Double delight for Clarke's 'B' following Shield victory
Inspired by a terrific display from Cyril Kelly, Clarke’s ‘B’ darts team secured a Shield and Cup double when they denied Bagnall’s of Rochfortbridge, in a very entertaining final, at Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club House on Friday evening.
The match was nicely poised before Kelly took the oche and produced a fine display of consistent scoring which paved the way for 4-2 victory. Included was a 135 shot to set up a finish of 55 which he duly checked out, while he was down on 100 after 12 darts in the second leg. He secured victory with a check-out on double tops and it sparked great celebrations among Clarke's players, who have enjoyed a memorable season.
Ironically, it was the Clarke’s ‘A’ who were touted as the team to beat before the darts season got underway, but they have been eclipsed by their ‘B’ team counterparts.
The Shield final began very promisingly for Bagnall’s, who took the first game through Johnny Daly. He took on Davy Gilgan and was more consistent on the scoring front as he gave the Rochfortbridge outfit an early advantage.
But back came Clarke’s through the impressive Killian Kelly, whose fine scoring game ensured he denied Riaghan Grimes. It was quick-fire action from both players and very entertaining as the young talent of Kelly helped Clarke’s ‘B’ get back on level terms. He held his composure well and checked out on double eight to win.
Next up was the wily Tom Crowe against Gerry Forde: Crowe was quite prolific around the treble 19 bed and got several great scores to keep the pressure on Forde, who did extremely well to check out on 76 and give Bagnall’s their second game of the night. That was only after Crowe wired double tops with his three darts.
This final was nicely poised now: Clarke’s ‘B’ had Terry Kelly up next and he’s one of the most capable players on the local darts scene. A nice 110 shot left him an opportunity to win it and he held his nerve well against a strong player in Charlie O’Toole
Great sportsmanship was also demonstrated as an incorrect score was called in genuine error for the Bagnall’s player, who immediately checked and acknowledged the miscalculation.
CLOSE FINAL
Dave Hamilton was up next for the Rochfortbridge men and a great tussle ensued against Allen Gilgan. Hamilton thought he’d done it in the last game, but his dart was just outside double 18 and Gilgan then pounced to take the victory. It was a game that could have gone either way in fairness to both players: Gilgan took the first before Hamilton replied. Gilgan again went ahead and Hamilton levelled once more having just missed 120. And the Clarke’s man held his nerve to get the winning double in the fifth leg.
That set it up for Cyril Kelly, who completed victory in fine style.
Loughlin McHugh, Chairman of the league, was on hand to carry out the presentations and he paid tribute to both teams. “It was a very close final and it just shows any player can win when they step up to the oche. It’s just about finding that performance on the night,” he remarked.
Paddy Gilgan accepted the shield on behalf of a delighted Clarke’s ‘B’ side and complimented Bagnall’s on a great year. Dave Hamilton had reciprocal words for the Mullingar side as a great night of darts concluded.
There were compliments to Joe Farrelly and the Mullingar Shamrocks side for their excellent work in hosting the final, while officials Keith Mahon, Ross Kelly and Jimmy Corroon did an excellent job.