Darts fans entertained by Barney and Fitton in Burra

Darts fans in Burra were thrilled on Sunday and Monday with the appearance of five times world champion Raymond van Barneveld.

The Dutch star was accompanied by fellow professional Darryl “The Dazzler” Fitton for the double-header at the Hamnavoe Hall.

The referee for Sunday’s event was Paul Wilson who kept the crowd of around 200 well entertained by his witty banter. “Barney” and Fitton proved that they were great entertainers as well as excellent darts players.

The pair each took on eight local players, all of whom gave a great account of themselves, especially Gordon Irvine who had the highest average of the locals, a three-dart average of 75, just slightly ahead of Ronnie Johnson.

Roger Irvine was the only local to actually win, hitting a bull for a 170 checkout, although he did receive a tiny bit of help from Paul Wilson on his first two darts.

Barneveld needed no such assistance as he finished 170 on two occasions; while Fitton’s party trick was taking his opponent’s darts to finish on double one which he also did twice. The final part of the evening was a head to head between the two visitors and the audience was treated to some world class darts as Fitton just edged out Barneveld 5-4.

Monday’s exhibition night was a little quieter with not such a big crowd but the standard of darts was as good if not better. There were excellent performances from Kevin Llewllyn, Gareth MacRitchie, Tommy Watt, George Smith and the two women Melanie Couper and Gena Smith, but special mention must go to Ronnie Johnson who hit a 20-dart 701 game, giving him a three dart average of just over 105, to beat Barneveld.

A spokesman for Shetland Darts Association said he would like to thank Burra Hall committee, organiser Gideon Ward and all who helped him put on the spectacular event.