Up for the cup.........

Challenge Cup 1st Round - Three Mariners (a) - 21/11/06

We visited the Three Mariners once again for our 1st round cup match. Having beaten them comfortably in the league, we were confident of another victory.

For the darts 11 players were needed. This is to avoid any draws.

Stuart Lacey started us off. With a nice 99 off, his darts were below his usual par. A slight fright when his opponent had a chance to take the match, but Stuart came through a bagged a double 4. New boy Ross George found his practice form & produced a ton followed by a 140 securing a double top out. Andy Markham in his usual 3rd place threw some impressive darts, landing the first maximum of the season. His finishing was spot on with a 63 nailing single 13 followed by the middle bit (Bull).

3-0 up & surely we were cruising to an easy victory.

Steve Shaw toes the oche in 4th. He struggled to get off using around 15 darts before hitting 52. A 140 followed by a second 180 of the night. Things do really come in two's. His finishing wasn't quite the same although he managed to put us 4-0 up. I stepped up fifth. A young lad was my opponent. Confidence at normal levels I was sure I could win. Getting off with my new favoured double top I followed this with a ton. Very average darts throughout & eventually finishing on a double 8.

Half time & we were in cruise control.

Darts: 0-5
Dominoes: 2-4

Half time saw another new face. Nathan Sharples stepped up. Steady darts throughout but he couldn't quite finish on his needed double 4. Paul Haywood got off to a flyer with an 80 off. Sadly no ton pluses this week, but an impressive 88 checkout (treble 30 + double 14). Another player who is amongst those who have lost only one this season. Steve Tennant got back into winning form throwing a ton 40 with a nice double top out.

Now 7-1 up we had the darts side of things in hand.

Rob Lancaster toe'd 9th. Back from holiday he was in impressive form. Throwing nothing lower than 55. His darts have really improved these past few matches; although the negativity is still present (Stop shaking your head!!) Rob won his match a can now boast a winning streak. Dave Murby & Dave Walker won both their matches easily.

A final 10-1 finish at darts. Our biggest score to date. Complimented by a dominoes win we hammered the Mariners 17-6 overall.

Darts: 1-10
Dominoes: 5-7

Back at home next week after a 3 weeks & it's the Lord Ashton that faces us. Personally I have a tournament this weekend in Bolton. A few big names entering I need to be prepared.

Personal Performance Indicator (PPI):

A slow return to form. Practice has been present at home, but limited. For the remaining 2 days left this week I would be stupid not to practice for Saturday's event. Yes I know that 2 days won't win me a tournament, but at least I can make myself look half decent.

Updates Sat/Sun.