WEEK 1 QUALIFIERS

The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery started where it left off last year as the reigning champion Kerry Wilkinson qualified in week 1 partnering the 2010 champion Steven Stevenson.

A decent turn out for week 1 but the standard of darts never fails to deliver. With no-one having won this tournament twice in its 8 year history it shows just how difficult this tournament is to win.

Usually the first few legs are below standard but not this week. Kerry & Steven set off their first match against Hilary Kirkbride & John Blaney at a sprint. The match produced 10 x 100+ scores and 3 x 140’s. With such high scoring it was down to who hit the doubles and John & Steven both hit theirs at the first time of asking. Steven checked out on double 18 to win the match though and go through to the next round.

They negotiated their way to the first half final to meet Michelle Black & Steve Bonnet. Michelle & Steve had notched up 11 x 100+ scores and 3 x 140’s on their way to the final with Michelle making the highest female checkout on the night with a 102 finish.

The first half final didn’t throw up any high scores but Kerry & Steven were consistent when it mattered and they won the match 2-0 to give themselves an excellent chance to qualify.

The second half draw threw up scores and checkouts galore including 3 maximums as the players were starting to find some rhythm to their game.

Wilkinson/Stevenson made the semi-final and yet again faced Black/Bonnet. An excellent match ensued with Black/Bonnet taking the first leg in quick fire mode. Stevenson then responded with 2 tons and a 140 and then finished the leg off with this year’s highest checkout of 118. He continued this form into the third leg and narrowly missed double 16 for a 149 checkout. He succeeded at his next visit to take the match 2-1 to reach the second half final.

They faced Dawn Stevenson & John Madine who strolled through to the second half final without dropping a single leg. It was Steven & John who hit the tons with considerable ease so again it was down to finishing. Again Stevenson hit the doubles that counted finishing the first leg on 95 when it looked like John was ready to take the first leg. Stevenson then only just missed tops for a 120 checkout which he finished off at his next visit to win 2-0.

That means Wilkinson/Stevenson won both half finals therefore securing their place in the finals on 23 October and setting the standard as two previous winners merge to look a formidable partnership to be reckoned with.

On the night there were a total 75 x 100+ scores, 18 x 140’s and 3 maximums with Steven ‘Stivvy’ Stevenson, Sas Bode and Steve Bonnet 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 Stivvy with a 118 and Michelle Black leading the female charge with a 102 checkout. Other notable checkouts include Stivvy (95), John Madine (94) Colin Hargrave (83), Sas Bode (78) and Les White (78).

WEEK 2 QUALIFIERS

Week 2 of the John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery sees Neil Linford & Leanne Howard qualify through to finals night on the 23^rd October.

A much improved attendance set the scene for an increase in the standard of darts being played with Neil leading the way on the night. They qualified the hard way though as they lost their first round match against Steven Bonnett and Michelle Black in the first half draw so a long wait ensued for them to take to the oche again.

The first half draw became a two horse race between 2012 qualifiers Colin & Val Hargrave and last weeks unlucky players John Madine & Dawn Stevenson. The Hargraves reached the first half final without dropping a single leg but were up against two players of similar calibre. This final alone threw up 9 tons and 2 x 140’s so it was quick fire arrows down to the doubles and it was double ten that favoured all the players in this match. John hit the first double ten to take leg 1, Colin then hit the same double to level the match and John returned with interest as he also landed double ten again to win the match 2-1.

The second half draw threw up some exciting finishes and some very close misses as the players were beginning to find their range.

Linford/Howard scraped through their first round match but from then on they improved with every match to reach the second half final with Neil becoming the leading scoring player on the night. They faced the first half winners Madine/Stevenson with Madine being the second highest scorer on the night. This turned out to be a fantastic high scoring final with this match alone containing 10 tons and 2x140 scores.

With such high scoring it was all about doubles as both pairs were down to high finishes in 12 darts apiece. Linford took leg 1 on double 10 with Stevenson levelling the match on double 8. Linford scored high leaving his partner a good finish with Madine 115 behind. He was unlucky as he left himself bull to win the match and qualify for finals night but just missed leaving 25 for Stevenson. She was never to get the chance to play though as Howard hit double 8 at the first time of asking to win the match.

With the same players having won a final each it meant a re-match was on the cards to determine who qualifies. This re-match did not disappoint and continued in much the same vein as their previous encounter with 9 tons and 2 x140 scores.

The result also matched the previous encounter as Linford struck first hitting tops with his first dart. Madine failed to check-out on 56 but Howard misses tops to qualify. Nerves were beginning to show but Madine held his nerve and checked out at the second time of asking to level the match. A quick-fire 3^rd leg left Linford with tops which again he took with aplomb to secure their qualification to finals night with Madine/Stevenson being very unlucky again this week having been one dart away from qualifying themselves.

On the night there were a total of 93 x 100+ scores, 29 x 140’s and 2 maximums with Neil Linford and Bill Hoskins striking the 180’s and John Madine hitting 22 of the tons. Neil Linford was the highest single scorer on the night with 12 tons, 4 x 140’s and 1 maximum. Highest checkout for the night was Colin Hargrave who checked out on 88. Other notable checkouts were Keith Tweedie (85), Bill Hoskins (81), John Madine (79) and Colin Hargrave (74).

WEEK 3 QUALIFIERS

Week 3 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are husband and wife pairing Colin & Val Hargrave.

This week saw the arrival of some new faces and they certainly played their part in some outstanding darting performances.

Colin & Val made the first half final without dropping a single leg showing they were here to mean business having qualified at exactly the same stage last year. They faced newcomers John Tindall and Kirsty Bates who had defeated the 2009 champions (Bill Hoskins & Sas Bode) and the 2012 qualifiers (Michelle Black & Steve Bonnett) on their way to the final. The final was a spectacle as all players were hitting the treble with considerable ease with 6 tons and a 140 in this match alone. John struck first blow checking out on 48 with Colin then replying with a creditable 79 checkout to level the match. Again the high scoring meant both pairs were on a finish but it was Val who dealt the final blow with an unorthodox checkout on 68 hitting double 20 followed by double 14 to win the first half final.

On the way to the second half final Mike Reid had already amassed a maximum 180, 9 tons, a 140 and also produced the nights highest checkout of 82. Mike and partner Norma Skelton had beaten first half winners Colin and Val in the semi final and another pair of newcomers Shaun Johnson and Roxanne Litherland who showed great potential in the early rounds with both players scoring highly and Roxanne checking out on a 73 against Mike & Norma in the first half draw.

Mike & Norma faced John & Kirsty who had been playing consistently all night and so made both finals of the night. They made the final with Kirsty checking out on 66 in the semi final.

The second half final produced some great scoring but it was the finishing that was the difference. In the first leg John & Kirsty had scored 440 in 12 darts and the first leg looked all over. They didn’t take their chances and Mike & Norma were soon down to a finish to steal the leg. Alas it was not to be as Norma was unlucky missing double 5 for a 112 finish it was Kirsty who finally put the leg to bed hitting double 7.

The second leg was much the same vein of form but this time John hit double 8 quickly to secure the second half final.

The qualifying final meant a rematch with Colin & Val and the game was almost déjà-vu with John & Kirsty taking the first leg as before after Val had narrowly missed out on a 76 finish. The Hargrave’s have been here before and showed their experience and carried on regardless. The second leg was very tight as all players had chances to seal the leg. As the doubles were reducing it was Val who missed double 7, then Kirsty missing double 8 to win the match to leave Colin’s cool head to finally level the match on double 2.

This seemed to spur the Hargrave’s into action and quick fire scores gave them a decent lead down to the doubles. It’s not as easy though when throwing for the match and Colin missed double 16 for the match but with such a large lead he made amends winning the match on double 8 at the next time of addressing the oche.

There were 80 x 100+ scores, 26 x 140’s and 2 maximums with Steve Bonnett and Mike Reid hitting the two 180’s. Mike Reid was the highest scorer on the night with 1 x 180, 4 x 140’s and 9 x 100+ scores.

Mike Reid also hit the highest checkout tonight with an 82. Other notable checkouts on the night were Colin Hargrave (79), Steve Bonnett (75), Roxanne Litherland (73), John Tindall (73) and Kirsty Bates (66).

WEEK 4 QUALIFIERS

Week 4 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are Carlisle’s John Duncan & Pam Hind.

John & Pam’s first qualifying attempt looked to be fruitful as they marched on towards both half finals but some stiff opposition made it look like they may have had to come back to try again in later weeks.

They made the first half final with some very high scoring and Pam checking out on 92 to complete their semi-final victory over Mike Reid & Norma Skelton 2-1. In the final they faced ever-present Steve Bonnett & Michelle Black with Michelle checking out on 94 to secure their path to the final. With high finishes and the two highest scores on the night facing each other (John & Steve), a great final was to unfold. With 6 x 100+ scores and 3 x 140’s in this final alone it was down to the finishing. Pam was close when she just missed tops for a 117 finish leaving John to finish it on double 10 at his next visit. Leg 2 saw Steve narrowly miss double 16 for a 137 finish but he made amends with one dart at his next visit to the level the match. The third leg looked to be going the way of the Carlisle pairing until Steve hit two 140 scores leaving Michelle to check out on double 8 to win the first half final.

John & Pam also made the second half final in similar style to give them a second bite at the cherry. They faced John Madine & Dawn Stevenson who have been this close to qualifying before. Tons, 140’s and a maximum from the Carlisle duo meant a comfortable first leg with John finishing the leg on double 10. A much improved second leg from their opposition meant both pairs were on low finishes in no time. John Duncan just missed tops for a 72 finish but the Maryport pairing could not capitalise on his miss and Pam ended the match on double 10 to secure victory 2-0.

The qualifying final meant a rematch between John & Pam against Steve & Michelle. Although the match retained its high standard the outcome was very different. High scores left Pam with a quick 85 checkout to finish on tops to go 1-0 up. Steve & Michelle needed to produce another comeback and they matched John & Pam all the way but both pairs were now beginning to miss doubles. Eventually John ended the tangle on double 1 to secure the match 2-0 and also their place on finals night on 23^rd October.

This week saw the highest number of tons so far with 104 x 100+ scores. There were also 15 x 140’s and the 1 maximum by John Duncan in the second half final. John Duncan was the highest scorer on the night with 1 x 180, 4 x 140’s and 16 x 100+ scores followed by Steve Bonnett’s 13 x 100+ scores and 3 x 140’s.

The highest checkout on the night was a 115 by Sas Bode who is now the front runner for the highest female checkout prize. John Madine hit a 114 checkout just missing out on the prize for the highest male checkout currently at 118. Other notable checkouts on the night were Michelle Black (94), Pam Hind (92), Pam Hind (85) and Bill Hoskins (76).

WEEK 5 QUALIFIERS

Week 5 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are Cockermouth’s John Tindall & Kirsty Bates.

John & Kirsty only just missed out in the week 3 qualifying final and returned to hopefully go one better this week. Their consistent high scoring that week was here to stay this week as they progressed to the first half final as quickly as they had done previously. In the first half final they faced multiple finalists John Madine & Dawn Stevenson. The scoring wasn’t as high as previous rounds but Tindall left Bates on double tops at her next visit only for Madine to spoil her chances finishing first on double 18 to take the first leg. Stevenson then nearly made it a quick final as she only just missed tops for a 116 finish. Madine then missed double 16 leaving Bates the chance to level the match on double 10, which she took with ease to level the match. With Stevenson missing double 9 in the third leg Bates had the chance to seal victory on double tops but this time the double was elusive and Madine stepped up to finish the match 2-1 with a double 4 finish.

The Cockermouth pairing seemed spurred on by this defeat and started to produce the most consistent scoring of the night between them. Even though up against some stiff opposition they progressed to the second half final dropping only 1 leg throughout. In the final they faced 2005 champion John Blaney paired with Hilary Kirkbride. A high scoring final prevailed as tons galore poured in. Tindall & Bates took the first leg in 15 darts setting the standard. The second wasn’t far behind but ended just as quickly as Tindall finished the second leg on 54 to be one of the quickest finals we’ve seen with both pairs on finishes.

This meant that the qualifying final was a re-match of the first half final, Madine & Stevenson versus Tindall & Bates. This was Madine & Stevenson’s 4^th qualifying final but the youngsters had been here before too. An enthralling final was to be unveiled as the match swung to and fro. Bates hit a ton to leave Tindall a ton which he took with aplomb finishing on two double tops in style. A response was required which materialised immediately with Madine hitting high scores and Stevenson just missing tops for a 76 finish. Madine returned to close out the second leg on double 10 with his first dart. It seemed now that both pairings were up for the challenge as again the treble twenty was hit with considerable ease. Tindall on 177 hit the perfect 137 to leave Bates tops, Madine scored highly to put pressure on the youngster but she stepped up to the oche and made it look so easy to finish off the match with one dart to secure the Cockermouth pairing their place on finals night on the 23^rd October.

This week saw the highest number of 140’s hit so far with 34 of them put to bed.

In total there were 85 x 100+ scores, 34 x 140’s and 3 x 180’s.

The 3 maximums were by Steve Bonnett, Bill Hoskins and Les White.

Steve Bonnett was the highest scorer on the night with 1 x 180, 5 x 140’s and 5 x 100+ scores. Kirsty was the most consistent scorer on the night with 12 x 100+ scores and 8 x 140’s. Her partner John wasn’t far behind with 13 x 100+ scores and 5 x 140’s topped by his 100 finish in the final. That 100 finish was the highest on the night. Other notable checkouts tonight were John Madine (81), John Tindall (79), John Blaney (70) and Bret Lowden (66).

WEEK 6 QUALIFIERS

Week 6 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are Maryport's John Madine & Dawn Stevenson.

John & Dawn have been in 4 previous qualifying finals and after having two chances tonight they still left it to the death to finally proceed through to the finals night.

It was constant high scoring and quick finishing by John that saw the pair through to the first half final dropping only 1 leg on their route. In that final they met Craig Denwood & Ann Scholey who had been knocking on the finals doors for a few weeks lately. They were undone though as both John and Dawn scored consistently with John’s finishing being excellent all night. Although both pairs were on finishes it was John who finished both legs (double 10 and then tops) to win the match 2-0.

As in previous weeks John & Dawn had given themselves two bites at the cherry when they progressed through to the second half final but this time every match going down to the final leg. In the second half final they were up against ever-present Mike Reid & Norma Skelton. Mike was the second highest scorer on the night behind John and so a fruitful final was to be expected. The prediction was correct as this match alone produced 8 tons and 6 x 140 scores. Dawn had first chance when on 68 missing double 8 to take the first leg. Mike punished that miss when left on 39 and finished the leg on double 16. Again Dawn was unlucky to miss double 16 for a 84 finish. It looked ominous as Norma left Mike on 60 but before he could take to the oche but John stepped up and hit double 16 to level the match.

The scores were raining in now and Mike hit two 140’s in a row and with Norma’s ton in between it set them up for a 16 dart leg as Mike finished on 74 to take the leg and the match.

This meant a re-match between the four players to qualify with John & Dawn winning the first half final and Mike & Norma winning the second. The qualifying final continued in similar fashion as their earlier encounter with the match producing 9x100+ scores and 1 x140. Dawn leaves John with 60 but before he steps up Mike hits 140 to leave Norma on 44. John finished the 60 in two darts in the style he had shown all night. The second leg was a bit more one sided as Mike & Norma opened up a reassuring lead. On 98 Norma leaves Mike tops which he missed but made amends on double 10. Having had so many chances to qualify previously John & Dawn must have thought the gods were against them as they faced yet another final leg decider. They opened up a good lead to give them plenty of chances to finally end their demons. Dawn hit a ton to leave John 65 but he misses tops for the match. With Mike & Norma chipping away at the scores the doubles were again eluding John & Dawn. Dawn missed double 10 but eventually at his next visit John finally hit the double he required to put the pair through.

This week was the first week that no maximums were scored but there were 80 x 100+ scores and 13 x 140’s.

John Madine was the highest scorer on the night with 3 x 140’s and 16 x 100+ scores. Mike was next highest with 3 x 140’s and 9 100+ scores. The four finalists were al in the top 6 players on the night.

The highest finish on the night was John Madine’s 114 only 4 short of the prize money. In fact John was the only person with any notable finishes as he also hit a 112 checkout and a 87.

WEEK 7 QUALIFIERS

Week 7 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are John Blaney & Hilary Kirkbride.

John was the first person to win this tournament in its inception way back in 2005. He was beaten finalist twice in 2006 and 2010 and so is looking to improve on this stat this year again.

With a low attendance this week it was a chance for anyone to stake their claim to a place on finals night. It set off at a great pace too where in the very first leg of the night John Ewen hit the highest checkout of the tournament this year with a 119 finish and stakes his claim to the highest checkout prize money.

In the first half final John & Hilary were faced up against Les White & Heather Steele. Les was the highest scorer on the night eventually and was playing well but it was the finishing that would be Les & Heathers undoing. With both pairs on double ten all four players missed their attempts to finish off the first leg. Proceeding to double five again attempts were missed until Hilary stepped to put the leg to bed with her first dart. Les’s high scoring gave himself and his partner a comfortable lead in the second leg and with an excellent 137 he left Heather on double 15. With Les & heather missing doubles 15, 8, 4, 2 and 1 they gave John & Hilary plenty of time to catch up. Once again the doubles were eluding the players and eventually both pairs were on the dreaded double one. Once again it was Hilary who showed them the way and hit double one to end the first half final 2-0 winners.

In the second half final again John & Hilary appeared and this time they faced Darren Lockheart & Angela Stott. Angela was the third highest scorer on the night. In the first leg Angela set off with a 140 followed immediately by a 140 from John. With 6 tons and 2 x 140’s in this match it wasn’t long before the pairs were on their doubles. This time the finishing was much improved and John soon got down to double figures and made a decent scoring finish ending on double tops. The second leg followed suit and with decent ton scores both pairs were soon down to a finish again. John hit a 97 to leave Hilary 60. Angela hits a ton to leave Darren a finish too but Hilary stepped up to the oche and in two darts finished off the 60 in style to ensure their place on finals night on Wednesday 23^rd October.

This week was the lowest attendance of the tournament so far but the stats were still respectable with Les White making the solitary maximum and John Ewen making the highest checkout of the tournament so far with only 3 weeks remaining.

On the night there were 31 x 100+ scores, 8 x 140’s and the one maximum.

WEEK 8 QUALIFIERS

Week 8 Qualifiers for The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are Craig Denwood & Ann Scholey.

Co-organiser Craig qualified completing the full playing list for finals night with his playing partner Ann. Although they were close in week 7 it was an improvement in the finishing that ensured their final place this week.

It was no easy route though as Craig & Ann went 1-0 in their semi- final against Les White & Heather Steele but Ann’s high scoring secured the comeback to reach the first half final. There they faced Mike Reid & Norma Skelton who themselves qualified to the finals last year. With very consistent scoring the pairs were soon down to finishes with this final including 8 x 100+ scores and 1 x 140. Craig left Ann on 100 which she nearly finished hitting 60 with her first dart but just missing double 20 and then double 10. Mike & Norma were still attempting to get on a finish but at the next visit Craig finished the leg on double 5.

The second leg was also a quick affair and Craig almost finished the tie in style when on a 124 finish he just missed the bull hitting the 25. Mike left Norma on tops but she misses but Mike had the chance to make amends and levelled the match hitting double 10 with his first dart. In the deciding leg it was again Craig & Ann who made the early running opening up a decent lead. This was pegged back though as they headed towards double figures. Ann just missed double 18 for a 93 finish but Craig settled the affair hitting double 9 with his first dart to put the pair through to the qualifying final.

In the second half final Mike & Norma’s steady play gave them yet another chance to qualify. They had to overcome Craig & Ann in the semi-final with yet another high scoring match including 8 x 100+ scores and 1 x 140 score. The scoreline was reversed though with Mike & Norma being the victors 2-1. In this final they were faced with Les White & Heather Steele. Mike’s high scoring ensured a healthy lead and he hit 85 to leave Norma on double 16. She missed but Mike was in no mood to allow the lead to slip and took it first time to lead 1-0. The second leg was much closer though and Les hit an 80 score to leave Heather on double tops. Heather missed though which left Mike in on double 16. A close miss wasn’t too worrying as he hit double 8 with his next dart to ensure a second re-match with Craig & Ann to qualify.

At one match apiece and both scorelines 2-1 we were expecting much of the same in this match. This final gave us 5 x 100+ scores and 1 x 140. Again Craig was unlucky on a decent finish just missing double 12 for an 89 finish. With Norma leaving Mike on double 10 Ann stepped up and hit double 6 with her first dart to take the first leg. The second leg followed suit in quick style with Ann scoring 136 to leave Craig on 48. He stepped up to finish but missed double 16 for the match. He may have rued that miss when Norma just missed the bull for an 81 finish but Ann made sure of the victory hitting double 16 with her second dart to put the pair through to finals night.

This week saw 34 x 100+ scores and 5 x 140’s hit. No maximums this week unfortunately.

The highest scorer on the night was Mike Reid with 13 x 100+ scores and 2 x 140’s followed by Ann Scholey with 6 x 100+ scores and 2 x 140’s. There were no high checkouts to record this week although Craig was close to take the highest of the tournament so far with his near miss on 124.

WEEK 9 - DUFFERS FINAL

Week 9 of The John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery was the Duffers Final week which was halted mid-way through the quarter-finals due to a power outage which lasted approximately 1 hour. These finals are held to show how the organisers appreciate all those players who have attended the qualifiers without actually making the finals night by offering a free entry competition.

The 2009 champions Bill Hoskins & Sas Bode strolled through to the first half final to face Mike Reid & Norma Skelton. Mike had the first chance to take the lead just missing tops for a 75 finish. It looked like Mike may rue that miss as Bill left Sas on tops but a missed attempt left Norma to take the first leg managing to hit double ten with her third dart. A quick second leg ensued as Sas started with a 140 quickly followed by the same score from Mike. As the pairs reached double figures Bill made short work of the leg finishing on 70 to level the tie. With this final containing 4 tons and 2 x 140’s the pairs were soon down to a finish in the third leg too. Sas missed double 18 to take the match but as Mike & Norma were attempting to be on a double it was Sas who finally completed the comeback on double two.

The second half final was a re-match of the first half final but with a much delayed start after Bill & Sas had the long arduous task of re-grouping after the power outage in their quarter final match at quite a crucial stage in the tie. The re-match continued as in the previous tie and both pairs were scoring consistently high. Norma hit a ton followed by another by Mike to leave Norma with first strike on double 13. She narrowly misses and lands in double 6. Misses on double 7 by both players left the chance for Bill to step up and take the first leg on double 16 with his first dart. In the second leg Mike set off with a 140 and Norma continued the high scoring as the pair were quickly on a finish. Norma, left with 110, hits 80 leaving Mike double 15 which he takes at the third attempt to level the game. Again it was down to a deciding leg which Mike & Norma needed to force yet another re-match in the winning final. A couple of tons later and Mike & Norma were leading going heading towards the hundreds. However Sas had other ideas and scored heavily to leave Bill on 41. With Mike & Norma not being able to take advantage of their lead it was Bill who completed the match checking out his 41 in two darts to earn them the Duffers Final Prize Money.

This year was only the second time we’ve held a Duffers Final with Sas winning both of them with different partners. This week saw 25 x 100+ scores and 7 x 140’s hit. No maximums this week unfortunately (would love to have counted Dave Chapman’s in practice but alas we can’t although it may never be repeated again).

Bill Hoskins 70 in the first half final was the highest checkout on the night.

The highest scorer on the night was Mike Reid with 6 x 100+ scores and 4 x 140’s followed by Bill Hoskins with 5 x 100+ scores and the 1 x 140.

With prize money for the highest checkouts it leaves only the finalists to beat the current checkout leaders who are John Ewen (119) and Sas Bode (115).

FINALS NIGHT REPORT

The winners of the 2013 John Chapman Memorial Darts Tournament sponsored by Thwaites Brewery are Steven Stevenson and Kerry Wilkinson. This is the first time anyone has ever won this trophy twice in its 9 year history with Steven winning it in 2010 with Dawn Stevenson and the reigning champion Kerry winning it twice in a row after last years victory with Les Reid.

The standard of the darts was exceptional as the high scores came raining in. The first quarter final paired up week 7 qualifiers John Blaney & Hilary Kirkbride against week 2 qualifiers Neil Linford & Leanne Howard. It was a game of missed doubles proving costly for Linford & Howard. With Linford just missing double 16 for the first leg Kirkbride stepped up to hit double 18 to take the advantage. Both pairs were missing doubles in the second leg, first Howard on double 7, then Blaney on tops, Linford then misses double 7 for Kirkbride to show them how its done hitting double 10 at the first attempt to give them a healthy 2-0 lead. The third leg was deja-vu as all the players missed doubles again only for Kirkbride to step up and hit double 11 to win the first quarter final. Linford’s excellent 3 dart average of 72.5 was not enough as the doubles eluded all but Kirkbride in this game.

The second quarter final matched up the 2010 champion Dawn Stevenson partnering John Madine against first time entrants John Tindall & Kirsty Bates. Tindall’s high scoring gave him and Kristy a healthy lead as he also checked out on 46 before Madine & Stevenson had a chance for a double. A closer affair in the second gave Stevenson first chance at tops but only just missed. Bates took full advantage of the miss and checked out on double 19 before Madine could level the match. The scoring improved in the third leg and all players had chances to finish it off. Bates missed tops for the match, Stevenson also missed tops to pull one back before Tindall stepped up to finish the tie on double 10 to put the young pairing through to the semi finals. Madine had a great 3 dart average of 72.60 but was still behind Tindall’s 85.03.

The third quarter final gave us what was to be the eventual winners, Kerry Wilkinson & Steven Stevenson against week 8 qualifiers Craig Denwood and Ann Scholey. In the same mould as the previous ties it was the finishing that would decide the match up. Wilkinson missed double 4 and double 2 giving the initiative to their opposition. Denwood missed double 8 though for Stevenson to step in to steal the leg missing double 2 but landing the dreaded double 1 to go 1-0 up. Disappointed with that steal Denwood hit back with a maximum at his first visit. Again Denwood & Scholey for first to the doubles but once again they couldn’t capitalise on it and Stevenson once again stepped up to check out on double 10. It was Wilkinson’s turn to reply with the second 180 of the tie and set up a quick leg. High scoring by the pair left Denwood & Scholey still on 150 when Wilkinson eventually checked out on double 2 to take the match for the third 3-0 score line in the quarter finals. Denwood had the highest 3 dart average of the tie with 67.00.

The fourth quarter final was a real classic between the week 3 qualifiers Colin & Val Hargrave battling it out against the 2009 champions from Carlisle John Duncan & Pam Hind. The first leg was average and a classic certainly didn’t look on the cards as Duncan finally checks out on 39 to take the first leg. The second leg went the same way with Hind checking out on x15 at the first attempt. A third whitewash looked imminent but back came the Hargrave’s. Both pairs improved their scoring in the third leg and Val had first attempt on tops but misses leaving 20 left. Hind scores highly to Duncan on 43 but Colin steps up and hits double 10 with his first dart. Colin increases his scoring yet again to leave Val on double 17 which she takes with aplomb with Duncan & Hind still in the hundreds. With the match tied the tie had defiantly swung in the favour of the Hargrave’s but Duncan hit two 140 scores in his two visits and with Hind scoring well it was Duncan who secured the match checking out the leg on 47 with this being a 17 dart leg. Colin had an excellent 3 dart average of 70.47 but Duncan had the highest so far with 73.75.

The first semi-final matched up Blaney/Kirkbride and Tindall/Bates. The young newcomers could be forgiven for showing nerves and when Kirkbride checked out for the fourth time on the night the tie looked ominous for them. The youngsters replied well to this setback even though Blaney & Kirkbride had chances themselves to take the second leg it was Bates who settled their nerves hitting double 10. Bates set the third leg off with a 140 and al four players were scoring consistently and with Kirkbride leaving Blaney on a double Tindall stepped up before him to settle the leg on double 9. Tindall set the fourth leg alight with two 140’s and a ton in his 3 visits but missed doubles allowed their opponents to catch up. After both Bates and Tindall missing double 4 Kirkbride left Blaney on double 10 so Tindall had to make sure at the next attempt and he promptly delivered when it mattered to put the Cockermouth pair through to the final.

The second semi-final was certainly a match to keep us entertained with this match alone containing 11 ton+ scores, 4 x 140’s and a maximum. Stevenson/Wilkinson faced Duncan/Hind. Duncan’s 3 dart average of 75.83 was certainly a factor as he took command of leg one single handed and checked out on tops to go 1-0 up. All four players now scoring well it wasn’t long before they faced doubles and it was Wlkinson who levelled the match on double 6. The third leg was very of the same only this time Duncan checking out on double 10 to put the Carlisle pair back in front. Three ton+ scores by Stevenson set up Wilkinson to level the match once again hitting tops as Duncan was about to address the oche with 40 remaining himself. Stevenson once again hit the ton scores to give his partnership a healthy lead. Duncan hit back with a maximum to leave Hind on 15. Stevenson on 68 couldn’t check out the match, but Hind also failed on 15 leaving Wilkinson to check out all three winning legs on double 10 to put the champion thorough to her second successive final. Duncan had a 3 dart average of 80.74, the highest on the night with Stevenson not far behind on 75.78.

So first timers Tindall & Bates were up against the experienced champions Stevenson & Wilkinson. A steady start to leg one was improved by Bates’s 140 followed by another 140 from Stevenson. With Bates leaving Tindall on 57, Wilkinson scored 83 to leave Stevenson on 47. Tindall failed to check out the 57 and so it was left to Stevenson to finish off the 47 to take leg one. A cracking start to the second leg when Stevenson hit a 140 and Tindall hit two 140’s at their initial visits to the oche. Both pairs were down below the 200 score within 15 darts. Tindall failing to checkout 68 Wilkinson finished the second leg on double 18 to give the previous champions a 2-0 lead. Stevenson upped his game and started with two 140’s in the third leg. A quick encounter ensued as Stevenson checked out on double 16 in 17 darts with the young pair still on 218. At 3-0 down many players would have crumbled under the pressure but Tindall rose to the challenge in leg 4. Tons and 140’s later it was the youngsters turn to end a leg in quick fire. They gave themselves a chance with an 18 dart themselves with Tindall checking out on the highest checkout this year with a 141 finish leaving his opponents still requiring 204. The comeback looked more likely than ever now as Tindall first strike was yet another 140 in leg 5 followed by a 119. Both pairs scoring highly now and Bates leaves Tindall on 40 for a chance to pull another leg back. With Wilkinson requiring 110 and hitting single 14 with her first dart Tindall prepared himself to take the oche. Wilkinson recovered with a perfect treble 20 and steadied herself just as she did 12 month earlier to hit double 18 for a 110 checkout and the 2013 title. An excellent way to win the match especially with the young pair now in their stride and looking strong towards the end.

A fantastic night was had by all who attended with plenty of spectators to add to the atmosphere. The night produced 45 ton+ scores, 12 x 140’s and the three 180’s. The two high checkouts on the night were Tindall’s prize winning 141 and Wilkinson’s title winning 110. Sas Bode was the highest female checkout winner with a 115 in week 6 qualifiers.

John Duncan had the highest 3 dart average of 80.74, 2^nd was Steven Stevenson on 75.78 followed by John Tindall’s 73.85. The highest female 3 dart averages were Kerry Wilkinson on 53.52, 2^nd was Pam Hind on 52.46 followed by Kirsty Bates on 47.65.