Record field shows just how popular darts is
To put the growth into perspective, this time two years ago, the entire league had just 98 registered players. For a singles competition to now attract 84 entries on its own is nothing short of remarkable. The league continues to go from strength to strength, and nights like this are proof of just how far it has come.
Angel Event Bars Singles
The main event attracted a huge 84 entries, making it the largest singles competition the league has staged in many years, if not in its history. The standard was exceptional throughout the evening, with big names, rising talents and surprise performers all contributing to a memorable night of darts.
The quarter-finals produced four excellent ties. Gareth Ashley maintained his superb form with a composed 2-0 win over league chairman Shaun Humphries.
Division 2 standout Shaun Hindmarch continued his impressive season, producing another brilliant display to beat Mat Knight 2-0 — after Knight had earlier eliminated one of the tournament favourites, Kacey Jones, in the last 16.
Joe Jones delivered one of his best performances to date to defeat last season’s Player of the Year, Dave Rix, 2-1, while the league’s two brightest young players, Cameron Williams and Dan Morgan, met in the final quarter-final, with Cameron winning 2-0.
Ashley’s semi-final against Hindmarch was an absolute cracker - a two-leg shootout packed with quality. The pair produced eight ton-plus scores in just two legs, with Ashley firing in a 180 in the final leg. Hindmarch was right on his heels throughout, refusing to let him settle, but Ashley’s clinical finishing ultimately made the difference as he edged clear for a 2-0 win that was far tougher than the scoreline suggests.
The semi-final between Williams and Jones was a much edgier affair - a tense game riddled with missed doubles from both players. In the key moments, it was Joe who held his nerve, taking out the vital finishes under pressure to book his place in his first singles final with a gritty 2-1 victory.
In the final, Ashley did what he had to do. He controlled the big moments, kept the pressure firmly on, and rubber-stamped the performance with another 180 in the final leg, sealing a flawless night in which he didn’t drop a single leg.
Joe may not be entirely happy with how he played in the final, but he still put together an outstanding night’s work. His run to the decider - including wins over top-level opposition - showed exactly how far his game has come, and it certainly won’t be a shock to see him featuring in more finals in the future.
With this victory, Gareth now holds both of the league’s singles titles - another reminder that, over many years, he has been one of the league’s most consistent and reliable performers. He remains very much the man to beat.
Welshpool Under-25 Singles
The Welshpool Under-25 Singles also enjoyed a record attendance, with 36 entries showcasing the strength of emerging talent across the area.
In the quarter-finals, the Powis Arms A’s Konrad Scott battled past last year's finalist Bobby Gough 2-1, Cameron Williams produced a clinical display to beat Kyle Biggs 2-0, Charlie Wines impressed with a strong 2-0 win over Alistair Williams, and Dan Morgan matched that scoreline with a composed victory over the Owl’s Joey Searle.
In the semi-finals, Cameron continued his excellent form by beating Konrad Scott - a win that shouldn’t be understated. Konrad is enjoying a real breakthrough season in the league and has become one of the most improved young players on the local circuit, so getting past him was no easy task.
On the other side of the draw, Dan Morgan beat Charlie Wines, who had been one of the surprise semi-finalists of the night after an impressive run. Charlie pushed hard, but Dan’s composure and consistency took him through to yet another showdown with Cameron.
Both Williams and Morgan arrived in the final without dropping a single leg, underlining just how strong and composed they had been throughout the evening. The two are Superleague teammates, and with Cam having now won both editions of this event, it’s a rivalry that looks set to become one of the defining battles in Welshpool darts over the coming years.
Having turned 22 this week, Cameron will still get two more attempts at this trophy, while Dan along with the rest of the impressive crop of youngsters, continue to push him all the way.
The final itself was every bit as tight as expected. There was nothing between them from start to finish, with both producing quality scoring and pressure darts in the key moments. Dan even held match darts, but couldn’t take them, and Cameron punished the misses to edge across the line 2-1 and retain the title.
A huge thank-you goes to Huw, who served as MC for the night and whose sponsorship through Angel Event Bars, along with the support of his staff at both the Angel and Moltos, played a vital role in making the event possible.
A special thank-you goes to Chris Proctor and Rhys Roberts, who gave up their evenings in the build-up to help get the club set up and ready. Their hard work behind the scenes was invaluable.
A further thank-you goes to all players and supporters who entered, turned up to cheer, and helped create such a brilliant atmosphere throughout the night.
The continued support - from filling the room to buying raffle tickets and contributing in every way - plays a huge part in making events like this possible. Also, a great turnout from committee members without whom the event would not happen.
PICTURE: Winner Gareth Ashley (crntre) with committee members Bobby Gough and Steve Lloyd.
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