Bridge Bar land Shield title in dramatic finale

Westmeath Darts Shield Final

Matt Cullen’s Bridge Bar side secured a dramatic and hard-fought victory to land the Westmeath Darts Shield title at the Wagon Wheel pub, Ballynacargy, on Saturday evening.

It was a thrilling end to a fiercely contested competition, and fittingly it was Seán ‘The Power’ Ward who sealed the win, overcoming Mikey Browne of The Beach Tree, Streamstown, in the final match of the night. Earlier, Ward had produced a vital 94 checkout to get his side off the mark in the doubles, partnering his brother Declan as they edged a close opening contest.

That came after The Beach Tree had seized the early initiative, but once Seán Ward struck, momentum began to shift. Jimbob Baker followed up with a composed checkout on double 12 to give the Mullingar men a crucial advantage heading into the six singles games.

Each of the singles was played over the best of five legs. In the first, Matthew Willoughby called upon all his inter-county experience and composure to squeeze past Ian Meares and extend the Bridge Bar’s lead. However, Streamstown responded with real determination as Graeme Corcoran edged out Jimbob Baker in a terrific tussle, with both players registering ton-plus finishes.

That result brought the match back to 3-2 overall and the tension rose further when Eddie Norris overcame Michael Raleigh in a nervy encounter. Raleigh had his chances, but it was the Beach Tree thrower who found the final double to level the match.

Streamstown then wrestled back the lead when Willie Moran got the better of Declan Ward in a game that summed up the old darts idiom: ‘scores for show, doubles for dough’. It was now anyone’s match, and the tension inside the Wagon Wheel was palpable.

A pivotal moment came in the next game when Kevin Gilmore - who had been studiously held back for the singles - delivered a composed and timely win over Jay McCann. The Bridge Bar had played Matthew Cullen Jnr in the doubles, but handing Gilmore the responsibility in the singles proved a masterstroke by the management.

With the match now delicately poised, it all came down to the final game: Seán Ward versus Mikey Browne, with everything on the line. It was a serious pressure cooker of a situation, with a real cauldron-like atmosphere around the oche. But it was Ward, living up to his nickname ‘The Power’, who held his nerve superbly to secure a famous victory for Matt Cullen’s side.

“We’re delighted with the win; it’s our first Shield title in years,” said Matt Cullen. “We have won it in the past, but Saturday’s victory is a great lift for the darts players, who have been great servants for years.”

“We were beaten in the final of the competition last year, losing in the very last game, so it was brilliant to turn the tables this time. It was a great final and full credit to both teams. Thanks to Gerry and Phil Keon for hosting the final and to the committee involved, led by Loughlin McHugh. It was great for the game.”

Cullen’s men are now chasing a Shield and Cup double as they head to Streamstown next Saturday evening to take on The Maypole Bar, Collinstown, in their second final of the season. It promises to be another dramatic evening of darts.

The match officials on Saturday were Derek Maguire and Thomas Murtagh (marker and caller), and they contributed greatly to a well-run and sporting final. The doubles contests were particularly testing, with players required to start the 701 legs on the outer ring, a serious challenge for some throwers and a great leveller in the opening exchanges.

The singles, all played as straight 501 legs, proved a real test of nerve and accuracy for all involved.

Next Saturday’s Cup decider features a different format again, and with The Maypole chasing the first leg of a possible double (they also contest the League final against Mullingar Shamrocks on May 30), it promises to be an intriguing and high-stakes clash.

The winning Bridge Bar panel was: Matthew Willoughby, Jimbob Baker, Michael Raleigh Jnr, Declan Ward, Kevin Gilmore, Seán Ward, Matthew Cullen Jnr, JP Reynolds, Matt Cullen Snr, Michael Raleigh Snr. Jimmy Corroon, a panel member, missed the final.

Cormac Foley reaches Cyprus Open semi-final

Westmeath darts star Cormac Foley was in action in the prestigious Cyprus Open at the weekend, reaching the semi-final on Sunday where he came up against John Michael, an experienced Greek darts player.

Cormac was defeated 4-2, but at 2-1 ahead he had darts at a finish to win the leg. It was the same scenario in the next - the Brownstown man having a shot at 90 in which he hit 60 with the first, wired double 15 with the second and went narrowly into double two with the third. He had three darts at 20 in the next, missing double 10 with the first and then landing two outside the double five. That’s how close he came to taking crucial legs.

John Michael used all his experience to win through by taking the final three legs. He then went on to win the final 5-1 with a 96.5 three-dart average. Later in the evening, Cormac was joint third in the Masters competition at the same event, with Michael again the winner.

It was a fantastic achievement by Cormac Foley to perform so well in such a strong international event. A talented sportsman, he plays hurling with Brownstown, lining out last year in the intermediate championship and is adept at golf and pitch and putt.