| 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 |
| OPENING COMPETITION AT RILEYS | Devon County Darts in conjunction with The new Rileys Darts Lounge is holding a Ladies and Mens Open Competition on 13th March, Sign in 11.30 for 12noon start. There will be prize money (to be announced later) plus the winners will play Phil "the Power" Taylor and Anastasia at the Grand Opening, towards the end of March/early April.The Opening is by invitation only and there will only be a handful of lucky people playing on the night. Entry fee is £5 with £2 going to County funds. More news to follow. |
last modified: February 23, 2:36 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 |
| Highest average | Congrats to Martyn Johns of Bideford Royals A who hit a 36.66 average in his superleague game last night. Well done mate its the highest average in the history of the league |
last modified: February 21, 6:55 pm |
| OPEN DARTS COMPETITION | OPEN DARTS COMPETITION AN inaugural open doubles competition, with a blind draw, is to take place on Sunday February 28 at GWR West, Cowick Street, Exeter. The Bryan Barrett Memorial Tournament has been sponsored by Martin Rhodes and Kevin Hollamby and although entry is free, a prize draw will be made on the day with all proceeds going to the RNIB. Bryan was well known within the Exeter darting fraternity and began playing in the late 1950’s, in the former Whitebread League. He was also one of the first players to compete in the Devon Super League, turning out for Exeter Eagles. There will be trophies for both winners and runners up and players are asked to sign in from 12.30pm, for a 1.30pm start. Any further details can be obtained from Philip Barrett on 07950649309. |
last modified: February 17, 8:01 pm |
| Premier League Darts | I am the Events Manager for Westpoint Arena and I was wondering if you were aware of the forth coming Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts event we will have here on 4th March 2010 and was wondering if it would be at all possible for you to email information to the Devon Teams/Players. The event itself will be held at Westpoint Arena for the second time and will have approximately 4,500 fans packed in the audience to watch Champion Darts Players such as Phil "The Power" Taylor and James "The Machine" Wade. The event will also be televised live on Sky Sports. Tickets are selling fast for this event and are expected to sell out and with in mind we are keen to get the information out to Devon Darts Players as I’m sure they would be interested to see champion players compete live on their doorstep without touring the country! To view more information about the event and to book tickets please click onto the following link; http://www.westpointarena.com/events/80/ Regards Sarah Toms Tel: 01392 353 703 Fax: 01392 445 843 |
last modified: February 1, 9:51 pm |
| KO Cup Prelims | Exeter Eagles beat Tiverton South Molton Stags beat Bideford Royals B Manor House beat Torbay Fockers Bideford Royals A beat Torbay |
last modified: February 7, 9:54 am |
| KO CUP - Ladram Bay Competition | To All Superleague Teams Devon County Superleague have decided to support the Ladram Bay Holiday Park competition on the 26th and 27th of February. Any teams that have players wanting to enter this competition can cancel there first round KO Cup game if they wish. The only stipulation is if you do cancel the game it MUST be played before 11th April Regards Richard Dennis |
last modified: January 24, 9:04 am |
| First win of the season for Devon | Devon started the new year in style with a win against Sussex in division 2 of the inter counties darts league. Finding themselves in the relegation zone of an extremely tight league the Devon players were determined to move up the table at the earliest opportunity. It was the visitors who drew first blood in the ladies B match but Devon bounced straight back with a win from lady of the match Marie Martin 3-0 (17.68). Joyce Wilson then put the hosts in front with a 3-1 win which included a 116 shot out (16.14). The visitors fought back to level the game at 2-2 only for team manager Trish Penberthy to give Devon the lead again with a 3-0 win and a lady of the match equalling 17.68. Just as they had taken the first Sussex took the last game to tie the ladies B match 3-3. With the Devon men under the pressure of a 10-2 defeat last time out and fighting for their places it was the experienced Ian Knight who led the way with a hard fought 3-2 win (21.41). With the visitors taking the next two games to nose in front again it was Stefan Peake on his home debut that levelled the match at 2-2 with a man of the match 3-1 win (24.12). At a vital stage of the match it was down to the experienced trio of Chris Hunt, Paul Milford and team manager Paul Godbeer to take control of the match for Devon. With almost 250 appearance between them the trio moved the scoreline on to 5-2 in the home sides favour. Chris Hunt marked his 100th appearance in a Devon shirt with a 3-0 win (22.77), Paul Milford played one leg more in a 3-1 win (23.77) and Paul Godbeer played all five for a 3-2 win (21.33). Sussex narrowed their hosts lead by taking the next game it was a matter of experience telling in the next game as Sussex youngster Gregg Upton missed doubles to allow the experienced Roger Wright chances and Roger gladly took them 3-2 (23.86) to open up the Devon lead again. Sussex took the next game but Devon were in no mood to surrender their lead as the final two Devon players Ryan Searle (23.58) and Graham Roberts (23.73) both chalked up 3-2 wins to give the Devon men’s B team an 8-4 win and leave the overnight score 11-7 in favour of the hosts Ryan’s point was the game winning point for the men’s B and earned him the man of the weekend award. First up for Devon on Sunday was Christine Kinnaird who showed off her scoring skills but unfortunately had left her doubles at home as she slipped to defeat. That was just a small blip as the exceptional Devon Ladies A team won all of the remaining games for a 5-1 victory. Michelle Andrews was the first winner with a 3-1 victory (17.92) to be followed by Karen Atkinson, who has to be wondering when her luck will change as yet again she drew the oppositions number one player. This time Karen was more than up to the task with a 3-1 win (19.68) that earned her the lady of the weekend award. Merryl Dennis was the third winner for the ladies and could have had and even higher average but for some missed doubles but she won 3-2 with a lady of the match 21.16 average. Tracy Ware followed and produced one of her most convincing performances with a 3-1 win (20.82) and completing the victory was Jane Wiltshire who also produced a fine 3-0 win (19.03). With the match score standing at 16-8 to Devon all of the home players were trying their hardest not to think of their last home game against Suffolk where they let the same lead slip and only managed an 18-18 draw. The nerves were calmed however after the first game as Mike Beal hit a 156 shot out in the 2nd leg and went on to win 3-1 (25.97). Sussex took the next game but Devon hit back through Mike Edwards won 3-1 (25.84) and by hitting the 18th point ensured that Devon could not be beaten overall. Sussex took the next two games before the hugely in form Lee Watts put in a man of the match performance to ensure the weekend victory for the home team. Lee hit a 180 and won 3-0 with a 29.47 average. In the next game Richard Dennis could do little but watch as his opponent Michael Hammond hit consecutive 156 and 160 shot outs on his way to a 30.67 average. With the men’s match score at 4-3 in Sussex’s favour John Imrie pulled a game back for the hosts with a 3-0 win (21.78). Andy Steed put the Devon men in front with a 3-2 win (25.36) and John Lakeman increased it with a 3-1 win (25.90). With the score now 6-4 to the Devon men it was Matt Dickenson who looked to close out the win but having hit a 180 and a 170 shout out in a superb 12 dart leg frustratingly missed doubles and lost 3-2 despite a 28.31 average. Andy Taylor also hit a 180 in the last match of the day but succumbed to Rod Hawkins who also hit a 30.67 average. A 6-6 draw for the men’s A team finished off a comfortable 22-14 win for Devon and lifted them clear of the relegation zone. Devon will be looking to take full advantage of a seemingly out of form Buckinghamshire squad who are currently bottom of the division in their next match at Aylesbury in February. |
last modified: January 20, 2:55 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 |
| Knockout Cup Draw | Prelim 23rd Jan A - Tiverton v Exeter Eagles B - Torbay v Bideford Royals A C - South Molton Stags v Bideford Royals B D - Torbay Fockers v Manor House First Round 27th Feb Winners A v Stoke Inn Winners B v Cockney Rebels Winners C v Holly Tree Winners D v Filo Beer Boyz Grumpy Old Men v The Undertakers Yeomen v Ker St Kools v Barley Mow Poltimore Arms v Railway Boyz Ladies First Round 27th Feb Kates Rebels v Golden Girls Tivvy Ladies v Poltimore A Kings v Exeter Eagles A St Levan Inn v Exeter Eagles B |
last modified: November 24, 4:04 pm |
| Devon Open 2009 | Devon Open 2009 Money in Money out (Men) Winner - Simon Whatley (Dorset) Runner Up - Trevor Perry (Devon) Money in Money out (Ladies) Winner - Deta Hedman (Oxfordshire) Runner Up - Dawn Standley (Norfolk) Mens Singles Winner - Geoff Sutton (Cornwall) Runner Up - Neil Raikes (Somerset) Ladies Singles Winner - Trina Gulliver (Warwickshire) Runner Up Merryl Dennis (Devon) Mens Pairs Winners - Gordon Fitzpatrick & Kevin Dalwood (Somerset) Runners Up - Lee Mant & Dougie Wallis (Kent) Ladies Pairs Winners - Karen Littler & Sally Dart (Somerset) Runners Up - Dawn Standley & Amanda Abbott (Norfolk) Mixed Pairs Winners - Terry & Sally Rose (Kent) Runners Up - John Imrie & Jo Moore (Devon) |
last modified: November 23, 5:51 pm |
| 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, 1:48 pm |
| New Darts Column in the Express & Echo | Please could you put an announcement on your Devon Darts Web Site News Page with regards to my new column. First column will appear in the Express and Echo on Saturday, October 3. Any league secretaries in the Express and Echo circulation area can forward results, tables etc to Steve Chapman at bullseye180@blueyonder.co.uk. Copy must be with me by 12 noon on a Wednesday, for inclusion on the Saturday. Many Thanks Steve Chapman |
last modified: September 28, 10:01 pm |
| New County Shirts | ALL County Players PLEASE NOTE!!!!!!!!!!! We will not receive our new shirts until after the first game so please remember to bring your Old shirts to Hertfordshire |
last modified: September 17, 9:48 pm |
| Devon Darts email Address | All If anyone has recently sent an email to devondarts180@o2.co.uk (Within the last week)then I have probably not received it, I have issues with receiving mail from this address. New address is devondarts180@yahoo.com This will be changed on the contacts page as soon as possible Thank you Richard Dennis |
last modified: September 17, 9:33 pm |
| The Kings Cowick St Exeter | there is going to be an 8 week darts comp at the kings cowick st exeter, starting on the friday 2nd of oct for 8 weeks, and the final on friday the 27th nov. the prize fund will start at £250 + all the entry fees and raffles on the 9 weeks running, £3. pound entry. start time is 7.30 sign for 8pm start. if you need anymore information ring the kings 01392275909 and ask for andy or cat. |
last modified: September 10, 9:29 pm |
| Fancy Dress | There are some pictures hosted on the BDO Players Forum. Follow the link from the links page and look in the Devon Section |
last modified: December 4, 3:49 pm |
