A Bridge too far as Cullen’s hit back to earn draw

Clarke’s ‘B’ and The Bridge Bar played out a 3-3 draw in last Friday’s North Westmeath Darts League encounter and there were many intriguing games on the night.

Davey Gilgan, Killian and Terry Kelly took the spoils for Clarke’s but there was always a threat from the home side and Declan Ward, Matt Cullen Junior and Jimmy Corroon earned them a deserved draw on the night.

Gilgan’s finishing was the difference when he denied Sean Ward, while Killian Kelly had some nice finishes (94 and 75) against Jim Bob Baker, who always looked a threat. Terry Kelly, a very solid thrower, edged out Michael Raleigh with some nice scoring before the Bridge Bar got a foothold in the match. They have Shamrocks at home next Friday, a game that will certainly test their credentials.

The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy lost an important away game to Bagnall’s of Rochfortbridge (5-1), a result which really opens up a fascinating battle for fourth place. Two Mullingar sides, Clarke’s ‘B’ and The Bridge Bar are now closing in on the Ballynacargy side, just a point adrift, so there are some big Friday night games to come in the next few weeks.

Bagnall’s secured the points courtesy of some crucial finishing from players like Riaghan Grimes, Johnny Daly and Dave Hamilton. Grimes, in his first season, showed good composure and the games were generally tight, with four of the six matches going to the deciding fifth leg. Daly’s double had already sealed victory on the night, but Hamilton made absolutely certain.

ACCURATE

League leaders Clarke’s ‘A’ made no mistake as they recorded an emphatic home victory over McHugh’s of Raharney. Despite a fine effort from Loughlin McHugh in the third game, John Corr came up with the answers when it really mattered and his superior finishing gave Clarke’s ‘A’ a 3-0 lead at a vital stage.

McHugh, who scored heavily, had a dart at double 18 which, had it found its target, would have made things quite interesting indeed, but in fairness, Corr looked really solid when the pressure came on. Dylan and Keith Powell both looked very strong as they gave the home side the early impetus in this match and Dylan was particularly potent on the treble 20. Paddy Burke and Matthew Willoughby also looked very solid.

Grennan’s remain in third place on 19 points following their impressive 5-1 victory over The Western Gem last Friday. Kevin Earley, Gerry Whelehan, Ian Kennedy, JP Moran and Sam Maguire all impressed.

Shamrocks had a ‘bye’ at the weekend, but remain on 22 points in second place.

Next Friday’s games are: The Western Gem v Clarke’s ‘A’; Grennan’s (bye); The Bridge Bar v Shamrocks; McHugh’s v Bagnall’s; Clarke’s ‘B’ v The Wagon Wheel.