Margaret Fergusson who made it to the final of the ladies tournament, unfortunately double trouble in the grand final cost her dear, but Margaret on the way to the final fired in some tremendous arrows best of which was a cracking 13 darter scored like this, 85-96-140-140-40 super arrows from this top Greater Glasgow county A player.

 22nd Dec, Sad news for the players of the West Calder & District darts league, as news has filtered through of the passing of a young man who played for the Murray bar in Polbeth Calvin Fleming, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this moment in time.

 

22nd Dec, And the venue the Sky bar in Rutherglen for another top quality competition run by Katie Monaghan and her partner in crime on the day Mr Antony  Dundas (No-Nonsense posted missing in action)  Some superb match ups on the ocky and with the format from the start best of 7x501 there were some terrific tussles on the ocky from the 60 players who entered, The quarter finalist who lost out at that stage received £30 each and they were, Ian McCaskill, Jim Mitchell, Mark Wilkie, Dougie Lowe, the semi finalist receiving £80 a piece were Davie Kerwin and Lee Logan, having to settle for the runners up place was Evander Stevenson but £200 should help get over it! And the man who fired in more doubles than anyone else Mr Andy Boulton who received £400, once again many thanks to the sponsor Mr Alex McDowell and of course the hard working bar staff Mark and Paul.

 21st Dec, Bathgate Friday night league saw the Glenmavis B.C. Host the in the doubles which saw the partnership of Rab Dick & Marc Campbell just edging out John Mackie & Scott Baillie in a thriller by the tightest of margins 4-3 to Rab and Marc.

 

16th Dec, Darren Beveridge defeats William Borland in final of Ballroom Open, This competition is run and organised by none other than Mr George Podge Carruthers, (hope Janet is recovering and you are looking after her!) John Miln’s from Craigshill was in the mix and on the day he fired in 4 x180’s and a brace of 13 darters, score from the final I believe was 6-3 to Darren.

 

15th Dec, Hamilton was the place to be as Katie & John  were running yet another top darts comp, and what a field assembled with semi professionals, International  and county players all making the trip to try and annex the title, However once the calk dust had settled the player crowned champion was Gary Stone and just losing out in the final none other than Peg Brown, both these players deserving to be in the final , quite simply put this was one tough field of players well done to Katie and John for running this tournament, see you next week!!! Well not you No-Nonsense! And of course congratulations to both Gary & Peg for making the Grand Final of the Club 147 in Hamilton.

 

14th Dec, New Cumnock Darts League update for the Blind Doubles competition which was held in the Brewery bar in Catrine, 24 doubles were picked from the hat, and here are special mentions from these double teams, Champions Ronnie Sharp (n.c.b.c.) & Richard Dalzell (w.m.c) R/up Jim Mitchell (n.c.b.c.) & Greg Cook (brewery bar) Semi/Final pairings off Kriss Kimmett (Glenmuir) & Jocky Bell (Cumnock Jnrs) and Rab Marshall (w.m.c.)   Sammy Tonner (Cumnock Jnrs).

 

Fast games saw Rab Marshall (w.m.c.) & Sammy Tonner (Cumnock Jnrs) 15 dart’s, as were Linsay Wylie (Mauchline) & John Dalzell 15 darts, but without a doubt top pairing was the champions Ronnie and Richard who fired in 13 and trio of 15 dart games,

Maximum scorers saw, Jim Mitchell, Rab Marshall, finding the red lipstick,

Big finishers had, Linsay Wylie firing out a cracking 116 game shot, Richard Dalzell 119 & 106 game shots.

 

14th Dec, Three Craws Open darts competition in Irvine saw 26 players take to the ocky to try and claim the title and once the chalk dust had settled it saw the last four players left standing in the semi final stages and they were Kevin McInrue who defeated Tony Crancher 3-1 in the first semi final & Graham Ferguson who beat William Laird 3-1 in the second semi final, Graham Fergusson went on to claim the title edging out Kevin in the final match of the night. Also a big well done to Pacey Cummings who beat Douglas King in the youth final.

 

14th Dec, Bathgate results just in from the Friday night league, and it saw the Cross Taverner’s from Whitburn under the leadership of BIG ‘G’ take the high flying Glenmavis Bowlers on in a titanic tussle and inflict the first defeat of the season on the Bowlers, score line 6-3 to the Cross Tavern, some stats from the match saw, Andy Thomson 16 darts, Scott Baillie 18&20 dart games, Michael Brady firing in a maximum 180, and top doubles game going to Scott & Paul McCaig with a 19 darter.

Coppies B 3-6 Lammies bar, Alan McDonald on target with a maximum 180, Stuart Boyd rock solid 94 game shot, and in the doubles it saw John Miln’s and Alan McDonald firing two cracking legs finished in 17 & 14 deadly arrows.

14th Dec, News from the Crown Inn B'oNess which had their finals night on Wednesday saw William Borland defeat Scott McLeod in the grand final, On the night it saw superb action on the ockies and here are some of the stats from those games William Borland 6x180's plus a brace of 177 scores, plus 14 games finished in 18 darts or less with 9 of them in 16 or under super marksmanship, couple of decent finishes with 126 & 2x116 game shots, Andy Thomson who fell at the semi final stage rattling in 4x180's 1x177 and 10 sub 18 darters fastest being 14 deadly arrows, Andy also finishing on 2x110 and 86 take out, Scott Baillie 1 x180, in the Plate tournament that is for players who just missed out on the main competition it saw West Calder's Jamie Banks Jnr taking it in style with a brace of maximums and also a brace of 13 darters along with a rock solid finish of 95, Once again the young guns of West Lothian turning on the style in yet another top run tournament, Congratulations to both William and Scott McLeod on making the grand final.

 

12th Dec, Late update from Monday nights matches in the West Calder and District league, John Miln’s from the Wanderers of Craigshill 76 game shot, Gordon Bruce tidy 20 dart game, and top finish a 112 from the new county chairman of West Lothian Gary Christie, I am sure we all wish him all the very best in his efforts to put the county of West Lothian back on the inter county map, Ian Baker of the Steamers firing in a brace of maximum 180s Ian the brother of the reigning Monday night league Champion of Champions must run in the family these top scores! Joe Stewart from the Letham Bowlers maximum 180 along with a 20 darter, Brian Tosh McIntyre nice solid 18 dart game also for the Bowlers.

12th Dec, WEST LOTHIAN & DISTRICT COUNTY DARTS.... A new committee was formed last night at the AGM to take the county forward. This is where the hard work rebuilding the reputation and a new team begins! Congratulations to everyone who was voted onto the committee. Gary Christie Chairman, William Wilson vice chairman, Mary Clark General secretary,
Joanne Gallagher minute secretary, John Somerville Treasurer, Carol-anne Speirs Youth Officer, John Sandison committee delegate, Ian Baker committee delegate. I thank everyone who took the time to come along to the meeting last night.
Lets now back the committee in the West Lothian area please? They have a hard job ahead and need the support of everyone who would like to play county darts for this area again.
Thank you. Ted McMillan, WDDA co-ordinator for Scotland.

 

12th Dec, Greater Glasgow Premier League which is held every second Thursday in the Fairfield Club in Govan has the team of Fairfields with captain William Laird, and his team of Ronnie Sharp, Graham Fergusson, Kevin McInrue and Jim Mitchell, sitting top at the moment with 91 points with 7 wins from 8 outings, in second place is Big Neil Campbells team who are on 73 points with 5 wins from 8, third place and only one point behind Neils are the Wee Crew team with 72 points and a record of 6 wins from 8 games, George Collumbs Hello team are in fourth place with 69 points and have 5 wins from 8 matches, Joe McWoods and the Bridge team both on 59 points, followed by Ashfield on 58 and Pockets on 53, with W.D.140’S just one point further back on 52 points and tail end charlies at the moment are the Eagle from Coatbridge who are suffering due to a shortage of players at the moment on 38 points, But remembering this league is 16 x 601 legs and every leg won is worth a point so lots still to happen as every team playes each other twice!

 

10th Dec W.C.D.D.L. Results.

Cawburn Railroaders 9-0 Central bar Rebels.

Doo Club Flyers 2-7 Volunteer Highway Men.

Commercial Inn Nomad’s 5-4 Loganlea Collier’s.

Stirrup Stane Wanderers 8-1 Almondale Pirates.

Kirknewton Innkeepers 4-5 Tower bar Knights.

Murray bar Crofters 8-1 Stirrup Stane Indians.

Cawburn Steamers 5-4 Letham Bowlers.

Deans B.C. Golden Oldies 5-4 Commercial Inn Juniors.

Top shots this week go to, John Crossley &Rab Dick the only two players finding the magical maximum 180 score, C Carmichael 115 game shot,  Derek Yule 104 game shot, Rab Dick 103 take out, John Crossley 101 game shot,  Geordie Dryburgh 98 game shot, Paul Weir with a rock solid 80 take out, fast games and the fastest recorded from the nights action on the ockies was Craig Jack from the Crofters and Graeme Bird for the Nomads both with 16 darters, just an arrow behind saw Scott Baker with a 17 darter, and Davie Aitken and Rab Dick both firing in 19 dart games, Now some top doubles play from the evening had the pairings of, John Crossley & Graham Borland with games finished in 16 & 18 darts, Jamie Banks & Colin Robertson with 17 & 18 darters and also recording a fast doubles game was Stevie Scott & Rex Brady with a solid 20 dart game.

 

9th Dec, Local singles in the Louden Arms in Newmilns, which is darts with a difference free to enter and winner takes all £50 put up by the publican, and it was not Jim Mitchell who got through to the final but Gillian Mitchell who just fell at the final hurdle in this best of 5 x 101 double start, Friendly bunch and a good afternoon of some good and some not so good arrows , but well done to Gillian to making the final, think I might now be the chauffeur and Gill the player!!!!

 

6th Dec, Congratulations goes to William Borland on winning the T.J’s Open in Motherwell, and to Ryan Murray for winning the Crosbie Memorial in Haddington.

 

5th Dec, Report from the Bathgate Friday night league, Glenmavis A 7-2 Old Wine Store, top scores were Andy Thomson 16 darter, Scott Baillie 20 darts and a superb 150 game shot, Andy Thomson Scott and Scott Baillie finishing in 18 darts in the doubles, as did Callum Cockburn and Marc Campbell also in 18 darts, William McCue on target with a maximum 180 and a 126 game shot.

Kirknewton Innkeepers 5-4 Cross Tavern.

Lammies B 8-1 Glen Mavis B, top score from this match up saw Ricky McDonald with a superb 180 score.

 

5th Dec, And it has seen West Lothian players doing well in the Crown Inn  IN Bo’Ness in the Wednesday league, After 10 games in each group of 10 legs it has Andy Thomson from Bathgate, William Borland from East Calder both winning their league sections and also Scott Baillie from Armadale qualifying in second place to book his place in the grand final, Jamie Banks jnr from West Calder just missing out by a solitary point in making the finals, these young West Lothian players have certainly been firing in some terrific scores on match nights with, Andy Thomson recording 14 x 180’s, William Borland 12 x 180’s, Scott Baillie 8 x180’s and Jamie Banks 5 x`180’s, Some top drawer finishing along with the high scores from the West Lothian contingent with William Borland leading the charge with a fabulous 170 take out, Scott Baillie 138 game shot, Andy Thomson 125 kill shot, and Jamie Banks with a rock solid 115 take out, fast games and once again it has William Borland and Jamie Banks leading the charge with both players firing in fabulous 12 darters, Andy Thomson only one arrow further back but with no fewer than 4 cracking 13 darters, Scott Baillie a brace of 13 darters for him as well.

 

 Disability Darts Scotland will see Next Saturday 8 Dec, from 2pm until 4pm at The Cawburn Sports bar in Pumpherston, Livingston EH53 0PD. anyone with a disability can register with Disability Darts Scotland " DDS " We will be going round the country in the next few months to different areas once the co-ordinators have been selected from your area. This is the first opportunity to register with the Official WDDA/BDDA in Scotland. Get in quick and come along to register. Please bring proof of disability " PIP,DLA,BLUE BADGE etc" with you. If you are registered with the BDDA ? You still have to register through DDS to be able to represent Scotland for future tournaments. We look forward to meeting you. Ted McMillan, Scottish Co-ordinator for WDDA.

(Jim Mitchell the person to speak to in the Ayrshire area, who can pass on the relevant forms to you just drop him a line on either mitchell301@yahoo.com, or in the web sites guest book at the top of the home page!)

 

3rd Dec, Results from the West Calder & District Dart Leagues.

Volunteer Highway Men 5-4 Cawburn Railroaders, Railroaders 4-2 up at the break however the Highway Men are notorious for their doubles play and took all three matches to recover and take the points, Top shots coming by way off John Crossley with a maximum180 and a 17 darter, Callum Cockburn rock solid 19 dart game.

Almondale Pirates 2-7 Commercial Inn Nomads, top finishing from this match up Graeme Bird 104 take out, Scott Cameron 103 kill shot and the evergreen Bunny Forrest 101 take out and a superb 171 score, The Bird man with a 19 darter, Rab Dick also on target with a maximum 180 for the Nomads.

Central bar Rebels 0-9 Stirrup Stane Wanderers.

Loganlea Colliers 3-6 Doo Club Flyers.

Doo Club Fanciers 0-9 Kirknewton Innkeepers, Billy Stirling on target with a maximum 180 and Jay Millar fastest game rock solid 20 dart game.

Tower bar Knights 5-4 Murray bar Crofters, First tast of defeat for the league leaders in the Championship league, but by all accounts a tremendous tussle on the ocky in this match up.

Stirrup Stane Indians 7-2 Cawburn Steamers, top check out going to Big Ian Mitchell with a 70 take out.

 3rd Dec, And some excellent arrows thrown at the good old flock board in the Towerlands A team play-offs in the quest to qualify for the league singles and doubles competition, It saw the two Jim’s qualify for the singles that being Jim Law & Jim Mitchell, in the doubles it saw Margaret Fergusson & Neil Campbell make it through along with Greater Glasgow county captain William Laird and Sammy Stephan’s  and remembering Sammy has just undergone surgery on his throwing arm an excellent result, Top shots from the nights action saw Ronnie Sharp and Neil Campbell both firing in a brace of maximum 180’s apiece, Margaret Fergusson, Jim Mitchell, both with one maximum 180 each, Jim Law though not only a maximum 180 but a cracking lay up shot of 174 top marksmanship, fast games saw Mitchell with 13 & 19 darters, Neil Campbell 15 darter, Jim Law 2x16 dart games, strange though no big finishes unusual with so much top shooting going on!

 Friday report from New Cumnock league now added!

 

30th Dec, New Cumnock Darts League, Information supplied by Carol.

Brewery Bar 9-0 Cumnock Jnrs, some top action from this match up and leading the way was, George Collumb jnr with games finished in 19&20 arrows for a cracking 25.69 dart average,  Peter Malone firing in a 21 darter and a superb 155 take out, Greg Crook with a rock solid 19 darter, Sammy Tonner went one dart better finishing in 18 arrows, Jocky Bell a 20 darter, and on the maximum trail it saw J Frew rattling the treble twenty bed to record a maximum 180.

W.M.C. 9-0 Bridgend B, A Salisbury with the fastest recorded game a 19 darter, D Findlater just two darts more recording 21 dart game,  R Marshall & D Findlater recording a fast doubles game finishing in 19 darts.

Mauchline 6-3 Bridgend A,

New Cumnock B.C. 7-2  Craighead, George Collumb snr leading the way in this match up firing in a maximum 180 and a 19 darter, Drew Callary also on target with a 19 dart game, one dart more was Jim Mitchell with a 20 darter, in the doubles it saw William Laird & George Collumb finishing in 17 darts for the fastest game of the night.

Coach House 8-1 Glenmuir, Few good scores recorded in this match up and it saw Paul Bryden with a brace of 20 dart games, Cameron Menzies with games finished in 20&21 arrows and a tidy maximum 180 also in the mix for good effect, Jim McCutcheon also on the maximum trail with a 180 recorded as well, Rab Kane highest finish in this match with a cracking 117 game shot.

Next weeks action comes from the ockies off, Bridgend B v N.C.B.C., Craighead v Brewery Bar, Cumnock Jnrs v Coach House, Glenmuir v Bridgend A and Mauchline v W.M.C.

 

 

1st Dec, word’s/report from Greater Glasgow county chairman Mr Neil Campbell his words not mine! (However a few spelling changes!) Wow, again! The guys and gals from Greater Glasgow just done it again, beating an excellent Lothian team 19-9 playing away at Easthouses Dalkeith.
The morning started awful due to me being a bit lazy and allowing a third party to organise the bus for us, ended up a shambles, however after a half hour wait and a couple of phone calls all was rectified and off we set, a little late but I am kinda used to this, banter and hilarity was superb on the bus with everybody getting slagged in one way or another, Audrey was at the centre of most of it
First up in this inter county match was the Ladies ‘ B‘ first blood to us was when Voni Duff Scored a two leg victory,  player of the women's B was without doubt June Mccallum making her debut for us and winning a close fought game 2-1 with a 16-80 average, welcome to the crazy crew June! A hard fought 2-2 draw for the B ladies against the Lothian’s Ladies.
Up next was the men's ‘B’
The excellent Andrew Broll making his stage debut for us and winning comfortably 3-0 with a 23.12 dart average, then up steps David Park another excellent player making his stage debut for us and what a display of grit David gave us to claw back from 2-0 down to just lose out in the final leg to the superb Ryan Bell of Lothian, David recorded a 24.52 average, next was a superb match between our own Craig Abernethy and a vastly experienced John Charleston, Craig was 2-1 down and takes out a70 finish to level then puts in a 17 dart last leg to win 3-2 with a 22.33 average, a very gritty performance from The Badger ,next up and yet another stage debutant, this time Gerry Greenwood and his long awaited appearance for the crew, a brilliant performance from Gerry after a nervy start and he recorded a fine 3-1 victory with a 21 dart  average, our 5th player on was young Dean Fitch, this young lad has the talent to go all the way to the top in darts, he just gets up on the stage and quietly does his stuff, winning 3-1 with a 25.18 average, 6th set and the unwell Chris Coyle takes on an inform Joe Spence and loses out 3-1, a 4-2 victory for the men's ‘B’
Next up was the Ladies ‘A’  
Laura Grant  first against the formidable Frances Lawson, Frances running out a 3-0 winner, next up was an off form Lynn Cowan digging out a 3-1 win, then once again the classy Margaret Ferguson steps up to record a 3-1 win with a 18.20 dart average, fourth set and its Jordan McNally, what a fantastic performance Jordan put in to record a 3-0 victory with our highest women's average of the day 19.27, then it was Suzy time, Susanna McGimpsey recording a 3-0 victory with an 18.33 average, last but definitely not least Lorna Macphee, and a very professional performance from Lorna winning 3-1 with 15.23 dart average to see our ladies record a superb 5-1 victory in the Ladies ‘A’
Next up the Men's ‘A’
Ronnie Sharp was  first up and a wee bit off form and narrowly loosing the final leg to Callum Smith 3-4, then it saw Stevie Smith loosing to an excellent Stuart Wares in a cracking match, 3rd set was Kevin Phaup and our ‘A’ team captain  the much experienced William Laird, fantastic game of darts between those two with our captain winning 4-3 in a close game, Mccallums 4th for us against Harry Todman and it saw John recording 28+ average and a 4-2 win against Harry, next up for us is the wee terrier Brian Tennant he was up against Davie Kirkland, without doubt Lothian’s player of the day, Brian loosing 4-2 in a superb match, so to set 6 and our Andy Callary up against Lothian’s talented George Dalglish which turned out to be a cracker with Andy recording a 4-2 win and a 26.21 average, set 7 and Jim Mitchell recording a 4-0 win with a 23.30  average, then it saw Duncy Wyper superbly grinding out a 4-3 win over Ronnie Simpson with a 23. Dart average, set 9 saw the classy George Collumb see of his opponent with a very reassuring 4-1 victory with an almost 23 average, set 10 was an absolute cracker with our own John Williamson just losing out in a last leg shoot out with a 25.08 dart average, last 2sets went our way with Davie Irvine winning 4-1 with a 23 dart average and last but not least Big Drew Callary Winning 4-2 with a 22 average to make it a superb win for the men’s team, to be truthful a fabulous performance against a top quality team
so a fantastic victory for us at Greater Glasgow
This group of darts players sure know how to grind out results
Thanks again to Asa Lawson, Gail and Harry Todman for making us welcome at Easthouses, a fantastic darting venue, and lets not forget A big thank you also to Gillian Mitchell for the lovely clutty dumpling, it was wonderful ,a lot of us munched happily, as for the bus journey home ! That was superb, apart from some asshole murdering UB40 s red red wine!

 

30th Nov, And action from the Bathgate Friday night league saw one of the leagues perpetual trophies up for grabs, This was the Geordie Murphy Memorial 301 pairs competition, This format is darts played the old fashioned way 301 double start ( a real dart players game) and it saw the pairing from the Kirknewton Innkeepers team of Rab Dick & Graeme Bird take the title just edging out the Glen Mavis B.C. pairing of Callum Cockburn & Jamie Banks jnr in a cracking final, well done to both teams of players as this is a game of holding your nerve just not in the finishing but that double to start, as I said earlier a real game of arrows, well done to both sets of finalists. 301 Champions Rab Dick & Graeme Bird, r/up Jamie Banks jnr & Callum Cockburn.

 

26th Nov, W.C.D.D.L.

Results from Last nights action saw the Doo Club Fanciers 1-8 Murray bar Crofters, this has the Crofters from Polbeth staying happily at the top of Championship League, and players firing in the big scores were, Craig Jack with a brace of 19 darters, Ben Hart with the highest finish of the match with a rock solid 96 game shot, in the doubles it saw Craig Jack & Ben Hart recording a 19 darter.

The Knights of Craigshill alias the  Tower bar Knights 5-4 Cawburn Steamers, looks like this was right tough tussle with only one match the difference between the two combatants, S Long getting on the score sheet with a maximum 180.

Stirrup Stane Indians 5-4 Deans B.C. Golden Oldies, another close encounter once again only the one match the difference, S Hamilton getting on the score card with a maximum 180.

Letham Bowlers 4-5 Commercial Inn Juniors, and yet another toughie with once again only one point the difference between the team’s, Two players recording maximum 180’s here and it was Jim Purse for the Juniors and Brian Tosh McIntyre for the home side who recorded these maximums.

Murray bar Crofters keep up their league challenge with a record of played 8 won 8, in second place it has the Tower bar Knights with 6 wins from 8 matches, then the league becomes very tight with only 4 points separating 4 teams, so the question can anyone step up to the ocky to challenge the Murray bar from Polbeth, only time will tell!

 

26th Nov, Dreghorn and District League,

Last night saw the 301 double start competition taking place with the Irvine Parks B.C. and the Crown Inn from Dreghorn having the play offs, this competition was played with 6 single and 3 double and every leg double start, the two teams who will now contest the final are the Towerlands (A) and the Crown Inn, date to be announced.

 

24th Nov,  WELL DONE TO ALL WHO ENTERED, The Jan Legget Memorial competition which was absolutely brilliant with top darting talent entering not only from West Lothian but, Players came from Ayrshire, Greater Glasgow, Perthshire, Edinburgh, and the Borders were represented as well, I am absolutely sure if Jan was looking down on us and I am sure she was, she would have been absolutely delighted to see the darting talent on show who were playing in her name. Here are just some of the statistics that were recorded yesterday I am sure there will many missing but with six boards in action there are always some that go astray!

 

Maximum hitters remembering all scores from 171-180 count as we have nineteen players in the competition, which saw 25 maximum scores recorded, Allan Gardener 3 x180, Scott Baillie 3 x180’s, Colin Robertson 3 x 171’s, Jim Mitchell 3x180’s, Andy Fallon 2x180’s, Andy Thomson 2 x180’s, James Graham 2 x180’s, Gordon Bruce 1x180, Neil Dempsey 1 x180, Wullie Laird 1x180, Peter Hastings 1 x180, Dougie Hogg 1 x180, John Miln’s 1 x 180. Martin Deegan 1 x171.

 

BIG FINISHES, Here goes we had 21 reported remember 75 and above for high finishes is the requisite number! Jim Mitchell 156 game shot, Andy Fallon 155 take out,  Colin Robertson 150 & 101 take outs, Gordon Bruce 121 take out, John Brogan 120 & 115 game shots, Lewis Lyle 120 kill shot, Micky Rice showing age is no barrier even with a haircut like his he can still see the board rock solid 118 kill shot, Brian McCaig 116 take out, Darren Beautiman 111 take out, Andy Thomson 104 and a brace of 100 finishes, Scott Baillie three cracking finishes of 96-95-94 take outs, The Infamous William Harraughty with 95 & 80 game shots obviously he had his check out card in his pocket at his age memory can be a bitch on which way to go! Claire Cruickshanks 82 game shot and also for the ladies Gayle Maxwell with an 81 takeout. HOWEVER  top finish goes to Alan McMaster with a 97 kill shot done in two darts, reason for this is Alan plays pool but entered in memory of Jan now that’s the way to play it well done.

 

Fast games and these need to be 20 darts or less so it’s a 25 per dart average, And fastest went to, Andy Thomson with a superb 12 darter followed by -15-16-18-18 darters, Darren Beautiman with 14 & 3x 15 darters, Andy Fallon 14&17& 19 darters, Colin Robertson firing in 15-15-18-18-19 darters, Jim Mitchell 15-16-18-19 darters, Lewis Lyle 15 and brace of 18 dart games, James Graham 15-15-18- 19 darters, John Brogan 16&19 dart games, Alan Gardener 16&17 dart games, Scott Baillie 17-17-18-19 -19-19 dart games, Peter Hastings 17& 19 darters, Wullie Laird 18 darter,  Gordon Bruce 2x18 dart games, John Miln’s 2 x19 dart games, Chris Forsyth 19 darter.

 

Now the Jan Legget Memorial Ladies champion crowned on the day was Claire Cruickshanks who edged out another top lady player Gayle Maxwell in the final by 5 games to 2, these two ladies played superbly well and received for their efforts on the day £200 to Claire Cruickshanks from Perth, Gayle Maxwell from Stirling £100, and the two ladies who lost out in the semi finals Amanda Millar from Kirknewton and Margaret Fergusson from New Cumnock in Ayrshire each receiving £75 each.

 

The Men’s title went to a man who shows that age is only a number, at 65 years young James Graham from Shott’s claimed the title of Jan Legget Men’s Champion for 2018 and received £300 for his superb performances on the ockies all day, but to make cracking final we need a runner up and it saw Broxburn’s Colin Robertson have to settle for the consolation of £200 for just losing out 3-5 in the grand final of the Jan Legget Memorial Men’s competition. Semi finalist’s receiving £100 each were, Andy Fallon and Scott Baillie, quarter finalists for the men picked up £30 a piece and they were. Andy Thomson, John Miln’s, Gordon Bruce and William Harraughty, hopefully this is right as memory not quite as good as it once was! On the day the combined competitions paid out a superb amount of money and it was £1,326, Now that is because of a few very special people, Mr Stuart Legget who sponsored this event to the sum of £500, Mr Malky Cowan who put £200 in the pot and of course entries and raffle monies and a special mention to Mr Ronnie Sharp from Ayrshire and former Scotland stat of the ocky who bid £75 for a bottle of Brandy which was a bargain as it retails at £160 a bottle this was also put up by Stuart for auction to everyone from the bar staff the sponsors and of course the players who travelled to enter this fabulous competition in memory of a lovely lady THANK YOU ALL.

 

Jan Legget Memorial Ladies Champion for 2018 Claire Cruickshanks, r/up Gayle Maxwell.

Jan Legget Memorial Men’s Champion for 2018 James Graham, r/up Colin Robertson.

 

23rd Nov, Darts report from the New Cumnock darts league,

Cumnock Jnrs 3-6 New Cumnock B.C. Craighead 2-7 W.M.C. Mauchline 7-2 Bridgend Bar B, Glenmuir 0-9 Brewery bar, Coach House 5-4 Bridgend A

Top action from the ockies on Friday night saw, Jill Jamieson 1x180, Derek Murray 1 x180, Davie Findlater 1 x180 Fast games recorded had, Linsay Wylie 16 dart game, Richard Dalzell 17 darter, Pail Ross 17 dart game, Cammy Menzies 18 darter, Scott McPheators 19 darter, Paul Bryden finishing in 19 & 20 darts, Rab Kane 19 darter, Top finishes saw players finishing on, Michael Fergusson doing the double on 135 game shots cracking arrows, Peter Smith 117 take out, Just one point less was Lee Nisbet with a 116 take out, G Cook with a tidy 102 game shot, Jim Mitchell 100 game shot. Top doubles match reported saw the partnership of Tom Wilson and Owen McNiven firing in rock solid 19 dart leg.
  League meeting Wednesday 28 November at 7.30pm in W.M.C.
Friday the 30th November matches are,  N.C.B.C. v Craighead, W.M.C. v Bridgend B, Brewery Bar v Cumnock Jnrs, Coach House v Glenmuir and Bridgend A v Mauchline.

 

23rd Nov, Bathgate Friday night league results, Old Wine Store 2-7 Kirknewton Innkeepers, Coppies (A) 8-1 Corrie bar, Cross Tavern 5-4 Lammies (B) Report from this match up saw some local players showing the flock board who was boss and we start with,  I am Will ok William Harraughty with a maximum 180, Ian Stevenson 114 game shot followed by a tidy  102 kill shot, Stuart Russell who hails from the land that time forgot (Addiewell) think the gate must have been left open! Cracking 16 darter, John Brogan doing what he did all last season playing solid darts another 17 dart game, couple of good double matches which had the pairing of Callum Wilkinson the Alloa bumble bee (sorry wasp) and M Brady firing in a 16 dart game, Alan &Patrick McDonald of the infamous McDonald brothers notoriety fame firing in a rock solid 17 darter.

 Next Friday the 30th Nov, will see the Geordie Murphy Doubles take place in the Glen Mavis Bowling Club in Bathgate

 

19th Nov, Dreghorn & District league results,

Alton (A) 7-3 Towerlands (B) some top action from this match up and it saw Graeme Mcconnell with a 20 darter and a maximum 180, Robert Hammond with a classy 100 take out, and Stevie Hogg in 19 darts.

Three Craws 1-9 Sports bar, Jamie Curran 20 dart game, Kevin McInrue jnr 18 darter plus a maximum 180.

R&A Sports Bar 3-7 Irvine Parks B.C.

Towerlands (A) 2-8 Alton (B) Brian Johnstone rock solid 20 darter, Wullie Laird 19&20 dart games, Jim Law maximum 180 for the Towerlands team, after that it was all Alton players making the headlines with, Kevin McKinney with 15&16 darters along with a classy 101 take out and a brace of maximum 180’s, Jim Reid 2x18 darters, and a maximum 180, Robert Thornton 106 game shot and a 15 darter.

I.W.S.C. 0-10 Crown Inn, David Millar with the top shot of the night a superb 177 score, Dean McQuarrie though did score 3 more an excellent 180 recorded.

Top game this season so far a fabulous 12 darter by Jim Reid, most maximums has Kevin McKinney jnr with 5x180’s and Davie Tennant with 4 x180’s in second place, Top finish recorded 157 by Bernard Price holding that honour at the present moment in time.

 

16th Nov, Bathgate Friday night league results that I know off!

Coppies B 6-3 Cross Tavern, with Kevin McMahon firing out a cracking 105 game shot.

Glen Mavis B.C (A) 8-1 Coppies (A) Billy Meikle with a 19 darter and a solid 86 take out,

William Borland 16 darter fastest game recorded, Andy Thomson 18 dart game, Marc Campbell with maximum 180 and Scott Baillie nice 76 take out.

Andy Thomson & Scott Baillie firing out a fast doubles game finished in 20 darts.

Lammies (B) 5-4 Old Wine Store, Stevie Glover top finish from this match with a 90 take out on the bull’s eye.

 

16th Nov, Report from the New Cumnock Friday night league, which reads like this, Craighead 4-5 Bridgend, top scores from this match up going to Bert Ross with a maximum 180, and Robert Parker firing in a rock solid 20 darter.

 

Coach House 3-6 Mauchline, Players firing in quick games saw, Paul Bryden with a 18 dart game, Cammy Menzies 18 & 21 darters, Stephen Thom with a 19 dart game and top finish coming by way off John Barcley snr with a solid 100 take out.

 

W.M.C. 8-1 Cumnock Jnrs, players on form in this match had, Michael Bennet with a 19 dart game, M McClelland a maximum 180 and a classy shanghai on the twenties for a 120 game shot, S Dunlop was also peppering the red lipstick recording a maximum 180 as well for the Cumnock Jnrs.

 

New Cumnock Bowling Club 9-0 Glenmuir, few good scores recorded in this match with Drew Callary leading the way with a solid 21 dart game, George Collumb snr going two darts better recording a 19 darter, Andrew Callary almost getting the fastest leg of the nights play firing in 16 & 21 darts, however it saw the old man still going strong yes Wullie Laird showing age is only a number  recording  a classy 15 darter along with a tidy 107 take out, he then partnered up with Sammy Stephens to record a 17 dart doubles leg, A Blackwood also getting on the fast games table with a 21 dart game.

 

 

Brewery Bar 8 -1 Bridgend A, and it was the younger George Collumb this time doing the damage firing in  19 & 21 darters, Tom Wilson & Owen McNiven were the team to beat in the doubles finishing their match in 19 & 20 darts for an excellent 25 + dart average.

Next weeks games are, Friday 23 November Bridgend A v Coach House, Craighead v W.M.C, Cumnock Jnrs v N.C.B.C., Glenmuir v Brewery Bar and Mauchline v Bridgend B.

 

 14th Nov, Late report just winging it's way through the good old Scottish blustery weather has just seen the poor pigeon deliver some Monday night news! here is the updates then thanks to J.S. for sending them,

 Ian Stevenson nice 180 score are they not all nice when a maximum is recorded, Paul Weir firing out a 110 game shot, Grant Lyle along with John Sandison recording 20 darters and John also had a rock solid 84 take out , and hopefully the league tables are now updated with all relevant info on them, however if not send them in and they will be added in due course, cheers Jim .M.

 

12th Nov, Action from the West Calder & District dart leagues starting with the Premier League,

 

Almondale Pirates 5-4 Loganlea Colliers, John Brogan on target with a brace of 19 dart games for the Colliers, Ross Burnside for the Pirates of Craigshill with a 73 take out.

 

Stirrup Stane Wanderers 6-3 Commercial Inn Nomads, Graeme Bird leading the way in this match with some superb accurately thrown arrows finishing his games in 18&20 darters which contained two excellent finishes of 170 & 98, Davie Aitken with 14 & 19 dart games for the Nomads, John Miln’s for the Wanderers also on target with a 14 dart Craig Agnew 20 darter, and Gordon Bruce filling up the red lipstick for a maximum 180,

 

Central bar Rebels 0-9 Volunteer Highway Men.

 

Doo Club Flyers 3-6 Cawburn Railroaders.

 

Championship League action is as follows,

 

Deans B.C. Golden Oldies 6-3 Kirknewton Innkeepers, William Millar with a classy 75 take out on the bull’s eye for the Innkeepers,

 

Doo Club Fanciers 0-9 Commercial Inn Juniors, Jim Purse leading the way with a superb 171 score on the treble nineteen’s, Brian Mairs 19 darter.

 

Cawburn Steamers 1-8 Murray bar Crofters.

 

Letham B.C. 5-4 Tower bar Knights.

 

12th Nov, Action from the Dreghorn & District darts league (sponsored by Getfed Takeaway Irvine)

 

Alton (B) 7-3 R&A Sports bar, top action from this match up had seasons best game a superb 12 darter hit recorded by Jim Reid with a new set of arrows after losing his old ones he also threw in a maximum 180 for good measure! Kevin McKinney jnr on target with a 15 darter, John Hall with a rock solid 18 darter, and on the maximum trail it had Peter McGuiness with a 180, Ian McCudden firing in 19&21 dart games.

 

Sports bar 7-3 Alton (A) Jamie Curran two superb legs of darts firing in 13 & 19 darters, Graham Fergusson 18 darter and a cracking 110 game shot, going one better in the finishing stakes was Robert Stevely with a 111 take out, and a man who peppered the red lipstick in style was Davie Tennant with a brace of maximum 180’s,

 

Irvine Parks B.C. 10-0 Irvine Water Sports Club.

 

Towerlands (B) 3-7 Towerlands (A) just a couple of mentions from this match up Craig Parker with a 19 darter, and in the doubles it saw Jim Mitchell & Wullie Laird also with a 19 darter helped along with a maximum on the nineteen’s for Mitchell with a 171 score.

 

Crown Inn 0-0 Three Craws. No result as of yet!

 

9th Nov, Action from the New Cumnock Friday night league saw some excellent arrows thrown at the good old flock board! Results went like this,

 

New Cumnock B.C. 5-4 Bridgend (A), top games coming by way of,  Ronnie Sharp rolling back the years firing in a superb 15 darter along with a maximum 180, for the Bowling Club, a more sedate 20 darter for Jim Mitchell also for the Bowling Club, the Bridgend players had some superb shots with Jamie Dempster 20 darter, Robert Dean maximum 180 score, and best of the night in the pairs it saw Alex Govan & Jamie Dempster fire in a cracking 13 dart leg for the Bridgend team.

 

Glenmuir 3-6 Working Men’s Club, Players on form from this match up were Richard Dalzell with a maximum 180 and two cracking legs finished in 14 & 20 arrows, A Salisbury with a 20 dart game.

 

Cumnock Juniors 9-0 Bridgend (B) Bryan Neil with a 19 darter the best for this match up and just two darts further back was Kenny Murray with a 21 darter.

 

Mauchline 6-3 Craighead, Tony Pendleton firing in a maximum 180 and Callum Thom finishing in style with a superb 156 game shot.

 

Coach House 3-6 Brewery Bar, Lots of top action from this match up and it saw Jim McCutcheon firing in a maximum 180 , top finish came from Rab Kane with a rock solid 124 take out and a 18 darter, George Collumb jnr with the fastest game of the evenings play a 16 darter, Couple of players recording 19 dart games and these were Owen McNiven and Rab Kerr, three players with 20 dart games saw Paul Bryden, S Hamilton and Paul Ross recording these games Ross also with a 21 darter as well.

 

Next weeks matches 16th Nov, N.C.B.C. v Glenmuir, W.M.C. v Cumnock Jnrs, Bridgend B v Craighead, Brewery Bar v Bridgend A and Coach House v Mauchline.

9th Nov, Bathgate & District D Pryde 301 Singles, Held in the Glen Mavis Bowling Club.

Saw William Borland defeating Micky Burke in a cracking final, no other information is known at the moment. 

 

5th Nov,  W.C.D.D.L. The annual triple team competition was run which not so long ago had up to 33 three person teams entering think that was the most that ever entered! Only now instead of one champion we have three champion winning teams,

In the Premier league it saw the Stirrup Stane Wanderers team of John Miln’s, Mick Burke, and Gordon Bruce, defeating the Commercial Inn Nomads of West Calder who were Graeme Bird, Rab Dick and Bunny Forrest.

The Championship league saw the Murray bar Crofters from Polbeth which were Ryan Jack, Calvin Fleming and Josh Jack who defeated the Cawburn Steamers team of Ian Baker, Sandy Lee and S Young in the final.

The Ladies competition had only three teams entering on the night so I believe that one team may have got a bye into the final!

But the winning team were the East Calder Doo Club Fanciers team of Daisy Heeps, Denise Bird, and Kathy Henderson, taking the runners up position was the Kirknewton Innkeepers team of Mary Clark, Amanda Miller and Jessica Campbell.

Couple of wee mentions from the nights play think there might be more but only these ones were written down! Graeme Bird 16 darter, Craig Agnew two darts better with a cracking 14 darter,  and Jamie Fleming firing in a maximum 180.

 

5th Nov, Dreghorn & District darts results and report from Wullie Burns.

I.W.S.C 1-9 Three Craws, It saw Tricia Winton Queen doing it again, taking the solitary point against the Craws for the Ladies of the league.

Alton (A) 8-2 Crown Inn, Alton players on form saw Davie Tennant 17 & 19 darts, Brian Wallace with a brace of 18 darters, Graeme Mcconnell 108 check out, and for the crown Jamie jordan Curran 19 darts and  Liam Dean 20 darts.

R&A Sports bar 5-5 Towerlands (B) players from the R&A rattling in cracking scores were John McLauchlan 15 darts 100 game shot and a cracking maximum 180, Eric Pick 19 darter, Paul Stephen getting in on the action with a 19 darter, for the Towerlands(B) Jim Knox had a 114 check out.

Irvine Parks B.C. 4-6 Alton (B) Stewart Lusby 18 darts for the Parks, Kevin McKinney Jnr 15 darts for the visitors.

Towerlands (A) 1-9 Sports Bar, Jim Law 20 darts for the hosts, and that was as good as it got for the home team as the visitors then ran a mock missing very little with some excellent arrows being thrown at the good old flock board! Wullie Burns 19 darter plus a maximum 180, Ian Gunion Jnr. 15 darts and a superb  156 kill shot, Jim McEwan 180, Kevin McInrue Jnr 180.

 

Late Update to maximum scorers, Railroaders player Callum Cockburn rattling the red lipstick last Monday (29th Oct) to record a cracking 180 score.

 

4th Nov, Local open competition in Newmilns sponsored by the Louden Arms, this is a comp with a difference, £50 to the winner with the pub putting up the money and winner takes all, and its free to enter, format old fashioned 301 best of 3 until the final and it saw the old feller Jim Mitchell taking the final 3-1.

 

3rd Nov, Wow ! ,,, just wow ! Report from the Chairman of Greater Glasgow (his words)
What a performance from " the crew " today against the reigning South of Scotland champions Borders ,,, to win 17-11 was just fantastic for us all ,,, who could have predicted the drama unfolding the way it did against this extremely talented Borders outfit ,,, first credit of the day goes to our women's B who got a very credible 2-2 draw thanks to victories from Voni Duff and Yvonne Quinn,, on to the men's B and first game on was young Dean Fitch against Robert Hay ,,,Dean put in some shift for us winning 3-0 with a 25.9 average and a 12 dart final leg ,, Stevie Smith winning our only other set in the men's B in a disappointing 4-2 defeat ,, up step the women's A to gain a credible 3-3 draw ,, a special mention for Lorna Macphee who was up first , in her very first county game , and got us off to a great start with a fantastic 3-1 victory ,,, a warm welcome to you Lorna from all of us " crew " members ,, your darting ability and nutty personality means you will fit in just fine with us at Greater Glasgow ,,, great to see Laura Grant finding a bit of form with a splendid 3-0 win over Jackie Purves and then up steps the Scotland's number one women's player Susanna McGimpsey to record a superb 3-1 victory for us with a 18.29 average and a cracking 130 out shot on the bull to win the set ,,
Then it was on to the men's A ,,, the 12 guys that played in this 10-2 victory were ALL absolutely superb ,,, even the two players that lost had 23.13 and 24.30 averages ,,, first blood went to Borders with a 4-0 victory for the excellent Ewan Hyslop ,,, set 2 and who could ever bet against the excellent Michael Sheehan ? 4-1 victor with a 25.22 ,, set 3 and a welcome return of John Williamson to record 4-2 win over Barry Dalglish with a 26.65 ,, set 4 and a 4-0 win for Andy Callary with 25.69 ,, set 5 and John Mccallums first home game for us results in a 4-2 win and hitting almost 24 ,, set 6 and in my opinion the player of the day George Collumb recording a 4-3 victory over Mike Veitch to put us 5-1 up with a 26 average ,,, set 7 and as usual the Mr reliable Drew Callary grinds out a 4-3 win hitting 3 180s in the process ,, set 8 and its Ronnie Sharp time ,,, he must be one of the most difficult players I know to beat as he never gives up , a 4-3 victory for Ronnie to put us 7-1 up ,,, set 9 and the same guy that gave us the win last month v Renfrewshire gave us the victory this month by putting us 8-1 up and assuring us the victory we so much deserved today ,, well done to Darren Beautiman for digging out his 4-3 win ,, set 10 and William Laird having a difficult game against the Lakeside bound Ryan Hogarth ,,, 5 missed darts at doubles in the 5 th leg unfortunately cost Wullie the set ,, 8-2 now and set 11 sees Brian Tennant race into a 2 leg lead with 2 sub 18 dart legs and eventually wins his set 4-1 to take us 9-2 into the lead ,,, the final set sees Jim Mitchell scoring 2 maximums in his victory and hitting a 23.86 ,,, but what an average Jim could have had , had it not have been for 15 missed darts at double 8 in the final leg ,, all right on the wire ,,,
Congratulations for all involved today
Many thanks to Andy Callary for purchasing the counties very own Laptop and for setting the whole thing up for us ,,, to Craig Abernethy for collecting all the funds in as normal and to Duncy Tracey Wyper for refereeing throughout most of the day
Thanks again everybody for making all those many memories more memorable
Mon the crew

 

2nd Nov, Friday Night darts in the New Cumnock darts league,

New Cumnock B.C. 6-3 Coach House, some top action from the ocky saw Andrew Callary firing in 20 & 18 darters for a 25+ dart average, George Collumb snr with a rock solid 20 darter, Maximum hitters were Willie Laird & Jim Mitchell both for the Bowling club, However player of the night has to be Cammy Menzies for the Coach House firing in 3x180’s and a cracking 177 score in one leg it saw Cammy with double 2 left after 9 darts this young feller may just have a huge future in this sport of ours, oh yes he went out in 16&17 darts few missed doubles! Doubles saw Paul Bryden & Stewart Angus with a cracking 17 darter in the pairs, but going one better were Rab Kane & Jim McCutcheon with a 16 dart game.

W.M.C. 5-4 Bridgend (A) a tight game by all accounts and it saw a few maximum’s recorded with Richard Dalzell firing in a brace of 180’s, as was Jamie Dempster also with 2 x180’s, Michael Fergusson also on target with a maximum 180, fast games saw A Salisbury firing in a 19 darter, Roy Harris one dart better with a 18 dart game and a cracking shanghai on the twenties for a 120 take out.

Glenmuir 6-3 Bridgend (B)

Craighead 2-7 Cumnock Jnrs, Sammy Tonner with a maximum 180 and an 18 dart game.

Brewery Bar 7-2 Mauchline and once again maximum scores being recorded by Peter Malone with a brace of them, and also with a brace of 18 darters for a 26+ dart average and a cracking 108 take out just for good measure, Owen McNiven getting in on the action with a tidy 17 darter, Rab Kerr 19 dart game.

Next weeks action will see Bridgend (A) v New Cumnock B.C. Glenmuir v W.M.C.  Cumnock jnr’s v Bridgend (B) Mauchline v Craighead, Coach House v Brewery Bar.

 

 

2nd Nov, Bathgate Friday night league results in and it saw The Cross Tavern from Whitburn just edging out the Glen Mavis B.C (B) by the Taverner’s from Whitburn.

Kirknewton Innkeepers hosted the travelling Coppies team from Armadale and continued their good season with a fine 6-3 victory.

Glen Mavis B.C. (A) once again did not miss much with a superb 8-1 win over the Corrie bar from Armadale, some excellent games in this match up with Billy Meikle firing in a 19 darter, Marc Campbell also on target with a 19 dart game, Andy Thomson jnr two cracking legs games recording a 28+ dart average, Scott Baillie also with a couple of crackers 18&19 darters along with a classy 95 take out and a maximum 180. And in the doubles it saw Andy Thomson & Scott Baillie fire in a rock solid 15 darter.

 

A darting tale,

To my faithful reader, my apologies for a web site which was not updated for a week or so! However there was a good reason which was, my good lady and myself went off to sunnier climates which would not be a hard thing to do as we listen to the rain battering down outside at the moment, We went of to Crete for the Masters competition with four days of darts and the sun beating down it was paradise, now the man who had the idea of this fabulous event is Michael Vlassis and this man knows his stuff, fabulous venue 32 boards, and very well organised, he had players from throughout the Mediterranean entering along with players from main land Europe and of course the British Isles, so many top players and the one thing they all had in common was friendship, when someone made a good shot or checked out there were fist pumps and hand shakes, this without a doubt is the friendliest darts competition I have ever had the pleasure of playing in, and I will be back, The people we met were so friendly from the first night in Billy’s bar (6 dart boards) to the main event, a special mention must go to our friends Denise & Wayne Halliwell who are from Cyprus who introduced us to so many people and I can honestly say there were a few REAL characters amongst them, so if you get a chance to go to this tournament then I for one would be pencilling it in for next year, it is just to good to miss!

 

31st Oct, And yes back from  my travels it see’s the web site getting back up to date, so here ais the nes from the league matches for the past couple of weeks,

Players with maximum scores to record are, John Crossley, Colin Hamilton, Rex Brady, John Charleston all for the Volunteer Highway Men, Gordon Bruce with a brace of maximum scores for the Stirrup Stane Wanderers of Craigshill, Scott Bryson of the Almondale Pirates and team mate Kirk Gordon getting in on the action with a cracking 174 score recorded,  From two weeks ago we have Craig Agnew and John Milns firing in maximum 180 scores.

 

Fast games from the past two weeks action on the ockies has seen players firing in some pretty fast games and top of these are, East Calders Paul Weir with a cracking 14 dart game, John Crossley 15 darter, Scott Cameron with a brace of good legs finishing in 17&20 deadly arrows,John Charleston 18 dart game nice to hear that John is back playing in the league again after a couple of seasons out, John Brogan 18 dart game for the Loganlea Colliers, John Milns and Paul Weir both with 19 dart games.

 

Top finishing has had, Loganlee player Stuart Russell from the land that time forgot firing out on a cracking 105 game shot, Davie Black playing for the Commercial Juniors of West Calder cracking 98 take out, Gordon Bruce finishing a tidy 96 game shot, Alan McDonald of the dastardly infamous McDonald brothers with a 93 take out, Nice to hear that Brian Tosh McIntyre is playing well with a the Letham Bowlers finishing in style with a 93 game shot, Kirknewton Innkeepers player Jay Millar witha 87 kill shot, Scott Cameron for the Pirates of Craigshill with a rock solid 84 game shot as did Alan Gardener also with a 84 take out, F Lyle 82 take out on the bulls eye, And showing age is no barrier it has seen Stevie Duncan roll back the seasond finishing in style with an 82 game shot, Jack Stirling from the Inn on the hill Kirknewton rock solid 80 game shot, Peter Hastings 76 game shot for the Highway Men, Stevie Morton getting in on the action for the Flyers of East Calder with a 76 game shot.

 

Now some top doubles matches recorded saw the pairings of, John Crossley & Graeame Borland firing in two fast games of 15&17 darts, Colin Hamilton & John Charleston also with a 15 dart game, John Brogan & B Waters with a 20 darter for the Colliers of Loganlea.

 

Now the Championship League Results go like this, Kirknewton Innkeepers 6-3 Commercial Inn Juniors, Doo Club Fanciers 2-7 Letham Bowlers, Murray bar Crofters 5-4 Deans B.C. Golden Oldies, Tower bar Knights 5-4 Stirrup Stane Indians, Letham Bowlers 3-6 Kirknewton Innkeepers, Stirrup Stane Indians 7-2 Doo Club Fanciers, Commercial Inn Juniors 3-6 Murray bar Crofters, Deans B.C. Go;lden Oldies 5-4 Cawburn Steamers.

 

Bathgate Friday night league results from last Friday saw these scores on the door!

Glen Mavis B.C. (B) 5-4 Old Wine Store, top game coming from Mark Grimley with 17&19 dart legs.

Glen Mavis B.C. (A) 5-4 Kirknewton Innkeepers, few cracking games in this match up with, three players on the 180 trail and they were Andy Thomson, Scott Baillie and William Borland, fast legs came by way off, Andy Thomson 17 darter, Scott Baillie 17&19 darters.

Lammies bar Fauldhouse 3-6 Coppies bar Armadale.

This weeks matches have been rescheduled and it is league action with the singles comp now a week later, and the matches are,

Old Wine Store v Coppies B, Coppies A v Kirknewton Innkeepers, Cross Tavern v Glen Mavis B, Glen Mavis A v Corrie bar, Lammies A v Lammies B.

21st Oct, News from around the ockies,

The Inaugural Geordie Bird Memorial Trophy which was held in East Calder was won by Darren Beveridge from Broxburn. Winning in Irvine saw Kevin McKinney jnr taking the title at the Three Craws pub.

Also in the money this week end were four players from Ayrshire picking up cash prizes in the Turkish Open, Wullie Laird, Wullie Burns for the men, and for the Ladies it saw Margaret Fergusson and Karen Cruikshanks, well done to all these players.

 

15th Oct,

Results from the Dreghorn & District Monday night league which is sponsored by the Getfed takeaway in Irvine,

Crown Inn 3-7 Towerlands A, Alton B 10-0 Water Sports Club, Three Craws 1-9 Alton A, Towerlands B 4-6 Parks B.C.

 Brian Wallace with a 110 game shot, for the Alton A, Brian Wallace 18 darts, Chris Kirkpatrick 20 darts,

Dean McQuarrie 16 darter, Jamie Curran jnr 18 darts,

K McKinney 15-20 darts, P McGuiness 21 darts, J hall 19 darts.

 

15th Oct, And a Monday night report with a difference, the West Calder & District league now runs three competitions where there used to be just one, with Premier, Championship and Ladies all having their very own titles to play for, Hope the Treasurer has deep pockets as they now need three lots of winners and r/up trophies to buy! Unless it has become a money league! But if this helps bring players into the venue it’s a great idea as one thing all leagues need to do is keep the sponsor happy and so to the winners and runners up!

Premier League saw the Wanderers of Craigshill defeating the Volunteer Highway Men in their grand final, Champions Gordon Bruce, Gary Christie, John Miln’s and Mick Burke, Runners up were the team of John Crossley, Peter Hastings, Rex Brady and Graham Borland.

Championship league saw the Crofters from Polbeth defeating their other team in the grand final in an  A V B match up, Champions Craig Jack, Ryan Jack, Josh Jack and Ben Hart, runners up were, Calvin Fleming, R Craig, D Oswald and J Smith.

Ladies competition was also a one team final with the ladies of the Doo Club in East Calder toeing the ocky against each other, and it saw Leona Stewart, Daisy Heeps, Denise Bird and Kathy Henderson just edging out Babs Baillie, Karen Heeps, Avril Bird and Fiona Clark, to give the Doo Club a one two place in this the first running of this new competition.

Special mentions from the evening action on the ockies saw, Five players firing in maximum 180’s R Laurie, G Bird, C Agnew, G Christie, and G Bruce with a brace of 180’s,

 Now here is a cracker not just one but three players on target with 170 finishes this must be a first in any league with R Dick, D Aitken, B Forrest all rattling in the score called the Big Fish cracking game shots, a more modest game shot saw John Brogan with a an almost sedate 90 take out.

Thanks to League secretary for the information much appreciated.

 

Well done " The Crew " today ,,, what an amazing fight back from loosing the first 6 sets to winning 16-12 against a very good Renfrewshire team ,,, my personal memories are of Craig Abernethy grinding out a 3-2 win to get our first point on the board ,, young Brian Mccuaig winning 3-1 on his first outing for us ,, big Peter McPherson grinding out his 3-2 win then Stevie Smith doing exactly the same to bring us back to 6-4 down ,,, then in the ladies A at 3-0 down in sets Margaret Ferguson steps up to the mark with a cool 90 checkout on the bull to start the fight back once again for us ,, followed up by Laura Grant and Susanna McGimpsey wins to get us right back in the mix at 9-7 down ,,, and who will forget John Mccallum s first game for us ? ,, what a cracker ! ,, unfortunately John loosing out 4-3 to his former team-mate Garry Dee snr ,,, then at 11-8 down we had George Collumb grinding out his 4-1 victory ,,, Jim Mitchell s 153 checkout in his 4-0 victory ,,, Drew Callary,, our player of the day with 24.80 , and his 4-2 victory over Stevie Gormley to put us 13-12 in the lead ,,, big Darren Beautiman winning 4-1 in his first game back ,,, then Davie Irvine literally grinding out a 4-3 victory in his first ever game on a county stage and last but not least Michael Sheehan,,, 4-3 winner ,,, asking me while he was loosing 2-1 " how am I behind in this game " ,,, but as usual Mick just does what Mick usually does and comes from behind to win ,,,, but I have to say a massive thank you to ALL the players who came along today for Greater Glasgow ,,, whether you played or not you are ALL a very important part of this county ,,,, and on a side note can I just remind all of you that any decisions that are made by myself or any other committee member are for the greater good of Greater Glasgow Darts ,,, on my part there is NEVER anything personal between decisions that have to be made ,, it's all for the good of our county
Thanks again everybody for such a memorable day
Mon The Crew ��

 

11th Oct, And action from the Greater Glasgow Premier league these matches are from four person teams and each player plays all the players in the opposing team so the format is 16 x 601 all legs to be played as each leg is worth a point! So with ten teams in the league here are last nights scores once the chalk dust had settled, and there were some real tough battles on the ocky as only 5 points separated the top five teams,

Pockets 4-12 Neil’s, Ashfield 6-10 Joe McWoods, Eagle 7-9 Hello, Fairfield’s 10-6 Wee Crew, W.D’S 140 10-6 Bridge.

League Tables are on the Glasgow Premier League page. 

 

8th Oct, Dreghorn Monday night league results,

Water Sports Club 0-10 Alton ‘A’, Towerlands ‘A’ 4-6 Three Craws,

R& A Sports Club 6-4 Crown Inn, Irvine Bowling Club 3-7 Sports Bar,

Alton ‘B’ 9-1 Towerlands ‘B’.

 

Top action from the ockies of the league saw players firing in maximums and they were, Liam Dean, Kevin McInrue all with 180’s, players fifing in a brace of 180’s were Jamie Curran, Kevin McKinney jnr also with a brace of maximums, Also joining them with 2x180’s G Coulter,

 

Fast legs saw, Saw a 14 darter from G Coulter he also fired in a rock solid 21 darter for good measure, Jamie Curran with the second fastest recorded game of the night a cracking 15 dart game, Kevin McKinney jnr one dart more with a 16 & 21 dart games, John Hall with a 16 darter, Jim Law 17 darter, Bernard Price & Ronnie Sharp 18 darter, John McLauchlan & Andy Stewart both with 19 dart legs, Jim Thomson 20 dart game, Jim Mitchell 20 darter, William Laird 20 darter, Ian McCudden 20 darter, Kevin McInrue 20 dart game, and last but not least Robert Thornton with a 20 darter,

Top finishing power had Bernard Price with a superb 157 take out, Jamie Curran 106 game shot, G Coulter 102 take out.

 

7th Oct, Saw the Mick McMoran memorial singles which was held in Dreghorn at the Crown Inn which saw some top darting talent on show who came to try and win this prestige’s title with players from the top echelons of both the BDO & PDC in action however there can be only one winner and it was the man they call the X Factor Mr Andy Boulton who took the title from Graham Fergusson in a cracking final, in the Ladies competition it saw Tricia Winton Queen just losing out in a cracking final by the odd leg in five with Hannah Bell taking the title with a 3-2 win, Congratulations to all four finalists but especially to Hannah and Andy who did what no other person did all day they hit more doubles!

 7th Oct, Jay Millar from Kirknewton was in action with the Scotland team down in England for the Deaf darts championships, where it saw England top the group with 25 points, Scotland 22 points and Wales with 15 points, Jay did both his team and himself proud over the week ends competitions with a record of playing 21 matches winning a superb 18 of them,  The top team from the week end saw Reading the defending and obviously reigning champions defeating Pontypridd from Wales in the Grand Final by 5 games to 2

 

7th Oct, William Borland winning in the New Pheasant open singles in Haddington, John Miln’s making it through to the semi finals, however no other information is available at this time!

 

6th Oct, it saw the start of the New Cumnock league in Ayrshire and it saw Margaret Fergusson keeping Jim Mitchell firing in a rock solid 17 dart game in their league match.

 

5th Oct, And action from the Friday night Bathgate & District darts league saw some excellent performances from the leagues top darts stars, the Newly crowned Glen Mavis Bowling club A team were up against there team mates the Glen Mavis B team, and it saw the A winning convincingly by a score line of 8 games to 1. Top action saw William Borland finishing his match in 18&20 arrows, Darren Beveridge got in on the action with 17&19 darts plus a cracking 174 score, Andy Thomson jnr also on fire with two excellent legs finished in 17 & 14 which was the fastest recorded in the league on Friday night, Maximum hitters from the match up saw Jamie Banks jnr & Scott Baillie both fire in 180’s. In the doubles it had Callum Cockburn & Darren Beveridge fire in a rock solid 19 dart game, Scott Baillie & Andy Thomson just one dart further back with a 20 darter.

The Corrie B team saw the travelling Coppies B team just a tad to hot to handle and fell 3 games to 6, top scores from this match up saw the old man of Armadale darts the evergreen Micky Burke firing in a solid 20 dart game with a 85 take out, Big Andy Pagget getting in on the action with a an excellent 85 take out, Stevie Glover in with a 74 game shot,  another player in top form was John Brogan  recording a maximum 180 and 19 dart game,

Kirknewton Innkeepers hosted the travelling Coppies A team but it was the home side who claimed the points with a fine display of good team play winning 7 games to 2, getting in on the action were, Gary Christie with a maximum 180, Ian, Ian Fairley with a 174 score, in the doubles it saw  John Miln’s keeping his good form of late going when he partnered up with Gary Christie recording 18&16 darters, Rab Dick & Graeme Bird went even better firing in a cracking 15 darter the fastest recorded doubles match from the league on the night.

 

5th Oct, Wishing Jay Millar from the Kirknewton Innkeepers team all the very best for this week end, when he plays in the International Deaf Darts competitions down South of the border in Bicester in Oxfordshire, enjoy and do your self proud.

 

4th Oct, Sad news indeed, have heard that one of our own Michael Conway known by many as the nickname of the Craigshill Jacket, has sadly passed away, Michael played in the league for many seasons and will be sadly missed by his friends and team mates, the funeral is on 11th October at the Livingston Crematorium at 4pm, then back to the Tower , and hopefully there will be a good few glasses raised in Michaels memory, sad news indeed.

28th Sept, And the Bathgate Friday night league started their season with the Annual K.O. Cup competition, and it saw the Glen Mavis Bowling Club from Bathgate claiming the first silver wear of the season, Defeating Coppie's bar of Armadale  in the grand final.

25th Sept, And here is a player worth mentioning, playing in the Ballroom Tuesday night league where the format is 10x501 all legs to be played it saw Andrew Davidson firing in 5x180's, along with game shots of 145-118-108 and games finished in double quick time 12-14-15-15 darts excellent marksmanship from this Edinburgh player.

 

RESULTS 24/9/18

Monday night and some terrific action on the ockies around the league, many players strutting their stuff and here for those that may be interested are our maximum hitters, Scott Baker for the Rebellious ones of West Calder with a brace of 180’s excellent shooting from the reigning league Champion of Champions, From the Knights out of the Tower bar of Craigshill we have J Gallaway rattling the treble twenty bed for a maximum 180, Up on the hill it has William Millar on target with a 180 score for the Innkeepers of Kirknewton, Commercial Inn Nomads player Rab Dick also on target with a 180, a new name to the league list of big hitters is John Crossley for the Highway Men with a maximum 180, Jason Rae of the Commercial Inn Juniors rattling the red lipstick with a maximum 180, And lets not forget Old Man Mick Burke of the Wanderers who play out of the Stirrup Stane on target also recording a 180, John Gardener from the Innkeepers on target with a superb 177 score to get into the Maximum hitters league table, remembering readers any score from 171-180 counts a maximum!

Finishing in style last night we had, Graeme Bird and Bunny Forrest both ton plus finishes for the Nomads of West Calder the Bird man with a 116 take out and Bunny with a rock solid 100 game shot, Wullie Jack for the Almondale Pirates with a 76 take out, two players from the Tower bar Knights with rock solid finishes were Joe Devlin 80 game shot and Stevie Duncan with a 90 kill shot, Golden Oldies player the man with impeccable taste in linen/gingham wear oops I mean shirts yes Matt Purdie getting in on the action with 103 & 78 take outs always nice to hear about the old guys still finishing well!

Fast games and we have, John Crossley with 17&19 darters for the Highway Men of Uphall, William Millar and John Sandison both recording 19 darters, and Brian Mairs the quiet man of the league with a solid 20 darter, now there must have been more but that is all that has been reported so far, However some top doubles action and firing in fast games were, John Crossley & Colin Hamilton 17 darter, Roy Anderson & Bunny Forrest with a 18 darter, Derek Carmichael & Wullie Jack 18 dart game, Stevie Scott & Colin Robertson 20 darter.

 

17th Sept, Start of the W.C.D.D.L. Monday night league and some real tough tussles on the ockies of the league venues and here are some of the scores, that have been reported by your league secretary Connie Bamburry.

 

The Steamers under Gerry Hughes leadership just losing out in a close encounter to the Stirrup Stane Indians of Craigshill by the odd game in 9 score  4-5 to The Fat Controller Fred Hamilton’s Indian Braves who I am sure will still be dancing round the camp fires celebrating their Winning victory dance.

 

Murray bar Crofters from Polbeth hosted the travelling Tower bar Knights of Craigshill and once again almost nothing between the two teams with only the odd game in nine separating these stalwart teams of the Monday night league 5-4 to the Polbeth Crofters, nice to see the Crofters back in the league after their venue shut last season no one wants a pub/shop to close, best wishes for the season to come.

 

Up on the hill of Kirknewton it saw the Innkeepers firing out their intentions for the coming season under the leadership of Stevie Edwards with a cracking 7-2 win over the Doo Club Fanciers of East Calder.

 

Letham Bowling club a new team in the league and it looks like they have been christened the Bowler’s, v the Golden Oldies from the Deans Bowling club this tussle between the Bowling clubs go the way of the Golden Oldies from Deans who came away with a 7-2 victory, top game from this match up saw Big Geordie Dryburgh with a superb 15 darter.

 

17th Sept, Dreghorn & District league saw Monday night action taking place across the area and it saw the two, Alton teams fighting out a 5-5 draw in a match which swung one way then the other! David Tennant with a cracking 14 darter and adding a maximum 180 for good measure, also with fast games were Kevin McKinney jnr two fast games with rock solid 17&21 dart legs, Robert Steveley also with another quick game recording a 19darter.

 

Towerlands ‘B’ were up against the 3 Craws and it went down the wire but it was the Craws team who claimed the victory with a last doubles win to record a 6-4 win.

 

Irvine Park B.C. Hosted the travelling Towerlands ‘A’ and it was the visitors who took to the ocky running with a 6 -1 lead in the singles the doubles then saw the Bowlers rally taking the first two matches and unlucky not to take the third so final score 7-3 to the Towerlands ‘A’ some top shots from the nights action saw, Stuart Lusby with a cracking 17 darter, Ronnie Sharp with a brace of fast legs finishing in 18&19 darts, Jim Mitchell with 18&20 darters, Big Neilie Campbell with the top finish of the night with a 114 game shot.

 

Water Sports Club v R & A Sports bar, and it saw the R&A Sports bar taking a 5-2 lead in the singles which had Tricia Winton Queen & Janice Spoors winning for the home team, the R&A  making sure of the points with the first two doubles matches final score was Water Sports Club 2 R&A Sports bar 8.

 

Sports bar v The Crown, and some tremendous arrows thrown in this league match, with Jim McEwan leading the way with a cracking 13 darter plus a wee maximum 180 as well, Andy Stewart firing in a 16 dart game, and then there were a brace of 17 darters from Graham Fergusson and Jamie Curran, Kevin McInrue jnr with a solid 18 darter and Jamie Curran also with a 20 darter to follow his 17 dart game, Stephan Baird and Sid Curran taking singles matches fro the travelling Crown team, however the Sports bar did the treble in the doubles! And came away with a cracking 8-2 victory.

 

 

16th Sept, And all roads led to the Glen Mavis Bowling club in Bathgate for an open Men’s & Ladies darts singles competition, Now this event was jointly organised by obviously the Glen Mavis B.C. & Darts Scotland Mr Ted McMillan, and master of ceremonies for the day saw the one and only Liz McLean at the control desk, and with three dart boards in use in the function suite for the men it saw some tremendous arrows being thrown, now there can be only one winner and it saw Broxburn’s big hitter Darren Beveridge turning on the style and defeating East Calder’s William Borland in a superb final with Darren winning 6 games to 2, just losing out in the semi finals were Darren Gray & John Miln’s from Livingston, all four players receiving prize monies, the Ladies event which was played separately in the Lounge bar in a round robin event which  saw some excellent arrows thrown and it came down to the final match before a winner could be crowned, and it was Mary Clark of Kirknewton who edged out Gillian Mitchell from Livingston in a high scoring match up which saw Mary taking the title, both ladies receiving monetary prizes for their endeavour’s, couple of snippets from the days action that I know off were, Fastest  game a cracking 13 darter by Chris McCall (there may have been better but no one told me!) John Miln’s perhaps the best three throws of the day, with a maximum 180 and then game shot followed by another maximum 180 to start the next leg nice throwing, now these events can not happen with out a lot of hard work and the Thomson family of Senior & Junior did an excellent job of setting up the venue and putting up the match boards also to the staff behind the bar for keeping everyone supplied with the amber nectar and of course the Ted & Liz for their hard work, and to all who turned up and there were many local and not so ,local players in the draw, fingers crossed will see you all at the ocky in the near future! Or perhaps the bar?

  

 

13th Sept, Well start of a brand new league campaign for my-self last night in the Greater Glasgow Premier league, under the watchful eye of Jim Duncan who must be one of the hardest working committee men in the country, in early mornings setting up boards and putting ockies down a committee persons work is never done! And with Our Wullie otherwise known as William Laird taking pity on me and letting me join his team of the Fairfield, and last night it saw Willie Laird, Katie Tierney , Graham Fergusson and myself up against the team of Joe McWoods, these league matches are 4 person teams with every one playing the everyone else in the opposing team, so 16 legs of 601 are played and every leg won is a point, last night it saw Joe McWoods  make a superb start and at 1-5 down it looked bleak for the Fairfield team however things can change and in the end a 7-9 loss was perhaps better than it looked early doors, have put out the top matches from the nights actions on the ockies and there are five boards in use throughout the night, Some tremendous dart thrown but without a doubt Gerry Greenwood’s fabulous 14 darter will take some beating scores of 95-140-180-140-46 g.s. now that's a game of arrows!

Facts and stats from last nights games in Glasgow are on the brand new Greater Glasgoe Premier league page! 

 

10th Sept, And so it begins, YES the start of another season of top darting action from the West Calder & District darts league on a Monday night, and as usual it was the 7 person K.O. Cup that kicks starts the season, and as I am now a neutral observer here is what I have been told!

The final of the Cup was played between the top two teams from the league last season and this time the placings were reversed as the Nomads from the Commercial Inn of West Calder notoriety under the leadership of John Bruton took the title for the second consecutive season from last seasons Premier league champions the Volunteer Highway Men from Uphall, So first blood of the season goes to the Commercial Inn Nomads congratulations winning the event twice is no mean feat, also congratulations to the runners up cant have a final without two cracking teams in it so I am sure the Highway Men will be out for revenge once the league season gets under way, should be some cracking tussles between these two great rivals, and let us not forget the other teams in the league some tremendous dart players out there amongst a lot of very good teams.

Some statistics from the evenings entertainment saw, Maximum scores being recorded by none other than, Stuart Russell from the land that time almost forgot Loganlea/Addiewell with a brace of 180’s, Sandy Coulter & Bunny Forrest both rattling the red lipstick as well recording 180’s,

Top finishes came by way of, Commercial Inn Nomads players Jamie Fleming and Graeme Bird both with superb 144 game shots, Stuart Russell from the Loganlea Colliers showing its just not maximum 180 he can hit firing out on a 111 game shot, and joining them on the ton plus finishes was the old man from Armadale Mickey Burke with a rock solid 104 take out, (wonder what time he had to be back in for, before his carer got worried!)And put out an AWOL on him!

So Champions Commercial Inn Nomads, J Bruton, J Fleming, G Bird, R Dick, B Forrest, J Brett, J Quinn, R Anderson.

Runners/ Up Volunteer Highway Men, S Scott, M Deegan, C Robertson, C Hamilton, R Brady, P Hastings, G Borland, J Charleston.

 

8th Sept  Kirknewton’s Jay Millar who will represent Scotland later on in the year was in action yesterday in the Deaf association darts competitions which were held in Edinburgh, In the Triples Jay and his team of Graham Duff & Scott Reid lost out in the semi finals and it was also the same in the singles competition for Jay, though he was on fire rattling the red lipstick with ease and recording 3x180’s along with some excellent finishing power with game shots of 103-117-125 and a 127, cracking darts in any competition, In the Grand Final of the triples it saw The team from Fife defeat Glasgow A in the final, and in the singles it was Charlie Keith from Aberdeen who defeated Glasgow’s Steven McGeouch in the final.

 

8th Sept, And on Saturday the Kirknewton Inn held a Open  Doubles competition and players from central Scotland all converged at the Inn on the hill, From North Berwick in East Lothian, Whitburn in the West and from Stirling in the North, some top double partnerships made the journey to try and annex the title, Once the quarter finals were in place we had William Wilson & John Miln’s bt Andrew Davidson & Darren Gray, Stevie Scott & Jim Mitchell bt Ian Stevenson & Stevie Morrans, William Borland & Andy Thomson bt Gayle Maxwell & Lewis Lyle, Ian Butler & Gary Higgins bt Arron Russell & George Caruthers, and so to the semi finals and with the four remaining teams all with an eye on the main prize there were some superb arrows thrown and the format the best of 11x501, The first semi final saw William Borland & Andy Thomson 6-0 Ian Butler & Gary Higgins, Stevie Scott & Jim Mitchell 6-3 William Wilson & John Miln’s, and so to the grand final which was a best of 13x501 encounter, and what a match this was with all 13 legs being played the eventual winners were William Borland & Andy Thomson who in this intense encounter only took the lead on one occasion and that was when they finished on double 8 to take the title from Stevie Scott & Jim Mitchell who had missed two darts at a double to win it themselves, Superb match 7-6 the final score, William And Andy between them have a combined age of 44, while there opponents Stevie & Jim are a tad older with a combined age of 118, which goes to show that in this fabulous sport of ours age does not matter, as long as you have the commitment and drive to keep on competing! Now couple of special mentions must go to master of ceremonies Mr Rab Dick of Kirknewton who masterminded this event, Mr Stevie Edwards who marked both semi finals and final which was much appreciated, and let us not forget our celebrity caller. Referee for the final Mr Andrew Davidson of Edinburgh, and once again the main sponsors the Kirknewton Inn & local joinery company Graham Piercy Joinery, many thanks.

Break down of the prize fund went like this, Champions £180, R/up £120, S/f £50, Q/f £20

 

6th Sept, Report from the Glasgow Premier league Chairman (Neilie Campbell) which held an £500 tournament in the Fairfield club in Govan on Thursday night, superb turn out from Greater Glasgow county players and Premier league players, this event was sponsored by Jim Duncan, tonight was probably  the most evenly contested singles tournament I have seen in many years and the standard was exceptionally high and it certainly gives me great encouragement for the coming county season to see so many established players and potential county players showing off their skills tonight, good luck everybody for the coming season and thank you, not only for turning out tonight, but for making it a fantastic night of wonderful darts and great sportsmanship, the two semi finals were closely contested by Jim Mitchell v Darren Wilson which Darren ran out a 3-1 winner , the other semi final was between Brian Tennant and George the Czech with Brian running out a 3-1 winner also, the final was played on the county stage and turned out to be a cracker, against the darts Darren took the first leg in 21 darts then Brian took the lead by throwing back to back 17 darters , Darren came back level with a 17 hitting a 177 in that leg then Brian took the lead with an 18 darter only for Darren to level it at 3-3 with another 18 dart leg, Brian took control of the final leg with scores of 100,95,140 then a 134 to leave his favourite double 16, Brian finished this leg in 18 darts with Darren not far behind, a first class final to round off a brilliant night of darts, congratulations BT, a worthy winner, Brian Tennant 28.62 dart average, Darren Wilson 28.34 dart average. And from myself (Jim M) cracking night of darts and when I first went in found the very hard working Jim Duncan setting up boards etc, and he made me very welcome, and even escorted me to the bar for a pint much appreciated, the only thing I never quite got the hang of was the person who was singing the shark song!!! Can’t remember anyone putting the juke box on! And yes Willie Laird had an official carer with him to make sure he got home safely!

 

3rd Sept, And a brand new adventure started last night for Jim & Gillian Mitchell, as they have joined the Towerlands Sports club in Irvine for darts on a Monday night, And making us very welcome was the one and only Mr William Laird and his carer for the evening Katie! as did the rest of the team once we were introduced, Unfortunately we did not get quite of to a winning start but it was close! K.O. Cup format , 7 singles best of 3x501 in each match and two boards on the go at the same time, so Neil Campbell & Brian Johnston both lost 2-1 after both being 1-0 up, however William Laird & Jim Mitchell then levelled the score both winning 2-0, so now only three games remaining, and things were getting hot! Ronnie Sharp then put us ahead, but Margaret Ferguson lost out in tight game 2-1 , and so it was last game decider and it saw Neil Barr losing out by 2 games to 1, so a loss 3-4 but a good match played in good spirit and handshakes all round afterwards they way it should be, so the Alton team went on to win the title, and with Gillian now talked into signing along with myself it has a good mix with Katie, Margaret and Gillian in the team to keep us guys on the straight and narrow (some hope) looking forward to the season ahead. See you at the ocky next week or perhaps the bar!

31st Nov,Jan Leggat Open on the 24th November this year still has places available, also if your name is down on the list of players and you cant make it could you please let me know if you are attending or if not available, this event is capped at 64 Men players, Ladies entry is still open, Just let leave a message in the guest book and I will amend entry forms! cheers.

 

30th Aug, Wow what a way to finish the Thursday night Doubles League which was sponsored by the Cawburn Sports bar in Pumpherston,

A superb night of darting action across the ockies, and with the championship still not quite settled as there were matches which could change where the title would go! But apart from that here are some facts from last night’s games, receiving monetary awards saw envelopes being handed out to William Borland of East Calder with the highest game shot a superb 157 take out, Fastest singles game and there were numerous 15 & 16 darters but only one 14 darter and that went to Scott Baillie from Armadale, In the doubles category it was the team of Gordon Bruce & John Miln’s with a superb 12 darter who picked up an envelope!  And then there were some special mentions and first up it saw two ladies who certainly made their mark winning many games for their respective doubles partners, Amanda Millar & Jessica Campbell who were given a standing ovation by the rest of the league players,

Now the top four teams all received prize money, and here are the teams and their points gained from the 13 matches each team had to play,

Champions Andy Thomson & Scott Baillie £140 (89 points) runners up William Borland & Jamie Banks £90 (83 points) third place Gordon Bruce & John Miln’s £50 (82 points) fourth place Rex Brady & Graham Borland £30 (78 points) and to the rest of the league and with every leg won in each match worth a point there were no teams with out points!

William Wilson & Stevie Duncan (71 points) John Sandison & Grant Lyle (69 points) Kirk Gordon & Paul Gausden ( 55 points) Billy Stirling & Jack Stirling (49 points) Amanda Millar & William Millar (49 points)Ian Baker & Jimbo McMillan (36 points) Mark Lee & Gerry Hughes (31 points)Jessica Campbell & Jay Millar (28 points)Mark Hopkinson & Ronan or Gillian! Substitute (16 points) and one with draw. And that ladies and gents is the final league placings,

Now on the night some top scores recorded by Jay Millar rock solid 102 game shot, Gerry Hughes with a classy 109 game shot,  Scott Baillie 120 take out, William Wilson nice maximum on the treble nineteen’s a cracking 171 score, Scott Baillie maximum 180 to add to his collection! Couple of fast doubles games and it saw Stevie Duncan & William Wilson with a terrific 13 darter, Scott Baillie & Andy Thomson 15 darter Scott also with 19 darter in the singles,

So with this being my penultimate darts competition that I am running in the area can I say many thanks to all who have taken the time to thank me personally and also to our sponsor Malky Cowan who has been sponsoring darts in the area for a good while now and it is much appreciated Thank you.

20th Aug, URGENT APPEAL PLEASE

Players in the Thursday night league, we have only two weeks left to go, and a small problem has arisen, One team has had to pull out so adjustments have been made to the league tables, also one other team can not make the last/ final week, so If you can be in the venue early I will get matches going a.s.a.p. simple folks lots of games to get though and your help is needed, I did say at the beginning of this short 6 week league if you missed one match not a problem catch ups could be played however missing two weeks causes a serious back log, So players if at all possible PLEASE CAN YOU TURN UP EARLY SO WE CAN TRY AND START SOME MATCHES AT 7PM, Other wise the final week may take us into the early hours of the morning to get this league finished, and none of us want that do we! 

 

17th Aug, And Friday saw the finals night for the Bathgate Summer league singles which was held in Coppies bar Armadale, The last four players left standing saw, Mick Burke defeating Colin Maxwell in the first semi final, second semi final saw John McKie (Nodge) ending the hopes of Willie Wilson, and so to the grand final and it saw Mick Burke coming away with a 5-2 win over John McKie in a cracking final, On the night Colin Maxwell  a former West Lothian county ‘A’ player had the privilidge of picking up £25 for the fastest game of the league a superb 12 darter,  and once again finishing in style it saw John Miln’s who has been consistently finishing on the big numbers this season receiving  £25 for a cracking 153 take out the highest finish in the league, Willie Wilson & Colin Maxwell received £50 each for their run to the semi finals, John McKie receiving £100 for the runners up position and Mick Burke who had been quiet on the ocky of late reclaiming his place as Armadale’s number one top arrow smith picking up a cool £150 for winning the competition and becoming Bathgate Summer League Champion for 2018. Players who lost out in the quarter finals also receiving prize monies were, Rab Nelson, Peter Laverty, Kevin McMahon and Scott Baillie. Many thanks to John Watson for providing sponsorship for this event to take place and to the committee of Danny Kirkland, Colin Maxwell and Stevie Duncan for running this event.

 

13th Aug, Congratulations to Gordon (THE) Bruce on winning the Stirrup Stane Summer league, defeating John Miln’s in the grand final, Quarter final scores went like this, Colin Kelly 5-3 Brian McIntyre, Gary Christie 5-4 Frank Begley, Gordon Bruce 5-0 Craig Agnew, John Miln’s 5-2 Sandy Coulter, and so to the final four and results went like this, John Miln’s 6-1 Gary Christie, Gordon Bruce 6-1 Colin Kelly, and in the last match of the summer league held in the Stirrup Stane in Craigshill it saw Gordon Bruce claiming the title by a score line of 7-2 over John Miln’s. Some top action from the evenings play saw, Gary Christie fire in a brace of maximum 180’s, and a 18 darter, John Miln’s 1x180, 85 take out and three fast games of 16-16-19 darts, Gordon Bruce though missed very little and fired in 8 sub 20 dart games these being 16-16-17-17-18-18-19-20 and a couple of rock solid finishes of 106 & 78. Champion Gordon Bruce, r/up John Miln’s.

 

13th Aug, Friday the 17th August will see the Grand Final of the Coppies bar Summer league take place in Coppies bar-Armadale, players in the hunt for the title are none other than, couple of play-offs first and these are John Miln’s v Mick Burke, Colin Maxwell v Russell Morton, the winners will join Peter Laverty, Wullie Wilson, Kevin McMahon, Rab Nelson, Scott Baillie, Nodge other wise known as Mr John McKie ( this web sites sponsor with out this man the web site would have disappeared so for those that read this site you owe him a debt of gratitude) Play commencing at 7-30 pm.

 

10th Aug, Other news of interest saw Graeme Bird from East Calder rattling in three excellent finishes in the Murrayfield Sports bar in Edinburgh with game shots of 140-131-129 and a cracking 12 darter as well.

 

6th Aug, Polite reminder players from the Commercial Inn Summer league in West Calder, Next Monday is the final qualifying night for matches before the Grand Final the following week so if you have outstanding games could you please try and be there as the organiser James Banks is trying to finalise the league placings t.y.

Monday night saw a flyer held after the games played saw Jim Mitchell beating Scott Baker 3-1 in the final, losing s/f were Craig Forrest and John Bruton.

 

30th July, Action from the Commercial Inn of West Calder, saw some cracking action taking place on the match boards, Maximum hitters had, Harthill’s Jim Quinn firing in two excellent maximum scores of 180 and following that up with a 177 score top shooting from Harthill’s top arrow smith,  The Man from Breich John Somerville rattling the red lipstick with a maximum 180, West Calder’s Scott Baker the W.C.D.D.L. Monday nights league Champion of Champion winner firing in a maximum 180, Polbeths Hit-Man Davie Aitken two cracking scores of 180 & 177, Big Finishes and leading the way with a superb 140 take out is Jamie Fleming via 60-60-20 hard one to beat so it may well be the check out of the league come end of the season! Scott Baker 91 game shot, Jamie Banks jnr 87 take out and John Somerville rock solid two dart 80 take out, Fast games which need to be 20 darts or less saw David Aitken with four excellent games of 16 and a three 19 dart games, Jim Mitchell 16 7 17 dart games, Jim Quinn 17-19-20 darters, Jamie Banks 17 darter, Craig Forrest 18 darter.

And yes it happened commentators curse did strike as Bunny Forrest who had not dropped a leg in the previous four weeks of action lost out to Jamie Fleming though I do think the 140 kill shot of Jamie’s may have had something to do with it!

 

30th July, Stirrup Stane action from Big Daddy Frank Begley’s summer league has seen the chasing pack all making head way towards the top of the league with only 5 points between the top four players, this week we had Gordon (THE) Bruce firing out a brace of maximum 180’s to keep himself still at the top of the league by one point with Gary Christie just that solitary point adrift, Frank Begley cracking 171 score, the Outlaw Colin Kelly with top finish of the evenings play with a 102 take out, and once again John Miln’s with yet another 100 finish think that’s his fifth in the summer league! Gordon with a 17 dart game and a 20 darter plus a tidy 76 take out, Gary Christie 18 & 19 darters, Craig (CAPA) Agnew also with 18 & 19 darters, John Miln’s 19 darter.

 

On behalf of the local dart players in the area I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to Andy & Laura on their engagement, Photo was taken earlier at their engagement party in Armadale, smashing couple and I know from all of us in the league we wish them a wonderful journey in life together.

 

26th July, the Ballroom Tuesday night league has now been updated by George (Podge) Carruthers, and the league tables adjusted as one or two players have dropped out! Bit of work there for our organiser as we are into the 6th week I believe, anyway they are now on the Summer league page table for your perusal if you are so inclined!

Ryan Murray sits top of his league with a very impressive record played 11 won 11 and with every leg having to be played he has won 102 and lost only 8 superb marksmanship, Paul Campbell sits in second place with 11 points though he does have  4 games in hand but it looks like major catastrophe would have to happen for Ryan to lose top spot!

 Greg Ritchie sits proudly on top of his league with 8 wins from 8 matches played and also has a top legs for advantage having won 63 and lost only 17, Andrew Wheelans is in second place with 14 points but has played one more match and Ian Butler another 2 points behind in third place with 12 points,

League 3 has Jim Mitchell won 9 lost 1 with a leg difference of won 92 lost 8, but right behind him only one point adrift is George Carruthers who sits on 17 points, and though only with 12 points Garry Higgins is on 12 points but he has games in hand so lots can change in this league as well,

Top finish in the league so far goes to that man Murray again with a fantastic 170 take out, just behind him are two players with 160 game shots, Kenny Murray and Josh Callaghan, Top of the maximum scores is Ryan Murray with 20 x180’s recorded, Greg Ritchie with 9 x 180’s and then rest of us mortals tag along behind with sixes and fives etc!

Fastest game recorded so far is a tidy 11 darter from Jim Mitchell, though just one arrow behind are Gary Higgins and Ryan Murray who have both registered 12 darters, lots of 13 through to 15 dart games from the chasing pack, but lots still to play for before this league season ends, see you next week on the ocky!

25th July, The evergreen Bunny Forrest from Ratho who plays for John Bruton's Commercial Inn-Nomads from West Calder is now the only undefeated player from the Summer leagues that are ongoing through out the area, hopefully this is not the infamous (commentators curse!)

 

23rd July, Stirrup Stane action from the summer league which is held up in the hill of Craigshill Livingston under the watchful eye of Big Daddy Frank Begley, and it saw Gary Christie and Sandy Coulter hitting the maximum 180 trail both registering 180’s, the man called the Outlaw yes Colin Kelly getting in on the action with a cracking 171 score, Fast games coming by way of Arran Edwards with a superb 14 darter followed by a 19 darter, Gary Christie with 15 & 17 dart games, John Miln’s with a brace of 17 darters, Craig Agnew 17 darter, Sandy Coulter 18 dart game, Top finishing was recorded by Craig Agnew with a 83 game shot, Arran Edwards with an 82 take out, John Miln’s rock solid 76 game shot.

Top of the league has two players now opening up a from the chasing pack and it has Gordon Bruce with 31 points  & Gary Christie sitting in second place with  28 points, Arran Edwards and John Miln’s both sit on 23 points though Arran Edwards does have a couple of games in hand so all could change next week once the action recommences on the ockies at the Stirrup Stane.

 

16th July, Report from the hill of Craigshill, with Big Daddy has the Stirrup Stane summer league in full flight, On the maximum trail it saw Gary Christie firing in a brace of 180’s , Gordon Bruce also with a brace of maximums and joining them was Frank Crook who also rattled the treble twenty bed in style with a 180, Also with a huge score was John Mil’s with a cracking 177 score which joins the maximum league table as we treat any score from 171-180 as a maximum, Fastest game of the night a cracking 14 darter from our League Mascot Melman ok Gary Christie for those who did not realize we had a mascot!, Gordon Bruce firing  in four fast games which were 16-16-17-18 darts, John Miln’s 16 & 20 dart games, and joining him with a 16 darter was Sandy Coulter, Top finish of the night went to that man again John Miln‘s with a rock solid 100 take out which joins his other two superb ton plus finishes from last week on the high check out stats for the leagues.

 

16th July, Monday night report by James Banks snr, from the Commercial Inn of West Calder,  Maximum hitters from the evenings matches had Scott Baker of West Calder, Bunny Forrest of Ratho infamy!, both firing in maximum 180’s Jim Mitchell from Livingston on target with a 171 via the nineteen’s route, Players with top finishing  power were none other than, Jamie Fleming with a rock solid 101 take out, Jim Purse 87 kill shot, Scott Baker 85 take out, Jim Mitchell 84 game shot, Jamie Banks 80 & 74 take outs, Some fast games and recording these were, Scott Baker with a cracking 15 darter, David Aitken from Polbeth 16 darter, Roy Anderson two fast games of 18 & 20 arrows, Jamie Banks firing in a 17 darter, Mitchell with 19 & 20 dart games.

 

14th July, Bo’Ness and the Crown Inn , this was a venue for the Red Dragon Open qualifier Singles event, players having to register with Red Dragon before entering and  with the winner on the day heading down to Cardiff for the Grand Final later in the year, this competition attracted top players from all over Scotland and was run the old fashioned way best of 3x501 just like the News of the World competition many years ago, you really need to be on your game from the first arrow thrown to win these events, and it saw professional played from the P.D.C. Robert Thornton from Ayrshire take the title on the day and the opportunity to now go to Cardiff and win the main event. Local players doing well were, Scott Baillie from Armadale who just fell at the semi final stage, Andy Thomson from Bathgate losing out in the quarter finals to Scott Bailie, William Borland losing out one stage further back in the last 16 to the eventual champion on the day Robert Thornton.

 

5th July, The Tuesday night league held in the Ballroom AT Jock’s Lodge in Edinburgh league tables now updated, few call off’s on Tuesday night but with the start of the holiday fairs it was to be expected, however George Carruthers our master of ceromonies got as many games as possible played so fingers crossed he will be inundated with players next week, league table are now updated, along with fast games checkouts etc.

 

2nd July, Summer league being held in the Stirrup Stane in Craigshill saw some top finishing from the players participating,  Craig Agnew leading the way with two cracking finishes of 100 & 84 take outs, Brian Tosh McIntyre rock solid 88 game shot, Colin Kelly also in on the action with 90 & 72 game shots, firing in fast games were, Arry Edwards with 16-17-18 darters, Gordon Bruce also on target 15-17-18-19 dart games, Stevie Scott 19 darter, couple of top scores and these belonged to Gordon Bruce with a maximum 180 and Stevie Scott with a cracking 171 on the nineteen’s.

 

30th June, News form  Saturday tournament held in the Cairn in Alva, Few local league players making their way to this tournament, which is played in group stages then to  K.O. if your lucky enough to have made it to the last 16, Jamie Banks from West Calder went out in the group rounds where you have to play all the players in your section then the top 2 go to final,  Armadale’s’ Scott Baillie leaving the comp at the last 16 stage, One of Whitburn’s favourite  darting son’s Callum Wilkinson falling in the last 8, and Our last man standing was Bathgate’s Andy Thomson jnr who lost out to John Goldie in the grand final 1-5. Andy on the day was playing superbly well firing in 4x180’s along with 10 games finished in 18 darts or less with three of them being 15 darters, along with a couple of excellent game shots of 80 & 108. If anyone has other scores of note please drop me a line and they will be updated cheers Jim M.

 

25th June, And yes the Summer leagues have started to be played, with the leagues just under way there are no league tables as of yet but some top scores being recorded none the less, up in Craigshill the Stirrup Stane league run by Big Daddy Frank Begley has seen Brian Tosh McIntyre firing in a maximum 180 along with a rock solid 84 take out, Frank Begley with a 109 game shot, fast games belonged to Gordon Bruce with 14-15-15-19 darters, other players with 19 dart games had John Miln’s with 19 & 20 dart games, Gary Christie 19 & 20 dart games, Craig Agnew 19 darter, Down in Bo’Ness Graeme Bird was finishing on a cracking 150 game shot to claim the highest finish of the evening.

 

23rd June, Yellow bar in Cumbernauld held an open singles competition and it saw East Calder’s Graeme Bird losing out in the semi final to P.D.C. Player and semi professional Andy Boulton, it saw Andy Boulton going on to win the competition beating Davie Kirwin the grand final.

 

Congratulations, Once again we held the annual Presentation night for the Monday night West Calder & District Darts league, and looks like we are starting to buck the trend as roughly 60+ players and supporters came along to cheer on their champions excellent turn out as numbers had started to dwindle  in past seasons.

Here are a list of our players/teams picking up silverware.

 

19th June, Ballroom news from George Carruthers  Tuesday night league has seen some top arrows thrown and leading the way with maximum scores is Ryan Murray with 9x180’s to his credit, Gary Higgins with 5x180’s,  Davie Ness also with 5x180’s, Paul Campbell and Greg Ritchie both with 3x180’s and three players with a brace of maximums are Jim Mitchell, George Carruthers, Andrew Wheelins, other players with maximum 180’s to their credit are William Borland, Chris Gray, William Wheelins, Davie McNair,

Top finishes are shared by J Callaghan and K Murray both with cracking 160 take outs, George Carruthers with a 155 game shot, T Black 139 game shot, R Murrray 129 finish,  W Borland 127 take out, G Higgins 121 game shot, M Lamb 116 finish, Mitchell 111 take out, I Butler 108 game shot.

Fastest games recorded has Gary Higgins and Ryan Murray with 12 darters, Andrew Wheelins 13 dart game, Mitchell 14 darter, William Borland and Paul Campbell both with 15 darters.

League tables are also updated from Podge, left hand side of the page !!!! 

 

18th June, And the end was in sight, yes the last week of the West Calder & District Dart league, after 24 league matches and 11 nights of competition we were down to the final two competitions , the Delegates and the Champion of Champions, and what a night of action we had on the six boards which were all in action under the supervision of Connie Bamburry and John MacDonald our League and Match secretaries, The C.O.C. competition saw some of the league finest taking to the ocky to try and annex the title and what match ups we had, from the quarter finals we had a who’s who of top league players in action, and here are the results, Scott Baker bt Craig Forrest, Liam Corbett bt William Millar, Gary Christie bt Jamie Fleming, Davie Aitken bt Scott Cameron, and so to the semi final, Scott Baker from the Central bar Rebels in West Calder defeating Stirrup Stanes Indian Player Liam Corbett who is one of the players who is certainly coming to prominence in the league in the past couple of seasons this was a high scoring encounter but it was Scott Baker who claimed his place in the final, The defending champion Davie Aitken from the Commercial Inn Nomads from West Calder was up against  another Stirrup Stane player though this was Gary Christie who plays for the Wanderers, and a superb battle on the ocky ensued and it was Gary Christie who claimed his place in the final after a superb match up with Davie Aitken which could have gone either way, and so to the Grand Final and who ever won it was going to be a new name being engraved on the trophy, in this best of 7x501 encounter it saw Scott Baker playing superb darts and Gary Christie matching him but it was Scott who came away with the championship he did what no one else did he hit more doubles, so congratulations go to Champion of Champion for 2018 who is Scott Baker from the Central bar Rebels in West Calder, to a gallant runner up from the Stirrup Stane Wanderers Gary Christie congratulations to both finalists who player superbly well all night long. And just to say as you all who read this web site I like to give credit where credit is due! Scott Baker I have said for many seasons now has been one of the most under rated dart players in the league well if they did not know who he was then they most certainly do now! And for our Favourite well our only league mascot the man they call Melman what can I say couple of seasons ago he was in the doldrums his right arm was not behaving properly so what did he do he switched to being left handed and what a difference, this season he has been in tremendous form and his game is now without question one of the finest in the league as his record for the season goes with 12 x 180’s recorded cracking achievement from this ambidextrous Giraffe player!

 

18th June, And to the Delegates championship and once again we had some superb match ups, the teams left standing at the quarter final stage saw, Almondale Pirates bt Commercial Inn Juniors, Kirknewton Innkeepers bt Grand Central Steamers, Volunteer Highway Men bt Grand Central Railroaders, Volunteer Highway Men bt Stirrup Stane Wanderers, and so to the semi finals, Kirknewton Innkeepers bt Almondale Pirates, Highway Men bt Highway Men!! Remembering that the committee also get to play along side all the delegates as they do go to meetings as well! And so to the grand final and it saw Rab Dick from the Innkeepers up against Jim Mitchell of the Highway Men, and it went the way of Jim who managed to cross the line and add his twelfth Delegates singles title to his c.v. However Rab missed darts at doubles or things could have been different?

 

Action from the nights play which has been recorded goes like this, Scott Baker 1x177 and games finished in 17 & 18 darts, Gary Christie 3x180’s and finishes of 117&107, Jim Mitchell 6 sub 18 dart games 5x17 & 1x18 darters, Rab Dick 1x180 along with finishes of 110 & 96 and a brace of 20 darters and 16 darter, John Sandison 1x180 also 18&19 darters, Craig Forrest 19 darter, Jamie Fleming 1x180 and a 92 game shot, Davie Aitken 16 darter, Peter Hastings 1x180 and a tidy 19 darter, Highest finish of the night goes to Kirknewton Barkeepers player William Millar with a cracking 129 take out, and that is all that was written down so if you have anything to add please drop me a line and it will be, cheers Jim M.

 

Well the league is now finished and what a season we had, some terrific matches and not one of our 18 teams going undefeated , quite simply put there are so many great players in the league and they play for lots of different teams, not one team has the advantage over anyone else which makes for a great nights of darts. I do believe we have players/teams from no fewer than ten teams picking up silverware on Saturday at the presentation in the home of our league sponsor THE CAWBURN SPORTS BAR in Pumpherston 7.30pm for 8pm.

 

16^th June, A brand new venue on the darting circuit and a great set up, the venue T.J’s in Motherwell, four dart boards all fixed to the wall, solid ockies, and plenty of room between boards so no waiting for players to get out the way, a superb place for competitions and I for one look forward to returning again, The organisers/owners certainly have taken darts to their heart and though they have many pool tables the dart set up is second to none, plenty of seating, TV’s on the walls with sporting action being shown, and plenty of choice behind the bar for even the most discerning taste buds, Yester day it saw W Borland winning the event, runner up was S Longshanks, with semi finals being A Jamieson & F McDonald, a well run competition by the organiser Spencer MacDonald and a good turn out of 32 players which always helps when doing the draw! See you at the next one!

15th June, Report just in,

Report just in from Wigan and our man on the ground Mr Stephan Colthart who has sent in the action from last week end when some of our top players were doing what they do best playing darts! The action was over Saturday & Sunday with four competitions being played under the P.D.C. rules.

West Calder’s Jamie Banks  won 4-3 in his first round match then went down fighting with 0-4, 2-4, 1-4  and on the fourth match up he was up against the World Youth Champion Dimitri van Den Bergh, Jamie firing in match shots of, 2x180, 111 & 80 & 78  game shots,

Craigshill man Arran Edwards was in cracking form, with a 4-0 win following that with a 4-1 win, 3-4 loss, 2-4 loss, won 4-2, won 4-2, won 4-3, lost 2-4, won 4-2, won 4-2, won 4-3, lost 2-4, lost 1-4, but over the week end he rattled in some terrific scores here are what is reported,  game shots of 120-116-105-90 some top finishing from the Craigshill man, maximum scores saw him fire in 9x180’s and he finished games played in 1x13, 1x14,2x16, 1x17, 2x18, 5x19, 2 x21 14 superb legs of darts.

Armadale’s rising star Scott Baillie was in action Scott this season winning 7 from 7 in the Scottish Inter Counties a superb performance from any player, Scott losing 2-4,  2-4, 2-4, 0-4, though he did fire in 2x180, and a couple of fast games finished in 17 and 19 darts,

 Now quite simply put this competition is for the rising stars of darts and with world champions and multiple champions in the mix there are no easy matches, and my hat is doffed to these young players who have put their own money where their mouths are and are doing their utmost to make a mark in this fantastic sport of ours, and they are doing it the hard way in one of the toughest darting schools on the International circuit, well done to all of them and many thanks to our roving reporter Stephan Colthart (unpaid) of course.

 

12^th June, And some of the players firing out the big scores in this Ballroom Tuesday night league organised by George Carruthers has seen, Ryan Murray with 8x180’s, Gary Higgins 4x180’s, Davie Ness 4x180’s,George Carruthers 2x180’s, Greg Ritchie 2 x180’s, Paul Campbell 2x180’s, Jim Mitchell 2x180’s, Andrew Wheelins 2x180’s, D McNair, Chris Gray, William Botland, William Wheelins all with 1 x180 to their name at the moment!

Fast check outs have seen some excellent finishes with K Murray leading the way with a superb 160 game shot, other high finishes have come from, G Carruthers 155, T Black 139, R Murray 129, W Borland 127, G Higgins 121, M Lamb 116, I Butler 108, Mitchell 104.

Top games so far in the league read like this, G Higgins 12 darter, R Murray 12 darter, Andrew Wheelins 13 darter, Mitchell 14 darter, W Borland 15 darter, Paul Campbell 15 darter.

 

For clarification of the W.C.D.D.L. Rules, a copy of the rules applying to last nights meeting have been published on the left hand column for you perhaps to understand them better, These rules apply to all our players, no one is exempt. J Mitchell Chairman W.C.D.D.L. 2000-18

 

11^th June, The penultimate night of action from the W.C.D.D.L. saw two competitions being played , In the ladies singles competition it saw some superb action and it saw Connie Bamburry and Abby Sclater losing out in the semi finals , and so the grand final which saw the two ladies who made history earlier in the season when they teamed up and won the inaugural Ladies doubles which was played for the first time, Denise Bird versus Gillian Mitchell and it was East Calder’s Denise Bird who came away with the title in a cracking encounter winning 3-0 over Gillian Mitchell , this now puts Denise out there as one of the leagues top lady winners having won the title on four occasions and joining Lydia Barrowman as  the most  successful lady player in the leagues history. Denise has had a superb year on the ocky having played herself into the East Stirlingshire county 'A' team and winning lady of the match performances along the way, so congratulations to Denise Bird Ladies singles champion 2018, commiserations to Gillian Mitchell r/up.

 

Once again the leagues top players strutted their stuff on the ockies and here are just some of the scores recorded,

Andy Thomson 3 x 19 dart games, Jamie Fleming 18 darter, Ian Stevenson 18 darter, Gary Christie 18 darter, Mitchell 18 & 19 darters, John Bruton 19 darter, John Brogan 18 dart game, William Millar 17 darter, top games from our finalists saw Davie Aitken firing in 6 sub 20 dart games with 4 of them being 18 darters, Gordon Bruce on target with 6 fast games fastest a cracking 15 darter in the final, However the fastest recorded game of the night goes to the man from the land that time forgot Stuart Russell the Addiewell wizard with a fabulous 13 darter,

 

Top finishes from the night saw Cawburn Highlander player Kirk Gordon finishing on a superb 160 the highest of the evenings finishes he also added a tidy 80 take out as well, Gary Christie 117 take out, our man from the Principality John Bruton a cracking 110 game shot via 60-bulls eye, Kirknewton’s William Millar 102 game shot, John Brogan 94 game shot, David Aitken with 90 and 76 take outs, Jamie Fleming 86 game shot,  

Maximum scores think there may have been more but if there not written down then cant report them! Davie Aitken a brace of maximum scores 2x180’s, Gordon Bruce 1x180, Scott Baker from the Rebellious ones of the Central bar in West Calder 1X180, Stuart Russell 1 x180, Grant Lyle a  man who had a great season not losing a singles league match also with a maximum 180. So once again a cracking night of darting action but as the old saying goes there can be only one and this years Men’s Champion Gordon Bruce of the Stirrup Stane Wanderers, R/up Davie Aitken from the Commercial Inn Nomad’s.

 

9^th June, And once again Haddington was the place to be on East side of the country the sun was shining and the beer was flowing (rather well) down in the Gardeners Arms as they held another top quality dart competition, players from the Borders, East Lothian, Lothian and West Lothian made the trip for their annual pilgrimage to the competitions run by Michael our host and with a prize pot of £300 up for the taking, it saw some superb action taking place on the ockies, the last four players left standing and in the money round were, Andrew Wheelans who edged out Big Darren Beveridge in a cracking match which was played over the best of 9x501 final score 5-3 to Andrew to book his place in the grand final, Jim Mitchell was up against Angus county player Steven Lewis! And got over the line by 5 games to 2, and so we had two players from the Ballroom Tuesday night league toeing off against each other in the final in a best of 11x501 match up, and it was a superb match with top scores being fired in by both men, the match went the way of the old fella with Jim getting the better of young Andrew Wheelans by 6 games to 3, excellent round of applause for both players once the chalk dust had settled this truly was a cracking finally to an excellent days darting action, Mitchell on the day firing in 5 x 180’s and a tidy 1x177 score and somewhere in the region of 10 sub 19 dart games However fastest game of the day I do believe goes to the beaten finalist Andrew who rattled in a superb 12 darter. This was old man Mitchell’s sixth singles title since the start of the year just goes to show us old guys can still hack it with the youngsters, (well just about everyone is younger than me these days!) Once again many thanks to the Gardeners Arms for their hospitality and of course for running these tournaments, see you in July for the next round of action on the ocky.

 

9^th June, Action from around the country as local players took part in the PDC Development tour down in Wigan, Greg Ritchie from Edinburgh reaching the last 16 in development tour number 8, William Borland losing out in the last 32, Andy Davidson going one better in competition number 10 reaching the quarter finals, as information gets to me more info will follow!

 

5^th June, Ballroom Tuesday night darts league action from the ocky with matches being 10x501 all legs to be played.

League 1/  R Murray 9-1 D Ness, J Ness 3-7 Shoony, D Mackie 1-9 R Murray.

League 2/ K Murray 6-4 D McNair, J Callaghan 4-6 G Higgins, S Parry 1-9 D McNair.

League 3/ T Black 8-2 C Gray, G Carruthers 7-3 J Hindle, J Mitchell 10-0 C Gray

League4/  A Russell 1-9 W Borland, G Ritchie 9-1 I Butler, A Wheelans 7-3 A Lamb, E Ness 7-3 W Wheelans.

Few good scores on the night maximum hitters saw, Ryan Murray 1x180, George Carruthers 1x180, William Borland 1x180 However top maximum hitter was Gary Higgins with 3x180’s

Top Finishes and there were a few leading the way was our man Podge yes George Carruthers with a cracking 155 take out via 60-57-38, Tam Black with a 139 game shot via 57-50-32, Ryan Murray 129 take out, William Borland 127 game shot, Jim Mitchell more modest 104 game.

Fastest recorded game going to, Jim Mitchell with a tidy 14 darter, William Borland just one dart behind with a 15 darter.

 

3^rd June, Competition in the Old Oak in Rutherglen saw a top field of players turning out to play in this competition run by Kate Monaghan and Big John Jamieson, One of Whitburn’s favourite darting son’s Micky Rice falling in the last 16, the old man Jim Mitchell from Livingston went as far as the semi finals before losing to George Lynsey who got the better of the old guy by hitting those dastardly doubles which kept moving!  George winning 4 games to 2, Winner on the day was John McCallum who edged out George Lynsey in the final, semi finalists were Jim Mitchell & Jocky Craig. All four picking up monies for there endeavours which helped as the beer was going down rather well, not only hot on the ockies but one hot day all told, cracking venue which makes you very welcome but also sells excellent ales! Which I can confirm as tried my best to drink a barrel of it by my self!

 

29^th May, Tuesday night saw the Ballroom Premier league start under the leadership of George Carruthers guiding hand, and there were some excellent match ups and a few good games and scores recorded, Firing in maximum 180’s were no fewer than 7 players these were,

A Whellins with 2x180’s, Paul Campbell 2 x180’s, W Whellins 1 x180 , G Carruthers 1 x180, Jim Mitchell 1x180, Chris Gray 1x180, David Ness 1x180,

Top finish of the night saw the man with the Tache! Mr Ian Butler with a rock solid 108 game shot, Mitchell with 96 & 80 game shots,

Fastest game was an excellent 13 darter by A Whellins, Paul Campbell was only two darts behind  firing in a cracking 15 darter, Mitchell with a more sedate 16 dart game, I am sure there were more and once they start getting reported they will appear on this site!

Some results from the nights action on the ocky saw, P Campbell 7-3 J Ness, David Mackie 6-4 Ryan Ronaldson, Paul Campbell 6-4 David Ness, S Parry 7-3 D Ronaldson, Gary Higgins 8-2 K Murray, J Callaghan 8-2 D McNair, Jim Mitchell 8-2 Tam Black, George Carruthers 9-1 Chris Gray, Ian Butler 6-4 Elliot Ness, A Whellins 9-1 W Whellins,

Once I get to know everyone’s first names they will appear so sorry if you only have an Initial!!!

 

28^th May, W.C.D.D.L.

The winners are now announced with the Doo Club Flyers winning the Championship league  Pennant and it was certainly a hard fought battle from the beginning of the league as the Flyers and the Railroaders who came a distinguished second with only one match the difference between them and though there is still a match to go for the Railroaders they can not catch the Champions so congratulations to the team from the East Calder Homing Society (The Flyers),

The Premier league has the Volunteer Arms  from Uphall waving the Title Pennant though the Highway Men still have two matches remaining they can not be caught, However second place is still in the hands of the darting gods, John Bruton’s Nomads from the Commercial Inn look like it is signed sealed and delivered but you can never take it for granted until the I’s are dotted and the T’s crossed, the Colliers under the leadership of Alan Wilson are right on their tail but it would need a dramatic twist for the Nomads to lose second place,

 

Once again the strength in depth of both leagues is superb with no team having won all their matches and with twists and turn from the start of the league there have been some dramatic nights of action on the ockies from the start, to the final few matches of the league.

And with still three competitions still to play, there are chances for other team’s players to make their mark on this season’s league, at the moment we have no less than, nine players/teams picking up trophies for their endeavours at the seasons presentation, and as I have just stated there are another three competitions to go.

 

23^rd May, and report from the Premier League which takes place in the Murrayfield Sports bar in Edinburgh goes like this, Graeme Bird keeping his good form going with an excellent 9-4 win over Davie Sharp to keep Graeme in second place in the Premier league with 26 points the Bird man having played 16 won 12 drawn 2 lost 2 and fired in over 265 ton plus scores with 16 of them maximum 180’s he also has the fastest leg of darts played a cracking 11 darter and the top finish of 170,

Steve Bachelor was up against Ross MacDonald and it saw a cracking match up  Ratho player Stevie firing in 5x140’s and a maximum 180 however it was not to be as Ross hit though all so important doubles and came away a worthy 8-4 winner, as Bobby George used to say Scoring for show, Doubles for dough!

In the Bronze league it saw both our lady players Gillian Mitchell and Denise Bird losing to Josh Deans and Thomas Arnot respectively.

Rab Dick from Kirknewton went down fighting in a back and forth match which saw Stuart Ironsides winning 9-6 Rab sitting in seventh place on 19 points at the moment, Rab has played 15 games won 8 drawn 3 and lost 4, with a 188 ton plus scores recorded which includes last nights 177 score and has registered 12 maximum 180’s and has a 12 dart fastest game Rab also fired in 126-102-94 game shots last night and hit 4 sub 19 dart games,

 Jim Mitchell lost last night to Alan White 4-9, but still remains at the top of the league for the moment with 28 points having played 16 matches winning 13 drawn 2  and lost 1, with 249 ton plus scores 17 of which were 180’s and his fastest game a 13 darter, last night the best Mitchell could do was a brace of 18 darters,

However Andrew Davidson who was not playing last night has possibly the best chance of winning the league title as he sits on 21 points and has 5 games in hand one of which is against Ian Butler the man with the Tache to be feared, who has been right on form of late this could alter things dramatically should the match go Ian’s way, as the title race could go right down the wire to the very last match as Andrew and Jim have yet to play! Which is Jim Mitchell’s last match! Could be a nail biter that night, but with some players nearly finished their league matches and others with catch up games all could change in the league in just one night of action! On the ocky, time will tell.                                             

 

22^nd May, Monday night results are now in from the action on the ockies! Here is what has been reported,

Doo Club Flyers 9-0 Murray bar Crofters

Report from last week just in Callum Wilkinson of the Flyers with a shanghai finish on the twenties for a 120 game shot.

G.C. Railroaders 8-1 G.C. Steamers

Grant Lyle keeping his good form going with a maximum 180 and a 19 dart game, Couple of excellent doubles matches from the Railroaders with the pairing up of John Sandison & Andy Pagget firing in a 19 dart game, Grant Lyle & Paul McCaig with 18 & 21 dart games which included a nice 102 take out for a dart average of 25. 69. For the Steamers it saw Ian Baker of the infamous Baker brothers on target with a cracking maximum 180 score.

Deans B.C. Golden Oldies 6-3 Doo Club Fanciers

It had A Menzies for the Golden Oldies with a cracking 136 game shot and an 18 darter the top match from this league game.

Kirknewton Barkeepers 4-5 Tower bar Knights

 

19^th-20^th May, Well what a week end of outstanding darts for our local West Calder & District Monday night darts league, with players from both ends of the age spectrum doing what they do best, William Borland adding yet another Scottish Title to his ever growing C.V. with out a doubt one of the men in form on the Scottish darts circuit Masters and Singles title in the same season an absolutely fantastic achievement, and for the slightly older generation it saw Old Man Mitchell winning his fifth Open competition of the year since January, just goes to show in the sport of darts age is no barrier, Yesterday it saw the Ballroom Open in Edinburgh take place run and organised by none other than Mr George (Podge) Caruthers, and players from East Lothian, Edinburgh and the Posse from West Lothian were all in attendance, with the matches best of 5 x501 in early rounds before going to 7x501 in the semi finals and 9x501 in the grand final, The players making it into the last 16 were and sorry if I don’t have your proper non de plum but this is what was written down by Podge (blame him!) Darren bt Gary Higgins, Eddie Main bt Elliot Ness, M Kerr bt Bod, J Thomson bt Andy Main, Jim Mitchell bt Adam Crosbie, Martin Deegan bt Steve Murray, George Caruthers bt Peter Wheelans, Paul Burrows bt Hammy!, and so to the quarter finals, Eddie Main bt Darren, Mick Kerr bt Jim Thomson, Jim Mitchell bt Martin Deegan, Paul Burrows bt George Caruthers, and now to the money round the last four players left standing and the best of 7 x 501, Jim Mitchell 4-1 Paul Burrows, Eddie Main 4-1 Mick Kerr, and so after four hours of action on the ocky we had the final first to win 5 legs the champion, and it saw Jim Mitchell take the title with 5 doubles hit with only 6 darts thrown at them,That however does not tell the story of the final Eddie Main firing in a brace of maximums only double trouble stopping him from claiming at least two of the legs played, however that was Eddie’s sixth maximum of the competition and his 26^th maximum hit on the day in between matches there were four dart boards for practise and Eddie was firing in 180’s for fun he actually just missed a 9 darter by not hitting the double 12 with his ninth arrow in one session, However on the day it was the Old Fella Jim Mitchell who did what no one else did he hit more doubles, so Champion Jim Mitchell, Runner up Eddie Main, this is an absolute excellent venue to play darts in a BIG room dedicated to darts with four boards set by it self and also four other boards in the main hall, which also has 16 + Pool tables and a Snooker room and a restaurant, I do believe darts is going places with venues like the Ballroom taking darts into a new era, excellent venue and congratulations to George for organizing this event, also what an amount of raffle prizes with proceeds going to the Help Sam Higgins appeal, once again dart players did what they do best digging deep for an excellent cause, long may it continue.

On the day some stats from the West Lothian Posse, Martin Deegan 17 & 19 darters, and a maximum 180, Graeme Bird maximum 180 and a 17 & 18 darters, Rab Dick 17 darter, Jim Mitchell 2x180’s and 10 sub 19 dart games fastest being a tidy 13 dart game but could have been less on 32 left after 9! Oh that damn double 16 took 4 darts to hit it!

 

16^th May, and the Posse was back in action in Auld Reekie after a wee sabbatical (Hearts were at home!) Anyway some excellent action on the ocky from Kirknewton’s Rab Dick (Turpin) with an excellent win over Paul Wyllie by 9 games to 2, Rab firing in 5 fast legs of arrows these being 15-16-17-18-19 darters, he also rattled the treble beds with a cracking 177 score and some excellent finishing power with 3 top finishes off 120-102-81.

East Calder’s Bird Man Graeme Bird was up against Kenny Smith and though no report from the match as yet it ended in a hard fought draw 8-8 for a share of the points going to both players.

Denise Bird and Gillian Mitchell went toe to toe on the ocky and these ladies who are the newly crowned Ladies Pairs Champions of the West Calder & District Monday night darts league had a excellent match but when it came to finishing power it was Denise who showed why she is a East Stirlingshire County ‘A’ player winning comfortably by 7 games to 1.

Jim Mitchell was up against his good friend Ian Butler and this turned into a real slug fest as both players continued to break each others throw, however it saw Jim cross the line by the score of 9 games to 6, Jims fastest game a solid 15 darter which was finished via 54-14-bull for a 118 game shot he also fired in a 86 take out via 18-36-32 Jim with 15x100’s 5x140’s and 1x180 his tally for the match, However Ian Butler was in excellent form on the big scores 21x100’s 6x140’s and a maximum 180 and best four darts of the match, Jim fired in his maximum 180, to leave a finish, Ian went even better following that maximum with one of his own then a double 10 finish for 200 scored in 4 darts super stuff from the man with the extremely long whiskers, Sunday at the Ballroom should see a few looks of concern on peoples faces as both Ian and Jim are having a re-dye of their facial hair now Ian has already told Jim what his colour scheme will be, BUT I think Jim has a somewhat different colour scheme in mind, should turn a few heads! Photo’s to follow!

Ratho player Stevie Bachelor was up against Neil Tomlinson and it saw a good high scoring encounter between these two darters who are both starting to come into form to wards the end of the season, but it was Neil who crossed the winning line coming away a worthy winner with a 8-4 victory, Stevie did fire in 13 x100’s with three of them 140’s but it was Neil who found those decisive doubles which in the end is what counts.

 

15^th May, W.C.D.D.L. Monday night results from the ockies!

The G.C. Steamers 1-8 Doo Club Flyers

Report to follow!

Stirrup Stane Wanderers 3-6 Loganlea Colliers

Gordon Bruce of the Wanderers firing in a maximum 180 and a cracking 14 dart game, John Brogan for the Colliers with a rock solid 17 dart game, James Graham going two darts better with a cracking 15 dart game, top double game came by way off Gordon (THE) Bruce and our league mascot Gary (Melman) Christie with a 16 dart pairs game, Top shot of the night though I would have to say was from Craig Agnew of the home team with a superb 152 game shot excellent finishing power from this Wanderers player.

Doo Club Fanciers 0-9 G.C. Railroaders

The ladies of the Doo Club were up against one of the top teams in the Championship league and it found the Railroaders in excellent form firing in some top games with John Sandison knocking in a 18 darter, Grant Lyle 20 & 19 dart games for a rock solid 25.92 dart average and a 84 take out in his match, Andy Thomson & John Sandison the reigning Match Play doubles champions were on song firing in 19 darter.

Almondale Pirates 5-4 Cawburn Highlanders

Ross Burnside rock solid 76 game shot Derek Carmichael also finishing in style with 85 take out, and Stevie Duncan with a maximum 180  for the Pirates, Highlander player Shaun Clow firing in a 19 darter and a 85 take out.

 

11th May, Bathgate League held an open singles event and it saw Armadale’s Mick Burke from the Corrie bar in Armadale just edging out Kirknewton Innkeeper’s  Rab Dick in a seven leg thriller by 4 games to 3, semi finalists were Ricky McDonald from Lammies in Fauldhouse and Colin Maxwell from Lammies bar in Armadale. Once again another enjoyable season of darts which is run by the Bathgate committee of, Danny Kirkland (chairman) Big G MacMillan (secretary) Spencer McDonald (Match secretary) I do believe that the chairman has played in the league for somewhere in the area of 50+ years now that ladies and gents is dedication, superb achievement.

11th May, 

Congratulations must go to William Borland who has qualified for the BDO World Trophy competition later in May, William had to fight off stiff opposition from players from through out the United Kingdom but along with another Scot Ryan Hogarth from the Borders he has claimed his spot in the last 32 and will be on the t.v. (live) at the Preston Guild Hall in England.

 

7^th May, And it saw the West Calder & District dart league hold their annual Three Person Team Competition, this is played with all three players playing 1x501, then a double of 1x501 and if the score is tied 2-2 then a triple of 1001 will decide the outcome, Some excellent match ups on the night saw at least five  matches have to play the deciding 1001 game three of them from the semi final and the final its self, the quarter final line up saw six teams from the league toeing the ocky the Volunteer Highway Men and the Loganlea Colliers had two teams making the quarter finals, the results went like this, Grand Central Railroaders bt Loganlea (1) Volunteer Highway Men (A) bt Cawburn Highlanders, Commercial Inn Nomads bt Stirrup Stane Wanderers, Loganlea Colliers (A) bt Volunteer Highway Men (1)

 

And so we had four teams left standing and all must have fancied their chances, the Volunteer and the Grand Central went down the wire with both teams having darts to win but it was the Highway Men who came away with a very hard fought win 3 games to 2, Loganlea also had a tough battle on their hands and once again it saw the match go the distance and it was the Loganlea Colliers who took their place in the grand final at the expense of the Commercial Inn Nomads, and so the final was once again almost to close to call as both teams did their utmost to try and claim the title, Jim Mitchell bt Boris Mackie so first tick to the Highlanders, but Stuart Russell then edged out Martin Deegan so 1-1, next up saw Colin Robertson getting past John Brogan, so 2-1 to the Highway Men, but back came the Colliers with Stuart Russell and John Brogan taking the doubles match, and here after three hours of match play it was one leg of a 1001 to see where the title would go, and with absolutely nothing between the two teams it saw the title go to the Highway Men the difference in the whole match was the bull up at the beginning of the match as the Colliers were sitting on an two dart finish when Martin Deegan checked the winning double so 3-2 the final outcome, Champions the Volunteer Highway Men (Jim Mitchell-Martin Deegan-Colin Robertson), runners up the Loganlea Colliers ( John Brogan-Stuart Russell-Boris Mackie) congratulations to both teams who had to fight extremely hard to make it to the Grand Final.

 

Few top scores from the evenings action saw Andy Thomson perhaps taking the plaudits for player of the night with a superb 13 darter and a cracking 116 game shot, Colin Robertson with a classy 15 dart game and a classic 120 game shot on shanghai on twenties, Jim Mitchell 16 darter and a 105 game shot,  Rex Brady firing in a maximum 180 along with a tidy 17 darter and a 104 take out, also with 17 dart games were Jamie Banks and Jim Quinn from the Nomads of West Calder, Graham Borland 18 darter with a 76 game shot, Peter Hastings a 19 darter,  Martin Deegan rock solid 76 take out, and the only player on the night to hit a brace of maximums was West Calder’s Jamie Banks for the Commercial Inn Nomads.

 

4^th May, And here we are again for another top darting event this time further North than the river Towe, this time the banks of the mighty river Forth yes this was the Crown Inn in Bo’Ness for an event run by Alan Kerr, and there was a formidable field of players gathered for this tournament, it saw the local Posse of players who usually travel to Edinburgh for a Wednesday night show down in attendance and they did themselves proud with Rab Dick (Turpin) from Kirknewton just bowing out in the quarter finals along with the Old Fella Jim Mitchell who also fell at the same stage however East Calder’s Bird man went one step better just losing out in the semi finals as did John Donaldson all four of the semi finalists play for the East Stirlingshire county in the Scottish Inter Counties North section, all three of the Posse collecting  monies for their endeavour’s, but it was former International player Gary Stone who took the title just edging out his team mate East Stirlingshire county team ‘A’ player  Jason (Jaggie) Norwood in the grand final, once again another top competition sponsored by the Crown Inn there is no doubt that Alan Kerr gets some of Scotland’s top arrow smiths entering his competitions long may it continue.

 

4^th May, And it has Jason (Jay) Millar from Kirknewton travelling down to the Principality of Wales Swansea to be precise by the river Towe, the event the Deaf Darts Association championship, and did young Jay do well YES he did making it through to the Semi finals of the singles event when he just got edged out 5 games to 3, he also had an excellent run in the doubles making it to the quarter finals, not only did he do himself and his family proud but the Scotland selectors were there, and Jason has been asked to represent Scotland in the forth coming international against the one and only Auld Enemy, well done to this Kirknewton man who is certainly making his name known in the darting circle long may it continue, and once I receive some photos they will be published as will his exploits in the forth coming International, I reckon Amanda & William his mum and dad haven’t stopped smiling yet, superb stuff.

1st May, Couple of special mentions which go to Mr Ian Butler for winning the Ballroom Singles League in Edinburgh at Jocks Lodge end of London Road, and to Adam Crosbie for winning the Haddington League Singles, both these players have supported our competitions in West Lothian and always nice to give Credit where Credit is Due, and lets not forget George Caruthers who picked up two runners up in places in both leagues.

 

29^th April, And the venue for this afternoons darting competition was the Glen Mavis Bowling Club in Bathgate, and ladies and gentlemen, what a cracking set up, this event was put on by the Glen Mavis committee, Ted McMillan from Darts Scotland & Winmau and Billy Weir who was master of ceremonies keeping the event running to schedule and two people who certainly need mentioned Mr Andy Thomson snr & Andy Thomson jnr, these two made and put up the playing boards and they did an exceptional job to be honest three of the best standing boards I have ever had the pleasure of playing on, hardly a movement from them you would think they were on a main wall, to be truthful the other darts committees could have a look at this set up and see how it puts some of their set ups to shame!! Anyway I digress away from the main event the arrows thrown, some terrific talent on show with county players from around the central belt taking to the ockies, the Final saw William Borland just edging out his uncle Graeme Bird in a real tense final by the odd leg in 9, 5-4 to William, Armadale’s Scott Baillie and Jim Mitchell from Livingston having to settle for a semi final places, the standard on the day was top drawer stuff and here are what Billy Weir our master of ceremonies has been given,  Maximum hitters and there were 12 recorded, Jim Mitchell x4, William Borland x3, Graeme Bird x2, William Harraughty x1, Scott Baillie x1, Wullie Wilson x1, Top finishing came from players finishing on scores from 75 and above, William Borland 105-116-130-131 take outs superb finishing power from the East Calder man, Graeme Bird 82-116 game shots, Callum Wilkinson 77 game shot, Fast games and these must be finished in 20 darts or less to be added to the league tables and there were plenty! Graeme Bird with the most recorded 10 excellent thrown games of 17-18-18-18-18-18-18-19-20-20 deadly darters, Jim Mitchell with 7 sub 20 dart games done in 13-15-15-15-19-19-20 darts, William Borland with 6 and these were finished in 14-16-17-18-18-18 darters,  John Sandison 17 darter, Callum Wilkinson of man called the Busy Bumble bee oops mean the Angry Wasp from Alloa who now resides in Whitburn with a brace of 20 darters, Ian Stevenson also with a 20 dart game, William Harraughty from Longridge was allowed out for the afternoon with his carer the kind hearted Fiona making sure he kept out of trouble William firing in 19 and 20 dart games and if his finishing power had been there! He may well have got a lot further than he did? Gordon Bruce with 4 x 17 dart games rock solid play from this Livingston player, Scott Baillie 5 fast games finished in 16-17-19-19-20 darts Scott has just finished the Inter –County season with a superb record of played 7 won 7  for the season that takes some doing by the way, Andy Thomson 17-19-20 darters and once again can I just say Andy Snr and Andy jnr did a superb job in putting up the boards and the lighting set up 10/10, So the first Glen Mavis Open sponsored by Winmau and Darts Scotland has been won by William Borland, congratulations must also go to both our the losing finalist Graeme Bird, these two players did what no one else did they finished by hitting more double than anyone else! Well done the Glen Mavis Bowling club, And I for one cant wait for the next tournament, they put on a cracking venue with excellent bar staff and to their hard working committee who made this tournament happen (thank you).

Can I just say what a pleasure to meet an old darting great from the West Lothian area the man they called Tiger! yes Davie Marshall was in the club, what a player this man was back in the late 1970’s and into the 80’s this was with out a doubt one of the most feared dart players in Scotland on the circuit back then the 1981 Scottish Single Champion.

 

25^th April, The Posse were back in action in the Premier league in Edinburgh which is run by the Edinburgh Darts Association in the Murrayfield Sports bar, and the posse were in excellent form, First up saw Graeme Bird v Tommy Houliston and it saw the Bird Man from East Calder turning on the style and coming away with a excellent 9-3 win which included games of 13 & 15 darts plus a tidy 101 game shot and a maximum 180, Denise Bird, this is Graeme’s better half for those who don’t know! Keeps him on the straight and narrow, and that takes some doing I can vouch for that as have shared a couple of drinks with Birdy from time to time! Denise was also in action though losing her first match to Josh Deans 7-4 it saw her bounce back to win 7-5 against Grant Hawkins with some top finishing keeping her excellent form going which has seen her winning ladies singles events in the not so distant past and having just finished an excellent county season for East Stirlingshire which saw her securing a place in the county ‘A’ team, Gillian Mitchell lost by 7 games to 2 against Chris MacMahon in a game where she had chances but we all know you have to take them when they come a calling, The old fella Jim Mitchell played Paul Wyllie in his first match of the night and came away with a 9-2 win which saw 4 sub 20 dart games enough to get over the winning line though Paul did rattle in a brace of maximum 180’s, However Jim’s second match of the night was against the man from the hill Rab Dick (Turpin) of Kirknewton and this was a superb advert for the sport of darts as no fewer than 53 ton plus scores were recorded between them, Rab firing out 1x180, 1x171 (treble nineteen’s) 6x140’s, 19x100+ scores and a superb 128 take out on the bulls eye for a 12 darter via 18-60-bull, Jim though was not hanging around and fired in reply 2x180’s 8x140’s, 15x100+ scores along with a more sedate 88 take out Jims fastest game a 14 darter, this match had nothing between them as they battered each other with top scores and make no mistake if one of them made a mistake (missed a double) the other did not, and in the end it came down to a single break of throw which went to Jim in the final leg of this captivating 16 leg match, final score Jim 9 Rab 7, a cracker of a heavyweight battle. To tell the truth this was such a battle royal I broke a custom I never take a drink of anything during a match not till after its all over last night I did as my mouth had dried up with the tension of this match was actually getting to me!

So at the moment I believe that Jim Mitchell and Graeme Bird sit at the top of the Platinum league in first and second place with Rab Dick just a few places back in fifth place, looks like the Posse is doing good (for the moment)

 

25^th April, Well just back from the trophy shop in Edinburgh with John McDonald and Billy Weir, and fingers crossed between us we have ticked all the boxes for this seasons presentation night, took us just over an hour and a half of deliberating and choosing then thinking about it again, but we finally agreed , so that’s a another job done, all we need now is for players and teams to bring the annual/perpetual trophies back for the next meeting in May, would help as we have to then take them back to the shop for engraving, your help would be much appreciated, thanks.

 

24^th April, Took a trip into Jock’s Lodge in Edinburgh tonight to have a gander at the Ballroom club which used to be called the New Yorker when it was a Riley’s club, what a difference, 8 dart boards, a restaurant, must be 16 pool tables, snooker table, and two function rooms, and the venue for the Tuesday night darts league run by George Carruthers in extremely good with it’s own private room which is closed of with glass sound proof doors, plenty of room, and you even get Pizza’s delivered into it for the players (free) just after 9pm. The only down side was the lady in the head scarf who tried to pick me up! Did not quite hide the moustache did it, Don’t think she realised I was with my good lady wife who was watching from the wings! Mr Butler what are you like?

 

23^rd April, And the league results are in, from the W.C.D.D.L.

Doo Club Fanciers 0-9 Commercial Inn Juniors

Commercial Inn Nomads 9-0 Stirrup Stane Indians

Kirknewton Innkeepers 3-6 Loganlea Colliers

Kirknewton Barkeepers 0-9 Grand Central Railroaders

Stirrup Stane Wanderers 4-5 Cawburn Highlanders

Tower bar Knights 1-8 Doo Club Flyers

Grand Central Steamers 5-4 Murray bar Crofters

Central bar Rebels 5-4 Almondale Pirates

 

Shot’s worthy of a mention this week saw quite a few players firing in the big finishes and top scores here are what has been reported!

Maximum hitters remembering 171-180 is recorded as a maximum in the league tables, Gary (Melman) Christie keeps his excellent run going with yet another 180 score for the Wanderers of Craigshill, from the Doo Club Flyers it saw two players firing in maximum scores Paul (the Ranger) Weir and team mate Ian ( Just back from Holiday) Stevenson both firing in 180’s,

 And now we have some absolutely top finishing from many of the leagues finest arrow smiths, I will start with the highest first from the nights action, John Brogan from the Loganlea Colliers with not one but two superb game shots of 155 & 146 superb finishing power from the Loganlea player who has been playing excellent darts from the start of the season, Showing that age has nothing to do with ability one of the league players who was a top man years ago and still is it saw Ratho man Bunny Forrest taking out a cracking 140 kill shot for the Nomads of West Calder, John Brett also from the Nomads under the leadership of John Bruton at the Commercial Inn finishing on the bulls eye with a cracking 127 game shot, Callum Wilkinson from Whitburn who plays for the Doo Club Flyers in on the action with a 115 take out via 60-15 bulls eye for a 115 game shot, John Grant rock solid 92 finish in his game for the Nomads think their team captain must have had the big stick out last night as their whole team was in superb form, the Highlanders from the Cawburn Sports bar had Kirk Gordon finishing with a brace of rock solid take outs of 88 & 78 in their win over the Wanderers

 

22^nd April, And the venue was the Haddington Bowling Club in Haddington, and the reason for this event was to support a Charity Open darts competition which was being held to help raise money for the Sam Higgins Charity, and what a great turn out as dart players from the East Coast, Edinburgh and West Lothian all made the effort to come and support this superb cause, On the day over 45 players took part in the darts competition, there was also a quick fire bowling event as well, And with many people putting a lot of work into the event, here are just a few people to mention, Peter Wheelans from Darts N Arts who put on an auction of some absolutely superb darts memorabilia, George Carruthers who sold raffles through out the day, and can I just say what an amount of raffle prizes donated by so many people from local Hotels, Golf Clubs, Hairdressers, and an abundance of local businesses from the area who all got involved and donated many items, and the amount of work put in by the Haddington Bowling club was awesome, on the day just over £3800.00 was raised that is a tremendous achievement, and puts the charity on  to a  fabulous footing as they are trying to raise £8000, which is needed to buy the lifting equipment for this local man, This just shows what a great family dart players are with so many people trying to help out in this excellent cause. So once again many thanks to the Haddington B.C. for hosting this event and to each and everyone of you who either attended or helped out with raffles, and also to the gentle man who decide on the day to sponsor all the maximum scores recorded and ton plus finishes, that must have cost him a few pounds! Oh and well done to all the finalists who to a man gave their winnings back to the charity, Sportsmen to the very end, William from East Calder won it beating Harry a local man in the final.

 20^th April, Bathgate Consolation Team Cup, this event is for all the teams who did not finish first or second in the league, and it saw the Coppies A team from Armadale edging out The Old Wine Store from Shott’s in a superb final, highlight was William Cunningham with a brace of maximum 180s in the final, also on the maximum trail was Andy Thomson from the Glen Mavis Bowling Club in Bathgate

 

OOPS  Almost Forgot a wee Spanish report, Well the sun did shine but perhaps not the way I would have liked it to on the dartboard, managed to win a couple of matches, but fell short of the money rounds, myself and Wullie Laird along with Kathy Henderson did win a couple of mixed triples games before losing out to Paul Hogan and his merry band, However on the bright side met up with a few good people, Need to say this quietly one of them is English I know I can hear you all gasp (English) but he Ain’t a bad lad he hails from a place called Leek!!!! Anyway it was nice to meet up with Del again and fingers crossed we might just have a cross border match in the near future, more about that later on the web site, Wullie and Jean were there along with Wilbur promotions man Willie Burns from the West (Ayrshire) from East Stirlingshire we had Alan and family our hosts from the Crown Inn (Bo’Ness) Lewis Coult and his good lady Claire who we will probably meet up with in Inverurie this week end with at the counties!, and of course our very own Irene and Shug from Armadale and all places in-between as we know Irene is now classified as a Globe Trotter, as she has been known to head off to sunnier climates down under on a few occasions, and can I say a pleasure to partner up with Wayne & Denise Halliwell from Cyprus now there is a bit of globe trotting for a game of darts. And from  just across a wee bit of water  at the Isle of Man the team of Wayne & Mandy, Wayne with the biggest hands I have ever seen Now I do believe that a few of us might just meet up in Prague later on in the year so look forward to meeting up with you all again, Now if I have left anyone out it’s not intentional , and hopefully will meet up again somewhere on the darting circuit in the near future, Up North to  Inverurie this week end on Saturday for the Inter-Counties then down the East Coast on Sunday for the Haddington Charity Open competition (so if you like supporting good causes lets see you there, you can read about it on the web site?)so for all you dart playing  globe trotting darters out there, stay safe, see you at the bar sooner rather than later!

17th April, Hot from the press we are happy to add another player to the Maximum League Table, Callum Cockburn playing for the Grand Central Railroaders secured his first maximum 180 in the league last night, congratulations and now you have broken the duck let's see you fire in a few more, welcome to the Maximum League Table.

 

16^th April, Monday night action from the W.C.D.D.L.

Championship & Premier league results go like this,

Grand Central Railroaders 8-1 Deans B.C. Golden Oldies

Stirrup Stane Indians 3-6 Kirknewton Innkeepers

Doo Club Flyers 7-2 Kirknewton Barkeepers

Commercial Inn Juniors 6-3 Tower bar Knights

Almondale Pirates 5-4 Stirrup Stane Wanderers

Murray bar Crofters 8-1 Doo Club Fanciers

Cawburn Highlanders 3-6 Commercial Inn Nomads

 

Mentions of note have maximum scorers being, William Millar from Kirknewton, Gordon Bruce for the Wanderers, Ross Burnside of the Pirates all with 180’s,

High finishes saw Liam Corbett 90 take out for the Indians of Craigshill, Davie Yule 80 game shot for the Juniors of West Calder, Matt Purdie 84 game shot, Calvin Fleming 87 take out, Bunny Forrest rock solid 76 game shot for the Nomads, But top finishes from the nights play saw Callum Wilkinson with a cracking 138 game shot, but this was not the best as Kevin Murphy from East Calder with a superb 160 take out. And for the Ladies Karen Heeps for the Doo Club Ladies was in top form with a superb 98 take out.

Fast Games had, Jamie Banks firing in the fastest game of the nights play with a 15 darter for the Nomads of West Calder, David Yule 16 dart game, Davie Aitken 16 darter, John Sandison 19 darter, Gordon Bruce 19 darter, other top scores from the night play had Grant Lyle 72 game shot, Kevin Murphy firing in scores of 121&125 to go with his 160 take out, William Millar 140 score, only doubles match reported John Sandison & Andy Thomson with a 20 darter from our Match Play doubles champions.

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