August 7th

Andover Unicorn Academy - 4^th Youth Open & Jamie ‘G’ Memorial.

What a weekend for Andover’s Academy stars! The 4^th Andover Youth Open now the Jamie ‘G’ memorial at the Entertainer then up to New St FC for the annual fun day for players, pals and parents.

Adrian Lewis and the Gentlemen Family

On the Saturday the Academy was setting new standards in both skill and sportsmanship when playing hosts to visitors from neighbouring counties. The early round robin format saw some excellent performances full of character and determination but with the standard high it was inevitable that there would be some unlucky and early eliminations.

Those who took their chances claimed the top two spots from each group and progressed through to the knock out stages. The young ladies have come a long way over the last few years and no longer fear any opponent or competition and relishing the cracking atmosphere were in good form too.

The break in play was dominated by a fabulous raffle with prizes valued over £600 upstaged only by the arrival of Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis and partner Katie who received a rapturous welcome.

The competition got back underway and in the young men’s event the academy filled 10 of the last 16; there Dominic Ware, Steve Turner, Daniel Miller, Josh Lambell, Gary Thorne, Adam Major and Jordan Edmonds made their farewells mostly against inspired team-mates. Dan Read then became a last 8 casualty losing to reigning champion Sean White who progressed to the semis along with Unicorn stablemate Arron Monk.

The draw was kind to these two great friends and for once kept them apart. In the first tie Arron with a 15 darter clinched a 3-1 win against Berkshire’s talented Jonathon Mulley then Sean won through by the same margin against the exceptional 13 year-old Shane Waters from Wiltshire to set up an all Andover final.

By this stage the ladies closed ranks as three times winner Charlotte Burgess, last year’s runners up Samantha Pike and sister Christine again made it to the stage.

There were other good performances from Mel Oakley and Danielle Hopper but it was Amanda Paine who produced the biggest achievement by getting there in her first competition and ensuring that the ladies champion would again be an Academy player. Amanda’s run was finally ended by Sam and Charlotte defeated Christine to set up a repeat of last year’s final.

Charlotte who has had a fantastic last three years showed her greater age and experience was enough to give her victory for a fourth successive year yet 16 year old Sam is surely destined to be a winner too.

In the men’s a third successive title was Sean’s aim especially as he had mentored Jamie ‘G’ during his time at the Academy however it was not to be for Arron was more decisive in his finishing and took the title in a highly entertaining final.

Jackpot who for the past three hours had been signing and talking away to his adoring public made his way to the stage to conduct the presentations including mementos and photos for all who had taken part during the day setting the stage for a wonderful and emotional finale as the remarkable Gentleman family were welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation by a packed Entertainer.

Co-organiser Mark Thorne presented Ivan, Jacqui and Tommy with a cheque for just under £2000 which had been raised by the Academy and its coaches over the last few months.

The day’s activities were drawn to a close by a fabulous young darts professional surely destined soon to become world champion. ‘Ade’ is not only world ranked number 7 but also Jamie’s favourite player and despite partner Katie being less than a week away from having their first child, Jackpot stayed until everyone who wanted to play darts with him had had a game.

The Academy would like to offer a huge vote of thanks to all who donated prizes, to MC Dave Dempsey and a special thank you to Mike Kirkby director of 1-2 Call Taxis who sponsored the champion’s mountain bikes.

Academy Fun Day 

Not much of a lie in on Sunday as it was the annual Fun-Day for the academy and friends. The weather was kind and the sun beat down upon a penalty shoot out won by Jamie Tarrant and a hugely competitive game of rounders.

The parents showed that there is no substitute for experience and though vastly outnumbered by their younger opponents ran out comfortable winners inspired in the main by the heavy hitting Mark Read and Martin Hopper and Dawk’s demon deliveries.

Returning to the club-house the pool competition was won by the wily veteran Peter Lockington and the darts by Gareth ‘Goggsy’ Morgans who proved that every dog does have his day in coming ‘back from the dead’ to defeat the talented Dan Read.

The Academy again wishes to extend their thanks to New Street FC and their fantastic hospitality and helping the Academy raise nearly £800 for its funds.