Powell takes league singles title with fine darts display

Kinnegad’s Dylan Powell became Westmeath darts singles champion following a great competition at Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Clubhouse, Springfield last Sunday.

It was a family affair as Dylan defeated his younger brother, Keith in the final, after he had denied his father, Ali in the penultimate round.

The singles competition was open to all teams in the North Westmeath Darts League and there was a strong turnout on the day, with 28 throwers competing and some superb darts played, particularly in the semi-final match that involved Keith Powell and Paddy Burke. The two Clarke’s ‘A’ men brought the best out of each other - Powell racing into a 3-0 lead before the experienced Burke responded to level the contest.

Eventually, Powell got over the line, but only after a serious test.

The other semi-final was between father and son, Ali and Dylan Powell, both of whom play their league darts with Clarke’s ‘A’. After great darts, it was Dylan who took his place in the final.

That meant brothers, Keith and Dylan toed the oche to decide the issue in the final. Dylan, a very talented young darts player, produced some fine darts in the final for a 5-1 win.

Meanwhile, the shield competition was won by Matthew Willoughby, who defeated Jason Palmer in an exciting final.

Grennan’s deny Shamrocks in league

In last Friday’s North Westmeath Darts League, there was an intriguing match in Springfield involving Shamrocks and Grennan’s of Milltownpass. The home side got off to a good start when Ross Kelly did the business in the opener, but that was about as good as it got.

In the second game, Ger McLoughlin encountered Ian Kennedy, who played some excellent darts for Grennan’s, including heavy scoring and an impressive 86 finish (treble 18, double 16) in the finale. Strong, consistent scoring by Kennedy in the first leg would have won against most opponents, but McLoughlin was superb in that one and he then went 2-0 up before a brilliant recovery from Kennedy.

Grennan’s had momentum at this stage and they pressed on impressively, showing enough to suggest they will be tough opponents in the semi-final. Both these sides are set to lock horns at that stage, which makes for a fascinating rematch.

If Kennedy was good, Jayser Moran’s performance against Mickey McKnight was arguably more impressive. The Grennan’s man was 2-0 up and threw 15 darts to land on double 18 in the final leg before finishing it off in pretty clinical fashion.

Seamus Faulkner also won courtesy of double five in the last against Keith Mahon and David Maguire helped complete a very impressive 5-1 win on the night.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Clarke’s ‘B’ cover McHugh’s (Raharney), while The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy enjoyed a fine win over Ballinalack neighbours, the Western Gem. Bagnall’s (Rochfortbridge) and the Bridge Bar (Mullingar) played out a 3-3 draw.

Jason Palmer, Gerry Forde and Charlie O’Toole were winners for Bagnall’s and Forde’s win over Declan Ward was one of the highlights. Bagnall’s were set to win it, but the Bridge Bar earned a deserved draw.

Meanwhile, Grennan’s capped off a satisfactory weekend when they played a back match on Saturday against the Bridge Bar which ended in a draw.

Clarke’s ‘A’, Shamrocks, Grennan’s and the Wagon Wheel still occupy the top four places with a couple of rounds remaining.

There’s a busy period ahead as the season reaches its climax and the doubles and cup events also have to be completed (dates to be confirmed).