Bridge Bar aiming to deny Beach Tree double
There’s a big finale to the Westmeath Darts League ahead at the weekend, with the two finals, championship and shield, down for decision.
Saturday night sees the championship final take place in McHugh’s pub, Raharney, where Streamstown side, the Beech Tree, take on the Mullingar men from Matt Cullen’s Bridge Bar. There's a prize fund of €1,000 for this year's revamped championship which has been a great success under the stewardship of Keith Kilduff and Loughlin McHugh.
The Beach Tree are certainly favourites coming into the final, but having already come through a David vs Goliath scenario, in respect of neighbours Kerrigan’s in the semi-final, the Bridge Bar will relish the underdogs tag again.
It’s three doubles and six singles on the night, so the best of nine games overall. If The Bridge Bar are to win, they need to stop the Beach Tree taking a grip early on as the Streamstown side have strength in the singles in the form of Johnny Broughton, Mark Corrigan Chris Connor and Graeme Corcoran. Backing that up will be Ian Meares and Willie Moran.
The Bridge Bar has quality and experience also. Matthew Willoughby and Kevin Gilmore are excellent; Jimbob Baker, Rory Matthews and Jamie Nugent have shown plenty of good form and Sean Ward is another fine player with lots of experience. There are options for the Mullingar side, but one feels they need to get on top early on.
The Beach Tree suffered some finishing line fever in the Paddy Gilgan Memorial Cup final last week. That could work one of two ways: the fact that they had the composure to get through is a positive, but if the Bridge Bar can ask questions, it could get interesting.
One player from each team will throw for the bullseye to decide who goes first in games 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and action will get underway at 9pm.
Favourites: The Beach Tree.
Second final in two weeks for The Wagon Wheel
Meanwhile, Friday night is Shield Final night and the meeting of Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar and The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy is sure to generate great interest. The final takes place in The Western Gem, Ballinalack.
The Ballynacargy side are appearing in their second final in as many weeks and, as such, have to carry the favourites tag, but there is very little between the teams and it makes for a great final. Derek Maguire’s experience is a big factor in the Wagon Wheel’s favour, while Wayne Kelly has been in great form and they have Padraig White throwing excellent darts. Add in Gerry Keon and Jack Doran, and that’s a strong group of players, capable of playing at championship level.
Similar views can be formed about Clarke’s Bar and their progress. Killian Kelly won the shield singles title some weeks back and he happened to beat his dad, Terry in the final, something which cannot be overlooked. Davey Gilgan is returning to the side in fine form; Allen Gilgan has won plenty of crucial games for the team and clearly adds to their chances. The experience of Tom Crowe at this level could play a part and it may well come down to which side can take the edge in the first three doubles.
One player from each team will throw for the bullseye to decide who goes first in games 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and action will get underway at 10pm.
Favourites: The Wagon Wheel.