This year we decided to lengthen the tournament and have 8 weeks of qualifying with only 1 pair making it through to finals night each week.

We also decided to have a 'duffers' final for the first time to show our appreciation to all the players who support us every single week.

the feedback we received was very positive and we will be keeping this format for next years competition too.

WEEK 1 QUALFIERS.

Week 1 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are 2010 champions Dawn & Steven ‘Stivvy’ Stevenson.

A fabulous turn out for week 1 proves that all the darting community are keen to make early progress in this tournament. With such a good attendance it was obvious it was to become a late night for all who reached the latter stages.

A pretty slow start ensued though with quite a few low scoring arrows, but things soon picked and there no early round shocks report.

With two chances to reach the final it was the husband and wife pairing of Dawn & Steven Stevenson & Val & Colin Hargrave who reached both half semi-finals with probably the most consistent darts of the night.

Both pairings reached the first half final with the Hargrave’s beating Leanne Howard & Neil Linford 2-0 and with the Stevenson’s victorious over Lesley & Gary Heaney, also 2-0.

A great first half final saw the Hargrave’s beat the Stevenson’s 2-0 with Colin checking out on 97 in the first leg and also completing a close second leg with double ten to reach the qualifying final.

These two faced each other again in the 2^nd half semi final but this time the Stevenson’s reversed that scoreline with Steven’s high consistent scoring setting the pace.

In the 2^nd semi-final Michelle Black & Steve Bonnet beat Ann Scholey & Andrew Kirkbride 2-0. A close match though with all four players scoring well but Steve hit a maximum in the 2^nd leg to set them on their way to meat the Stevenson’s in the 2^nd half final.

Michelle & Steve won the first leg with what seemed to be an unassailable lead but with Stivvy hitting a maximum and then Dawn an 80 they put Steve under pressure to complete the leg. That late scoring spree continued for the next two legs for the Stevenson’s and they took the next two legs in style as both pairs scored well and it was just who hit the doubles first.

The qualifying final then played between the most consistent pairs of the night. With a victory each on the night this was yet another re-match but with the Stevenson’s just playing on the back of their last comeback they were on a roll that couldn’t be stopped. They took the final 2-0 but with 4 tons and 2 x 140’s in the match it was much closer than the scoreline suggests.

This victory secures the Stevenson’s their entry into the final on Wednesday 7^th November which guarantee’s them prize money and also the chance to be the first pair to win this tournament twice in it’s history.

On the night there were a total 109 x 100+ scores, 23 x 140’s and 3 maximums with Neil Linford, Steve Bonnet and Steven Stevenson each hitting a 180. Stivvy was the highest scorer on the night with 18 x 100+ scores, 5 x 140’s and the one maximum.

Highest checkout for the night was Hillary Kirkbride checking out on 116 in her first round match. Other notable checkouts include Gary Wilkinson (102), Steven Stevenson (97), Colin Hargrave (97), Neil Linford (96) and Ann Scholey (72).

Thanks to all for a great turn out and we are al looking forward to the next 7 qualifying weeks.



WEEK 2 QUALIFIERS

Week 2 Qualifiers were Kerry Wilkinson & Les Reid. This pairing qualified at the first time of asking in 2011.

With a fairly average turnout this week it gave all the players a chance of an upset. The quality of the darts set of at a mediocre rate but things soon heated up once we reached the semi-finals.

Kerry & Les had scraped through to the first half semi-final and had to up their game if they were to beat John Blaney and Hillary Kirkbride. They duly answered that call hitting the treble twenty with considerable ease winning 2-0.

The second first half semi matched up Kath White & Craig Denwood against Ann Scholey & Andrew Kirkbride. Both pairs had beaten worthy opponents to reach the semi final and so both were confident of winning. Good scoring ensued by both pairs but it was the finishing that separated the pairs and Ann & Andrew hitting their doubles at the first time of asking to win 2-0.

The first half final between Wilkinson/Reid and Scholey/Kirkbride was very similar to the previous semi with decent scoring but Les Reid’s finishing was error free for the pair to win 2-0 to go through to the qualifying final.

In the second half the first semi-final was a much improved standard and a great contest ensued between Norma Skelton & Mike Reid against Kerry & Les. With plenty of tons and 140 scores Mike & Norma took the first leg. Kerry & Les replied in much the same vain with high quality darts. This high standard just continued to the end as Mike & Norma stole the deciding leg to reach the second half final.

The second final carried on where the last two pairs left off. Ann Scholey & Andrew Kirkbride took the first leg against Hillary Kirkbride & John Blaney. Hillary & John replied in style as Hillary hit a maximum and finished off well to level the tie. Hillary & John completed the comeback as their scoring grew stronger as the night went on.

The second half final took no time at all as Hillary & John won 2-0 over Norma & Mike with tons galore from both pairs. The speed of the scoring and finishing was a sign that Hillary & John may be peaking at just the right time.

The qualifying final contained the best darts of the night as Kerry & Les were faced up against Hillary & John. The final set off at a gallop with all four players hitting tons. It took no time at all for both pairs to be on a finish but it was Kerry who struck first blow with an 84 checkout finishing on the bull.

In the 2^nd leg Hillary & John were on a finish after only 15 darts and even though Kerry & Les were also on a finish it was John who completed the leg on double tops at the first attempt for a 16 dart finish.

The deciding leg had a fantastic twist as the tons continued. It was obvious that both pairs really wanted to win this leg with fantastic darts and Hillary played well to leave her partner left with 60. Les was up next required 109. John was standing behind Les waiting for his turn to finish the tie when Les hit treble twenty giving him a great chance. Single 17 left him his favourite double 16 which he hit in style to the applause of all the people watching. A great finish to a great match.

With a lower turn out his week the stats were obvioulsy going to be lower, but considering only 9 pairs entered they still make good reading.

75 x 100+ scores, 20 x 140's and 2 maximums. the two maximums coming from Steve Bonnet and Hillary Kirkbride.

The highest checkout was in the final leg of the night, a 109 finish by Les Reid which just beat Mike Reid's 104. Kerry also had an 84 checkout in the final.

Highest scorer on the night was Steve Bonnet hitting 4 x 100+ scores, 2 x 140's and a maximum.



WEEK 3 QUALIFIERS

Week 3 sees the husband and wife pairing of Colin & Val Hargrave going through to finals night.

Another good turn out this week was followed by the best darts so far this year. With the tournament heading towards the halfway point it’s only going to get tougher to qualify as the weeks pass.

Colin & Val secured their place in the 1^st half final with a 2-0 victory over Michelle Black & Steve Bonnett. This was to be the first of 3 great encounters between these two pairings.

They faced Tex Houghton & Emma McGarvie in the final who beat Heather Steele & Les White in their Semi-Final 2-0.

This 1^st half final was by far the highlight of the night. Val set off with a maximum followed by Colin hitting 120 with his 3^rd dart falling out. Undeterred from that bad luck Val scored highly again to leave Colin to check out finishing the leg in 11 darts. A fantastic achievement. This was not the end of the tie as Emma & Tex responded with 4 x 100 scores between them for Tex to level the match. This exemplary standard continued as 2 x 140’s from Colin and a 140 by Tex meant the final leg went down to the wire but it was the Hargrave’s who finished first with Colin just missing double 18 when left with 156 but Val made amends on her next turn to reach the qualifying final. This tie alone gave us 9 x 100’s, 3 x 140’s and 1 x 180 and that incredible 11 dart leg.

The 2^nd half semi-final paired up the Hargrave’s against Steve & Michelle for their re-match with this match going to Steve & Michelle 2-1 with the victors hitting 5 x 100 scores and 2 x 140’s. Michelle was the hero in this match when at 1-0 down she finished on 52 to level the tie and then finished on 44 to take them through.

In the 2^nd half final they faced Craig Denwood & Kath White who defeated Emma & Tex 2-1. Again 6 x 100’s and 2 x 140’s in this match.

The first leg of the final went to Craig & Kath as Craig checked out with 2 darts on 92. It looked like a quick exit for Steve & Michelle as Craig & Kath were scoring well and were soon on a finish to win 2-0. The standard of darts tonight meant you could make no mistakes and as the doubles eluded Craig & Kath, Steve took charge to pull off yet another comeback to reach the qualifying final.

The qualifying final between the Hargrave’s and Michelle & Steve was round 3 between them on the night with one victory apiece. Val up first hit an unorthodox 170 followed by a maximum from Colin. Although they could not match their epic 11 dart finish they still took the 1^st leg in style.

The 2^nd leg was closer but Michelle & Steve’s high scoring night seemed to elude them just at the wrong moment and although they were never out of the tie Colin & Val were just too consistent on the night and won 2-0 to qualify.

There were 3 maximums on the night for Steve Bonnett, Colin Hargrave and Val Hargrave. This coupled with 25 x 140’s and 112 x 100+ scores proves how high the standard of darts was tonight.

Colin Hargrave was the highest scorer on the night with 1 x 180, 4 x 140’s and 20 x 100+ scores.

Val Hargrave had the highest checkout of the night hitting a 120 in round 1. This overtakes Hilary Kirkbride’s previous high checkout of 116. There is a monetary prize for the highest female and male checkout scores.

Other notable checkouts on the night were Craig Denwood (92), Mike Reid (85), Colin Hargrave (80) and Heather Steele (70).



WEEK 4 QUALIFIERS

Week 4 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are Michelle Black & Stephen Bonnett.

After continued support from all players the standard of the darts just keeps going.

Michelle & Stephen are the first pair to qualify by winning both half finals which goes to show just how close they have been in the past few weeks in qualifying.

Michelle & Stephen reached the first half final beating Hilary Kirkbride & John Blaney 2-1 in a semi-final that produced 4 tons and 4 x 140’s. It was Stephen who got 3 of those 140’s and that was just the edge to take the match.

Waiting for them in the final were 2009 champions Sas Bode & Bill Hoskins who defeated Kelly Whitehead & Frank Tinnion 2-0 with Frank returning to darts after a 6 year lay-off showing that he hasn’t lost much of his touch reaching this semi-final. This week also being Bill & Sas’s first attempt with Sas being injured for a few weeks.

The final was a quick fire affair as Michelle & Stephen hit the trebles and doubles with unerring accuracy to take the match 2-0 to put them into the qualifying final.

The 2^nd half final was a repeat of the 1^st final with both pairs showing the consistency the others need in weeks to come if they wish to qualify for the grand final.

Sas & Bill made it through to the final overcoming Norma Skelton & Mike Reid 2-1 with some bizarre luck for Mike costing them dearly. After hitting treble twenty, single twenty he decided to go for 19’s and hit the wire on treble 19 and watched his dart fly vertically to dislodge both his scoring darts to leave him with zero. Bill & Sas took full advantage to steal the match.

Stephen & Michelle completed the re-match in the final by overcoming Leanne Howard & Gary Wilkinson 2-1. A very entertaining match with Gary having a chance to take the match with two darts at a double before Stephen finished the match.

The 2^nd half final was not only a repeat match up, but a repeat scoreline with Stephen & Michelle playing very consistent darts to win 2-0 and therefore qualify for the grand final on the 7^th November. 

Stephen was the highest scorer on the night with 12 x 100+ scores, 6 x 140’s and 1 x 180.

John Blaney & Mike Reid were right behind him on the high scores list.

The highest checkout on the night was Hilary Kirkbride checking out on 96 in 2 darts in the 1^st half semi-final.

On the night there were 82 x 100+ scores, 17 x 140’s and the solitary 180 from Stephen.

With a monetary prize for both male and female high checkouts over the whole tournament there is still plenty to play for anyone wishing to claim there little piece of fame.



WEEK 5 QUALIFIERS

Week 5 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are reigning champions Lorraine Green & Andy Goodfellow.

Lorraine & Andy won in style by winning both half finals and only losing one leg throughout the whole night.

It wasn’t as easy as that statistic suggests though as they had to overcome some excellent performances from Emma McGarvie & Tex Houghton who themselves reached both finals without losing a single leg.

Lorraine & Andy reached the 1^st semi and dropped their only leg of the night against Julie McGarvie & Ron Peat as Ron checked out on 80 to take the first leg. This kick started the champs though and with 4 tons followed by double hitting accuracy they reached the 1^st half final.

Emma & Tex beat Margaret Foster & John Ewen in the 2^nd semi with both pairs scoring well. 5 tons and 2 x 140’s in this match showed that the 2-0 scoreline is somewhat misleading.

The 1^st half final was very competitive with 4 tons and 1 x 140 topped off with a 98 checkout from Andy to take the first leg. That was the first leg Emma & Tex had dropped all night and they did respond, but Lorraine hit a 140 to give Andy another checkout to take the match 2-0.

In the 2^nd half, Lorraine & Andy continued where they left off with 6 tons and a 140 in their semi-final against Heather Steele & Les White to ensure their place in the 2^nd half final.

Again Emma & Tex awaited them after defeating the 2009 champions Sas Bode & Bill Hoskins 2-0 with a steady performance.

A good rematch ensued with 8 tons shared between the pairs and Tex had chances to take the first leg but his missed doubles were punished severely as Lorraine & Andy took both legs again to repeat their 2-0 scoreline to ensure their place in the grand final on November 7^th. Disappointment for Emma & Tex as Lorraine & Andy were the only couple to take any legs off them.

Andy’s 98 was the highest checkout on the night and he was also the highest scorer on the night with 14 tons and 3 x 140’s. Other notable checkouts were Andy again (88), Ron Peat (80) Tex Houghton (76) and Lorraine Green (70).

Unfortunately there no maximums to record this week which is the first week that this has occurred. The scores may not have been flowing like in previous weeks be we were still entertained with 65 x 100’s and 10 x 140’s on the night.



WEEK 6 QUALIFIERS

Week 6 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are Norma Skelton & Mike Reid. The former qualifying pair had a tough run to qualify and had to be at their best to go through even though this week saw the lowest attendance so far this year.

In the 1^st half semi-final Julie McGarvie & Scott Heaney faced the 2009 champions Sas Bode & Bill Hoskins. Scott’s first attempt in the tournament gave us a glimpse of what may become a regular as he hit consistent scores throughout the whole night. The match finally turned when the experienced Bill Hoskins hit a 140 and a maximum in the final leg to win 2-1.

Norma Skelton & Mike Reid met Emma McGarvie & Tex Houghton in the other 1^st half Semi-final. A fantastic show of darts prevailed with 5 x 100+ scores, 3 x 140’s and a maximum from Tex. A 68 checkout from Tex finally took the match 2-1 to face Bill and Sas in the 1^st half final.

This match did not disappoint either as 6 tons and a maximum from Sas showed their experience as previous champions. Tex and Emma had produced exemplary darts all night but their form dipped slightly at the wrong moment and Bill and Sas took full advantage to reach the qualifying final 2-1.

In the 2^nd half semi-final Bill & Sas face Norma & Mike. Both pairs looked good with plenty of tons to both legs down to the wire but it was Mike who finished the better of the quartet to go through 2-0.

Emma & Tex also reached the 2^nd half final beating Ann Scholey & Andrew Kirkbride 2-1. Plenty of tons again from all four players but it was a maximum from Tex and a 72 checkout from Emma that took the deciding leg.

Emma & Tex looked confident after reaching another final in style, but again their formed dipped un such untimely fashion. Norma, Mike, Emma and Tex all hit ton scores a few times in the 3 legs but it a lack of finishing that was to cost the losers dearly. At 1-1 both pairs finally reached double one with having at least 6 darts at doubles but Mike finally ended the misery and left Emma & Tex dejected after failing in both finals.

The qualifying final again went all the way to 2-1. Mike & Norma faced Bill & Sas with 7 tons and 2 x140’s it was hectic scoring. Mike took the first leg and Norma had 3 darts at a double to win the match but failed. Sas stepped up and made no mistake and levelled the match in one dart.

The final leg of the night again went down to the wire and both pairs were on doubles but it was Mike who eventually took the match with a low double to earn their place in finals night on 7^th November.

With a low attendance this week we were very surprised at the high scoring. 65 x 100+ scores, 16 x 140’s and 6 x 180’s is testament to all players involved.

Tex Houghton was the highest scorer on the night with 7 x 100+ scores, 1 x 140 and 3 x 180’s.

Craig Denwood hit the highest checkout on the night hitting treble 20, single 8 and double 20 for a 108 checkout.

Other notable checkouts were Emma McGarvie (72), Tex Houghton (68) and Mike Reid (68).

With only 2 weeks left for qualifying we are expecting an influx of entrants to try their hand at reaching finals night.



WEEK 7 QUALIFIERS

Week 7 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are 2008 Champions Pam Hind & John Duncan. The Carlisle pairing had a fight in every match though and they were pushed to a 2-1 scoreline in all but one match throughout the whole night.

With a much improved attendance this week, tonight’s main topic was exemplary finishing making it difficult for any pairing to dominate the night.

Pam & John made the 1^st half final overcoming the ever-present pairing of Les White & Heather Steele 2-1 with Les hitting a maximum in this match. The excitement came in the form of a double ten finish from Les to take the match which everyone in the pub thought was the winning dart only for the marker to notify Les that it was in fact just outside. John then stepped up to redeem the situation to take the match.

Waiting for them Emma McGarvie & Tex Houghton who defeated Hilary Kirkbride & John Blaney 2-0 with Emma & Tex hitting a 15 dart finish in their quarter final match.

Pam & John took the first leg in quick fashion. Tex and Emma then hit 3 consecutive tons to give Tex a finish to level the match. High scores continued and there were 9 tons and 2 x 140’s in this match alone as John took out the deciding leg to put them into the qualifying final.

In the 2^nd half semi-final the line up was Leanne Howard & Neil Linford against Julie McGarvie & Frank Tinnion. Consistent high scoring from Neil set them up for a 2-0 victory to put them into the 2nd half final.

They faced Pam & John who defeated Kath White & Craig Denwood 2-0 with quick-fire scoring from the Carlisle pair.

The 2^nd half final produced the most exciting match of the night with 5 tons, 3 x 140’s and two great finishes. John took the first leg with a 70 finish and Neil levelled the match with high scores and low double finish. The final leg looked liked being the last of the night as Pam & John reached the doubles first. With Leanne & Neil way off it needed a last gasp 87 finish from Neil to end it on the bull to great applause from all watching.

With that they claimed the 2^nd half final 2-1 to set up a re-match with Pam & John in the qualifying final.

Alas the quality and excitement could not match the previous duel even though the scoring was consistent it was Pam who finished on 71 to take the 1^st leg and then a large points difference in the 2^nd leg set up John to finish on double 5 to complete their qualification into the grand final on November 7^th.

With a much improved attendance this week the scores were very impressive with 101 ton plus scores, 28 x 140’s and 2 180’s.

John Blaney was the highest scorer on the night with 9 x 100+ scores, 3 x 140’s and 1 x 180’s.

The highest checkout on the night was by Tex Houghton with a 118 finish. Other notable checkouts were Neil Linford (109, 105 & 87), John Duncan (86 & 70), Sas Bode (84) & Pam Hind (71).

WEEK 8 QUALIFIERS

Week 8 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are John Blaney & Hilary Kirkbride. An average turn out for the final week of qualification made this week a close affair as all but three matches on the night went down to the final leg. With four different finalists in both halves it was hard to choose a winner.

First up in the 1^st half semi-final were Andrew Kirkbride & Ann Scholey against Craig Denwood & Kath White who were the only pairing to make the semi-finals in both halves showing just how close this week was proving to be. Nevertheless it was Ann’s high scoring throughout the whole night that separated the duo’s, and with Andrew checking out on 80 they were quickly into the 1^st half final winning 2-0.

They faced Mark Barlow & Susan Hodgson in the final who qualified by defeating Gary Wilkinson & Sas Bode 2-0.

Mark had been scoring well all night and he continued this rich vein of form into the first leg to go 1-0 up. Ann followed him all the way in the second leg and a close 2^nd leg went to Andrew & Ann to level the match. The third leg looked dead and buried as Mark & Susan had nearly a 300 point lead when they reached their first double. A few attempts later and the pressure was on as Andrew & Ann soon reduced the deficit. The final leg now swung to and fro as both pairs were missing doubles until Andrew finally hit double one to secure their place in the qualifying final.

The first semi-final in the 2^nd half draw was probably the best match of the night. Duelling out a match with 8 tons and 1 x 140 score were Les White & Heather Steele against Frank Tinnion & Kelly White. Frank hitting 2 tons and a 140 soon won them the first leg. Les responded with a pair of tons himself to level at 1-1. the scores continued by all four players now but it was Les who hit the final double quickly to reach the 2^nd half final.

In the 2^nd semi-final Craig & Kath had their second crack of the whip to qualify but Hilary and John’s standard of darts was increasing as the night went on and they made the 2^nd half final winning 2-0.

John & Hilary continued their improvement against Les & Heather in the 2^nd half final but not without a fight. With several tons scored the match could have gone either way, but John & Hilary finished the better to win 2-0.

In the qualifying final John & Hilary again continued scoring highly with Andrew & Ann’s consistently high form was eluding them just at the wrong moment. John, who won the first ever tournament way back in 2005 took the first leg with a very convincing 16 dart finish. Hilary hit a ton and then John hit the only maximum of the night followed by a quick-fire finish to take the 1^st leg. The 2^nd leg continued in the same format with Andrew & Ann hoping for a slip-up by their opposition, but unfortunately John & Hilary were in no mood to let this final chance get away from them and finished in style for a 2-0 victory to be the final pairing on Finals Night on 7^th November.

The close encounters did not affect the scoring this week with 62 ton plus scores, 21 x 140’s and 1 x 180.

John Blaney was the highest scorer on the night as he was in week 7 with 8 x 100+ scores, 4 x 140’s and 1 x 180’s.

The highest checkout on the night was by Andrew Kirkbride with an 80 finish. Other notable checkouts were John Blaney (74) and Mark Barlow (72).



DUFFERS FINALS NIGHT

The winners of the first duffer’s final for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are Gary Wilkinson & Sas Bode. As a thank you event to all the regular players who attend each week, the quality of darts gradually increased as the night progressed.

Gary & Sas made the 1^st half final by defeating Dave & Alison Chapman 2-0 in the semi-final. They then faced Craig Denwood & Kath White who made the final via a 2-1victory over Les White & Heather Steele. The 1^st half final was probably the best match of the night with 7 tons and 2 x 140’s from Sas. Gary & Sas took the first leg. Sas was scoring well, but missed chances on her doubles allowing Craig to level the match on double fourteen. Again Sas continued her high level of scoring, but now Craig was matching her all the way and Kath eventually closed the match out on double nine to reach the winners final.

In the 2^nd half final Gary & Sas had a second bite of the cherry as they faced John Ewen & Margaret Foster. It seemed the night was not to go their way as John & Margaret took the first leg in style. The final was decent scoring with both John & Sas hitting 3 tons and Gary and Margaret each hitting a ton too. Finishing was the key now and it was Gary & Sas who showed us the way to do it when it really mattered to meet Craig & Kath in the winners final.

The winner’s final did not quite match the two qualifying finals for quality, but the entertainment was still great to keep us gripped. Sas continued her keen eye for treble twenty but the doubles were to become somewhat elusive to all the players. Gary took the first leg though on double eight. The second leg continued in the same vein and both pairs were on a finish but Sas did hit 3 tons and 1 x 140 in the two legs and eventually won the match on double eighteen to take the duffers title 2012 to add to her 2009 winner’s title.

Another highlight of the night was Les White’s 118 checkout, which now equals Tex Houghton’s 118 high checkout of this year’s tournament for which a prize is given. They’ll have to share it unless someone can beat this score on finals night.

The scoring was pretty decent this week with 63 x 100+ scores, and 4 x 140’s.

Les White also hit a 99 checkout and Craig Denwood made a 76 checkout.

Sas Bode was the highest scorer by far on the night with 17 x 100+ scores, 3 x 140’s.

Sas is probably the most consistent player of this tournament by being 3 times losing finalist in 2005, 2007 and 2008, then going one step further by being crowned champion in 2009 and now winning this year’s duffers final. Sas also holds the record for the highest ever checkout with a 144 finish in the 2009 final.

FINALS NIGHT

The 2012 winners of The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament are Les Reid & Kerry Wilkinson. Yet again the Thwaites Brewery sponsored trophy has new names etched on it with still no-one having won it twice in its 8 year history.

An absolute fantastic night was had by all with no seats to spare. We were treated to an excellent display of darts, with maximums, tons galore and fantastic finishes which kept us all on the edge of our seats knowing there was a total prize fund of £900 up for grabs.

The night started at a cracking pace as the defending champions Andy Goodfellow & Lorraine Green faced Stephen Bonnett & Michelle Black. Stephen was scoring highly with a 3 dart average of 75.2 but was outshone by Andy’s 76.91 average and awesome finishing. Andy took leg 1 on double tops. He then took the highest checkout of this year’s tournament with a 120 finish to make 2-0. Andy then went one better with the highest checkout the tournament has ever seen with a 158 finish to win 3-0 when Stephen was ready to take the oche with 40 left.

Up stepped Les & Kerry who also qualified in 2011. They faced 2005 winner John Blaney & Hilary Kirkbride. Les scored even better with a 3 dart average of 83.9 giving the crowd plenty of entertainment. It was quick-fire arrows again as Les’s high scoring and Kerry’s finishing that set the scene as Kerry checked out all 3 legs on 16, 50 and 32 to give the pair a 3-0 victory and their place in the semi-final.

Colin & Val Hargave faced the 2010 champions Steven & Dawn Stevenson. In similar style Steven’s 3 dart average was 81.92 including 2 x 140’s and a maximum. It was to become a one man show as Colin & Val were on finishes in both the first two legs but it was Steven who checked out all three legs on 40, 8 and 40 to win 3-0.

The fourth quarter final was to be a very close affair between 2009 champions John Duncan & Pam Hind facing Mike Reid & Norma Skelton. All four players making their 3 dart averages of approximately 60 so it was all down to finishing. John took leg 1, Mike checked out leg 2 to level the match. Norma then checked out on 30 to give them a 2-1 lead. Pam then checked out on 40 to level the match making each player having a check out once. At 2-2 it really was anyone’s match, but it was John who hit a 140 then checked out on 72 at his next visit to take the ex-champions through.

The first semi-final matched up Les & Kerry against Andy & Lorraine. After Andy’s quarter final display they were probably the slight favourite, but Les was not phased by this as he continued his high average with 75.67. It was Les’s turn for the doubles too as he took the first leg and then checked out the second leg on 80. Andy pulled a leg back and was on a double in the next leg when Kerry hit a 140 leaving Les 87 which he checked out on to the delight of the crowd to put himself and Kerry into the final.

The second semi-final between 2008 champions John Duncan & Pam Hind and the 2010 champions Steven & Dawn Stevenson was to be a cracker. These two pairs have met regularly in this competition and the honours were virtually even so a close match was predicted.

The first leg went to the Stevenson’s as Dawn hit a ton followed by Steven’s maximum to set him up for a 19 finish at his next attempt. Steven had the highest 3 dart average of the four players with 75.44 but it was the finishing that cost them in this match. John struck next on 16 and then again in leg 3 to take a 2-1 lead when Steven had a chance to reverse the score line on double eight. That costly miss inspired John & Pam and it was Pam who finally checked out leg 4 to take the match 3-1.

As in previous years the final was a spectacle to behold. First time finalists Kerry & Les against 5 times finalist John & Pam. John & Pam set off with the higher scores. John took the first leg to put the ex-champions 1-0 to the good. Many players would have crumbled under this pressure, but it seemed to inspire Les & Kerry who fought back well with Les’s high scoring returning and Kerry checking out on 32 to level the match. The scores were beginning to rain in now as this match alone gave us 15 x 100+ scores and 6 x 140’s. Both pairs were closing down to finishes but it was Les who had first chance and took it with aplomb to move ahead 2-1. The scores in leg 4 did dip slightly, but the finishing remained and Kerry took the fourth leg to move 3-1 ahead and only 1 leg away from being the 2012 champions.

John & Pam showed us why they were previous champions as they both set off with 3 tons between them. Les & Kerry were not far behind but it was John who made it first to a finish albeit a difficult one. With Pam failing to claim a leg back Les & Kerry both hit a ton each to leave Kerry on tops. Nerves were showing but she composed herself and in immaculate style finished the match off with one dart to the loud applause of the cheering crowd.

What a fantastic display of darts by all who participated giving us in total 43 x 100+ scores, 26 x 140’s and 2 x 180’s. Accompanied by that fantastic 158 and 120 checkout from Andy Goodfellow we were all thoroughly entertained.

Les Reid finally ended up with the highest 3 dart average setting off in the quarter final with 83.9, dropping to 75.67 in the semi-final then upping his game to 77.51 in the final.

The pair are fitting champions who deserve their name on the trophy alongside all the previous champions.

I would personally like to thank Ken Tinning (Thwaites Brewery), for his continued support and also for attending and presenting the trophies and prize money for us.

We are already looking forwards to next year’s tournament where we hope to continue our success, increased attendances and quality of darts and ensure that this tournament continues to be one of the best mixed doubles tournaments in the local area.

I want to thank everyone who attended and participated over the whole ten weeks. They are all winners in my eyes and I only wish I could give every single one of them a personal prize.