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Charlie, John, Nick, Mick & mascot hail the win.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
London Saints in darting cup shocker!
Saints were expecting a sound thrashing as they had lost 10 – 1 in the first round the previous season and starting a man short with yoof player Jonny away at a gig (Manchester Orchestra anyone??) were hoping for a swift 6 – 0 defeat and an early night. Charlie “C” King gave a pep talk in the pre match huddle exhorting everyone to ensure they got “three darts on the board”. Advice roundly ignored for the rest of the evening.
Things started predictably when opening doubles partnership of Charlie and Keith trailed midway through the first leg. However after hitting some inspired (jammy) trebles and reaching a double level with the Forest boys Keith somehow looped a dart into Tops to put Saints 1 – 0 up. Normal service was resumed when the John/Mick and Nick/Charlie(again) combos failed to deliver but Saints stormed back in the team game to regain parity.
Just like the traditional European Ryder Cup performance the singles started appallingly with Charlie, Keith and John all failing to add to Saints tally leaving the team on precipice with only one more leg required by Forest. Mick turned the tide with a fine win followed up by Nick and it was soon all square when Mick, drawn to play twice, proved too hot for Forest to handle.
It was a repeat of the previous match against Exeter with the tie and the beer leg all resting on the final team game. Forest, clearly rattled, had lost their scoring touch completely and Saints were going nip and tuck as the scores reduced to double figures. Fingernails were bitten and bums squeaked as Keith stepped up to attempt double 7. With the first two arrows missing the target by some way all that was hoped for was avoiding hitting the single but to everyone’s surprise the last dart hit the bed to send the house into uproar. Celebratory beers were sunk merrily and even Jonny made a special effort to join the party.
The first round proper will see Saints take on Sunderland in the Red Stripe clash (should suit Mick who was seen drinking Becks at one stage), only 4 more wins and the Cup will be held aloft!
