Darts semi-finals down for decision

The semi-finals of the North Westmeath Darts League take place this weekend, with two great matches down for decision.

Clarke's 'A' side, Mullingar league leaders for most of the journey, will meet The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy (away) in the first leg, which will be the best of 11 games.

The second leg will be in Mullingar the following week and it will be seven-a-side on the night to decide who makes the final.

In the other semi-final, Shamrocks of Mullingar will travel to Milltownpass where Grennan's will be the hosts and this, potentially, is the game of the weekend. Again, the second leg will be in Springfield, Mullingar the following week under the above format.

The Wagon Wheel vs Clarke's 'A'

On all known form, Clarke's 'A' would have to be considered favourites here and they have a seriously strong side with the likes of Dylan Powell and Matthew Willoughby throwing really well. If The Wagon Wheel are to cause an upset, they will surely have to win home games and if they can get the first game on the board, it could be a key factor. Home advantage is crucial in these semi-finals and certainly in players such as Derek Maguire and John Penrose, they have players who could take games and the Mullingar side may not have it all their own way.

Wagon Wheel team: Martin Keville, Derek Maguire, Thomas Murtagh, Joe Crotty, John Penrose, Jamie Maher, Billy Murtagh, Tommy Maguire, Gerry Keon, Regan Maher. Manager: Owen Finnerty.

Clarke's 'A': Dylan Powell, Clive Kelly, Ali Powell, Paddy Burke, Keith Powell, Trevor McDonnell, John Corr, Matthew Willoughby, Damien Maher. Manager: Clive Kelly.

Prediction: 2-4

Grennan's vs Shamrocks

The other semi-final sees Shamrocks, Mullingar take on Grennan's, Milltownpass and this is an intriguing game.

Shamrocks were certainly the more impressive side for long spells and winning at the Springfield venue proved a tough proposition for most teams. Home defeats were few and far between, therefore Grennan's need a good start, one feels, on Friday when playing in Milltownpass if they're to stop the Mullingar men. Grennan's are still outsiders, but it's now a closer game with Ian Kennedy and JP Moran, in particular, in such good form. Shamrocks have a host of strong players, including Ross Kelly and Sylvester Keane, so the match ups will be key to how it develops.

Shamrocks: Mickey McKnight, Sylvester Keane, Keith Mahon, Ross Kelly, Ger McLoughlin, Joe Farrelly, Kevin McKnight, Brandon Gilsenan, Sean Farrelly, Wilo McLoughlin. Manager: Kevin McKnight.

Grennan's: JP Moran, Ian Kennedy, Fergus Brennan, David Maguire, Ger Whelehan, Kevin Earley, Seamus Faulkner, Finbar Coyne, Paddy Carroll. Manager: JP Moran.

Prediction: 2-4.

Shield competition

The Shield semi-finals are also down for decision on Friday, with Clarke's 'B', Mullingar facing McHugh's, Raharney and Bagnall's, Rochfortbridge taking on the Bridge Bar, Mullingar.

These should be two good matches and judging on how their league form has been developing, it's difficult to look beyond Clarke's 'B reaching the final. However, McHugh's are expected to provide a stern test on the opening night.

Clarke's 'B': Paddy Gilgan, David Gilgan, Allen Gilgan, Terry Kelly, Joe Kelly, Killian Kelly, Cyril Kelly, Mel Kavanagh, Tom Crowe, Johnny Plunkett. Manager: Davey Gilgan.

McHugh's: Loughlin McHugh, Conor McKeogh, Linda Greville, Pete Doyle, Paddy Powell, Aaron McHugh, Paddy Mullen, Conor Raleigh.

Prediction: 4-2.

In the other Shield semi-final, the Bridge Bar, Mullingar will face a tricky away game against Bagnall's, with little to separate them, but if the Mullingar men are at full strength, they should prevail.

Bagnall's: R Grimes, G Forde, G Stokes, D Hamilton, C Daly, J Daly, C O'Toole, C Jessop.

Bridge Bar: D Ward, S Ward, JP Reynolds, J Corroon, M Cullen Jnr, M Cullen, J Baker, M Raleigh, A McAneer.

Prediction 2-4.