Andover’s Academy celebrated a triple success last Sunday by sweeping all three titles in the 2nd Andover Unicorn Darts Youth Challenge. 56 youngsters from 6 counties had made their way to the Entertainer and it was testament to the talent and sportsmanship on show that the sport of darts has a very bright future.
The Academy of late has been forging strong links with two other newly formed schools, in Essex and London who both brought a dozen or so aspiring young darters. There were three sections on the day, Young Men, Women and a ground-breaking Junior event that held the large number of spectators captivated.
There were no first round losers as the event started with a round robin section guaranteeing the players over four hours of darts before moving on to the knock out stages.
Despite a number of Andover players missing due to holidays and other commitments, there was enough to ensure that there would be seven playing in the last sixteen of the men’s, four of the last eight in the Ladies and three out of four in the Juniors. Liam Hansen continued his good progress before losing by the odd leg in five to Essex’s Andrew Currivan who went on to make the semi finals. Currivan was also to account for Gary Thorne who had a good run to the last eight and continues to grow in maturity. It was tough on Daniel Barnes and Adam Major to draw team mates Jamie Kelling and Arron Monk respectively but they will be better for the experience. It was a major disappointment when Andover’s England Youth international Arron Monk lost to another talented Essex player in Stewart Thorogood in the last eight but Kelling, last year’s winner and Sean White were progressing nicely in the bottom half of the draw that would lead them to a semi-final match up.
With the semi finals and finals taking to the stage White proved the better player beating Kelling then Thorogood in the final with dropping a leg in doing so. It was just reward for the youngster who is steadily building himself a reputation on the senior circuits.
In a closely fought Young Ladies event sisters Christine and Sam Pike were unlucky not to qualify for the semi finals as was young Mel Oakley who lost a play off to last year’s winner Charlotte Burgess. All three however played with great tenacity and continue to grow in stature on the Ladies scene. Burgess survived the early scare to go on and win the final, an excellent match against Hampshire’s Abi Jurd to add another title to an immensely successful first year.
The Junior event was every bit as memorable especially for the enthusiasm of players and spectators alike. Danielle Hopper, Olly Burgess, Daniel March, Luke Goddard, Craig Pike and Liam Deavall were the lucky ones chosen to represent twenty four junior colleagues and they all took their opportunities well. Pike was unlucky to lose his semi final to London’s James Winder and there was nothing to choose between Goddard and Deavall in the other. Deavall however nailed the winning double and went on to make it an Andover treble in the final against Winder.
The London School of Darts run by Linda James is assembling an enthusiastic group full of potential who conducted themselves with great dignity. Bernie Winder, Darren Ferriera and 12 year-old Matthew Duncan who was elected an honorary Andover member all stood out. Alan Currivan from Essex is still a teenager but seems determined in combining the near impossible task of playing and building an academy. The talented Currivan family includes sister Sarah and while Rebekah Hockney and Rebecca Willis played very well all day.
Southampton’s Bradley Kirk showed great potential as did Downton’s 13 year-old Billy ‘the kid’ Day who has signed up to the Andover Academy.
Credit to all the youngsters for their impeccable behaviour during the seven hours of darts and to a dedicated team of officials and coaches that brought the months of planning to fruition.
The Academy wish to thank Andover Forktruck Services, Unicorn Darts and Brian and Maggie Jenkins for the generous sponsorship of the event.
Les Brant Classic Ranking Singles sponsored by The Pub Group Ltd
Entries for the next Classic Ranking, The Les Brant Singles which is to take place at the Entertainer on Saturday 15th September are going fast. The event in honour of Andover living legend Les Brant carries over £500 in prize money and ranking points for the 2008 Easter Classic. With only three more opportunities to follow players are advised to get their entries in early to avoid disappointment Entry fee £5 – closing date Wednesday 12th September.
Invitation Summer League
Entering the penultimate week the Boro Martins have developed a valuable 3 point lead over nearest rivals Wolves.
Player of the week went to veteran Flapper Parfett who rolled back the years with an excellent five nil win which included 11 tons and a sixteen dart leg.
Flip Flops: 17– Boro Pipers 9
Pairs: 4-2 to Flops, singles winners: Flapper Parfett (11 tons) and Jeff Hewison both 5-0. Phil Morden (12 tons + 180).
Pipers: Steve Cox (180) 3-2 and Dennis Simpson (180) 4-1.
Merlin 10 – Boro Martins 16
Pairs: 5-1 Martins, singles winners: Arron Monk (2x180) 3-2 and Paul Reidy 5-0.
Merlin: Darren Barnes 3-2 and John Gaffney 4-1. Ivor Andrews (180)
Oak 14 - Wolves 12
Pairs: 4-2 Wolves - singles winners Mark Thorne (2x180) 3-2- Ian Nicholson (180) both 3-2.
Oak: Jamie Kelling (180) and Gary Penwarden both 3-2, Mick Raynsford (180) 4-1 Sean White (12 tons)
Our photo shows Charlie Burgess, Liam Deavall and Sean White
More information can be found at www.andoverdarts.org