Darts: Ladies and veterans step up the oche

Some 17 ladies made up their knockout contest. The first semi-final saw Richmond A’s Debbie Clements take on Richmond Rebels’ Doreen Hayler, with Clements showing her scoring power to make her way into the final.

In the second semi, Chichester’s county star Hayley Gatford came up against Aldingbourne’s Alice Holcombe. Gatford made her way to her fifth consecutive winter ladies’ KO final.

In the final, Clements tried hard to reverse last summer’s ladies KO result over her nemesis but Gatford just had the edge to take her fourth winter title in five years.

The over-60s’ knockout comprised 19 players.

After a slow start, and some excellent darts from players who lost their games, the first semi-final was between the Bognor Legion’s Tom O’Sullivan and Monica Roberts from the Prince of Wales.

O’Sullivan’s previous match must have taken it out of him as Roberts triumphed.

The second semi-final saw The Friary’s George Claridge take on another Legion player, Jim Barnard. Barnard, who very nearly didn’t enter the competition, made his way past Claridge.

In the final, the excitement must have been too much for Roberts as Barnard relaxed and played it cool to take the title.

TUESDAY NIGHT DOUBLE-IN LEAGUE

Players returned to action for their divisional triples knockout competitions.

They were played as far as the finals, which will be played on a different night.

With very strong teams this year, there are two quality finals to look forward to.

The division-one final will see Ben Marley, Dean Knight and Simon Bradley take on Mike Hales, Nick Hales and Gary Blackwood.

In division two, Andy Whiteley, Dave Cox and Alex Freestone will face Kevin Perry, Steve Perry and Neil Conn.

Observer Cup

Because of popular demand there will be a slight change in the format for the Observer Cup.

The doubles will now be two doubles of three legs. Teams feel this would allow them to stick to the four players, making transport easier.

The format will be four singles of three legs (12 points) and the two doubles of three legs (six points) for a total of 18 points per match.

If after both matches are played the score is 18-18, then a team game of four-a-side between the eight single players of one leg, to 1,001, will decide the outcome.

Entries must be in by January 31 and can be emailed to [email protected], posted to Observer KO, 35 June Meadows, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9ER, or given to Andy Hills in person. Send your team name, contact, phone number and email address.