CO-OP Vs Broad Oak

Broad Oak came to North End Bowling Club this week, and faced a darts team determined to uphold their unbeaten home record.

This is always a tough fixture against some good players, but after four games we found ourselves 3-1 up putting us in with a real chance.

The first game was a scrappy affair with both players struggling to find the double but Barry Longhurst held his nerve to take the first.  The second game was much in the same vein as the first with both players busting several times before Brian Saunders found his mark.

Joe Peters lost in the third against a worthy opponent but Tony Best made it 3-1 with some consistent scoring.  Jonathan Ramsey then failed to hit his double for the second week running to leave the match in the balance at 3-2. 

The next game looked to be out of reach for Les Stallard, but he never gave up, taking advantage of his opponent's inability to finish.  The match was sewn up by Shane Davison who had the game of his life, finishing with 140, 140, 80 game shot!

With the match now won it was still important to win as many games as possible to maintain a high overall aggregate score in the league.  Unfortunately, Simon Longhurt's unbeaten run came to an end against a bright young talent in 16 darts, but some great darts by Peter Neale made us 6-3 winners and saw Peter scoring the best finish of the match.

There were some really good darts played by both teams in this encounter which made for a great spectators event.  The away leg should be a date to look forward to!

The match ended 6-3

Best Finish: Peter Neale (83)

Quickest Game: S Hears (Broad Oak)

 (26.10.2011)

Cosham Community Centre Vs CO-OP

This week we visited Cosham Community Centre for our second away game of the season.  Despite being one of the team's favourite fixtures, several players unusually took the night off!  However, a few last minute frantic phone calls facilitated the arrival of a full team and we were ready to play darts.

We got off to a poor start as the team became accustomed to their surroundings.  Alan Cheeseman and Brian Saunders both lost out to their respective opponents, but Jonathan Ramsey managed to claw one back to make it 2-1.  Due to a lack of numbers Brian Longhurst made a guest appearance but unfortunately lost to his opponent leaving the team 3-1 down.  It was one-a-piece from the next two as Simon Longhurst maintained his unbeaten record and Peter Neale was unlucky to lose in the sixth after playing a good game.

Two good wins from Tony Best and John Major left us in with a chance and the now familiar score line of 4-4.

Another last minute call-up saw Joe Peters play the all-important final game but we lost out 5-4 as he was beaten convincingly in what was the quickest game of the night.

Another good effort from the whole team who were unlucky not to win the match in what were difficult conditions.

The match finished 5-4

Best Finish: John Major (56)

Quickest Game: L O'Donovan (CCC)

(19.10.2011)

Post Office Club (A) Vs CO-OP

After 2 successful matches at home, the darts team travelled to the Post Office Club to see if they could replicate their form on unfamiliar ground.

The first game went our way after a scrap for the double saw Brian Saunders come up trumps.  Some quick scoring by Jonathan Ramsey soon made it 2-0 but, despite playing well, Shane Davison unluckily lost the third.  Johnny Major then put us in a strong position by finishing well, making it 3-1.

Our strong start was soon nullified as Alan Cheeseman and Peter Neale lost in the fifth and sixth games respectively.  We edged back into the lead with a win from Simon Longhurst but were level with only the final game to play as Tony Best lost in the eighth.

Ray winter stepped up for a rare appearance in the final game but despite his best efforts the match ended 5-4 to the Post Office.

Overall it was a pleasing team effort where we were unfortunate not to take victory.

The match ended 5-4

Best Finish: S Dives (72) (PO)

Quickest Game: Jonathan Ramsey