Practice Night at The Derwentside

Pictured : A nice, steady 60

I had a good night with the Derwentside people on Friday night. As promised, there were plenty taking part (including Dave and Chris from The Cricketers), and I got to play against some really strong players. I lost a fair few games, but I won a few too and really enjoyed it.

I might do a few more Fridays nights up there if they'll put up with me.

Darts for the new season

I've just received my new darts for next season. The other sets have taken some hammer and have lost a bit of their grip, so I've picked up a set of direct replacements ; Hi Tec “The Vice” 27grms. My attempts to move down a few grammes didn't really work for me. 26grms was OK, but 25grms was a step too far so I'll stick with the ones I've been throwing for the past two years since I moved up here.

This set are particularly well machined. The tips are perfectly true with no wobble when spun in the point protector. Also, the shark grip is far neater than the other ones. The points are 3mm longer, presumably because they have never been sharpened. I'll have to watch out for this and not overdo the sharpening.

The Harrows Natural Aluminium stems in the picture have been well and truly tried out by me, but I'm not going to use them any more. Aside from the usual problem of them becoming loose no matter how hard they are initially tightened they actually become bent on certain bounce outs when they hit the floor. I went through three of them in just one day, so it's back to the nylon ones for me. Sometimes the simple designs are the best, and if I go to Barbados again this year I don't want gear which will let me down.

Derwentside 4 – 6 Chelmsford (10/4/2007)

After last week's drubbing it was great to end the season on a high note and get just a bit of pride back.

Roger got us on track with a 44 finish in the opening Team game (12, D16 in two darts). Next, Peter and Alan won their team game to make it 0-2, but Mark/Roger and myself/Jean lost our Doubles games despite competing well and pressing.

We fared better in the Singles games though, with wins for Peter, Alan, myself, and Jean.

I was up against Andrew, but thankfully he wasn't on the same form with which he dumped me out of the Singles competition earlier in the year, and I was able to take advantage and finish on 40.

What a bizarre end to the season in the final game of the night; Jean was slugging it out as her opponent couldn't hit his D1. When she hit her D4 there was just silence – it didn't seem to be “in” from our positions. She took a few steps forward and announced “it's in” before the silence was finally broken in the pub.

Our Man of The Match was Peter, who scored a 180 and led the line as usual.

Graham (their captain) was saying they have good Friday night sessions on the darts board, and I'll join them up there soon now that the season is over.

The season is over for a few months, and I ended up winning 48% of my Singles games, and 40% of my Doubles games . I'm actually quite pleased with that, given the quality of the oppos and the strength of the league. And anyway, it's just supposed to be a fun night out – if you're gullible enough to believe that ;o)

Chelmsford 1 – 9 Derwentside (3/4/2007)

Pictured : The Derwentside

An awful drubbing for us, playing at home against a team who are immediately above us in the league. I don't think any of us were battered in our games, but we were found short in nine of the of the games, so the result has to be accepted.

So, you either win or you learn, and here's how the education went! :

We quickly fell behind in the scoring in the 1001X Team game. It set the tone, and we lost the next 5 Doubles and Singles games before Alan grabbed our only point of the night in his Singles game.

I played against Norman in the Singles, and was up against someone who was hitting the T19's with regularity with his 12grm darts. I didn't play badly though, and might have hit my finish if I'd thrown first.

An extremely disappointing result, and a real low point to approach the end of the season with. We've only been beaten by this margin on two occasions by Castleside and Cricketers this season, so to do it against the team just above is in the League effectively consigns us to 12th from 14.

Chelmsford 7 – 3 Commercial (20/3/2007)

Pictured : Practice darts

A great result for us, and we managed to reverse the previous week's defeat by exactly the same margin. It was absolutely no thanks to me though, and I was the only one not to win my Doubles or Singles game.

Roger and I were beaten in our Doubles game by virtue of a spectacular 157 from John.

Mark Henderson continued his impressive form by sinking the D1 in the team game which got us on our way. He also finished another D1 in his Singles game.

Special mentions to Mark, Jean, and Peter. They all won both their Doubles and Singles games.

Commercial 7 - 3 Chelmsford

Pictured : The Commercial

The Commercial are just below us in the league, so that made this game a real 20 pointer. We were only able to get 6 of them (I'm confusing myself now :) due to a brilliant display from them.

We won the opening Team game, with Mark continuing his good form and sinking the tricky D1. Peter and Alan then made it 0-2 to us in their Doubles game.

I won our only Singles game of the night with Jason from their team having a total nightmare. When he did find the trebles he had awful luck with several bounce outs and we all hate it when that happens.

Joe beat our senior player Peter in the singles. I think that's Peter's only Singles defeat of the season (shift worker - doesn't play in all the games), so that really was a blow to us. Joe's scores of 100, 140, 100 had him looking at a 14 dart finish at one point.

No Man Of The Match this week, as none of us stood out on a night dominated by The Commercial, who notched a 180 in the Singles games and gave us a harder game than some of the teams at the top of the league.
Great hospitality and food from them again, and all the best to them in every game where they don't meet us - especially next Tuesday!

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)