HAMPSHIRE v ESSEX MATCH REPORT

Hampshire v Essex report by ALEX BRINDLEY

With confidence high after the win at Surrey last month, Hampshire were hoping for a similar result as they played host to Essex in their latest BICC match, in what was a must win game for both sides. Unfortunately, it was not to be, and it was Essex who walked away with a 20-16 victory.

Saturday saw the B-sides take to the stage, with the Ladies having made two changes to the side that faced Surrey last month, handing debuts to Charlotte Burgess and Tara Power. Both are still eligible to play at youth level, but showed on Saturday just why they have been promoted to the senior side, with two excellent performances. Charlotte produced some great darts to win 3-0 with a 15.99 average, and had it not been for double trouble in the second leg, would certainly have had a 20 plus average. Tara also played a cracking game, winning 3-1 with a 19.01 average. Not to be outdone by the young guns, it was the more experienced and slightly more mature ??? Jane Monaghan, who took the Lady of the Match award with a 3-0 win and 20.04 average.

With the Ladies securing a 3-3 draw, the Men’s B were hoping for a similar, if not better, result. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan, and they were defeated 7-5. Wins came from Sam Rooney 3-1 (24.28), Dave Bonnett 3-0 (19.52), Paul Reidy 3-1 (24.10) and Kev Murrell 3-2 (25.44). The man of the Match award went to Kev Ede after his 3-0 win and cracking 29.47 winning average. After his recent loss of form, it was great to see him back to winning ways.

With the score standing at 10-8 to Essex overnight, it was down to the A- sides to try and secure a win. The Ladies certainly did their bit, with a 4-2 result courtesy of Steph Smee 3-1 (20.09), Elaine Harty 3-1 (19.45) and Sue Smee 3-2 (18.42). Lady of the Match went to Sue Lowther for a hard fought 3-2 win and 20.19 average. Commiserations have to go to Wendy Reinstadtler, who played brilliantly but lost her game with a 24.81 average.

The Men’s A will probably feel major disappointment over their result, with only four players able to secure a victory, although it wasn’t that they played badly. At least four players had better averages than their opponents, but lost, with Rick Lowther the most unfortunate, losing with a 29.23.
Those players that did secure a win were Roy Brown 3-1 (25.82), Graham Huggett 3-1 (25.92) and Dennis Murrell 3-0 (25.91). Man of the Match went to Mark Smith for his 3-2 win and 28.88 average.

Hampshire remain fifth in the League Table, but are now only nine points off the relegation places with two very difficult matches coming up in the form of Yorkshire and Cheshire. On a brighter note, the Ladies A deservedly remain top of their respective table.