Saturday, 21 December 2019

Annual Provincial Darts Competition

On Monday 2nd of September 2019, the Annual contest for 'darts supremecy' organised by Kingston Circle took place at St Ann's Church Hall in Banstead. The Guildford team sharpened their tips and preened their flights in anticipation of the success they had enjoyed for many years. Could they once again produce a winning performance and win the Tom Hegarty Plate? Or would the years of 3 course (now 2 course) Catenian dinners combined with dubious after dinner jokes take its toll?!!!

Indeed, things did not start off well for Guildford. The initial team comprising of the 'Big Three', Peter Chalcroft, President Andy Fogell and Steve Rowden just couldn't get off the starting blocks! Many lesser teams would have given up at this point but Guildford brothers are made of sterner stuff than that!

The team coach, the highly motivated, ambitious and self-sacrificing Bro. Steve Rowden, re-organised the team replacing himself with Bro.Tony Clark, a master in the art of guiding flighted missiles, in a last stand to compete for the Plate! After three round of merciless destruction, Guildford reached the Plate final to face the menace of the scowling Croydon circle!

It really was down to the wire with both teams on a double! Would Croydon prove to strong? Undaunted, Guildford proceeded to demolish the opposition with a wonderful perormance from Bro. Peter Chalcroft. With nerves of steel he sent his dart whistling through the air and it is reported that a sound resembling a choir of angels could be heard as his dart hit the 'Double Two'! Not to be confused with the company that used to make shirts carrying the same name.

Jubilation followed for Guildford with sad and resigned acceptance for Croydon. However, Guildford will not rest on their laurels because these battle hardened competitors will continue practicing their art with enthusiasm to ensure another victory next year!

The competition begins
Good darts from Bro. Peter but at this stage not quite good enough
 Bro. Andy Fogell eyes the target..
..takes aim and...
...gets a modest score!
Now it's Bro. Tony's turn!

Aiming for triple 20!
Not quite, triple one!
Would you believe it?
Suddenly and unexpectedly, an interloper joins the Guildford team with devastating results!
One hundred and eighty!
Having been inspired by the 'Interloper', there was no stopping Guildford and, following a dazzling display by Bro. Peter Chalcroft, the team went on to win the highly prized Tom Hegarty Plate!
The Provincial President presenting the winners with the Plate!
The winning team with coach, Bro. Steve Rowden proudly holding the Tom Hegarty Plate
If that blonde bloke called Horace, hadn't helped, Guildford would never have won the Plate!