Leadgate Cricket 6 – 4 Chelmsford

Pictured : A practice shot in the house

A close game which swung both ways throughout the evening (there was a late-ish start) before ultimately LC took a narrow victory.

Alan hit his third 180 of the season in the opening Team match. John S had opened with a 140, followed by Alan's 180. I was third up to the oche needing to follow that great start, but saw my first dart hit S1. Luckily I brought it back to a decent 81 to my relief. I hate the throw in LC and never do well on it. It must be all in the mind, as there is no one thing I could point to as being a problem.

We have a very clear Man of the Match for this one ; Mark Henderson won every game he was involved in, and although he has played less than 15 games for us he is learning how to graft wins from difficult games.

A good team effort from us ; Alan's 180, my Doubles point, John's opening 140 which helped us to win the Team Game, Mark's MOTM, and Jean winning the vital final Singles point to turn a possible 7-3 into a 6-4.

Chelmsford 5 – 5 Leadgate Cricket

Pictured : Practice darts

This was a game between two very well matched teams, and the 5-5 score leaves it perfectly poised for the return leg on Tuesday.

As usual we lost the opening Team Game of 1001X, but Alan and Roger equalised in their Doubles game. Mark and Jean lost theirs, but I hit the X8 with the first dart for a doubles win with Willie to make it 2-2.

Next, Alan, Roger, and Mark all won their Singles game to give us a 5-2 lead, but I then started the rot by losing my singles game to Jan. No complaints from me, because I threw first and even hit a cheeky T16 when trying to cover on the T19. Sometimes it just doesn't happen and you just shake hands and hopefully put it behind you.

Willie then lost his Singles game to make it 5-5 on the night, leaving me a little disappointed to be the one to give LC hope towards the end of the game.

Man Of The Match was Alan P for his Doubles and Singles wins, but Mark is mentioned in dispatches for his Singles win over senior player Alan, who was their best player on the night.

Thomas Family Championship 2007

The Thomas Family Championship was held in Ebchester on 25/02/07 at The Chelsmford. We had a meal in The Lounge before hitting the dart board in The Bar.

Middenrat, myself, and my mother all played each other twice, and a clear unbeaten champion emerged, my Mum. I obviously don't take after her, because she hit her doubles without problem and cruised to the title.

What a great day, and this may become an annual event.

Cricketers 8 – 2 Chelmsford

Pictured : The teams

A correction from last week, which Nicky of The Cricketers pointed out to me: The Cricketers are not County players. Some of them have played for The County in the past, and most of them should have played for them in my humble opinion. I need to get my facts right, and on with the report :o)

After our previous 1-9 beating on 7/2/07 it was “more of the same” tonight, and chances were few and far between for us. We went 1-0 down in the 1001X Team Game, needing more than 400 points on the board as they sunk the double and took the point. The Doubles games didn't go any better, with just a single dart at the Bull and some large out-shots being our only chances to take a point. None taken.

Peter and me won our Singles games to get our only points on the night. I was disappointed with my performances in the Team game and my Doubles game with Alan, but I played reasonably well against Nev in my Singles match, and was more than relieved to hit the 15 finish (7, D4), but I still felt the nerves a good 10 minutes after the game.
Still, we were pleased with the way we played, and we'd have perhaps won against some other teams.

Congratulations to Nicky and Tim of The Cricketers on their 180's. They are the second team this season to hit two maximums against us – ouch!

Pub Master Competition

We Didn't have a League match tonight, so seven of our team fought it out to see who would be the pub champion to progress to the 1st round proper of yet another Pub Master Cup competition.

Roger drew up the fixtures and we all played against each other in single legs of 501 for points. I started off a little shakily but squeezed past Jean in the first game. I got better as the night went on, and ended up facing Alan in the final.

In the best of 3, 501 final I had become very stable and was able to win 2-0 and represent The Chelmsford in the next round. I had vivid memories of taking a 1-0 lead in Cirencester and then not pressing the advantage, so I was relieved to clinch this one.

To be honest I think only Alan and I were really keen on progressing, but I always want to compete in these things and I give it my all. Remember the fun I had in Newcastle (regional finals), Barbados, and Cirencester! Win or lose it's a proper oche and a day out with the darts, and this kept me focused to remain unbeaten in my games on the night. I'd practiced for it during the week, and for once it went as I'd like on the night.

Chelmsford 1 – 9 Cricketers

The score says it all really, and we have little prospect of turning this around in two week's time in the return leg. We were out gunned in all departments by the League leaders and the result was fair. Many of their team are County players, and it shows.

The only two highlights for us were Alan's superb 180 in his Doubles game, and my 101 finish (T17, 14, D18) in my Singles game to grab our only point on the night.

No man of the match this week – I just don't think anyone would want it after a result like this.

The knives will be out for me in the return game, but I was delighted to bag this point and get my Singles win rate up to 50% for the first time in the season. Let's see if I can hold on to it.

The Legends of Darts Tour 2007

John Lowe, Eric Bristow, Ronnie Baxter, and Peter Manley all took part. They played a selection of competitors whose names had been drawn from a hat, before competing against each other.

I marked the board for the semi final between Ronnie “the rocket” Baxter and Peter “one dart” Manley. I was on stage with Sky TV's Rus Bray calling the scores. It was great to hear the off mic comments that passed between the players and Rus, something you don't realise happens when watching it on TV.

Ronnie clinched his place inn the final with a superb 160 finish in the deciding leg. He then went on to beat John Lowe 6-0 in the final, and I wasn't happy to see John lose so heavily. It was just Ronnie's day I suppose, and he never looked like losing this one.

What a brilliant weekend then, and well worth the 540 miles for this round trip.

A Trip To Witney

On Friday 2/2/07 I traveled to The Three Pigeons pub in Witney (Oxfordshire) to see many of the Barbados 2006 crew. Debbie and Trevor put me up at their house for my stay, and they were really great hosts. Debbie's cooking was superb, and they really made me feel at home.

I arrived at 16:00, in good time for an evening of darts and chat at The Three Pigeons. Its a friendly pub from the 1700's, and on one of their two dart oches the low beams actually interfere with the throw and have needed to be clad in metal sheets to avoid damage when tall players are throwing for the higher doubles on the board.

The majority of the Barbados touring party were there. John and Joy running the pub, Colin, Steph, Richard . . . Rob and Trish from the Isle of White . . . Debbie and Trevor, and we even got to see John and Karen Lowe the following day.

We had a really enjoyable evening playing doubles darts in the side bar, before making our way to the main Lounge for live music and socialising. As is their tradition, it was a late finish. We didn't get an early night for the main event the following day, but no complaints!

Hoburne Open Darts Tournament

Pictured : Rus Bray and Peter Manley

On Saturday 3/2/07 we traveled by car to Cirencester to take part in the above event. There were approximately 50 entrants competing for the £75 and £50 prizes, as well as a crate of beer for the first one to hit a 180.

I took an absolute age to get warmed up on the practice boards, and didn't feel at all at ease. I rarely play at 13:00 in the afternoon, and just couldn't get used to it.

Sadly, myself and Rob Sime (Barbados buddy) were drawn to play against each other in the first round. We both scored reasonably well (I had half an eye on the 180 prize with an early score of 140) but we both had difficulty hitting the finishing doubles. Luckily I was able to eventually hit my doubles for a 2-0 win. Rob will no doubt get his revenge in Barbados this November!

In the second round I took a 1-0 lead against another player called Rob. I was settling in really nicely, but Rob then took over and seemed to have totally found the T20. I lost the next two legs to be beaten 2-1. Sadly Rob got beaten in the 3rd round, but we had a good chat about it all and compared notes.

Yet another Rob eventually won the competition, beating Jock over 5 games to grab the £75.
We had plenty of time for food and drinks before the main event at 19:00 ; The Legends of Darts Tour 2007.

Wheatsheaf 5 – 5 Chelmsford

Two reports in one blog for me. I was so disappointed with my performance last week I simply had to save the match report until I'd made amends, and tonight was the night. Both of the Wheatsheaf match reports now follow:

We lost the opening Team Game, but immediately scored three points with a superb Doubles win for Jean and Willie (two consecutive 140's brought them back in the game before Willie finished with a D1), myself and Alan's Doubles win (pleasing shots of a 140 followed by a 125 and a winning X6 from me), and Mark and Roger's Doubles win (Roger hit the winning X9).

After last week's game I was desperate to show some focus and play well. I was against the darts (throwing second) against one of their senior players (Stewie), and I was into my 6th throw before I hit anything under 60. I've never known a match night like this where I've hit the T20 with the first dart. This gave me a good lead, and I was able to sink my finishing X6 without pressure. Well, only the usual pressure of goosing up a good game, but thankfully this was to be change from recent form, and I was really relieved to pick that winning dart out of the board.

Alan then won his Singles game with a great 99 finish to make it 5-5 on the night, and 10-10 over the two legs. Alan had to pick 120 pints off the floor in just one throw (he still scored 60), so he did well to ignore the bad luck and grab this point.

Man Of The Match to me for hitting two winning doubles, but I don't like to talk about it :o)

Chelmsford 5 – 5 Wheatsheaf

Peter, Jean, and Alan all played really well, and between them scored all of our points on the night.

I had half a hand in the Doubles point Alan and I won, but I have to admit I was the weaker and Alan will be getting lumbago if he ever needs to carry me like that again!

I messed up my finish in my Singles match, splitting a 32 finish down to 6 (8, 12, 6), and then ending up in the mad house. Really bad concentration, and definitely a point lost by me after starting so well.
Wheatsheaf have some really strong players in their team, so we'll have to be at our best to get another result in the return leg.

Coach & Horses 6 – 4 Chelmsford

Pictured : The Coach & Horses

A defeat, but a useful points haul of 4 for us against a team who were individually far, far better than us. I mean, ask yourselves how many teams throw two 180's against you, and you'll know what we were up against! Great darts from C&H's Ian Hamilton and Gary Appleby, and congratulations to them on their maximums.

We lost the opening team game, but immediately equalised with Alan and Roger's Doubles win. Alan finished the X5, and also scored a notable 174 in the match, although he'll be the first to admit the T18 was a little fortunate! The other two T20's were no mistake though.

I lost my Doubles game with Willie, but was pleased to notch scores of 120 and 140 (a total midge's away from a 180, like it matters!). My useless practice darts all week were thankfully left in the house, where they belong.

Jean and Mark scored a great Doubles win, with Jean finishing on 35 (9, X13), and we sensed some points.

Singles wins for “birthday boy” Alan and Myself concluded the points, and we were on a real high to pull together as a team like this and graft 4 great points against a better team.

I felt very assured in my Singles match, and I was into my 5^th throw before I scored anything under 60, getting off with a ton start. Throwing “with the darts” meant I could afford an initial miss on my X16 finish, before sinking it at the 6^th dart. I haven't played that well for months, and as mentioned earlier, it was nothing like the junk I threw on the practice board all week. I still have no idea whatsoever how to compete properly and win these games, but tonight makes up for some of the recent disappointments.

Man Of The Match this week just goes to the whole team – no weak links. Oh, OK, Alan sunk the most winning Doubles :o)

Doubles Competition

Roger and I were knocked out of the Doubles competition at The Commercial last night. Roger played well (140, 101), but I couldn't get going yet again. Our opponents (Stevie and partner) notched a 180, so we were up against a good pair. We lost 2-0, and it's back to the League next week.

Chelmsford 2 – 8 Coach & Horses

Sadly the scoreline is a fair reflection of last night’s match.

We started really well in the Team game. I scored 140, 19 (ouch) and 66 to average 75 per throw, and Man Of The Match Peter McLean sank the double 12 which Jean had left him.

After taking this surprise lead we were unable to win any more points until Peter won his Singles game, and what a great match it was. Peter was throwing against the darts and immediately found himself 180 points behind after their opening shot was a maximum. Peter kept his nerve and replied with consistently high scores. His final two throws were a 131 followed by the X8 which that left him. Awesome darts from both players.

I played quite well in my Singles game, but missed two opportunities to finish 16 and then 8, so no complaints from me and I really need to sink these crucial finishes. "Big scores for show, doubles for dough" and all that.

Next Tuesday Roger and I compete in the League Doubles competition. We usually enter this one together because we play so many matches against eachother during the week and we really know eachother’s game.

News : I’ll be attending a really interesting darts event in Cirencester in February with many of the Barbados crew, and I’ll be sure to blog it. More news to follow nearer the date. There will be at least 4 world class figures in the game attending and competing, so I’ll get the chance to ingratiate myself again :o)

Shotley Club 4 – 6 Chelmsford

Pictured : Practice shot from Michael of Shotley Club

At last a win to report. Shotley were a little off colour tonight, and uncharacteristically missed a few of their doubles, but at least we kept ourselves in the games to take advantage.

We slipped to trailing 2-0, but six consecutive points from us secured the win. Peter and I won our Doubles game, followed by Willie and Roger winning theirs. Singles wins for Alan, Mark, myself, and Peter put us in the lead, but unfortunately Willie missed out before Roger lost the final game of the night to Michael to leave it 4-6 on the night.

Man Of the Match this week goes to Mark, who played well in all three of his games. This is the type of performance we really need in this team, and it's not just as simple as totting up who won the most matches.

A very good result for us then, and we'll be having a special Team Night next Tuesday when the League is resting over the Festives. I'll try to get some pictures of the stupid games we play to amuse ourselves during this “down time”. There'll be darts, doms, corks, and all sorts :o)

Chelmsford 4 – 6 Shotley Club

Pictured : Practice darts

This is becoming a common scoreline for us at the moment. We were well beaten in the opening 1001X Team Game and got nowhere near a finishing double. If memory serves we had 270 points left, and we were throwing with the darts (shooting first).

They took a 0-2 lead and were looking comfortable before Roger & Alan and then Peter & myself won our Doubles games to equalise at 2-2.

Sadly we only scored two more points, courtesy of Roger and Peter in their Singles games, making it yet another joint Man Of The Match award to them.

I had the chance to gain a 5-5 draw in the last Singles game of the evening, but I was beaten by their 16 year-old wonder kid Michael Taylor. I was against the darts and fell a little behind before pulling back into contention with a 125. We both had 20 left, and Michael finished first.

Michael has recently damaged his eye while pulling his darts from the board and was wearing an opaque protective shield over it. All the very best to him in his forthcoming operation to hopefully repair the damage.

We had a good evening with this team and are looking forward to the return leg next week when we make the very short 2-mile trip up the road.

Smelters 7 – 3 Chelmsford

Pictured : A view from The Lounge

Yet again, the score line doesn't look too good, but we had to really graft just to get 3 points from The Smelters tonight. None of us were trounced, but they just seemed to hit their finishes when it mattered.

By losing opening the Team game and the 3 Doubles games we found ourselves 4-0 down and looking at a whitewash. Thankfully, Willy, Roger and I won our Singles games to get 3 valuable points on a night where we were missing a few players (Peter, Mark, Jean) but we held together reasonably well. Joint Men Of The Match awards to us three then, and that is fitting with such a team effort.

Nerves a plenty for me yet again. I think it was seeing the League table earlier in the week that did it for me, because everything else was so relaxed and pleasurable. I try my hardest to just enjoy it, but I was desperate for the points tonight, and I'm disappointed we only got the three.

League Table, 14/11/2006

Pictured : Christmas darts config

It takes a long time for the league table to filter down to me for blogging, but here we finally have the first update of the season. It doesn't make great reading for The Chelmsford, and there is plenty of room for improvement :

1) Cricketers (88)
2) Delves Club (80)
3) Coach & Horses (72)
4) Chopwell Central (68)
5) Wheatsheaf (59)
6) Castleside Inn (56)
7) Leadgate Cricket Club (54)
8) Smelters (48)
8) Shotley Club (48)
10) Derwentside (47)
11) Commercial (43)
12) Chelmsford (39)
13) Black Diamond (34)
14) Jolly Drovers (34)

Cup Singles Night 2006

Pictured : Practice darts

I played at The Black Diamond tonight in the League Singles cup competition. Willie and Simon Dixon traveled down to support me.

Not a bad night for me, getting through to the second round with some nice finishing in a comparatively low scoring game to win 2-0. The others seemed to be finishing their 501 games in 7 or 8 throws, and the heat was on.

In the 2nd round I was knocked out 2-1 by Andrew Colwell of The Derwentside in an evenly matched game, and I really enjoyed the night. I threw some good scores and played well above my usual level, scoring way more tons than I get on the practice board. I just had an awful string of 3 consecutive scores of less than 30 (close misses), but you simply cannot afford to do that at any level, let alone Cup Night with some of the League's best players in attendance.

A good night though, and all the best to Andrew in the next round. He's either in the last 16 or the last 32. I felt I competed well and was worth my place in the competition, which is an improvement on last year.

Date for next year's event

Rob has just e-mailed me to advise next year's event is on 25th October 2007 from Gatwick. There's also a Manchester option to fly out a few days before the Gatwick people.