West Midlands Darts have delivered a spectacular performance, triumphing over London with a commanding 22-14 victory in their latest UKDA National League fixture. This crucial home win propels the team up to an impressive third place in the Andy Wheeler Fisheries Championship Division standings. Key to their success were dominant displays from both men’s teams, securing significant points, while the ladies battled to two hard-fought draws. Standout individual performances from players like Kat McLean and Jay Woodhouse ensured a memorable weekend for the Midlanders, positioning them strongly in the race for promotion.
Heading into their fourth match of the season, West Midlands were sitting in fourth place, keenly aware they had a game in hand on the three teams above them. Their opponents, London, were further down the table in eighth, making this a pivotal match for West Midlands to close the gap on the leaders.
Ladies Teams: A Spirited Stalemate
Both the Ladies ‘B’ and ‘A’ teams showcased incredible resilience, each securing a 3-3 draw against strong London opposition. These draws were vital, ensuring West Midlands kept pace in the overall points tally.
- For the Ladies ‘B’ side, **Hannah Davies** was the star, winning her match 3-1 with an impressive 18.19 average against Lynne Biondini.
- The Ladies ‘A’ team saw **Kat McLean** shine brightest, clinching a tight 3-2 victory over Jo Deamer with a superb 19.90 average.
Men’s Teams: A Double Dose of Dominance
The men’s teams truly set the stage for West Midlands’ ascent, with both the ‘B’ and ‘A’ sides recording significant wins that provided the bulk of the weekend’s points.
Men’s ‘B’ Team Triumphs 7-5
The Men’s ‘B’ team fought hard to secure a 7-5 success. Their top performer was **Dean Simmons-Fullwood**, who won his match 4-3 against John Hetterley, recording a strong 26.70 average.
Men’s ‘A’ Team Dominates 9-3
The Men’s ‘A’ team delivered an even more emphatic performance, securing a commanding 9-3 victory. **Jay Woodhouse** was the standout player, beating Graham Rackstraw 4-3 with an excellent 27.09 average, leading his team to a resounding win.
The Grand Total and League Implications
The combined efforts of all four teams resulted in an overall score of **West Midlands 22, London 14**. This comprehensive victory has had a significant impact on the league table.
West Midlands now proudly sit in **third place** with 96 points. This puts them in a strong position, especially considering they still have a game in hand. Leaders Middlesex are currently on 116 points, and second-placed Hampshire are on 105 points. Both Middlesex and Hampshire have played one more game than West Midlands, meaning the Midlanders have a real chance to further close the gap and challenge for the top spots in the coming weeks.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
