Welshpool darts completes 80th year – stronger than ever!
The season started in September with a proposal of 30 teams entered. A new committee formed of: Shaun Humphreys, Hon. Chairman; Dianne Parr, Hon Secretary / Treasurer; Jordan Harding, Gareth Ashley, Bobby Gough, John Gibb, Harry Jones, Jordan Pruden, Gareth Stedman and myself, Steve Lloyd.
The sponsors with T.A. Jones agreeing to sponsor the league with fixture list sponsors coming in the form of Phil’s Tool Hire, Silver Fish, Canalside Carpets, SWG, Links Electrical, Blakemore Autos, Will Nunns, Vulcan Beds, Cambrian Training, Rikki Lloyd Butchers, Wrights Taxies and Jacks Tyres.
The committee formed three leagues of 10 teams with three further cups to be played for - The League Cup (Bagshaw), The Will Nunn Cup for those knocked out in the first round, and the Langford Shield as a Consolation Cup at the end of the season.
The Charity Shield was played between the Kings Head A plus guests and a league select XI captained by Gareth Ashley. The proceeds went to a great friend and servant of the league who sadly lost his battle with cancer, Keith Gamble. A fantastic evening in the Grapes, Welshpool saw over £500 raised for charity decided by the family.
The league kicked off on October 17 and proceeded until December 12 when Cameron Williams won the under 25’s tournament after a record entry. Gareth Ashley won the individual trophy beating Joey Jones in the final sponsored by Angel Event Bars.
The doubles were won by Dan Hosiene and Cameron Williams from the Compass A. Unfortunately, due to the poor turnout last year, the trebles were cancelled this time around. The Cup competitions were playing towards the Finals Night at Molto’s where the set-up is now at a standard equal to no other in the county.
The Bagshaw League Cup semi-final saw the Punchbowl and the Kings Head A win through to the final against the Owl & Pussycat A and the Pheasant. The Kings Head A went on to complete the win for the second year running.
The Will Nunn cup saw the Red Lion A and the Compass B win through to the final against The Grapes A and the Green Dragon C, where the Red Lion A won the trophy again for the second year running.
The Third Division champions were the Breidden, with the runners-up, the Angel B, who pushed the Breidden all of the way throughout the season.
In the Second Division, the Powis Arms A were crowned champions closely followed by The Black Lion Llanfair in runners up spot. The Angel A coming third in a tight league.
The First Division was a much closer affair. The Kings Head and the Compass A ended the season on the same points. So, the head-to-head was examined, and, with both teams winning 4-3, so that was level. It then went to legs difference, and the Kings Head A pipped a gallant charge by the Compass A by seven legs. Commiserations to the Compass A, but I’m sure your day will come.
The season finale ended with the talented Kacey Jones being crowned deserved Individual champion of the league and the talented Anthony Hilditch from the Breidden taking runner up.
A Hall of Fame was set up by the committee with two people already inducted for services to the league. Ben Gittens and Brian Pickstock were already inducted and there were 11 new inductees - Ken Parkes, Keith Gamble, Jimmy Chave, Stephen Proctor, Graham Lewis, Mitch Butler, Stuart Jones, Robin Shingler, Gareth Ashley, Kacey Jones and myself Steve Lloyd. The full explanations on why each one has been inducted is written up in the Hall of Fame held by the committee.
In a separate event, in memory of the late Keith Gamble and organised by Jon Gamble and Huw Humphreys on May 9, local boy Kacey Jones pick up £800 winners pot from Oswestry-based Terry Nash. In a fantastic final, when tied at 6-6, Kacey produced his best leg to win the winner’s prize pot. There were over 100 entries from all over the country with superb players and fantastic darts were thrown. Some of the averages were of international level. Keith would have been proud.
Stats from the season
There were 142 x 180’s
160 was the highest out shot by Brian Jones from Compass A
Least darts of a 13-dart 501 was achieved by Dan Morgan, Gareth Ashley, Matt Knight and Kacey Jones.
Over to the Summer League and good luck chaps. Please support Colin Quinn and the guys over the summer.
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