The fourth match of the Inter-County season saw Hampshire make the short trip to Oxfordshire with high hopes of securing a win. Unfortunately it was not to be, and what ensued was a tight match right until the final game. With no disrespect to Oxfordshire, who have a good squad, it did seem to be a bad day at the office for many of the Hampshire players who were left more than a little frustrated, and it was certainly not the weekend to study the averages. With that said, however, the match wasn’t without its highlights.
The Ladies B managed a 3-3 draw, with Jane Monaghan (16.39) and Mandy Keith (14.96) securing wins. The match award, however, deservedly belonged to 15-year-old Gemma Hayter who was making her debut for the senior side. Gemma overcame her pre-game nerves to win 3-1 with a 20.31 average, proving the old adage that if you are good enough, you are old enough.
The Men’s B got off to a good start with wins from Dave Bonnett (22.18) and Mark Thorne (24.69). Kev Murrell was then unfortunate to lose the next match from 2 nil up, with his opponent taking out a 116 and 152 finish. Other wins for the team came courtesy of Troy Butler (20.25), Ricky Williams (21.84) and Man of the Match Steve Musson (25.47) Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 7- 5 defeat.
Despite the 10-8 score line overnight, Hampshire were confident that their A sides could turn things around on the Sunday. The Ladies A especially are more than a match for any team, and proved so once again with Elaine Harty (18.11), Steph Smee (18.58), Wendy Reinstadtler (18.56), Maria Aggozino (17.48) and match award winner Sue Smee (20.88) all winning their games to give the team a 5-1 victory for the second match in a row. That result deservedly keeps them at the top of the Ladies A table.
The Men’s A had a far tougher time, and went down 7-5 to their opponents. Rick Lowther won the first game of the day and took the match award with a 26.66 average, followed with wins from Dennis Murrell (24.73), Mark Smith (24.97) and Danny Ballard (23.53). With the score standing at 17-17 and two games left to play, Colin Philpott stepped up to the board and hit the most important 19.61 average I think he will ever hit, as he won 3-2 and at least secured a draw for the team. With the normally dependable Roy Brown unable to win the last game of an exceedingly long weekend, Hampshire settled for a share of the points. The result leaves them a respectable 5th in the Premier table. Hampshire’s next match will be home to Kent at Hill Park Memorial WMC in Fareham on 17th/18th January.
Hampshire had six players make the long drive to Bridlington for the World Professional Darts Playoffs, in the hope of making the finals. Steph Smee was hoping to repeat last year’s performance and was joined by Wendy Reinstadtler and Maria Aggozzino. Unfortunately for Maria, her trip ended in defeat at the hands of Steph in the last 64, who was in turn unlucky to lose 3-2 in the last 16 to WDF number one, Irina Armstrong. Wendy also put in a good performance, losing out in the last 32. Not to be outdone by the ladies, Paul Gibbs, Roy Brown and Dave Harper also won their fair share of games, with Dave reaching the last 16 of the group stages and Paul the group semi-final. Wendy, Steph and Paul were also involved in the Winmau Masters group stages. Steph reached the last 128, Wendy the last 64 and Paul was unlucky to lose out in the last 16.
Congratulations to Arron Monk on winning the inaugural Kids on the Oche tournament, and picking up the prize of a years sponsorship on the PDC circuit. Arron was handpicked along with Jamie Kelling and Ricky Williams to take part, and all gave a great account of themselves. Andover Youth Academy must have been particularly proud to see Jamie and Arron on the stage, and it is testament to the hard work that Glen Dawkins, Colin Pimm and others all put in each week. Wendy Truran is no doubt also a very proud ‘Mum’ at the moment, seeing the likes of Ricky, Arron and Gemma progress from Hampshire Youth.
A couple of other results from around and about. A trip to the Northern Ireland Open saw Roy Brown reach the last 32 and Wendy Reinstadtler and Gill Brown were unlucky not to make the last four of the Ladies Pairs. Danny Pinhorne overcame Danny Smith 6-4 in the final of the Curlew Open. Danny also lost the Pairs final with partner Bob Crawley, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Ricky Williams and Jason Crawley.
Alex Brindley
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