Friendly's 15/2/06

If you play for any team there are sometimes odd weeks when there are no official matches arranged. It could be due to cancellations, BYE’s or simply between seasons and on those weeks it is always a good idea to arrange a friendly if at all possible. On one memorable occasion the captain of my team did just that. The following is an account of the evening as written at the time for the Weston And Trent Valley Darts League that I used to run.

It was John Harvey's idea to play a match against the ladies team. To give them a chance he made it a handicap match. The men played 501 and the ladies 301. A bad idea. 

The ladies got off to a flying start with young Grace Brown finishing on Bull and double twelve!  John, who’s brilliant idea it was, managed to lose to Doreen and young Aid Barry followed in similar style. When the draw was made the men had 6 players and the ladies only 5. They started asking around for another player and I foolishly said, “I don’t think you will find another lady in the club!” This did not come out the way it was meant and only stirred up the ladies more.

It was suggested that Roy, one of the bar, staff play on the ladies side to make up the numbers. Roy does play darts, but would admit that he is not the worlds best player and so of course he played me. He started, came down easily and it looked as if he was going to brush me to put the gate for the ladies. However, I eventually broke and after a faltering start came down and stole the game. John confidently said, “Our second half is stronger.” We did not believe him but I have to admit that after adding a couple of late comers, the singles finished up 4-3 to the men. We did have a lot of luck though. Then we played 3 games of round robin 701. This time John did not give the ladies an advantage. I wonder why? When it was all over everybody said that they had had a really good night. We have some more friendly's arranged against other teams over the next couple of weeks and I understand that a few other teams are doing the same. They certainly keep the teams together while there is a break and it is a good excuse to go down to the pub.