Worcestershire battled back from an overnight loss of 12- 6 to draw 18-18 with Gwynedd this weekend (writes Matt Jones).
Saturday started off on a somewhat sombre tone as both teams remembered those friends that had fallen during a difficult 18 months for everyone. It was sad but also enlightening as we all applauded those who had an impact on Worcestershire and Gwynedd.
Worcester ladies played well in some legs and others I think they’d rather forget but the support for each other was great and as they say ‘Never Give Up’ saw three of them get the winning double. Worcester’s Disarono Queen started the day with a 3 – 2 win which was well deserved. Lynne Arnold and Lauren Honey failed to win with some loose darts but their opposition weren’t taking any chances and saw the games out well. Lyn Dunkley had some impressive finishing clinching the game 3 – 1. Sophie Hadley, new to Worcestershires ranks was drawn against Lisa Hughes and provided the best ladies game of the day which went the way of Gwynedd match award winner, Lisa. I can only see Sophies game improving with more experience. Another lady new to Worcesters team is Vicky Pickford who played steady all game and won 3 nil with an average of 16.16 taking her 2nd match award in as many games. The overall score ended 3 3.
The men’s B team however were always behind a very impressive Gwynedd, they were 3 darts ahead of our men throughout the day and taught them a huge lesson. Although the averages were better than the first match it was at crucial points our team failed to finish and were unable to take advantage of some chances that were presented to them. Spirits were high throughout the day and although Gwynedd inflicted defeat after defeat the atmosphere in the room was electric, the support for each player was great. We saw some decent darts thrown by both teams but it was Gwynedd who came out victorious with a 9-3 win. Worcestershires winners were Dan Collins, Nick Evans and Ian Oliver. It was Collins that took the match award with a 24.35. Well played Gwynedd!! Especially to Kelvin Ducklin who took the glass with an average of 25.18 which saw him promoted to the A team.
With the overnight score standing at 12 6 Worcester believed it was over but with their never say never attitude the ladies opened the day with some very good darts. Jenny Jones started Worcesters winning streak with a 3 nil win with an average of 22.77 which could have been higher had the double been hit first time. Claire Dicken, Jackie Mackenzie and Zoe Jones all secured wins but it was Jenny that took the match award and highest average of the weekend.
The gap going into the Men’s A games stood at 4. Worcester would need to beat a strong Gwynedd side 9-3 to take the points and as the games started it looked impossible. However excellent darts were thrown by both sides and the results came in.. Ian Mackenzie won 4-2, Luke Smith lost by the same scoreline, Terence Webster won 4 3, then Gwynedd fought back winning the next two games 4 nil defeating Paul Bailey and Phil Whitlock. Current score 17-12.
Worcester then came alive! Rich Hosey, Chris Jennings, Ricky Clarke, Neil Parsonage and Ant Butler all got across the line leveling up the score 17 17!
Lee Fernaux stepped up for Worcester but was unable to clinch the win, losing 4 3 meaning Worcester needed to take the last game to secure a draw. It was the turn of a real talent for the future in George Willetts who was up against yesterday’s match award winner Kelvin Ducklin. George put on a dominant display and showed no nerves to secure a 4 nil win with an impressive average.
It was Ian Mackenzie who took the glass and the highest average of the weekend with a 26.76
It was a pleasure to host and MC all of the games this weekend with the help of Donna Whitmore. The weekend was excellent and the company was even better. Worcestershire would like to thank Gwynedd for a great match and we wish you all the best best for the rest of the season!
As for Worcestershire well done each and everyone of you. It was a huge team effort and thoroughly deserved.