Double Top For Denham

Cricketers Darts League - Pairs Competition at Uxbridge, 3rd January 2006

The annual pairs competition was held at Uxbridge recently and Denham entered three sides:

Dan Sutton and Russell Bowry

James Nicholas and Tom Reynolds

Ray Painter and Keith Akerman

Dan and Russell unfortunately came up against a very strong Hayes pair who proved too strong for them in the first round. Unable to find their best darts quickly, they lost out 2-0.

James and Tom, last year's beaten finalists, made it through the first round with a less than convincing performance against another Hayes side. However after leading 1-0 in their quarter final against Uxbridge, a below par performance and good finishing from their opponents saw Denham's most consistent pair crash out earlier than expected.

As this was happening, Denham's third pairing of Keith and Ray were making steady progress through the rounds against some good teams. This after being drawn in a preliminary round, and losing the first leg.

A magnificent display from Ray (a welcome return to his best form) in the semi-final, against Hayes' strongest pair booked them a place in the final against James and Tom's conquerors, Uxbridge - a side containing one of the wiliest oche veterans in Jim.

Ray continued his excellent form and was well supported by Keith, and it was needed due to the tremendous standard of darts shown by all four players. Denham took the first leg, but great throwing under pressure from Uxbridge brought them back from behind in the second, to level it up at one a piece.

In the final leg, Ray let his nerves get the better of him and missed a good opportunity to win the match. However, Jim failed to take out double top, leaving Ray another chance to take the title. This time he made no mistake, and wrapped up the victory.

Congratulations must to go to both teams for a tremendous performance, but especially to Ray and Keith for coming out on top and taking Denham one further than last year. Cosy daaaaaarts!