Park are the bridesmaids again as Kevin's are McGrath winners

Kevin’s 5

AFTER last week’s disappointing result in the Malcolm Graham Cup final Park Inn had to be satisfied with the runners-up position this week in the Kevin McGrath Cup against Kevin’s.

However, for a new team in their first season in the Vintners they should to be congratulated for their achievement and also for picking up third place in the league.

First at the oche was John Broome and Gareth Chambers who started with a 100. He was consistent and finished with a 13 double top after scoring another 100 to leave John (100) needing 97.

John (100) didn’t make much of an improvement after getting the call first and was left on 70 when Gareth (100, 97) checked out on treble 18 double top.

Paul Dillon and Andrew Douglas were next to the board. Andrew had darts and started off with 95 but after this he faded and as the steadier of the two Paul (140, 100) had a first dart double top to leave his opponent needing 108.

Leg two was a much closer game as Paul (100, 100) took an early lead but Andrew scored 120 to bring him back into the game. After missing an 80 finish he had three darts at tops to level before Paul levelled the teams with a double 10.

Game three paired Lindsay McFadden against Kevin’s Nigel Peden and this was a close match, going the three legs with Nigel (100, 97, 99) throwing first. Lindsay’s first throw was 134 and a 140 put him into the lead. With Nigel leaving 16 for the next throw Lindsay finished on double 16.

The second leg was another close encounter as Lindsay (97, 99) had one dart at double top before Nigel (100, 96), after missing tops, finished on double 10 to level.

The deciding leg saw Lindsay (100, 100) take a good lead and after missing double 20 he came round the board to end on double one, only to see Nigel steal the game with a first dart double 16 - but its doubles that count.

The last game of the half saw Andy McComb and Nigel Kerr at the butts and Andy (100), after getting the call first on 144, was left on 88 when Nigel (140, 97), after leaving 50, finished next throw.

Andy (100, 100) was throwing steady in leg two when a double seven left Nigel with on shot at tops.

In the deciding leg it was all Nigel (100) and when on 96 Nigel hit treble 20 and just missed double 18. He finished with his next throw with Andy struggling on 222, and this levelled the teams to 2-2.

Neville Reid and Clare Thornbury, who left her sick bed to help her team out, were next in game five. Clare (95) had five darts at her double to take the lead before Neville finished.

Leg two saw Clare (133), when on 90, hitting treble 18 and just missing double 18 with her remaining two darts but she finished with her next throw to leave Neville with 122 on the board.

Clare (95) just wasn’t at herself and was left on 187 when Neville (140, 100), who was on 160, hit 100 and go on to regain the lead for Kevin’s.

The last of the singles paired Steve Banks and Robert Thornbury. The in form Steve (125, 100) took the lead against darts and a first dart double 20 left Robert needing 174.

Robert just couldn’t get going and was left on 123 when Steve put his team in a commanding position with double five coming from tops.

PAIRS – This was a must win game for the Park and Paul Dillon and Andy McComb were paired against Lindsay McFadden and Joyce Douglas.

A 180 from Paul gave his pairing a good lead and a double 16 from the latter left Lindsay and Joyce with 115.

The second leg didn’t produce great scores but a 100 from Lindsay left 56, only to see Paul finish on 60 to win the cup 5

PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP - First out of the hat were Dylan Woolsey and Ronnie Herdman against teammates Neville Reid and Willie Livingston.

A double seven from Ronnie (100, 100), who had just missed a 79 finish, gave his pairing take the lead with his opponents needing 60.

In leg two Neville (100, 95) left Willie on tops but a 69 finish from Ronnie secured the final spot with a 2-0 win.

The second semi final paired Neville Kerr and Lindsay McFadden against Ken Halliday and Midge Hylands. A 180 from Lindsay and a great 128 finish on the bull by Nigel left Ken and Midge needing 218.

Things didn’t improve for Ken (100) and Midge when they were left on 104 as the Park boys finished

FINAL – Both set of pairs wanted to play the best of five legs and Nigel Kerr and Lindsay McFadden were first to throw.

Their loss of form from the previous round was showing and it was Dylan Woolsey (100) and Ronnie Herdman who went in front with Ronnie hitting treble 14 and double 16 to leave the Park pair needing 126.

Leg two was a much closer game but after Lindsay (100) left his partner on double 10 he didn’t get a throw with Dylan (100) with a first dart at the double 18.

In leg three and Nigel (100, 100) and Lindsay had to win but a double 10 from Ronnie (140, 100) when Dylan (99) missed double top meant that new names will be on the trophies this season.

The committee would to thank Q Cabs for their sponsorship of the league and also Keith’s Limos who sponsored the Individual Championship.