Match Report
Eight players for the last knockout before the new Premier League starts and for a change we played pairs, best of 5 legs from 501. The pairs were drawn at random.
Semi Finals
Ben & Glen v James & Sam
It was a slow start from Ben & Glen as James & Sam built up a lead in the first leg, but they allowed Ben & Glen to catch up with some shaky attempts at their doubles before taking the leg. Ben and Glen tightened up their throwing from that point and although it was a close match they took the next three legs to go through 3-1.
Nick & Tom v Ram & Darren
Nick & Tom threw some good, steady darts, including a Shanghai 120 from Nick, and the scores were reasonably close in the second match of the night. However as always it was the checkouts that counted and Ram & Darren hit the target three times to go through with a clean sheet.
Final
Ben & Glen v Ram & Darren
After it took three throws for Bull to decide who threw first a close match seemed on the cards, but some poor throws from Ben gifted the first leg to Ram & Darren. Some good arrows from the pair in the next leg put them 2-0 up before Ben & Glen got their act together, fighting back to take the third with a well-timed 100+ score from Ben to leave the checkout for Glen. But Ram & Darren continued to throw well in the fourth leg, gaining the advantage on the scoreboard and finishing well to win the match and the competition 3-1. The £20 pot was presented to the winners: £10 each.
Next Week
That wraps up the summer knockouts as we start the Premier League next Tuesday. We currently have 9 players signed up, but there is still time to add your name if you want to join us: just come along at 8pm on Tuesday 30th.
As usual the league will take the form of a round robin where every player plays everyone else. Matches are played as the best of 4 legs of 501 with 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw. Bonus points are awarded for a clean sheet (3-0 win) and there are cash prizes for the highest score and highest checkout on the night. In a change from last season there will not be bonus points for the highest score and checkout.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part, and I'll see you next week!
Friday, 26 July 2013
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Knockout - 16th July 2013
Due to personal reasons Ben was unable to attend tonight so it was the turn of the darts rabble to pull together and organise a night of darts. A good turnout of nine players including the return of Natasha. Same format as normal, best of 3 games at 501.
Match Report
Preliminary Round
Natasha v James
First on the oche to start the proceedings were Natasha and James in the only preliminary round of the night. Natasha has been absent from the oche for many weeks so it would be fair to say there may have been a few cobwebs in the locker, this clearly wasn't the case and she took the first leg with the dreaded madhouse (double one). In the second leg James produced some much higher scores including the night's top score of 168 which allowed him to take this leg. In the decider it was the high scores from James that proved decisive again allowing him to take the match 2-1.
First Round
Tom v Claire
A match that could have gone either way, in the first leg the inconsistent scoring from Tom and the steady scoring from Claire allowed her to build up a lead and take the leg. In the second leg it was more of the same in regards to the scoring but this time Claire could not find the double, this allowed Tom to catch up and hit the double. In the decider Tom's scoring improved greatly, he got down to the double first and took the match 2-1.
Darren v Nick
Last week's runner up Nick took on Darren who at this point was looking rather dazed probably due to the amount of alcohol consumed. The first and second leg were pretty much the same story, Nick was able to produce high consistent scores regularly hitting the treble 20 while Darren could not even hit a treble of any sort. Nick got down to doubles first in both legs and took them out very quickly to take the match 2-0.
Ram v Sam
It was the turn of last week's and the week before's knockout winner Ram against Sam who every now and again can throw a spanner in the works. This looked like the case with Sam winning the first leg with the highest check out of the night 81 but then Ram showed his class which we have become used to by now. Upping his scores into three figures which Sam could not match, this allowed Ram to take the second leg. In the decider Ram continued his second leg form to book his place in the semi final 2-1.
James v Glen
In the final first round game both players matched each other's scores but fell into double trouble with each player having many darts to take the first leg, eventually James took it with the famous double one check out. This may have affected Glen as in the second leg he was clearly below par which James took full advantage of taking the second leg and taking the last semi final place 2-0.
Semi Final
Tom v Ram
The first semi final and as in the famous quote from Bobby George "Trebles for show and doubles for dough."
In the first and second leg Ram again produced high consistent scores with Tom throwing some steady consistent darts; this allowed Ram to get to the double first on both occasions. Unfortunately in this match Ram could not find the appropriate doubles which allowed Tom to catch up. He accepted the invitation taking out the required doubles to book a place in the final and guarantee some dough 2-0.
Nick v James
In the first leg both players matched scores and reached doubles in similar time, slight double trouble again but it was James who took the leg. The second leg James started to hit the big scores and built up a lead and looked the favourite to take the match but Nick had other ideas finally hitting some big scores and taking out an unorthodox double 17 to take it to a decider. This leg was over very quickly with Nick hitting big trebles regularly and finishing with a double 8 whilst James was still on three figures to book his place in the final 2-1.
Final
Tom v Nick
This was Tom's first appearance in a knock out final and Nick's second consecutive final so well done to the both of them. After losing last week in the final Nick was on a mission to ensure this didn't happen again and although Tom put up a valiant effort it was the high scores and quick finishing from Nick that won the match and this week's knockout 2-0.
Congratulations to Nick finishing in first place winning £15.00 and well done to Tom for finishing in second place winning £7.50.
Thank you to everyone who turned up and helped organise the knockout, if these same nine people sign up for the league with Ben and the giant killer Anne returning....... it's going to be one open exciting league.
This week's match report was written by James: many thanks. You might've got yourself a new job!
Next Week
It's the last knockout before the start of the big one - the Premier League.
Match Report
Preliminary Round
Natasha v James
First on the oche to start the proceedings were Natasha and James in the only preliminary round of the night. Natasha has been absent from the oche for many weeks so it would be fair to say there may have been a few cobwebs in the locker, this clearly wasn't the case and she took the first leg with the dreaded madhouse (double one). In the second leg James produced some much higher scores including the night's top score of 168 which allowed him to take this leg. In the decider it was the high scores from James that proved decisive again allowing him to take the match 2-1.
First Round
Tom v Claire
A match that could have gone either way, in the first leg the inconsistent scoring from Tom and the steady scoring from Claire allowed her to build up a lead and take the leg. In the second leg it was more of the same in regards to the scoring but this time Claire could not find the double, this allowed Tom to catch up and hit the double. In the decider Tom's scoring improved greatly, he got down to the double first and took the match 2-1.
Darren v Nick
Last week's runner up Nick took on Darren who at this point was looking rather dazed probably due to the amount of alcohol consumed. The first and second leg were pretty much the same story, Nick was able to produce high consistent scores regularly hitting the treble 20 while Darren could not even hit a treble of any sort. Nick got down to doubles first in both legs and took them out very quickly to take the match 2-0.
Ram v Sam
It was the turn of last week's and the week before's knockout winner Ram against Sam who every now and again can throw a spanner in the works. This looked like the case with Sam winning the first leg with the highest check out of the night 81 but then Ram showed his class which we have become used to by now. Upping his scores into three figures which Sam could not match, this allowed Ram to take the second leg. In the decider Ram continued his second leg form to book his place in the semi final 2-1.
James v Glen
In the final first round game both players matched each other's scores but fell into double trouble with each player having many darts to take the first leg, eventually James took it with the famous double one check out. This may have affected Glen as in the second leg he was clearly below par which James took full advantage of taking the second leg and taking the last semi final place 2-0.
Semi Final
Tom v Ram
The first semi final and as in the famous quote from Bobby George "Trebles for show and doubles for dough."
In the first and second leg Ram again produced high consistent scores with Tom throwing some steady consistent darts; this allowed Ram to get to the double first on both occasions. Unfortunately in this match Ram could not find the appropriate doubles which allowed Tom to catch up. He accepted the invitation taking out the required doubles to book a place in the final and guarantee some dough 2-0.
Nick v James
In the first leg both players matched scores and reached doubles in similar time, slight double trouble again but it was James who took the leg. The second leg James started to hit the big scores and built up a lead and looked the favourite to take the match but Nick had other ideas finally hitting some big scores and taking out an unorthodox double 17 to take it to a decider. This leg was over very quickly with Nick hitting big trebles regularly and finishing with a double 8 whilst James was still on three figures to book his place in the final 2-1.
Final
Tom v Nick
This was Tom's first appearance in a knock out final and Nick's second consecutive final so well done to the both of them. After losing last week in the final Nick was on a mission to ensure this didn't happen again and although Tom put up a valiant effort it was the high scores and quick finishing from Nick that won the match and this week's knockout 2-0.
Congratulations to Nick finishing in first place winning £15.00 and well done to Tom for finishing in second place winning £7.50.
Thank you to everyone who turned up and helped organise the knockout, if these same nine people sign up for the league with Ben and the giant killer Anne returning....... it's going to be one open exciting league.
This week's match report was written by James: many thanks. You might've got yourself a new job!
Next Week
It's the last knockout before the start of the big one - the Premier League.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Knockout - 9th July 2013
A different format from usual for this knockout: it was that old favourite double-in. Good practice on the all-important doubles, plus the format tends to prove a great leveller! I must apologise because I've not had much time to write the report this week, so it's just the results.
First Round
Darren 1-2 Ben
Nick 2-0 Sam
James 0-2 Ram
Tom 1-2 Glen
Semi-finals
Ben 1-2 Nick
Ram 2-0 Glen
Final
Nick 2-3 Ram
Well done Ram: second win in a row and the £12.50 first prize. Congratulations to runner up Nick who took home £7.50.
See you all next Tuesday for the last knockout before the new league starts!
First Round
Darren 1-2 Ben
Nick 2-0 Sam
James 0-2 Ram
Tom 1-2 Glen
Semi-finals
Ben 1-2 Nick
Ram 2-0 Glen
Final
Nick 2-3 Ram
Well done Ram: second win in a row and the £12.50 first prize. Congratulations to runner up Nick who took home £7.50.
See you all next Tuesday for the last knockout before the new league starts!
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Knockout - 2nd July 2013
It was a good turnout for Tuesday night's knockout with eight players including another new player, Claire, joining in for the first time.
Match Report
First Round
James v Tom
First on the oche to get the night under way were James and Tom. A steady performance from James was enough to see him through 2-0.
Sam v Darren
Sam was much quieter than usual as she took on Darren, who hadn't played for a couple of weeks. Some good scores from Sam in a match that went into a deciding third leg which you'd have fancied her to win, especially after Darren scored a personal worst zero in the second leg with all 3 arrows out of the board! But Darren turned things around and finally found his focus to win the third leg convincingly.
Ram v Ben
A confident Ben built up what should have been a decisive lead over Ram in the first leg, helped by a personal best 174, but some loose throws at the finish let the big man back in. It was neck and neck in the second leg with both players scoring well, but it was Ben who checked out to level the match. Ram just had the edge in the equally-close third leg and finished with 24 darts to gain his semi-final spot.
Glen v Claire
Last week's winner Glen took on new player Claire in the last match of the first round. In a low-scoring match it was Claire who had the narrow advantage leading up to the checkouts but with both players having some double trouble it could have gone either way. In the end it was Glen who threw the lucky dart to win 2-0.
Semi Finals
James v Darren
A difficult one to predict with the under-par James against Darren who had such a shaky start in his previous match. In the event Darren threw well, finding his favourite treble 19 regularly and yet again proving to be James's bogey player with a 2-0 win for a place in the final.
Ram v Glen
A Simmonds family affair as Ram took on nephew Glen. Although Glen played better than in the previous round it was not enough to match Ram who appeared to be coasting after his first round battle. A convincing win for age & experience over youth.
Final
Darren v Ram
It was Darren's first appearance in a knockout final as he stepped up against Ram, but any dreams of a fairytale ending were quickly dashed as Ram showed the same form as his previous matches. Darren threw some decent arrows but there only looked like being one winner: 2-0 to Ram.
Next Week
There will be another knockout next Tuesday night and I'm thinking about a different format, possibly double-in... See you all next week!
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Knockout - 25 June 2013
It was back to the darts last night after a week off and we had the pleasure of welcoming a new player, Glen. With six names in the hat, Sam did the honours of the draw (so she only had herself to blame for how it turned out - only joking!).
Match Report
First Round
Tom v Sam
The action got under way with Tom playing Sam. Not a high-scoring match but close with both players reaching their final doubles. There was a bit of good-natured argy-bargy on the oche - I've seen less pushing at the January sales - but it didn't affect the outcome which was a 2-0 win for Sam.
Ram v James
A good performance from both Ram and James saw the best scoring of the night with both achieving ton-plus totals. James had the edge in the first leg but it looked like Ram was set to draw level in the second as he built up a lead on the scoreboard. An excellent 86 checkout from James put paid to that and booked him a place in the semis.
Ben and Glen both received a bye into the next round.
Semi Finals
Ben v Glen
Ben threw first but some wayward arrows let Glen establish a lead with some decent scores in the 60-70 range. Both players had trouble with their aim on the doubles but it was Glen who hit the target first to go ahead. Ben had a shaky start in the second leg but picked up to stay close until Glen scored Shanghai 120 which gave him the edge he needed to take the leg and go through to the final.
James v Sam
With both players warmed up by matches in the first round this promised to be a quick match. Sam threw steadily but couldn't match an in-form James who eased into a comfortable 2-0 win.
Final
Glen v James
James won the throw and opened the match with a disappointing score, putting himself under pressure from the off. He held his throw to win the leg and with the second leg also going with the darts it went into a third deciding leg. Although James threw first he was uncharacteristically inconsistent and Glen was first to the finish to win the knockout and the prize of £10 with James getting the runner-up prize of £5.
Next Week
There will be another knockout next Tuesday from 8pm. I hope to see you all there!
Match Report
First Round
Tom v Sam
The action got under way with Tom playing Sam. Not a high-scoring match but close with both players reaching their final doubles. There was a bit of good-natured argy-bargy on the oche - I've seen less pushing at the January sales - but it didn't affect the outcome which was a 2-0 win for Sam.
Ram v James
A good performance from both Ram and James saw the best scoring of the night with both achieving ton-plus totals. James had the edge in the first leg but it looked like Ram was set to draw level in the second as he built up a lead on the scoreboard. An excellent 86 checkout from James put paid to that and booked him a place in the semis.
Ben and Glen both received a bye into the next round.
Semi Finals
Ben v Glen
Ben threw first but some wayward arrows let Glen establish a lead with some decent scores in the 60-70 range. Both players had trouble with their aim on the doubles but it was Glen who hit the target first to go ahead. Ben had a shaky start in the second leg but picked up to stay close until Glen scored Shanghai 120 which gave him the edge he needed to take the leg and go through to the final.
James v Sam
With both players warmed up by matches in the first round this promised to be a quick match. Sam threw steadily but couldn't match an in-form James who eased into a comfortable 2-0 win.
Final
Glen v James
James won the throw and opened the match with a disappointing score, putting himself under pressure from the off. He held his throw to win the leg and with the second leg also going with the darts it went into a third deciding leg. Although James threw first he was uncharacteristically inconsistent and Glen was first to the finish to win the knockout and the prize of £10 with James getting the runner-up prize of £5.
Next Week
There will be another knockout next Tuesday from 8pm. I hope to see you all there!
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
League Finals - 11th June 2013
And so we come to the end of another season. Although a couple of players dropped out over the course of the league it was a good one on the whole and everybody enjoyed themselves. There has been a bit of interest from new people for the next league, so it's looking good for the future.
Match Report
As I said last week, the playoff draw was determined by the final standings in the league table. The bottom four players competed in a qualifying round to join the top two in the semi finals.
Qualifying Round
Ben (3) v Sam (6)
Sam threw first and steadily built up a lead in the first leg before getting stuck on her checkout, allowing Ben to catch up. With both players struggling on madhouse double-1 this leg looked like lasting all night! before Ben finally got an arrow on target to put everyone out of their misery. Ben threw some better darts in the second leg, drawing ahead of Sam despite her scoring a 136 (although it has to be said her 2 didn't help much). A quick 25 checkout sealed the second leg for Ben and he went through 2-0.
Darren (4) v Tom (5)
Tom was quick off the mark against Darren and put in some good scores but Darren didn't get caught napping and kept pace in a close match. An excellent 58 checkout from Darren brought the match level at 1-1, setting up a deciding third leg. With that semi-final spot in sight on the finishing line, both players put in the effort and it was Darren who checked out when Tom had a spot of bother on his finishing. 2-1 to Darren.
Semi-Finals
James v Ben
Ben threw first but gradually fell behind James who hit tops with regularity to reach a finish with at least 6 darts in hand. A bit of double-trouble let Ben back in and he reduced his total to single figures before James hit the target to take the first leg. Ben started better in the second leg, scoring 80+ back-to-back before the wheels fell off and he put in a couple of 3's! Meanwhile James, propelled by a 140, had established a commanding lead and booked his place in the final with a clinical checkout to seal his 2-0 victory.
Ram v Darren
Completing the semi-final line-up, Ram played the second qualifier Darren. It was a decent performance from Ram who averaged 68 in the first leg, and although Darren came close it was Ram who went ahead to take the leg. Some loose throws from Darren in the second leg left him adrift on the scoreboard and, despite needing a couple of attempts at his double, Ram took the second leg to go through 2-0 and face James in the final.
Final
James v Ram
With all the earlier matches going to the player higher-placed in the league, top-of-the-table Ram would have to have been a slim favourite going into this match, but James also went undefeated through the season: their league match against each other resulted in a draw.
Ram landed nearest the bull to wit the throw but only hit a middling score, allowing James to take control of the leg. It was close at the finish but James checked out 40 to go ahead. A little frustration was evident from Ram in the second leg following a few off-target darts, and James kept things steady, working his way down to a finish which he quickly checked out to win the match and the title.
Presentation
Tom agreed to present the prizes to the winners (sorry Sam, there was no prize for the lowest score!). For the highest checkout of the night, 58, Darren won £5.
Runner-up Ram received the second prize of £20.
And finally, our League Champion James was awarded £30, plus an additional £5 for the night's highest score of 140.
All that remains is for me to thank everybody who took part. I look forward to seeing you all in the next league, starting in July.
Next Week
The next couple of weeks will be knockouts before the new league starts up on Tuesday 2nd July. Please let me know before the end of this month if you want to take part.
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| Cuddles for the birthday girl! |
As I said last week, the playoff draw was determined by the final standings in the league table. The bottom four players competed in a qualifying round to join the top two in the semi finals.
Qualifying Round
Ben (3) v Sam (6)
Sam threw first and steadily built up a lead in the first leg before getting stuck on her checkout, allowing Ben to catch up. With both players struggling on madhouse double-1 this leg looked like lasting all night! before Ben finally got an arrow on target to put everyone out of their misery. Ben threw some better darts in the second leg, drawing ahead of Sam despite her scoring a 136 (although it has to be said her 2 didn't help much). A quick 25 checkout sealed the second leg for Ben and he went through 2-0.
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| "Crouch" on the oche |
Tom was quick off the mark against Darren and put in some good scores but Darren didn't get caught napping and kept pace in a close match. An excellent 58 checkout from Darren brought the match level at 1-1, setting up a deciding third leg. With that semi-final spot in sight on the finishing line, both players put in the effort and it was Darren who checked out when Tom had a spot of bother on his finishing. 2-1 to Darren.
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| Ben posing next to the match board |
James v Ben
Ben threw first but gradually fell behind James who hit tops with regularity to reach a finish with at least 6 darts in hand. A bit of double-trouble let Ben back in and he reduced his total to single figures before James hit the target to take the first leg. Ben started better in the second leg, scoring 80+ back-to-back before the wheels fell off and he put in a couple of 3's! Meanwhile James, propelled by a 140, had established a commanding lead and booked his place in the final with a clinical checkout to seal his 2-0 victory.
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| Ram taking aim in the Final |
Completing the semi-final line-up, Ram played the second qualifier Darren. It was a decent performance from Ram who averaged 68 in the first leg, and although Darren came close it was Ram who went ahead to take the leg. Some loose throws from Darren in the second leg left him adrift on the scoreboard and, despite needing a couple of attempts at his double, Ram took the second leg to go through 2-0 and face James in the final.
Final
James v Ram
With all the earlier matches going to the player higher-placed in the league, top-of-the-table Ram would have to have been a slim favourite going into this match, but James also went undefeated through the season: their league match against each other resulted in a draw.
Ram landed nearest the bull to wit the throw but only hit a middling score, allowing James to take control of the leg. It was close at the finish but James checked out 40 to go ahead. A little frustration was evident from Ram in the second leg following a few off-target darts, and James kept things steady, working his way down to a finish which he quickly checked out to win the match and the title.
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| Darren shows off his winnings |
Tom agreed to present the prizes to the winners (sorry Sam, there was no prize for the lowest score!). For the highest checkout of the night, 58, Darren won £5.
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| Congratulations to runner-up Ram |
Runner-up Ram received the second prize of £20.
And finally, our League Champion James was awarded £30, plus an additional £5 for the night's highest score of 140.
All that remains is for me to thank everybody who took part. I look forward to seeing you all in the next league, starting in July.
 | |
| League Champion James |
The next couple of weeks will be knockouts before the new league starts up on Tuesday 2nd July. Please let me know before the end of this month if you want to take part.
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Round 6 - 4th June 2013
There was more reworking of the fixture list as Anne was not recovered enough to play her remaining fixtures, so that meant just three matches to round off this league. I'm sure we all wish her the best and hope she feels up to returning soon.
Match Report
Ben played Tom in the opener and some strong scoring from Tom saw him take the first leg comfortably. Ben picked up in the second leg and hit three 80+ scores, following this up with a good checkout to level the match. While Tom continued to throw well, Ben's throw was inconsistent (unless scoring five 5's - 1, 1, treble-1 - in an evening can be called consistency) and Tom won the final two legs comfortably for a 3-1 victory.
Ben was in action again against Darren in the second match of the night and seemed to have recovered some of his form, finding the treble-20 less elusive than in the previous games. Darren started well, going ahead with the first leg, but his form dipped towards the end of the match and Ben came back to secure the draw 2-2.
The final match of the night, and the league, saw Ram play Sam. Sam scored well throughout, including the night's second highest total of 118, but couldn't match Ram's consistency as he went ahead in leg after leg. Despite a little shakiness on one checkout after leaving himself double-5, Ram won decisively 3-0.
Bonus points went to Tom for the highest score 119 as well as the highest checkout 54, and a clean sheet bonus to Ram.
Next Week
Next week is the Finals, a playoff knockout to decide the overall winner of this league. The final fixtures are:
Qualifying Round
Q1: Ben v Sam
Q2: Darren v Tom
Semi Finals
James v Q1 Winner
Ram v Q2 Winner
Match Report
Ben played Tom in the opener and some strong scoring from Tom saw him take the first leg comfortably. Ben picked up in the second leg and hit three 80+ scores, following this up with a good checkout to level the match. While Tom continued to throw well, Ben's throw was inconsistent (unless scoring five 5's - 1, 1, treble-1 - in an evening can be called consistency) and Tom won the final two legs comfortably for a 3-1 victory.
Ben was in action again against Darren in the second match of the night and seemed to have recovered some of his form, finding the treble-20 less elusive than in the previous games. Darren started well, going ahead with the first leg, but his form dipped towards the end of the match and Ben came back to secure the draw 2-2.
The final match of the night, and the league, saw Ram play Sam. Sam scored well throughout, including the night's second highest total of 118, but couldn't match Ram's consistency as he went ahead in leg after leg. Despite a little shakiness on one checkout after leaving himself double-5, Ram won decisively 3-0.
Bonus points went to Tom for the highest score 119 as well as the highest checkout 54, and a clean sheet bonus to Ram.
Next Week
Next week is the Finals, a playoff knockout to decide the overall winner of this league. The final fixtures are:
Qualifying Round
Q1: Ben v Sam
Q2: Darren v Tom
Semi Finals
James v Q1 Winner
Ram v Q2 Winner
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