Black Country’s darts team delivered a spectacular performance in their final UKDA National League fixture, securing a decisive 20-16 victory against rivals Staffordshire. This thrilling win, highlighted by stellar play from **Tom Bissell**, **Doreen Hunt**, and **Wayne Hobday**, propelled Black Country two spots up the league table to fifth place, ending their season on a high note.
A Battle for Pride: Season Finale Context
The highly anticipated final match of the season in the UKDA National League’s L-Style Division One saw Black Country travel to face neighbouring Staffordshire. Although neither team had promotion or relegation stakes, the fixture was charged with the spirit of local rivalry and the desire to finish strong. Black Country, sitting seventh, aimed to improve their standing, while ninth-placed Staffordshire sought to defend their home turf.
Ladies’ and Men’s ‘B’ Teams Set the Pace
The weekend kicked off with the Ladies ‘B’ team, who fought to a respectable 3-3 draw. A standout performance came from **Doreen Hunt**, who was awarded the match accolade for her dominant 3-0 victory over Sammi Brown, boasting an impressive **14.59 average**. Other crucial wins were secured by **Demi Titley** and **Sarah Tromans**, ensuring the points were shared.
The Men’s ‘B’ team then exploded into action, securing a commanding **9-3 win** that truly set the tone for Black Country. Their success was built on a strong collective effort, with notable victories from:
- **Rich Bowen**
- **Mark Rollinson**
- **Luke Messer**
- **Matthew Lloyd**
- **Neil Steventon**
- **Wayne Hobday**
- **Matt Coleman**
- **Sam Bissell**
- **Mark Jones**
The Man of the Match award for the Men’s ‘B’ went to **Wayne Hobday**, who defeated Danny Key 4-2 with an outstanding **26.93 average**, showcasing exceptional skill under pressure.
‘A’ Teams Face Tougher Challenges
Mirroring their ‘B’ counterparts, the Ladies ‘A’ team also concluded their matches with a 3-3 draw. The star of their show was **Chez Allcock**, who clinched a decisive 3-1 win against Danielle Pearce, achieving a fantastic **22.59 average**. **Stella Sims** and **Jodie Rowlands** also contributed vital wins to secure the draw.
The Men’s ‘A’ team, however, faced a tougher challenge, ultimately suffering a **7-5 defeat**. Despite the loss, several players delivered strong individual performances:
- **Trev Brennan**
- **Liam Kelly**
- **Tom Bissell**
- **Steve Jones**
- **Paul Wells**
**Liam Kelly** shone brightly, earning the Man of the Match title for the Men’s ‘A’ team. He defeated Andy Beardmore 4-1 with a remarkable **28.90 average**, demonstrating his high-level skill even in a losing effort for the team.
Black Country Seals the Deal and Climbs the Ranks
Despite the mixed results in individual sections, Black Country’s overall performance was stellar, culminating in an impressive **20-16 victory** over Staffordshire. This crucial away win wasn’t just about local bragging rights; it had a significant impact on their league standing. The win propelled Black Country up **two places** in the table, securing a respectable **fifth-place finish** in the L-Style Division One.
Staffordshire also moved up one place to eighth, but it was Black Country who celebrated a triumphant end to their season, showcasing teamwork, individual brilliance, and a strong competitive spirit throughout the weekend’s darts action.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
