Clarke's 'A' and Shamrocks on course for final

The semi-finals of the North Westmeath Darts League went very much along expected lines on Friday night as Mullingar sides Clarke's 'A' and Shamrocks overcame their respective Ballynacargy and Milltownpass opponents to remain on course for the final.

Shamrocks were made to work hard for their win against Grennan's, who took two games on the night and gave the Mullingar side a solid test.

Ross Kelly, Sylvester Keane, Brandon Gilsenan and Ger McLoughlin (who almost got a 136 finish) were all successful for the visitors, while Ian Kennedy and David Maguire took crucial victories for Grennan's.

There was a 129 checkout (on the bullseye) from Brandon Gilsenan which was one of the highlights, while Keane shot a maximum and still ended up losing the leg such was the closeness of the tie, overall. It was always tight and Grennan's got the ideal start when Kennedy impressed in the opening leg, but a more patient Shamrocks side eventually came good. Kelly's win over JP Moran was excellent, with fine scoring throughout.

Shamrocks will now have home advantage for the second leg next Friday in Springfield and the 4-2 lead gives them a vital edge, but this semi-final is far from finished. There was a great atmosphere on the night and the hosts provided much-appreciated refreshments for all.

While that match remains close, the same cannot be said for the other semi-final as Clarke's 'A' seem to have an unassailable lead following a 6-0 win in The Wagon Wheel. There were three 180s on the night from John Corr, Derek Maguire and Ali Powell in what was a high-quality match, but the home side were left to rue a couple of big opportunities to get games on the board.

Dylan Powell's scoring power got the visitors off to a flyer and Corr denied Joe Crotty, whose finishing deserted him at a vital point. Derek Maguire threw excellent darts to go 2-0 up on Keith Powell but then lost the next three, leaving the door ajar for his opponent, who didn't need a second invite. And with that went the home side's best chance.

Clarke's were teflon thereafter. Ali Powell, Matty Willoughby and Paddy Burke simply tidied up in clinical fashion and at 6-0, this semi-final is all but done and dusted, one feels.

The standard was excellent, overall and the hosts were superb, the lovely refreshments appreciated by all.