| Men & Ladies Fixtures 2010 - 2011 | The fixtures have been uploaded to the website and the captains will be sent hard copies in the post. Please check your venues availability ASAP. As you will see the league starts on 24th July |
last modified: June 30, 11:50 pm |
| Devon defy the odds for victory | Mid table Devon travelled to Wolverhampton to take on second placed West Midlands in their final Division 2 match of the season. The ladies B team got off to a great start through Annette Lord with a 3-1 and a very complete performance (16.68). Next up was the star of the B team Marie Martin who completed an outstanding season with yet another lady of the match performance and a 3-0 win (19.52). Marie’s 8th win of the season kept her top of the B team averages for the whole of the country in all divisions. The home team took the next game before team manager Trish Penberthy restored the visitors two point advantage with a 3-1 win (15.13). This was followed by a 3-1 win also for Christine Harding (15.40) and a 3-1 win on debut for Sue Horn (16.04). The 5-1 win for the Devon ladies left them in second place in the B team table in what was a hugely successful season of 5 wins, 3 draws and one defeat.. With yet another healthy lead handed to them by the ladies it was hoped that the men’s B team would break the habit of poor results on the road but it became apparent straight away that this was not to be the case as the first six men all crashed, winning only three legs between them, to undo all of the ladies hard work. Up seventh was the recalled Chris Hunt who put the visiting mens first point on the board with a 3-2 win (22.15) to leave the match score tied at 7-7. The West Midlands took the lead by taking the next game but Devon fought back through Brian Hodge with a 3-1 win (20.70) and a man of the match performance from Liam Goyne who hit a 180 on his way to a 3-2 win (23.22), this tied the score again but the home side pulled ahead again by winning the last two games win the mens match 9-3 and lead by two points overnight. Despite the heavy defeat by the men’s B team the spirits in the Devon camp were high at the start of the second day of competition as both of the A teams had been in excellent form. The day started with Michelle Andrews taking to the stage and looking more confident than she had for a long time as she worked her way to a 3-0 win (16.16). Next up Tracy Ware was left to rue missed doubles on her way to a 3-1 defeat (15.50) and having raced to a two leg lead Chrissie Kinnaird struggled over the finishing line for a 3-2 win (17.87). Holding a narrow lead the Devon ladies captain took to the stage and put in yet another lady of the match performance for a 3-1 win (20.19). Devon lost the next game 3-0 through an out of sorts performance from Jane Wiltshire (14.45) and in the final game of the match Karen Atkinson looked as focused as ever on her way to a 3-0 win (15.99). Karen’s victory gave the Devon ladies a 4-2 win and earned her the selectors lady of the match award. A tense half hour followed whilst text messages flew across the country to find out the score in the Norfolk match with whom the Devon ladies had started equal top of the A league at the start of the day but the heartbreaking news for the Devon girls was that Norfolk had matched their result and taken the title. This takes nothing away from the Devon ladies who had been absolutely outstanding all season. With the overall score now tied at 12 each the Devon men were to take the stage in the knowledge that, having beaten the team that led the A league in their previous match, Berkshire, they now had the task of taking on the team that had replaced them at the top of the league. A 180 was not enough to help Lee Watts (23.87) as he lost the opening encounter 3-0, however his form throughout the season ensured that despite this result Lee will inherit the title of Devon’s number 1 having finished top Devon player in the averages. Next up for Devon was John Lakeman (30.42) who battled out a great game with former England International Ian Jones (30.68) but lost 3-1. Matt Dickinson was next to the stage and was cursing his doubles again as he went down 3-2 (23.99). With the score standing at 3-0 to the hosts Devon were desperate to stay in the game so welcomed the sight of a recently in form Andy Steed taking to the stage, even more welcome was the point that Andy won 3-1 (27.83). A couple of below par performances saw the West Midlands open up a 5-1 lead and leave the Devon men with the almost impossible task of winning all of the last six games to win the match. First up of the six cam Andy Taylor who capped his best ever season in a Devon shirt with one of his best performances and a 3-0 win (26.87). Andy was followed by Richard Dennis who watched his opponent hit 2 x 180 and a 152 shot out but this didn’t worry Richard who was on his way to a man of the match 3-1 win in an average of 30.29. Having seen his three Exeter Eagles teammates win Mike Beal was next up and was to put another point on the Devon total with an excellent 3-0 win (28.36). With the score now standing at 5-4 in the favour of the home team the atmosphere in the room was electric as Devon fought for a seemingly unlikely win and West Midlands were fighting to stay top of the mens league and consolidate their promotion position. This would hardly be the cauldron that you would expect two players who’s ages added together wouldn’t make them as old as the majority of the players who had gone before them to be able to play in but play they did, Ryan Searle one year out of the Devon youth system, and Matt Dicken, current England youth international, served up a treat made so improbable by their age. Ryan came out the winner 3-1 (28.97) over an impressive Matt (22.38) and the scores were tied with two to play. Next on the stage for Devon came Andy Jackson, another player who was having his best ever season in a Devon shirt and who also capped his season with a great win against the hugely experienced Avtar Singh, 3-0 (23.86). The scene was now set, Devon had won 5 on the trot and were guaranteed at least a draw for their great efforts and taking the stage was Paul Milford a player who had spent a few season struggling with his darts and had only returned to the Devon A team two games previous and had pulled out a fairytale win for two down against London and backed it up with another 3-2 win against Berkshire. The fairytale wasn’t yet complete though as it had yet another happy ending for Paul who came from 1-0 down and 2-1 to win 3-2 in front of an delirious Devon crowd to give the Devon men a 7-5 victory and the team a 19-17 victory overall. Paul’s efforts earned him the man of the weekend award although the team performance as a whole was the winner. The Devon victory cost West Midlands the Mens A division title but the hosts had the consolation of getting promoted into Divison 1. Devon’s only second venture into Division 2 had ended on a massive high and the victory had taken them into 3rd place in the league finishing only 7 points behind their promoted hosts. There have been outstanding performances from all parts of the squad this season although it will be the away form of the men’s B team that will need to vastly improve if Devon are to set their sights on a top two finish next year. With the exception on one match the Men’s A have been excellent and it was a similar story with the Women’s B, the team of the season however were the brilliant Women’s A team but the real winner was Devon Darts who have not probably never had a squad atmosphere to rival the current one. |
last modified: May 20, 5:40 pm |
| Home win for Devon | Devon played host to Berkshire for their final home game of the season. Whilst the heavy defeat at London in March, and previous away form, had put Devon effectively out of the promotion hunt their home form meant that they weren’t nervously looking over their shoulders at the relegation places either. With the sad news of the passing of her husband less than two weeks prior it took a very special and strong person to take the stage first, but Mo Mortimer is that person and the rest of the room looked on in total admiration as Mo put in an inspiring lady of the match performance for a 3-1 win (17.68). Next up came Christine Harding who continued her current winning streak with a 3-1 win (15.53). Third for the hosts was team manager Trish Penberthy who equalled Mo’s lady of the match performance with a 17.68 average and a 3-2 win to put Devon 3-0 up. When Joyce Wilson ‘raced’ into a 2-0 lead the home team were looking forward to a rout but her opponent Carole Holroyd came back and took the visitors first point of the day with a 3-2 win, this was followed by Marie Martin’s first defeat of the season, the Devon lady, however still leads the National B team averages despite this hic-cup that was rectified by Annette Lord, recalled to the Devon side, who produced a 3-2 win (16.12) to give Devon a 4-2 win in the ladies B team match. The Devon men were looking to build on the foundations built by the ladies and couldn’t have asked for a better lead off man that Ryan Searle who put in a man of the match performance in a 3-1 win (27.18). Second to the stage came Trevor Perry who was playing his 200th game in a Devon shirt, Trevor missed some chances along the way and ended up on the wrong end of a 3-2 score line. Third up was Graham Roberts who put in a steady performance for a 3-1 win (21.11) for Devon to lead 2-1. Paul Godbeer was next on stage and rued 4 missed doubles in the 4th leg and also ended up on the wrong end of a 3-2 score. With the scores level again it was down to youngster Liam Goyne to put the hosts in front again this time on the right side of the 3-2 (25.26). Ian Knight took the stage next and became the third Devon man out of three to lose 3-2. At this stage of the match every one of the 6 games had been won by the player who had the “disadvantage” of throwing 2nd in the 5th leg. Another two wins for the visitors left the score 5-3 in Berkshire’s favour before Terry Ashton closed the gap with a 3-1 win (23.73) and Paul Davis picked out a 131 shot out on his way to levelling the match score with a 3-2 win (25.19). With Jason Hill putting in an uncharacteristic below par performance and Ant Hayman seemingly unable to buy a win in a Devon shirt despite quality performances the visitors took the final two games of the match to take a 7-5 win and inflict the Devon men’s B teams first home defeat of the season. With the scoreline standing at 9-9 overnight it was acknowledged by the Devon squad that the Devon ladies needed to inflict a big defeat on their bottom of the table opponents in order to revive their hopes of lifting the Ladies A league title and also to set up the Devon men who were themselves facing the side who were, on paper, the best men’s A team in the league. Christine Kinnaird was tasked with leading the team to their first point of the day and duly returned with a 3-0 win in what was her most confident performance for a while (18.33). The visitors took the next game and Tracy Ware came from behind to give the hosts the lead again with a sometimes shaky 3-2 win (16.79). Tracy was followed by Michelle Andrews who looks more confident following a great performance in London and produced a 3-1 win (17.63). Captain Merryl Dennis increased the home sides lead to 4-1 with a 3-0 win (18.79) and Jane Wiltshire completed another top class performance by the Devon ladies with a 3-0 win (17.08). The 5-1 win coupled with Norfolk’s 4-2 win over London has left Devon Ladies A equal top of the table and all to play for at West Midlands in their last match. With the overall score now Devon 14 Berkshire 10 the Devon men were tasked with taking a minimum of 5 points off of their table topping opponents. The Devon men have a reputation of being able to play well against good sides and what was to follow was one of the best men’s A games Devon have produced in a long time. Matt Dickinson took the stage first and swapped 2 x 180 with his opponent only to miss doubles and let the match slip away by a 3-2 scoreline (28.76). This was not the start the hosts wanted as next to the stage was Berkshire ex England international Paul Hogan, ranked 2nd in the division, Andy Jackson was not going to stand back and admire his opponent though and he used the advantage of throwing first in the last leg, helped by a 180 to win 3-2, the fact that Paul was below par on the day detracting nothing from the fact that Andy grows in stature every time he takes to the stage in a Devon shirt (23.59). With this result leaving the Devon players growing in confidence Mike Beal also hit a 180 on his way to a 3-1 win (24.80) to give the Devon men the lead. Richard Dennis could not have done much more in his game with Peter Evison. Richard hit 2 x 180 and Peter replied with a 180 and a 177 in the last leg drawing on the experience that saw him become the Winmau World Champion in 1989 to win 3-2, Richards average a creditable 27.16 and Peters 29.61. Next up a first A team defeat for Roger Wright left the visitors in front and in the following game Pete Rice (26.59) hit 3 x 180 and narrowly missed a 137 shot out before succumbing to a 3-2 defeat to Paul Snowsill (25.76). With the men’s score at 4-2 in favour of Berkshire Paul Milford took the stage and was another player to register a 180 on his way to a 3-1 win (24.07). Paul was followed to the stage by Andy Taylor who hit the Devon mens 10th 180 of the day on his way to tying the scoreline at 4-4 with a 3-1 win (25.47). With Devon needing only one more point for overall victory it was Andy Steed who stepped into the limelight hitting a 10 dart leg on his way to a man of the match performance with a 3-0 win (31.98). Ginger Edwards was the 10th man on the stage and his 3-2 win (26.58) left the Devon men 6-4 up with two to play. The first of the two, John Lakeman (26.97) hit yet another Devon 180 but was narrowly edged out 3-2 by Geoff Heath (26.92) which left the honours to Lee Watts, hitting 2 x 180 and a 160 shot out on his way to securing one of the best wins for the Devon men’s A team in recent years with a 3-1 victory (27.72). The 7-5 win for the Devon men meant that the overall score was Devon 21 Berkshire 15 a score that leaves Devon mid table with one game to go away at second placed West Midlands. The ladies selectors picked Mo Mortimer as their lady of the weekend for her incredible performance on the Saturday and the Men picked Lee Watts for the man of the weekend although acknowledged that none of the men deserved an accolade equal to that of Mo. |
last modified: May 1, 12:14 pm |
| Devon crash in London | Devon arrived at top of the table London full of confidence following a great win in their previous match. Having seemingly sorted out their day 1 blues in the previous match it was down to the Devon B teams to get off to a good start and the women faced the enviable task of taking on a London side that had 6 wins out of 6 under their belts. First up for Devon was Christine Harding who gave Devon the tonic they wanted with a quality 3-1 win (17.21) and a performance that was to eventually gain her the Lady of the weekend award from the Devon selectors. The hosts were to prove why they are top of the league by taking the next 3 games to lead 3-1 before Mo Mortimer, high on confidence following her last outing, put another point on the board for the visitors with a 3-2 win (17.01). Last up for Devon was Marie Martin who currently leads the Ladies B team averages nationally and was keen to hold onto that position turning in another lady of the match performance 3-1 (22.59). This was Marie’s 10th win on the trot for Devon, surpassing her best winning streak when she had previously played in the nineties. The 3-3 draw meant that Devon had put up the best performance by any ladies B team against London this season and they had given the Devon men a springboard to work from. Unfortunately for Devon the men’s B team yet again failed to join in and in a combination of impressive darts from the hosts and poor darts from the visitors Devon found themselves 4-0 down before they won a game and 10-1 down before they won again. The two bright lights on a pretty dim day for the men coming from youngsters Jason Hill with a man of the match performance 3-0 (26.37) and Ryan Searle 3-1 (25.59). The 10 – 2 defeat pretty much wiped out any aspirations of a first away victory of the season as the overnight score stood at 13 – 5 to London. Such is the spirit within the Devon squad in the belief in the ability of their in form A teams Devon arrived on day two confident that they could at the very least win the 2nd day of the match. With the Devon ladies sat on top of the league it was London who had to play the role of slight underdog, as has the Devon ladies on day one, and, as with the Devon ladies London were up to the task of taking on their table topping opponents. The first game of the day saw a brilliant performance from the home sides Clare Bywaters (25.70) who hit 2 x 180 on her way to an impressive 3-1 win over Michelle Andrews (22.37) who should also take a great deal from her performance. Devon pulled back in the second game with a 3-0 win from Christine Kinnaird (17.82) before the hosts took the next two games which included a rare defeat for talisman Merryl Dennis (19.45) at the hands of Tara Deamer (19.13). With the score at 3-1 to the hosts Tracy Ware put in a lady of the match performance with a 3-1 win (17.41) to keep the Devon ladies in the games before Jane Wiltshire succumbed to a very animated although quality performance from Kerry Simmons (20.88) to leave the final score 4-2 to the hosts. With the overall score at 17 – 7 to London the Devon men were effectively now playing for pride and, following an exuberant celebration by the London ladies, seemed to be wound up for the job at hand. Lee Watts took the stage 1st and hit 3 x 180 and a 118 out on his way to a 3-2 win (26.42) in a great match with Wayne Brown (26.34). Next up Roger Wright brushed off a 180 by his opponent to complete a 3-1 win (23.74) and was followed by a man of the match performance from John Lakeman 3-1 (28.81). Devon were lifted further by Matt Dickinson in the next match as he took a 2-1 lead over a seemingly out of sorts performance by England International Steve Douglas however Steve showed why he is deserved of an England shirt with two high quality legs to turn the match around and win 3-2. It was déjà vu in the next game as Andy Taylor held a 2-1 lead over Paul Rafferty only to see a display of excellent finishing from Paul to again turn the match 3-2 in his favour. Paul may have won the game but was to realise that a friendly post game drink with Tayz was not going to help him when he later returned to the stage to mark! A couple of below par games from the visiting players left the hosts leading 4-3 in the mens match before it was time for the Devon men to shine again with another accomplished performance from Andy Jackson 3-1 (28.58) levelling the scores, a great 3-2 win for Paul Milford (28.45), back where he belongs in the A team for the 1st time in many seasons and another impressive performance from Ginger Edwards 3-1 (26.24) for the Devon men to open up a 6-4 lead. With victory in their grasp Devon were to win only one leg in the next match and in the final game Richard Dennis (29.69) was to go down to London man of the match Ross Smith (31.31) and the men’s A match ended a 6-6 draw. Although Devon salvaged some pride with their performances on Sunday they must again look at the poor performance of the Men’s B team being the overwhelming factor in the overall 23-13 defeat. The Men’s B team will have to play a major part in the next match if Devon are to get a result when they host Berkshire who, according to the league tables have the best men’s A team in the division. Devon have dropped to 6th in the division but only a single point separates them from the two teams below them. More importantly there is a 7 point gap to Norfolk who currently fill the final relegation spot with two matches to go. Having sat proudly at the top of the league before their defeat by London the Devon ladies A team will be looking for every possible point at home to bottom team Berkshire next out and will be hoping that London can repeat their performance away at Norfolk who now lead the ladies A section by a point. |
last modified: April 4, 10:04 pm |
| New Super League Teams for 2010 - 2011 Season | To anyone wishing to enter a team for the 2010/2011 super league season I need the following ASAP * Your venue Name address, postcode & tel number * Your Mens or Ladies captains name, address, postcode & tel number * Your venue needs to be vetted at least one month prior to the AGM to check if suitable (Separate room preferable- Board, Lighting & Oche to be in place) * Games are played on a Saturday evening starting at 8.00pm * A representative MUST attend the AGM (27th June 2010 @ 11.00am Heavitree Social Club Exeter) * If the venue is suitable then it will be put to the AGM and members will accept or refuse your request to join the league. * Team name If I can be of any further assistance please let me know Regards Richard Dennis |
last modified: March 17, 6:35 pm |
| Devon go from relegation fight to promotion fight | Devon played host to Norfolk at the Heavitree social club Exeter and with the visitors sitting in the relegation zone only a point below the hosts there was a definite “must win” feeling about the fixture. Having had a bad day one in their previous match it was down to both of the B teams to make amends. With Marie Martin the only winner of the ladies B last time out Devon were glad to see her first on stage to settle the nerves. Marie started the day at the top of the ladies B team averages not only for division 2 but for the whole of the country and that’s exactly where she finished the day after another impressive win, her 8th on the trot and another lady of the match performance 3-0 (19.03). Mo Mortimer, returning to the side, started fairly shakily but once she found her feet she cruised to a 3-1 win (13.97) and Mo was followed by team manager Trish Pemberthy who added the trird point of the day with another 3-1 win (16.64). Having started to build a lead it was vital not to let it slip and the spirit and fight shown by Christine Harding in the next match earned her the lady of the weekend award. Having slipped 2-0 behind Chris was not going to give in and fought back brilliantly for a 3-2 win (13.88). With the score at 4-0 Joyce Wilson also battled out a 3-2 win (15.70) and the only consolation that the visitors got from the ladies B match was a win in the last game to leave Devon with a 5-1 lead overall. With the ladies having made up for their poor performance in Buckingham it was now the men’s turn to try to do the same. First up for the men was captain Trevor Perry who, after a poor run of form, was playing in the B team for the first time for more than a decade and after taking a leg to settle Trevor started to play with the confidence that kept him in the A team for 165 games and led the side out superbly for a 3-1 win (24.85). In the next match Ant Hayman led 2-0 and missed darts at a double before slipping to a 3-2 loss. Third to the oche was team manager Paul Godbeer who hit a 180 in the first leg and a 126 shot out in the second on his way to a 3-0 win (23.12). This started a run of games for Devon that really hurt their visitors. Liam Goyne, making only his second appearance battled back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 (22.20) and fellow youth team player Jason Hill, also on only his second appearance mirrored this but with a 24.55 average. Paul Milford was the third of the trio to win 3-2 (24.12) and Devon now held a commanding 5-1 lead in the mens match. The visitors took the next game with a 3-2 win of their own before man of the match Ryan Searle put in another top quality performance 3-0 (26.84). Norfolk took the next match 3-0 before the last of the youth trio, Mike Rice hit a 180 and missed darts at a double to win 3-0 only to let the match slip agonisingly away to lose 3-2. With the match score standing at 6-4 it was down to Graham ‘Harry’ Roberts to bring overall victory to the home side with a comfortable 3-0 win (20.04). Norfolk took the last game of the day but Devon had made amends for their previous poor performance, the men winning 7-5 and overall the lead standing at 12-6. Having lost 5-1 and 8-4 in the previous match a big psychological barrier facing the Devon players was that 12 of the 18 players taking the stage were effectively playing for their places in the team, the biggest complement that can be paid is that it didn’t show. Sunday brought the prospect of the two best ladies teams in the division facing each other and what was a mouth watering prospect didn’t disappoint. First up for Devon was Christine Kinnaird who was pretty inconsolable at the last home game having missed doubles to win her match and ending up losing. This time Christine saw the other side of the coin as it was her opponent Steph Midd’s (18.18) turn to miss the doubles and Christine’s turn to take the chances she was offered for a 3-2 win (18.46). Jane Wiltshire (18.17) took the stage next and battled out another 5 legged affair with Roz Bulmer (18.16) only to see the visitor hit the double in the final leg. Tracy Ware (19.40) was next up for the hosts and a 180 wasn’t quite enough to stop the classy display from Janice Butters (22.48) who won 3-1. Devon needed a return to form from Michelle Andrews and that’s exactly what they got. Michelle (18.79) being the only 3-0 winner in the ladies match over Mary Jolly (18.64). The game that stood out as being the game of the day was next and it was the standard of darts that would have graced any stage as Merryl Dennis (23.56) edged a 3-1 win over Amanda Mallett (24.35). This lady of the match performance has put the inspirational Devon captain top of the ladies A team averages for division 2. The final match of the day kept up the level of all of the others as Karen Atkinson (19.96) looked to have Dawn Standley (22.15) on the ropes when she started the fifth leg with a 140, Dawn, who had hit a great 99 shot out in the 3rd leg wouldn’t give up however and come out 3-2 winner to tie the match result at 3-3, fair reward for two exceptional ladies sides. Devon ladies had a team average of 19.72 and their visitors 20.33 in a match that was an absolute pleasure to watch. With the overall score now standing at 15-9 the Devon men’s A team took to the stage hoping to avoid a repeat of the last time they held a similar lead and ended up only making it to 18 points for a draw against Norfolk’s neighbours Suffolk. The important thing was to get early points on the board and having lost the first Devon got into their stride in the second game with Pete Rice winning 3-2 (21.77) to go part way to repaying a personal debt, as Pete retired from his first stint at county darts following a game against Norfolk in 2002. Next up for Devon Roger Wright showed his experience in what was his A team debut for Devon with a 3-2 win (26.77) and although Norfolk took the next game John Lakeman (26.84) hit a 180 on his way to a 3-0 win to put the 18th point on the board. This time though there was to be no repeat of the Suffolk debacle as Andy Taylor took to the stage and also hit a 180 on his way to a 3-1 win (24.34) and the all important match winning 19th point, a game which earned him the man of the weekend award. With the pressure no off the Devon men stepped up a gear and a succession of wins took the match score massively in the home teams favour. Richard Dennis hit a man of the match performance in a 3-1 win (27.00) to make the match score 5-2. Lee Watts hit a 180 on the way to a 3-1 win (25.78) to make it 6-2, Matt Dickinson also hit a 180 and won 3-2 (25.88) to make it 7-2 and Mike Beal added another point to the Devon tally with a 3-1 win (24.81). The visitors won the penultimate game of the day but John Imrie (22.74) picked off another 3-2 win for the home side and added another 180 to the teams tally on his way to making the mens match score 9-3 to Devon. With an overall score of Devon 24 Norfolk 12 what had started with the home team only a point outside the relegation zone had finished with them only a point outside the promotion zone. Devon sit on 121 points equal 3rd in the league with Lincolnshire. Above them on 122 points set West Midlands, whom Devon visit in May and top of the league site London whom Devon visit at the end of March. With the team spirit in the Devon squad as high as it has ever been there is no reason why they cannot stay up at the top end of the division and challenge for promotion in May. |
last modified: March 9, 5:34 pm |
| Defeat for Devon at bottom side | Devon made the trip to Aylesbury to face, bottom of the table, Buckinghamshire with high hopes of a victory knowing they were up against opposition who were low on confidence, having lost all of their previous four matches this season. It was, however a case of nothing being more dangerous than the proverbial injured animal as Devon got taught a lesson in finishing by their opponents on the 1st day. The previously unbeaten Devon Ladies B team gave away far too many chances to their hosts and finished the game on the wrong side of a 5-1, the only winner being the impressive Marie Martin 3-2 (17.86) who sits proudly at the top of the national, all division B team ladies averages with a dynamic average of 24.00. The men desperately needed a good start and this came by way of Chris Hunt and a 3-2 win (24.58). Unfortunately the momentum swing did not follow and the hosts took the next five games, 3 of them 3-2, to race into a 10 – 2 lead. Next on stage, Ian Knight hit two 180’s and rescued some Devon pride with a 3-2 win (23.70) and Ian was followed by Paul Milford with a 3-0 win (20.59). With the score at 5-3 in the mens match Devon had decided to give debuts to three of their high flying youth squad and all were drawn in the last 4 games. With them was the experienced Roger Wright who was the only other winner on the day with a man of the match performance 3-1 (26.11). All round it was a poor performance by the Devon men who like their ladies gave too many chances to their hosts and lost 8-4. With the overnight score 13 – 5 to the home side Devon had a huge task ahead of them if they were going to take anything from the game, they weren’t going to let their heads drop though as everyone was more that aware of what the outstanding A teams were capable of, particularly the ladies and first up was Chrissie Kinnaird who gave Devon the perfect start with a 3-0 win (17.48) and got a personal monkey off her shoulder at the same time. Following on second Tracy Ware missed doubles and went down by the odd leg in five for only her first defeat of the season. Having won her first game of the season at the last match despite some superb previous performances Karen Atkinson proved what a confidence boost a win can do for you with by far her best performance in a Devon shirt and a 3-0 win (20.88). Another player who seems to get better every time she takes to the stage, Jane Wiltshire, was up next and what seems like only a couple of minutes later she was on her way back with a 3-1 win and a lady of the match performance (21.17). Although she was feeling a little under the weather Captain Merryl Dennis weighed in with a 3-1 win (20.60) to win the ladies match for the unbeaten Devon ladies A and increase the scoreline to 4-1. Unfortunately for the visiting team having won the first leg of the last game Michelle Andrew lost her way a little and lost 3-1. This did not dampen what was a superb advert for the ladies game by both sides and the 4-2 win puts Devon ladies on top of the A team division a single point above their next opponents Norfolk. The ladies win meant that the score now stood at 15 – 9 to Buckinhamshire and like the previous day it was vital for Devon to get off to a flying start if they were going to get anywhere near their hosts. Unfortunately, just like the previous day they didn’t. Although not as bad as the B team losing 5 of the first 6 the A team losing 2 of the first 3 meant that it was almost impossible to come back. Devon’s only winner in the first 3 being man of the match Andy Jackson who won 3-0 (28.36) and is starting to look better and better the more he believes in himself. 17-10 down Devon needed some points and the next game produced a much needed win for Richard Dennis 3-2 (25.74). In his regular style Pete Rice dominated his match and struggled to finish it off but eventually put Devon 3-2 up with a 3-2 win (25.88). The home team took the next game and with the score at 18 – 12 could not now be beaten. Devon were not giving up though and Andy Taylor cruised to a 3-0 win (23.80) before Buckinghamshire took the next game to win the match. Playing for pride and every point now Devon were after a win in the mens A match and Matt Dickinson took the next game 3-0 in a confidence boosting win that he badly needed (23.48). Ginger Edwards was next on stage and in a clinical mood for a 3-0 win (26.37) and although starting slowly Lee Watts won the penultimate game 3-1 (23.55) to ensure a win for the Devon mens A. The hosts took the final game to leave the result 7-5 in Devon’s favour and 20 – 16 to Bucks overall. The disappointing result drops Devon close to the drop zone again and with only a point separating them from a bottom two place they will need a win against Norfolk, one of two teams that are a point behind them. This game takes place at Heavitree Social Club on March 6-7 and will feature two of the best ladies A teams in the country. Although disappointing there were many positives taken away from the match not least of which was the level of support which would have made neutrals think that Devon were the side with the commanding lead. This came particularly from the ladies on Sunday and in particular from Karen Atkinson whose support was relentless backed up noisily by Tracy Ware and Jane Wiltshire amongst others. |
last modified: February 22, 5:47 pm |
| Devon Close To Snatching Points | Devon made the journey to Gainsborough to take on Lincolnshire for the first time in their history for a Division 2 match in the inter-county darts league. The visitors got off to a great start with Marie Martin, currently top of the ladies B team averages, keeping up her unbeaten start to the season with a 3-0 win (16.70). Next up for Devon came Annette Lord on her county debut. Looking at home on the stage from the start Annette hit a 177 on her way to a 3-1 win in a lady of the match performance 18.26. The home side pulled level by winning the next two matches before Candy Norman put the visitors in front again with a 3-0 win (12.74). Joyce Wilson wrapped up the ladies B match for Devon winning 3-2 (14.97) to complete a 4-2 win for the visitors. With the Devon men unbeaten this season and the home side having lost both of their games to date hopes were high that the visitors could forge ahead but nothing could have been further from the truth. In a combination of good play from the Lincolnshire men, below par play by the visitors and numerous missed chances by the Devon players there were only two bright spots. In a poor 10-2 defeat debutants Ryan Searle and Stefan Peake stood out. Man of the match Ryan Searle showed composure way beyond his years to come back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 (24.00) 8 darts in the forth leg showed what a great prospect he is with 180,140,55 out in 2. Stefan Peake, taking the stage at 4-1 to Lincolnshire also showed great composure and also had to win a high pressure final leg to win 3-2 (23.15). Too many times during the rest of the match did the visiting team win the 1st leg only to surrender both the lead and then the game in what was an embarrassing defeat which left Devon trailing 12-6 overnight. Day two started similarly to day one with a 3-0 win for the visitors courtesy of Jane Wiltshire (15.99), this was followed by Michelle Andrews (20.73) who almost hit two stunning shot outs of 114 and 110 on her way to a close defeat by Claire Ball (23.12) 3-0. Lady of the match Christine Kinnaird (20.04) was up next to restore the visitors lead in the ladies A match with a 3-1 win and but for missed doubles could have had a much higher average and Tracy Ware increased the lead with a confident 3-0 win (16.52) Karen Atkinson (19.42) rued missing 3 darts at a double in the 3rd leg to take a 2-1 lead and was beaten 3-1 by the vastly experienced Debra Royal (20.36). The match was standing at 3-2 in favour of the visitors when Captain Merryl Dennis took to the stage. Whilst not her best average what made her lady of the match equalling 20.04 performance most remarkable was the fact that having lost her darts two weeks earlier she had spend a lot of Saturday trying to find a set of darts she liked. Merryl’s 3-0 win meant that the Devon ladies had won 4-2 and the overall score now stood at 14-10 to Lincolnshire giving the Devon men a small chance of compensating for their B team teammates poor performance. The visitors started off in the best possible fashion with Andy Jackson taking the first two legs of the opening match before surrendering his lead. Andy came back fighting though, winning the last for a 3-2 win (27.04). Missed doubles cost Matt Dickinson and Michael Edwards hit a 180 whilst slipping to defeat before Pete Rice restored some order hitting two 180’s on his way to a 3-1 win (26.19). When Mike Beal hit a 101 shot out to rescue the 1st leg of his match the Devon hopes were raised again however the Lincolnshire man of the match Dave Lambley took control of the match and ran out a 3-1 winner (29.82). With the overall score now standing at 17-12 Devon faced the unlikely prospect of winning the remaining 7 games to snatch a victory or 6 of the last 7 to force a draw and it was the county captain Trevor Perry who started the ball rolling. Coming off of a poor run of form Trevor dug deep to find a win from somewhere, playing way below his best his 3-2 win (24.27) included a 180 and 1 darts 36 finish in the first leg which characterised the guts and pride Trevor played with. So often the men’s talisman Trevor sparked a fightback by the Devon men. In the next game John Lakeman hit a 180 on his way to a 3-1 win (28.54). The next game brought the players to their feet as Lee Watts hit the highest average in a Devon shirt for many years, hitting two 180’s on his way to a 3-0 win. Lee’s 34.16 average ties the county record held jointly by Flynn Jones and Peter Tomlinson. Inspired by the games before Richard Dennis took the stage and his 3-1 win (23.38) brought the scoreline back to 17-16. With the Devon players beginning to believe a turnaround was on the cards their hopes were dashed as John Imrie (25.08) slipped to a 3-1 defeat. The penultimate game raised the visitors hopes again as Andy Taylor, back in the A team for the first time in a few seasons, hit two 180’s on his way to a 3-1 win (22.12). With the mens match now won Devon needed a win from the last game of the day to force a draw that was hugely unlikely at the start of the day. If they could have hand picked the man for the job it would have been Andy Steed and as Andy raced into a two leg lead taking the first leg against the throw and finishing on 116 in the second the Devon players readied themselves to celebrate. The nerves and tension played a part in the third leg as both players missed doubles before Lincolnshire’s David Greaves pulled a leg back. The home player also took the forth leg before, again, both players missed doubles in the decider. It was the Devon hearts that were broken though as David Greaves pulled off a 3-2 win to make the overall score of the match 19-17 to the home side. After a superb fightback and a 7-5 win for the men’s A team, two brilliant 4-2 wins from the women it is the Men’s B team who need to raise their game if Devon have any aspirations in the league. The consolation for Devon is that having started the season with two narrow defeats and a draw the knowledge that they have not been outclassed should leave a optimistic feeling for 2010. |
last modified: December 8, 11:18 am |
| Devon Men Fail To Cross The Finishing Line | Devon entertained old adversaries Suffolk in their opening home game of the 2009/10 season in Division 2 of the Inter Counties Darts League. Having been promoted together from Division 3 the previous year coupled with the fact that there hadn’t been more that 4 points between the teams in their four previous meetings this was always expected to be a close game. Opening the game for the Devon Ladies B team was Marie Martin, who has now completely regained her stage game after a long lay off, with her second lady of the match performance out of two this season, winning 3-0 (22.45). Next up for Devon came Team Manager Trish Penberthy who put in a solid performance for a 3-1 win (16.61). Following Trish onto the stage came Joyce Wilson who completed a rare 3-0 win, as she normally seems to play all five legs, with a good 18.79 average. With the visitors looking a little shell shocked it was down to Candy Norman to increase Devon’s lead with a 3-2 win (13.49). The fifth game of the day seemed to be played in two halves. Devon’s Elaine Sutton seemed very low and lacking the confidence to beat her opponent at 2-0 down and then suddenly sprang into life to turn the game around for a 3-2 win (16.32). This performance also earned her the lady of the weekend award from the ladies selectors. With a possible whitewash on the cards the Devon hopes were dashed as the last game of the match slipped away but an overall 5-1 win was a great start for the home team. First up for the Devon men’s B team was Colin Greenslade who increased the home sides lead with a 3-1 win aided by a 160 shot out in the 3rd leg (23.24). The visitors took the next game before Paul Milford opened up the lead again with a 3-2 win (21.82). Suffolk took the next two games to hold a one point advantage in the men’s match before Devon hit back with three on the trot through Ian Keast, 3-1 (21.87), Andy Taylor 3-2 (24.53) and Graham Roberts 3-2 (21.63). With these three wins having turned a one point deficit into a two point lead in the mens match for the home team the visitors hit back taking three on the trot themselves to hold a single point lead in the men’s game going into the last match of the day. There had been little between the men all day and it was to finish that way after Devons man of the match Paul Davis came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 (25.04) to draw the men’s B team game and ensure that Devon took a four point lead into the second day. Day two started much the same as day one with a lady of the match performance, this time by Devon captain Merryl Dennis. Not to be outdone by Marie’s 22 average the day before Merryl started the game with a 180 in her first throw and went on to win 3-0 (23.86). Suffolk took the next game of the Ladies A match before Jane Wiltshire, who seems to have put her A team allergy behind her, put the Devon girls back into the lead with a 3-1 win (17.70). Next up Chris Kinnaird opened the lead up further, hitting a 180 on her way to a 3-1 win (19.44) and Tracy Ware followed, also with a 3-1 win (16.97). With the match score standing at 4-1 to Devon Michelle Andrews finished the job in fine style with a 3-0 win (17.68) to make the match score 5-1 to the home team in a repeat of the previous days ladies performance. The Devon ladies had taken 10 points out of a possible 12 over the course of the weekend in what must rank as one of the most outstanding ladies performances in the county’s history. With the match score now standing at 16-8 in favour of the home team it was left to the Devon men’s A team to win three of the remaining twelve matches to secure overall victory. The first match of the day went the way of the visitors with Devon’s Mike Beal battling back to 2-2 with the aid of a 116 shot out in the fourth leg after his opponent had let him off the hook by missing doubles in the third only to go down in the last leg. Lee Watts went a leg up only to watch his opponent Andy Meikle hit a brilliant 160 out in the second leg and then go on to win 3-1 and Trevor Perry hit a 180 but also went down 3-1. With Suffolk having grabbed the spoils from the opening games Pete Rice steadied the ship with a 3-2 win going out on the bull for a108 finish to win the match and set Devon on their way. Next up John Imrie hit two 180’s but went down 3-1 for Devon to trail 4-1 in the men’s match, but still lead 17-12 overall. Devon reached the mid point of the men’s game with a man of the match performance from John Lakeman 3-0 (26.37) and with six games to go Devon could not be beaten in the overall match but still needed a single point to win the match overall. One by one the Devon men tried and failed and by the last game of the day Suffolk had pulled the match score back to 18-17. What seemed an impossible task for the visitors a few hours earlier became reality as Suffolk took the last game of the day for a 10-2 win in the men’s A match and an 18 all draw overall. After an outstanding weekends performance by the Devon ladies it will require a much improved performance from the men if Devon are going to return from their next match at Lincolnshire with a win. |
last modified: December 1, 8:57 am |
| Hertfordshire v Devon | Devon visited Welwyn Garden City to take on Hertfordshire for what was Devon’s first game in division 2 for 7 years. The Devon men had to make some selection decisions having travelled without three of their originally selected team due to injury, work commitments and retirements. With the format having reverted back to six ladies followed by twelve men it was the turn of the Ladies B to again take the stage first and with Devon having lost the first match it was down to lady of the match Marie Martin to give the away side a boost with a 3-0 win (20.31). Next up Candy Norman gave Devon the lead with a 3-1 win (13.86) only for the hosts to level gain. Captain Trish Penberthy put the visitors in front again, also with a 3-1 win, (15.41) but victory for the ladies was just out of their grasp as Herts took the last game 3-2 to draw the match 3-3. At the end of last season Rob Irwin couldn’t have bought a win but the selectors faith in his ability paid off as he took to the stage for the first of the mens B team matches and repaid their faith with a solid 3-1 win (22.85), debutant Ian Keast took the stage next and looked to be under the cosh following some power scoring from his young opponent Daniel Ovens, son of PDC professional Dennis, however unfortunately for Daniel his finishing was as poor as his scoring was good and Ian took advantage of a number of missed doubles for a 3-1 win (18.24). The hosts took the next two games to level the scores again before Paul Milford restored a point advantage for Devon hitting a 180 on his way to a 3-2 win (20.34). Hertfordshire took advantage of some below par performances in the next three games to open up a two point lead but Devon were not going to lay down and came back with Neil Anstead being the first Devon player all day to make the doubles look easy in a 3-0 victory (23.12) and Andy Taylor making the scoring look easy to win by a similar margin (22.77). With the first day scores level and two games to go a great game of darts followed with Paul Davis looking dead and buried at 2-0 down only to fight back to level pegging and miss out on the last leg. Last up for Devon came Andy Jackson, making a welcome return to the team having chosen to sit out last season, who put in a, 3-0, man of the match performance (24.24) to give the Devon men a 6-6 draw and leave the teams tied overnight at 9-9. Day two of the match started with Karen Atkinson, making her A team debut for Devon, looking out of sorts as her opponent powered to a 3-1 win and a lady of the match award, for Amanda Assam (21.00). Michelle Andrews followed Karen and also looked below par before suddenly hitting some form midway through the match including a 180 and then losing it again to eventually go down 3-2. Trailing by two points Devon were looking to captain Merryl Dennis to get them back into the match and, although not as clinical on doubles as usual, she didn’t disappoint with a 3-1 win (17.96). The next game caused an argument between the officials of both teams when, in the second leg a chalking error on Chris Kinnairds score was picked up towards the end of the leg and, whilst the home team officials argued that it was too late to change it and the away officials argued that the leg had to be played over 501, poor Christine stood on stage not knowing whether she was going for the 32 she left herself or the 42 that the rules stated she needed. In the end having lost her focus she missed the 32 she was then wrongly instructed to go for and having had her concentration broken went on to lose the match 3-0, this taking nothing away from the excellent performance by her opponent Linda Searle (20.59) who opened up a two point advantage for Herts again. The Devon ladies were staring down the barrel of a gun but still had two aces up their sleeve with a lady of the weekend performance from Jane Wiltshire, looking at home on the A team stage for the first time with a solid 3-1 win (16.99) and last up lady of the match Tracy Ware who having battled back to 2-2 watched her opponent start the final leg with 180 only to follow her with a 140 and outscore here for the remainder of the leg. Tracy’s 3-2 win (19.51) tied the ladies game 3-3 and left the two teams at 12-12 going into the men’s A team match. First up for Devon Richard Dennis missed too many double in the first leg and his opponent took confidence from pinching this leg and went on to win 3-0. Mike Beal starts the season as Devon’s number one man and showed that he means to stay there storming to a 3-1 win (28.91). Next up Andy Steed showed Bealer that he will have opposition for the top spot this year by putting in a vintage performance with a man of the match 3-1 win (30.69). Having gone one ahead again the visitors were pegged back but Devon forged ahead again through John Lakeman in probably his most mature performance in a Devon shirt with a brilliant last leg to win 3-2 (26.67). With Devon holding a single point advantage the wheels seemed to fall off and, with a combination of good performances by the hosts and below par performances by the visitors, Devon lost the next four games to go three behind with three to play. Herts were not going to have it all their own way though and Lee Watts kept the game alive with a 3-0 win (23.48). Much to the visiting teams disappointment Herts took the next game and with it the match. It was left to Andy Jackson, promoted to the A team from the previous day to keep the scores as tight as possible with his second win of the weekend 3-2 (24.05), a win which also earned him the man of the weekend award. Devon’s only other venture into division 2 in the 2002/3 season ended almost as soon as it had begun when they amassed only 3 points on the first day of their campaign, a position that they were never to recover from. This time Devon should be pretty pleased with losing only 19-17 to a team that were two divisions above them this time last season. Many of the Devon players will know that they are capable of better performances and will be looking forward to their first home game of the campaign with fellow promotees Suffolk at the end of the month. |
last modified: October 12, 2:48 pm |