Darts league wide open at Christmas break

The title chase for the Welshpool and District Darts League Sponsored by The New Saints FC is set for a dramatic title run-in following the last action before the Christmas break, writes Steve Lloyd.

The much-anticipated clash between the Green Dragon A and the Horse and Jockey took place on Wednesday with the Dragon edging a 4-3 verdict.

There was never more than the one game in it and, at 3-3, the Green Dragon A took the last doubles. Steve Price (Green Dragon A) hit a 180 and a 15-dart finish on the night and Ben Marsdon (Horse and Jockey) took out a 124 finish in his doubles.

Friday night’s results threw up a shock, with the Kings Head beating Horse and Jockey 6-1.

The Kings Head took advantage of home turf by racing into a 4-0 lead. Gareth Steadman (Kings Head) took out a 108.

The game of the night was Rixxy v Steve Owen with the latter throwing 2x180s, a 177 and a 14-dart finish on his way to winning the only game for the Horse and Jockey. Kevin Llewelyn also recorded a 180 for the Horse and Jockey.

Kacey Jones had a 15-dart finish on his way to winning both legs for The Kings Head who jump up to fourth spot.

The Grapes A eased past the Oak 7-0, despite Iwan Walsh, Paul Jones and John McDonald taking legs in their games for the Oak.

In the battle of the Dragons, the A edged past the B 4-3 in a night where the Butlers hit the headlines again. Mitch hitting 2x180s and a 16-dart finish and son Rhys, 12, throwing a 180 in the doubles with Steve Price, which decided the match. What a prospect this young man is becoming.

With the above scores, last week’s leaders Horse and Jockey have slipped to third, with the Grapes A top and Green Dragon A second, but all are on 45 points.

The Grapes B won 7-0 at Castle despite Mark Smith taking out a leg with a 120 finish and the Castle winning five legs on the night.

The Grapes B are fifth, on the same points as the Green Dragon B in sixth but nine points behind the leaders.

The Westwood clinched the deciding doubles against Green Dragon C, for a 4-3 win, with Dave Knight (Green Dragon C) taking out a 113 and Steve Lloyd (Westwood) hitting a 180. The game between Punchbowl and the Red Lion was postponed and will be re-arranged.

Next week sees the GWS Contractors competition at the Green Dragon with cash prizes up for the taking.

Names to watch out for include last year’s winner Gareth Steadman, the in-form Mitch Butler, Kacey Jones, Ben and Leigh Marsdon, Steve Price, Steve Owen, Dan Hosiene and finally who would bet against young Rhys Butler. Players should be at the Green Dragon Welshpool for 8pm.

The league resumes on January 5, 2024.

PICTURED: Green Dragon C that lost 4-3 to the Westwood this week. From left: Dave Knight, Al Moore, Martin Gough and Phil Rollinson