Westmeath county darts trails continue this coming Friday

Westmeath County trails continued on Friday September 19 in Bartley's of Drumcree. This was the seventh trial and 27 throwers turned up to the oche.

There were six groups involved, three groups of five and three groups of four, with top two from each group qualifying automatically and the four best third spots made up the last 16.

There were some great darts thrown in the group stages with Paul Radford checking out his winning leg in 14 darts also some high checkouts from Ben Corcoran in the group stages and two 15 dart legs to see him through the group.

In the last 16 there were mouth watering clashes and picks of the round saw Kevin Gilmore beating Paul Radford 3-1 and Damien Kelly beating Willie Moran 3-0 with some excellent darts, and young James Joyce seeing off Harmon Hannon 3-1 with some great darts.

In the quarter finals, young Joyce continued his form to beat David McDonagh 3-2 in a cracking match, and Damien Kelly also threw great darts to win 3-1 against Kenneth Allen.

In the other two quarters, Jimmy hickey beat Kevin Gilmore 3-0 and in the last game it was Johnny Broughan who took the spoils over Brian Farrelly 3-1

Quarter Final Results:

J Joyce v D mc Donagh 3-2

D Kelly v K Allen 3-1

J Hickey v K Gilmore 3-0

J Broughan v B Farrelly 3-1

Semi-finals

In the semi-finals, Jimmy Hickey beat Johnny Broughan 3-1 with excellent darts and clinical finishing, and James Joyce beat Damien Kelly 3-1 in another great game and some excellent darts thrown by both players.

In the final, young James Joyce took on the experienced Jimmy Hickey, with both throwers in excellent form all evening, and it was Hickey that took the first leg, but Joyce had his chances but just couldn’t hit the double in the leg.

In the second leg, Joyce found his form, banging in two 140s and a ton to wrap up the leg in 17 darts and level it up.

In the third leg, Hickey came roaring back with big scores and clinical finishing but it was Joyce who took the fourth leg, again producing some impressive darts and making it 2-2.

In the fifth leg, Hickey polished it off in 17 darts and went 3-2 up, and, just needing one more to win. In sixth leg, it was Hickey who got to the double first, but the clinical finishing he had been producing all day seemed to disappear, and Joyce got down to the double and made no mistake ti level it up 3-3 and take it to a deciding leg.

In the final leg, it was nip and tuck all the way, Joyce hitting a 140 and Hickey answering it with a ton, but Joyce got down to the double first and when he missed double 10 to win, he might of thought his chance was gone.

Once again, though, Hickey's double seemd to elude him and Joyce got another chance. He made no mistake this time, taking out the leg and winning 4-3 in a cracking final.

Congratulations to James Joyce winning his first trial. He was a deserving winner on the day, and threw excellent darts all through the trial.

The winner of the 50/50 was Willie Moran. Congrats, and thanks to everybody that contributed to it on the night.

The organisers also thank Denise and all the staff at Bartley's for their hospitality on the night; it is much appreciated.

The next trial is on Friday, September 26, in Dan's Tavern, Athlone. Registration closes at 7.15 and darts away 7.45 sharp.

Thanks to everybody that turned up and hope to see you on Friday.