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A Classic
Finish for Arron
 Arron Monk
provided Andover with it’s first Classic Ranking title
in three years in overcoming Swindon’s persistent Paul
Cook 5-2 in last Saturday’s final.
After being
close in many of the recent Entertainer encounters the
wait proved worthwhile, as the youngster became the 5th
winner of the Colin Monk Classic sponsored by Paul
Parry’s Hampshire Executive Cars.
It was an
emotional moment not only for a proud mother and father
who helped present the awards with Paul Parry, but also
for the coaching staff of the Academy who were
witnessing a momentous occasion.
The manner of
his victory was all the more impressive as he coolly won
a high class tussle with ‘Cookie’ a player of vast
experience and talent. In disposing of former the ‘News
of the World’ champion, Transplus Champion and conqueror
of many a ‘pro-darter’, the maturity in which he dealt
with pivotal moments against Johnny Haines, Sam Rooney
and his eventual victory confirmed the boy had become a
man.
Two 102 closures
and a third leg 12 darter proved decisive and it is
exciting to think what other titles could be added over
the next few years.
Another talented
youngster Swindon’s Dan Butler made it to the stage
before a blistering Monk (32.91) ended his hopes, as did
county captain Kevin Ede before succumbing to Cook.
Overall it was
an excellent day for Andover, one of the best for many
months with many good performances.
The perennial
Ali MacDonald made the quarters before bowing out to the
eventual winner, as did another Academy star Conner
Bevis who performed with character and ability before
losing against Paul Cook. Alton’s Johnny Brine made the
last 8 along with Colin Monk while
Dennis Simpson,
Martin Hitchins, Sean White and Steve Barnes all
progressed to the last 16 Young Gary Thorne was within a
whisker of defeating the talented Johnny Haines and a
brace of 11 darters were not enough to see Martin
Richell past Paul Cook.
Eight ladies
took to the oche, which included 4 Academy, and it was
Charlotte Burgess who took the best lady award again for
Andover.
Champion:
Arron Monk
Runner Up: Paul Cook.
3-4: Dan Butler and Kevin Ede.
5-8: Ali MacDonald, Conner Bevis, John Brine and Colin
Monk.
Best Lady: Charlotte Burgess,
Best Academy: Conner Bevis
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