New teams join league and others strengthen squads
With all the talk coming into the new season about new teams joining and current teams strengthening their squads, The Beech Tree laid down a massive statement to the rest of the WDL with a commanding 7-2 victory away from home at the Western Gem.
Built on the backbone of Johnny Broughton and Mark Corrigan, who averaged just shy of 80 in his win over Chris Cole, the Beech stormed into a commanding 5-0 lead before Seamus Mullen got a game on the board for the Ballinalack side. Graeme Corcoran and Willie Moran took games eight and nine for the crew from Streamstown and with that a statement set out to the league that they won’t want to let go of their title this year.
However, despite the large margin of victory they aren’t top after Week 1 as that honours falls to Murray's, Mullingar, who were very impressive in their 8-1 home win over Tom’s Bar, Killucan. Chris Matthews and Codie Kelly were on the right end of 3-2 results which helped set up the backbone for their win and as always early points on the board at the start of the season is always a huge help going into a new season.
Maypole (Collinstown) overcame McHugh's 6-3 away from home in Raharney to kick off their season as Andy Price, Barry Kiernan and the returning Paul Radford kicked off their seasons with singles wins. Pete Doyle welcomed Noel Devine to the WDL with a 3-1 loss as Peter showed why on his day why he’s as dangerous as ever. Both sides will likely leave the game happy and with an upwards mindset going into Week 2.
Kerrigan's opened their 2027 season with a strong 6-3 win away in the Esker Inn. Aidan Reilly with the standout performance on the night averaging 77 in his 3-1 win over Stuart Hayes. Esker took the 9th and final game on the night though with Charlie O’Toole overcoming Ger McLoughlin 3-0 with a 60+ average to start his season off with a victory.
The first of many Mullingar derbies this season saw Clarke's Bar take on Bridge Bar at home and with them 3-1 down after the first four games, could be forgiven for wilting on the opening night. Damien Maher, Davey Gilgan and Terry Kelly had singles success to help bring it to the ninth game with all to play for only for Matt Cullen’s experience to guide him over the line against Allen Gilgan, courtesy of a 70 checkout in the finale. Kevin Gilmore was among those to impress for the Bridge Bar, but Clarke's will take solace from the four points.
The last game of round one saw Don’s Bar travel to the Wagon Wheel (Ballynacargy). The Moate side got the perfect start as brothers John/Harmon Hannon made it 1-0 in the Doubles. Regan Maher rolled back the years to take out Harmon in game two before Wayne Kelly had a strong win over Jimmy McCormack. Don’s levelled it up to 3-3 on the night as Andy Kennedy took out Padraig White in five legs and Alan McManus did the same for Derek Maguire.
The ‘WW’ went back in front with the third Doubles game going their way before Brendan Dunleavy held it together to overcome Gerry Keon, 3-0. Jason Conway made sure of victory as he defeated Thomas Murtagh, but both teams will take positives from a decent start.
League sponsors
The WDL Committee would like to thank the following companies for their support of the league this year: Moran Construction & Carpentry (overall league sponsor); Stephen Lynn Accountants/Auditors (WDL Championship sponsor); Quality Tractor Parts (WDL weekly fixture sponsor).
WDL Week 2 Fixtures
Tom’s Bar vs Esker Inn, Kerrigan's vs Western Gem, Beech Tree vs Wagon Wheel, Don’s Bar vs McHugh's, Maypole vs Clarke's, Bridge Bar vs Murray's.
Westmeath County Darts Weekly Bonus Ball
Congratulations to Brian Farrelly as this week’s Bonus Ball winner, seeing his number come out on Saturday night.
Trial 11 – Sunday 11th October – Esker Inn, Tyrrellspass, N91 DF24
Darts continues for all players this Sunday afternoon as the WCD system heads back to Tyrrellspass for the penultimate trial of twelve. Players can register for the event by searching for 'Westmeath' on tv.dartconnect.com/events/dartconnect or can find the direct link on the 'Westmeath County Darts' Facebook page. Alternatively contact Mark - 086 105 0099 or Keith 085 755 0046. Entry fee on the night is €10, registration ends at 1:30pm with Darts kicking off shortly afterwards.