Doonies take the ba’ to the water
(www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)
The Doonies claimed victory in the Men’s New Year’s Day Ba’.
The end of an epic five-and-a-half hour struggle saw the ba’ reach the water in the basin around 6.30pm, after a Doonie break from the travel centre, which went round the back of the Ayre Hotel, before heading towards the Doonie goal.
The ba’ was actually thrown into the water in front of the Ayre Road, then taken back out and dropped into the basin.
Those involved in the decisive break were Sean Cursiter, Callum Mollison, Thorfinn Stout and Danny Bain.
The jubilant Doonies quickly and unanimously elected 46-year-old Pete McKinlay as a popular winner.
As he was lifted above the pack, the Shories burst into song with a rendition of Kirkwall Bay, before heading into the St Ola Hotel to continue their celebrations.
A clearly emotional Pete said that he was “absolutely delighted” with the win and thanked his fellow players for allowing him to be the one to take the ba’ home.
