NOVEMBER 2009

(See Archived News on Left for previous news items)

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26th November 2009

Delighted Dan!.

Dougie Donohue - Classic Ranking Event

Berkshire’s Dan Woodcraft won a fascinating ‘double-in’ ranking event last Saturday which would have delighted Dougie’s mischievous sense of humour. The draw and the format played a part in winkling out many of the favourites as many fringe players made the most of it.

Woodcraft has played in nearly every classic ranking event since its inception and finally secured his first title against Paul Cook the classy former News of the World champ.

Cook had earlier showed his intentions when defeating an out of touch Arron Monk in blistering style that included a brilliant 12 darter and a 152 in. ‘Cookie’ had already checked out on 164 in a previous round then saw off a plucky John Gaffney in the board final.

Woodcraft himself had to battle past Swindon’s Johnny Haines 4-2 and a last leg decider against Glen Dawkins in his board final. Another local veteran Ali MacDonald also enjoyed a good day defeating young Dan Read, Hampshire captain Kevin Ede and another county star Mark Thorne before losing out to the talented Martin Richell in another board final. Vernon Green another frequenter of these parts also proved most obdurate and included Sean White amongst his victims before going down to Ron Atwill in the last 8. Big Ron had been firing all day and accounted for Dennis Simpson, Andover’s latest county representative 4-2; however he couldn’t take his form onto the stage and lost to Cook.

Richell would rue missed doubles in the fifth leg of the semi against Woodcraft who regained his momentum to take a last leg decider with a superb 14 darter (160, 100, 100, 105 and 36 in two).

Ironically the final followed a similar path with Cook missing 3 darts at a double in the fourth, but in an excellent match borne out by the statistics, Woodcraft would go on to secure a famous victory with another 14 darter this time in the sixth leg. Woodcraft (26.65) and Cook (26.61) shared 23 scores of 100 or more and 4 maximums in the final.

An excellent day of darts was rounded off with the presentations which were conducted by Dougie’s son Marc – a real chip off the old block.

Colin Osborne Exhibition:

Tickets are  on sale to see one of darts’ fastest growing stars. Colin Osborne will be at New Street FC on Saturday 5^th December displaying his skills that have taken him to 14^th in the world, runners up spot to Phil Taylor in the UK Open and a 9 darter on the Pro-Tour this year.

Tickets priced at £5 are available from the Club or Mark Thorne on 0779 551 5403.  

23rd November 2009

Never too old in Darts….

Continuing on from his brilliant form in Scotland last week, Arron Monk proved ‘if you’re good enough you’re old enough’ as the 19 year old overcame a host of experienced players to take the Mill Rythe Autumn Darts Festival at Hayling Island last Sunday.

Monk coasted to a 5-1 victory in the blue riband event having earlier lost in the Mens’ pairs final against Sam Rooney and Mick Cookman when partnering Andy Jenkins in an all Hampshire affair. Click here for Mill Rythe Roll  of Honour 2009 /  Results and Averages

Other players to feature were Mark Thorne who reached the last 32 in the Mens singles and Dan Read who lost a closely contested youth semi final.

At the other end of the spectrum is veteran Les Brant (pictured above with Arron Monk) who is proving that if you are good enough you’re never too old and at 77 years young he is proving more than a match for players 50 years his junior. Les a former county stalwart and an Andover living legend with a ranking event named in his honour still plays regularly on Fridays and Tuesdays. Playing for the Lamb Brants and these days on the 19’s the old chap has won 11 of his 15 legs so far this season and last week notch two 171’s and a further six scores of 100 or more.

Invitation League HERE

Hampshire County Darts

Another disappointing defeat for the county side this time at the hands of last year’s champions Lancashire. It was an up and down weekend for the town’s contingent with Mark Thorne and Paul Reidy both playing well but being ‘pipped’ by excellent opposition. Charlotte Burgess continues to build a fearsome reputation with yet another classy win and has ‘future international’ written all over her.

Arron Monk was at it again destroying class opposition 3-0 on the Saturday was promptly promoted to the ‘A’ team on the Sunday and produced an identical performance with another 3-0 win in an identical and very respectable 27.83. Full Result and averages against Lancashire

Hampshire is renowned for their battling spirit even having lost many quality players to the PDC in recent years but will bounce back. The county side have many players that frequent the Andover leagues and competitions they will be joined next month by Dennis Simpson who has earned his call up – well done Dennis!