U14s Jamie Gentlemen, Billy Day and Ray Lockington with Bobby George
The Unicorn Darts Youth Academy returned from Essex last Saturday with their reputation further enhanced after yet another successful outing.
The second Essex Youth Open was superbly organised by Walton Darts and attracted an array of tomorrow's stars which included three youth internationals.
Thirty-six of the town's youngsters endured an 18 hour day but received much praise for their talent, sportsmanship and sense of fun from spectators to the games' high profile personalities present.
The event was split into three groups: young men, ladies U21s and juniors who were mixed and U14. Last year's runner up Sean White and winner Charlotte Burgess were highly fancied to do well again but were surprising early round casualties. In the young mens' event best performances came from Gary Thorne and Jake Urwin with the latter taking last year's winner to a deciding fifth leg. It was left to Arron Monk to carry the flag to the semi-finals. Drawn against fellow international and eventual winner Ricky Evans, double 16 proved to be his nemesis despite a brilliant 14 darter the previous leg.
The ladies were in good spirits buoyed by Samantha Pike's victory in the Ladies singles knock out the night before but each were to fall to the eventual finalists. Despite these setbacks, another 14-year-old, Danielle Hopper, emerged as the latest young prodigy with battling displays that took her to the semi-finals. Exhausted by the day's trials and a first experience on the stage she lost to the eventual winner. The plate saw many good performances with Gavin Howard progressing to the semi-final but the U14s finally produced an Andover champion.
Jamie Gentlemen, Billy Day and 12-year old Ray Lockington made the last four. Jamie overcame Ray in the first semi then Billy was a straight legs winner in the second. A joyous final had Billy Day nailing the winning double of a closely fought affair where all three had much to be proud of.
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A splendid day of darts was concluded with the semi-finalists presented with their trophies by Bobby George and the Academy was invited onto the stage for a huge team photograph.
The cameras were rolling throughout and anyone wishing a copy DVD should contact Glen Dawkins via the website.
Entries for the Johnny Woodman Classic Ranking Singles scheduled for Saturday June 7 are now being accepted. The event is again being backed by stalwart sponsor JB Motors and West Portway MOT and takes place at The Entertainer.
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