Winter rules summer darts knockout night

They were one pair short of last year’s turnout but the numbers were enough for a great night.

Two-time champions and 2014 winners Debbie and Ashley Clements (Jacks Jokers) were trying for another title, but despite a 180 from Ashley, they couldn’t get past the second round.

More 180s came from Bradley Marshall (BRSA Ravens), Richard Pennells (Jacks Jokers), Colin Ragless (Friary D) and Gary Miller (Claremont). The last 180 came from Mick Deadman (Aldingbourne SC) in the first round – when he needed only 167!

The first semi-final saw Mazz Tupper and Keith Robinson (Chi Snooker C) beat Tracey Reeves and Marshall (BRSA Ravens).

The second semi-final pitched birthday girl Hayley Gatford and Andy Stubbs (Hunston Club) lose out to Karen Winter and Gary Miller (Claremont).

So the final saw last year’s runners-up Tupper and Robinson against Winter and Miller.

An even start from both teams meant someone needed to break the throw. That came from Winter and Miller with two large scores on the trot.

With nearly a 100 lead, Winter left Miller with double 16 which he took out with his last dart to take the first leg.

Robinson started the second leg with 99 but Miller followed that with 95 and on their next throws, Robinson hit a ton with Miller again hitting 95.

It was still close between both teams, Winter hitting 85 to leave a finish of 70, while Robinson went up for 111.

Hitting the treble 17 with the first dart and single 20 with the next gave him one dart at double top, but he just missed.

Miller stepped up for 70 but had only one dart at double top, but it didn’t go in.

Tupper tried for double top but missed, but still had a chance with the last dart which touched the wire of double seven, but on the outside.

Winter stepped up to take the leg with double top, hitting it with the last dart to become the mixed pairs champions for 2015.

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