Marstons Darts Championships

Hinkley. August 28

The Seahorse, Whitley Bay were beaten in the semi final of the Marstons Breweries team championshipson Saturday losing 4-2 to the "The Vine" who went on to win the final.

The Seahorse squad is Mark Stephenson, Michael Wood, Geordie Reay, Darren Shields, Alan Davie, Adam Young, Andy Mabon, John Watson, Ian Gleeson

MARK WILLIAMS MEMORIAL DARTS TROPHY

August 26

Champion

DAVY RICHARDSON

The Grand Finals took place at Bedlington WMC on Thursday August 26 with sponsorship from The Newcastle Beer Company and The Coors Brewers. Sixteen of the regions top dart players (who would grace the stage of any competition in the country) were on hand hoping to capture the £1,000 winners prize from the total of £3,000 that was on offer in this the most popular and prestigious darts tournament in the region.

Gateshead's Davy Richardson set the pace with a first round win over Ian Gleeson, while Scotland's John Stephenson took advantage of poor finishing by Dave Gradwell, Roger Brown had a hard fought win over Arthur Dobey. Gary Robson took the spoils against Paul Williams, while Paul Knighton from Durham was pushed all the way by Keith Wright, whose 158 checkout in the 6th leg of 7 just wasn't enough on this occasion. Last year's champion Gordon Dobey got off to a great start with a 4-0win over Davy Prins. Paul Jennings and Glen Durrant both progressed to the next round with good wins over Graeme Stoddart and Tony Wood.

In the quarter finals, Richardson and Robson kept up their good work with victories against John Stephenson and Roger Brown respectively. Paul Knighton was too strong for Gordon Dobey as was Glen Durant against Paul Jennings. Although Dobey had the best leg of the night with a ten dart leg.

Richardson an Robson were first up in the semi finals, Richardson took an early two leg lead, Robson reduced the deficit but to no avail as Richardson took the first Grand Final place with a 4-2 victory.

The second semi final between Knighton and Durant kepy everyone on the edge of their seats, Knighton taking the early spoils but could not get clear of a determined Durant. Heavy scoring would prove decisive as the Durham lad took his chances with a 4-2 win.

In the final nerves did not seem evident as Richardson went off with a 180 and a 140 in a 17 dart winning leg. Knighton responded immediately with a 140. 100 and 85 to level the scores. Richardson kept up the pressure with scores of 99, 140 and 107, securing a 2-1 lead. Knighton had his own idea of pressure blistering in a 180, 140, 83 and a 98 checkout in 12 darts to make the score 2-2. Richardson went back in front with a nervous fifth leg once again prompting a devastating response from Knighton, 140, 140. 180 checking out with 41 in another 12 dart leg, taking the final all the way. Scores of 95, 100, 140 from Richardson were enough to secure his fourth win in this competition.

Presenting the prizes on behalf of the sponsors The Newcastle Beer Company and The Coors Brewers were Mark McCann, Paul Smith and Norman Williams.

The non qualifying competition was won by Alan George wh beat John Hardman in the final.

Thanks to Terry Allen for the report.