C.B. Dart Teams

Sweet revenge for unbeaten Archers

                  Even though the Archers haven’t been in existance for very long, a

                  fierce rivalry has developed between them and the Sliabh Dubh. Both

                  teams have players who are possessed of a strong desire to win and

                  now Sliabh Dubh have a team capable of knocking them off the top

                  spot.

                  Following on from last week’s cup semi-final win the Sliabh Dubh                

                  were hoping to put a dent in the Archers’ league aspirations. From

                  the Archers’ point of view, it was payback time.

                  Leading off for the Archers was Kevin O’Reilly Snr against John

                  Matthews. John is a very fast thrower and he thudded his darts in to

                  the 20s as if he needed to rush off somewhere. Kevin, as always,

                  concentrated his darts on the 19s and didn’t allow his rhythm to be

                  upset by John’s rapidity. This cool, calm approach paid dividends in

                  a 2 legs to 0 victory for Kevin.

                  Peter Matthews was one of Sliabh Dubh’s winners in last week’s cup

                  match and he was hoping to pick up where he left off against Marty

                  Currie. Marty’s 100% record looked in doubt when Peter opened the first

                  leg with a ton forty, but it was only for a nanosecond. Marty took the

                  game 2-0 in 25 and 20 darts including a 68 checkout with some top

                  quality throwing.

                  Next was Brian McKinney looking to record his first win for the

                  Archers against Joe McCoubrey Snr. This was a ding-dong battle and

                  Brian checked out on 100 to take the first leg. It was déjà vu for Brian,

                  though, in the second leg when he couldn’t find that clinical finish and

                  Joe levelled the game. Joe took a march in the third leg but Brian

                  fought back and, as usual, had a dart to clinch it. Nevertheless, it was

                  Joe’s game in the end for a 2-1 win.

                  The half way game was a good match-up between the Archers’ Kevin O’

                  Reilly Jnr and Jim Kerr of the Sliabh Dubh. Jim is a canny player and

                  he rarely gives an opponent an opening. Kevin’s style is not to wait to

                  be given a chance and he took the game to Jim, hammering the treble

                  twenties and winning 2 nil in 24 and 27 darts that included a fine 62 finish..

                  The task for Gaz O’Reilly now against ‘Soupy’ Campbell was to

                  secure at least a point for the Archers. Soupy throws with  pinpoint

                  precision and he is quite lethal when on his darts; Gaz is capable of

                  holding his own against anyone in the league when he is on his darts.

                  As it was neither player reached full throttle and Gaz nicked the first

                  leg with an awkward double 7 and took the second leg with double

                  top; job done.

                  Making his first league outing for the Archers was Chris McMaster

                  against Davy Parker. On paper this should have been an easy win for

                  Davy, but Chrissy is practically unrecognisable as a player this season and

                  despite losing the first leg in 26 darts he found another gear and took

                  the second leg to force a decider. This game hung in the balance

                  right down to the double, which Davy took to keep the Sliabh Dubh                     

in                in the hunt for a point.

                  Billy Davidson has had a topsy-turvey season for the Archers so far

                  but he seemed to be getting back to form when he faced Joe

                  McCoubrey Jnr. Despite Joe’s strong showing in the first leg, Billy                   

                  had the luxury of 6 darts at his double when taking the first leg. In the

                  second leg Billy was even more emphatic, hitting a ton forty on his

                  way to securing full points for the Archers.

                  The final match-up was little more than an exhibition game between

                  Kevin Mezza of the Archers and John Moore of the Sliabh Dubh.

                  Kevin had done for John in the first match of the Pearse Jordan cup

                  semi-final last week and he wanted to show that that result wasn’t a

                  fluke. John was never in the game and Kevin eased to a 2 – 0 win.

                  Final score 6-2 to the Archers who are now sole occupants of the

                  top spot in the league table.

                  Man of the Match goes to Gaz O’Reilly; he ducked and dived and he

                  never gave up when not at his best. Special mention also goes to

                  Chrissy McMaster. If he continues in this form he’ll be a future man

Archers close to perfection over the Sloans

The Archers’ second home match of the season saw the Sloans, sister team to Sliabh Dubh, visiting and hoping to do what no team has done so far; leave with a win.

The match started steady enough as Kevin Mezza took on the Sloans’ Thomas Slavin. Kevin hit some nice scores and didn’t have too much trouble in taking the game 2 nil with a 24 dart second leg.

Charlie Curley of the Sloans was next against Kevin O’Reilly Jnr and although Kevin was far from full throttle, Charlie suffered the same fate as Thomas losing 2-0.

The Archers’ had a new boy in Michael O’Reilly. He was playing Ciaran Matthews, who looked like he was way past his bedtime. Michael hasn’t thrown a dart in many years and his time away from the board was obvious in the early exchanges. Ciaran took the first leg and was so close to taking the game 2-0. But Michael’s experience told and he clawed his way back to level the game and the boost in confidence this brought helped him to a 52 finish in the decider.

Mr 100% Marty Currie would clinch at least a draw for the Archers if he could beat Gerard Meighan in the 4^th game. Gerard is an old campaigner but he couldn’t keep up with Marty’s superior firepower and he went down in 26 and 24 darts without reply.

The potential match decider pitted the Archers’ Kevin O’Reilly Snr against Patrick Slavin. Kevin wasn’t blazing a trail and was close to giving the score keeper writer’s cramp with some small totals but he didn’t get pushed too hard for his 2 legs to 0 victory.

Now that his team had the match sown up, Billy Davidson could relax and put on a display. His opponent was Lawrence Flannery who, if he should decide to become a singer, could take the name ‘Bling Crosby’. Lawrence was no match for Billy and another 2-0 scoreline went to the Archers.

The CB crowd were now hoping John Black could keep the clean sheet going when he stepped up to play Chris Docherty. John’s darts were every bit as tidy as the tan he got on his recent holiday and Chris was shown no mercy as John recorded another 2 leg shut out.

The pressure was on for Gary O’Reilly to avoid being the only Archers loser on the night. Gerard Matthews was in the way of what would be a truly momentous result and this maybe accounted for Gaz’s initial wayward darts. Unfortunately for the Sloans Gerard couldn’t take advantage and he lost, as six others had, 2-0.

An 8-0 triumph for the Archers with only one leg dropped.

Man of the Match goes to Marty Currie, still unbeaten and not even on top form yet.

The TLTA cup is next  week but the Archers have no involvement due to losing in the quarters. Instead they will be contesting the Archers Individual Cup, club competition.

Archers suffer title setback against Caulfields

The top of the table clash between the Archers and Caulfields was also a battle of the 100% records; somebody’s invincibility was going to go.

When Kevin O’Reilly Snr kicked off for the Archers, there was no indication of the drama that was to follow. Kevin’s favoured 19s were paying big dividends and he quickly took the first leg in 20 darts. Opponent Patrick McConville was barely able to draw a breathe before he was fighting to save the game. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to hold on and Kevin took an impressive 2-0 win.

Michael O’Reilly, in only his second game for the Archers, was up against Danny Boyle. The first leg was a game of ‘find the double’, which Danny did, eventually. The second leg was a closer affair. Michael was starting to find his range and was unlucky to be only pipped to the finish despite Danny hitting a couple of ton plus scores.

Next was a dual of the Captains, Micky Martin for Caulfields and Kevin Mezza for the Archers. This was good match up and both players wasted no time in notching up the big numbers. The final scoreline doesn’t reflect how close this one was with Mickey winning it 2-0.

It was up to John Black now to try to get the Archers back on level terms against Hugh McMullan. Yet again, either player could have taken this one. In the first leg, John was very unlucky to leave himself on double one while going for a 119 finish. This allowed Hugh to sneak it on double 12 and he followed on in the next leg with a 23 darter to take the game.

The pressure was on Billy Davidson to halt the Archers’ losing streak. The first leg ebbed and flowed with some great shots from both players before Seamy Roberts clinched it in 25 on double 8. The second was even tighter with the treble 20 bed taking a hammering until Seamy took out 53 for a 21 dart leg.

A draw was the best the Archers could do when Gary O’Reilly took on Gerard Boyle. Gerard’s scoring in the first leg was a good example of why he is the reigning Individual Champion. But Gerard hadn’t reckoned on Gaz’s ‘never-say-die’ attitude and Gaz summoned up all the pain from the last four games and took the next legs to give the Archers some hope.  That was all tho as Gerard pipped the last leg. 

The stage was set for Marty Currie to claw another game back for the Archers and he quickly got into his stride against Patrick O’Neill, landing a 48 finish to take a one leg lead. The next leg was a corker. Patrick stunned the crowd with a 141 checkout in an 18 dart leg. The decider was a nailbiter with Patrick hoping to win the match and Marty hoping to keep Archers in it. This time Marty’s magic failed him and Patrick took leg and match for Caulfields.

Although the match was over Kevin O’Reilly Jnr threw great darts to restore some Archers pride and put a fairer reflection on the result. Stevie Dee suffered the backlash and Kevin romped home in 24 and 22 darts.

So the Archers have lost their 100% league record. However, this early in the season it shouldn’t be that big a set back.

Man of the Match (for the Archers) goes to Kevin O’Reilly Snr. So consistant and lead from the front.

Archers held by Orient Star

The second league meeting between the Archers and the Orient Star took part in the CB clubrooms on Wednesday. The Archers got this season off to a winning start the first time these two teams met and since then their respective league form has contrasted sharply, the Archers heading the table and the Orient resting mid-table.

Kevin O’Reilly Snr got the match off against Anto Moore. Kevin’s usual form is nice and steady round the 19 bed. But tonight he gave the 19s such a hammering. The first leg was over in 21 darts including a big 129 from Kevin. The next leg was slightly longer lasting 23 darts with Kevin nailing three scores of 95+. Anto didn’t stand a chance.

A nice way to open the match and Gary O’Reilly against Cricky Magee filled the crowd with eager anticipation. Gaz didn’t disappoint in the opening leg, never scoring less than 60 on his way to a 48 finish in 24 darts. Cricky hit a couple of tons in the next but Gaz wasn’t out of it until Cricky hit double three. In the decider Gaz hit a couple of tons himself but the finishing was starting to go off and Cricky was able to sneak the double to level the match.

So square one again for Kevin O’Reilly Jnr and Liam Millar Jnr. When Kevin answered Liam’s ton with a ton forty it looked odds on he’d take the first leg. But it wasn’t to be and the Liam took a slender lead. Next leg and all the skill these two players possess seemed to disappear as errant throws landed darts all over the board and neither could take advantage. Fittingly it was a double one that clinched the leg, and it was Liam who put the Orient in front.

Two seasoned campaigners stepped up next, John Black of the Archers and the Orient’s Davy McCusker Snr. This was a good game for the neutrals to watch but not so for the Archers team as John’s big scoring wasn’t enough to win the first leg. John kept hitting the high numbers in the second and he forced a decider checking out on 32 for a 21 dart leg. Unfortunately the tons dried up and John succumbed to Davy’s more accurate throwing in the decider.

Captain Kevin Mezza found his team 3-1 down when he took on Davy McCusker Jnr. This could have been a tricky situation but Kevin loves these pressure games. A cautious approach was the order of the day in the first leg but when Mez got his nose in front he wasn’t going to give this game up. The 2-0 scoreline was just about right and ‘Special K’ had turned the Archers fortunes around.

Still trailing by one game, Michael O’Reilly Snr was hoping he would be good enough to get the Archers back on level terms when he threw off against Sean Moore. It looked good when Michael’s better scoring won the opening leg, but Sean fought back to take the second with a 75 checkout. So nerves were jangling in the third leg and both players were on form, Sean hitting the maximum 180 and Michael missing double 8 for a 127 finish. He didn’t miss it next throw and the Archers had restored parity.

New boy Michael O’Reilly Jnr had a massive debut against Joe Millar Snr. A daunting prospect for any player but despite losing the first leg, Michael belied his young age and threw some canny darts, including a ton, to push the game to a decider. Even though Michael was throwing some good darts the greater experience Joe had was enough to see him out for the win.

The last game was the sort of game Billy Davidson thrives on, playing the very useful opponent, Paul Morgan, and trying to save a point for the Archers. Paul opened with a ton and ton twenty but Billy brushed it all aside and checked out on 30 to lead 1-0. This seemed to take the wind out of Paul’s sails and Billy marched on, knocking in a 60 finish and ensuring the draw.

A subdued performance from the Archers and they’ll feel it is points dropped rather than a point gained. Next week is round 3 of the Archer’s Individual cup as they have a bye in the J Dempsey Shield.

Man of the Match goes to Kevin O’Reilly Snr. He blitzed those 19s and left Anto Moore shell-shocked.

Archers back on top

The Archers travelled over to the Orient Bar on Wednesday night for the first time since the start of the season to face the Orient, who they had beaten 6-2 in League round 2. A win tonight would see the Archers return to the top of the table with Caulfields having a bye this round.

Kevin O’Reilly Snr threw first for the Archers against Joe Miller Jnr and based on previous results, he was expected to give the Archers the upper hand. Joe, on the other hand, is something of a wiz-kid and he shook free from the clutches of Kevin’s steady play to take the first leg. Kevin has been on the back foot before and he never hits the panic button. Tonight, though, the panic button would not have mattered as Joe went into overdrive and romped home in 17 darts to inflict a rare defeat on the league’s most consistent player.

When everyone had stopped blinking with shock, Captain Kevin Mezza followed the Orient’s Conor Wylie to the oche. There was to be no repeat of the first game upset as Mez bossed his way to the first leg. Conor picked up the pace with a couple of tons in the next but Mez was not to be denied and he levelled the match.

So back to square one for John Black and Paul Hanna. Paul didn’t feature for the Orient the last time the sides met and he matched John dart for dart the whole game. This made for an exciting event with both players having their team mates on the edge of their seats with tons and missed doubles. ‘Blackie’ came good in the end and put the Archers into a slender lead.

There are a few events that people will see only once in a life time; Haley’s Comet or a Solar Eclipse for example. Tonight the assembled players were witness to two such rare events. The first was Kevin O’Reilly Snr being played off the board. The second was a league win for Brian McKinney. Unfortunately, for Tony Parker this is marked in his loss column. Not a game for dart fans as both players were poor, but another win for the Archers.

Quite a turn around for the Archers, now only one win away from a guaranteed point. Getting that point was the responsibility of Gary O’Reilly as he faced D O’Hare. Gaz was steady enough in the first league and a double 10 was enough to take the first leg. In the next leg, Gaz was more like himself, throwing only 24 darts for the win.

A weather warning was needed for the next game as ‘Hurricane’ Davidson touched down. Billy ‘D’ has thrown some great darts this season but he reserved his best to welcome Jamesy Bolton back to the Divis Dart league. A 97 finish in the first leg was followed 24 darts later with a 62 check out to seal the match for the archers.

The last two games saw Kevin O’Reilly Jnr pitted against Paul Scott. Kevin made it 6-1 to the Archers with a workman like performance, taking the game 2-0. Michael O’Reilly Snr finished off with a loss against Geordie Bolton Snr but by then the result was beyond changing.

Man of the Match goes to Billy Davidson, a brutal demolition of a much fancied opponent.

Archers lose grip on top spot

Match of the day in league round ten was the game between current league champions Sliabh Dubh and pretenders to the throne, the CB Archers. This has become a ‘Big Two’ match despite the fact the Archers have only contested the league for two years.

Opening the match was Brian McKinney against Joe McCoubrey Snr. These guys had played out a cracking game earlier in the season that Joe won 2-1. Despite his poor league form Brian was giving it the full beans from the off to reverse that result. The first leg was tight but Brian took out an awkward double 3 to gain the advantage. In the second leg, Brian got a good lead with a couple of tons and even though Joe started to land big darts, Brian hit a double 5 for the win.

Captain Kevin Mezza built on that win with a superb 87 finish in the first leg against Kevin Campbell. From there though Mez proceeded to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. ‘Soupie’ hit a couple of tons on his way to taking the second leg but should have been well out of sight in the decider. In a leg that mirrored the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare, Tortoise Campbell had the key to the mad house when both players found themselves on double 1.

The third match-up was between Gary O’Reilly and Peter Matthews. Gary is quite capable of beating anyone on his day, but Peter is no dozer and he waltzing into a handy lead. Gaz seemed to wake up then and banged in a couple of tons on his way to a double 13 and 1 leg lead. The next leg saw Gaz brushing off Peter’s big scores and a 48 finish was enough for a 2-0 win.

‘Voice of an Angel’ John Black was not, unfortunately, on song for the Archers when he faced John Moore. Although ‘Blackie’ didn’t lie down meekly, hitting a few ton plus scores, he wasn’t able to hit his doubles and John levelled the match 2 games apiece.

Archers extend their lead at the top

The Archers travelled over to the Sliabh Dubh club on Wednesday to face the winless Sloans. With Sliabh Dubh playing Caulfields, this was an opportunity to stretch their lead at the top against a team who the Archers only dropped one leg when they last met in the league.

The match got under way when John Black took on Patrick Slavin. The first leg was all about missed doubles and Patrick took it on double 12. In the next leg Blackie seemed about to throw away a certain win when he just nicked the leg from a fast catching Patrick. The decider was almost as close but a double 10 was enough for Blackie to get the Archers off to a winning start.

Billy Davidson was next up against Gerard Matthews and he was in imperious form. The first leg was over in 20 darts when Billy hit double top and a 24 dart second leg was completed with a superb 50 finish.

The Sloans have a promising young player in Ciaran Matthews and he gave Kevin O’Reilly Jnr a bit of trouble in the third game of the night. Kevin notched two ton plus scores on his way to winning the first leg but Ciaran hit a couple of big scores in the next including a ton forty. Kevin needed all his wits to win the leg and put the Archers into a commanding lead.

Brian McKinney has had a somewhat disastrous league campaign so far, but was coming off the back of two straight wins. Unfortunately, Brian was no match on the night for opponent Joe Dempsey who won 2 legs to nil needing only 23 darts in each.

Archers’ Captain Kevin Mezza found himself behind early on when he lost a scrappy opening leg against Kieran Robinson. After that, Mez calmed himself and finishes of double 20 and double 12, and a ton count of 4 in the game, secured at least a point for his team.

The next Archers’ win would claim all three points and Gary O’Reilly looked like doing just that when he won the first leg against Thomas Slavin. The next leg was very close and missed doubles from Gaz allowed Thomas to level the game. Ignoring that set back Gaz went into overdrive with a neat 19-dart leg, finishing on 40. The Archers had the match.

There was no pressure on Archers’ youngster Michael O’Reilly now and he was going all out when he faced Brian Magee. The first leg was not so good for Michael as Brian took it on double 4. The next saw Michael step up a gear and he took it on double 8. The decider was nip and tuck until Brian checked out magnificently on 76 for the win.

The last game of the night was another dead rubber but both Kevin O’Reilly Snr and Joe Slavin were still throwing determinedly. The first leg went to Joe with double one. Kevin put up more of a fight in the next but Joe was quickest to the double and the game was his.

Apathetic Archers hammered at home

With space at the top of the league at a premium, the Archers were hoping to consolidate their lead with a win over a TLTA side who have been causing a few upsets of late.

Michael O’Reilly Snr threw first against Gerard Holmes, determined to give the Archers a good start. Unfortunately for Michael, Gerard was in the zone and he took the first leg in 22 darts and the game was won with a double 1 in the second leg.

The Archers fell further behind when Gary O’Reilly suffered the same score line against Paul McMenamin. Paul notched a double 16 in the opening leg and followed that with a neat 60 finish in the next leg.

Some steadying of the ship was done by Billy Davidson when he faced Liam McMenamin. Billy had the first leg won in 23 darts on a double top checkout. However, Liam put up more of a fight in the second leg and Billy just nicked it on double 2 after both players had missed chances to win.

Kevin O’Reilly Snr threw great darts in his first leg against Mark DiLucia. Nevertheless, he had no answer when it came to the double with Mark narrowly missing the bull for a 167 finish, but not a double 8. The next leg was even more conclusive and another double 8 ended the leg in 16 darts.

The TLTA secured at least a point when Joe Flannery beat Brian McKinney 2 legs to nil. Joe found the big dart when he needed to, and double 1 then double 10 were enough to win the game.

The worst possible result for the Archers’ title aspirations was served up in the next game between Michael O’Reilly Jnr and Kevin Mallon. Kevin took the fist leg after Michael had busted 4 times going for the double. Michael levelled in the next after more missed doubles. But the match win was secured when Kevin upped his game in the decider.

The two remaining games were mere formalities but ‘Sambo’ Ramsey and Gary Dilucia were still going all out for the win against respective opponents John Black and Kevin Mezza.

Blackie was pipped in his first leg but a good 59 finish in 23 darts forced a decider. This third leg was a game of missed chances until Sambo took out double 8.

Captain Kevin Mezza traded tons with Gary but didn’t hit that vital score, the double, which Gary managed twice to cap a miserable evening for the Archers.

Man of the Match goes to Billy Davidson. He stood up unlike his teammates.

Archers get title challenge back on track

Poor form of late has seen the Archers relinquish their grip on the top spot and indifferent cup performances haven’t afforded any respite from the decline either. So on Wednesday night in the CB club something had to give.

Billy Davidson was hoping to erase the horror memories of his 3-a-side campaign against Joe Millar Snr. Unfortunately it looked unlikely as both players ended up on madhouse and for a while, they hit everything but the double 1, which Billy did eventually. Joe showed what they are capable of hitting double top in a 22-dart second leg. Nevertheless, 1 became the loneliest number again in the decider with Billy repeating his checkout from the first leg to edge the Archers in front.

Next up were Michael O’Reilly Snr and Anto Moore. Anto has an unusual but effective style of throw, demonstrated well when he took out 56 to clinch the opening leg. However, Michael showed good fighting qualities to level the game. The battling continued in the third leg and Michael fought hard for a well-deserved win.

The match was taking on the kind of look of the early season games but the Orient felt they had a good chance to pull one back when Sean Moore took on Michael O’Reilly Jnr. Not so this time. Michael was majestic, hitting four ton plus scores and a 23-dart leg in a 2 legs to nil victory that gave Sean no chance.

The Archers were looking odds on for at least a point in the fourth game when Kevin O’Reilly Jnr sprinted to an early lead, finishing in 24 darts. Opponent Cricky Magee had other ideas though and he levelled with a 74 finish in 24 darts. Cricky completed a classy comeback in the third, finishing on 48 in 21 darts to get a win on the board for the Orient.

Captain Kevin Mezza’s game against Liam Millar was a carbon copy of the previous game. Mez strode into a lead but missed doubles allowed Liam to level the game. In the deciding leg, Liam had darts and when he got first throw at the double, he made no mistake and the Archers’ lead was cut to one game.

An old face making a welcome return to the darts fraternity was Marty Currie. Marty had taken a prolonged break from the team but it was hard to tell he hadn’t lifted a dart in several months as he eased to a 2 nil win over Paul Morgan and the Archers had a point.

If Gary O’Reilly got the better of Kevin O’Neill next, then the Archers would have a win that would keep them in the title race. Gary didn’t disappoint. The first leg saw Gary bust on a 78 finish but he didn’t miss on his next attempt. The second leg was slightly easier and a couple of ton plus scores allowed Gary the luxury of two darts for the finish which gave the Archers all three points.

The final game was for pride only and played as such. Brian McKinney managed to pip Jam Kelly to the double in the two legs played, for a rare league win. The 6-2 scoreline was a good reflection on the match overall.

Man of the Match goes to Michael O’Reilly Jnr. Performance of the season so far for the youngster.

Archers lose ground in Orient Bar stalemate

As the season moves towards its conclusion, points are becoming ever more precious. The Archers were 2 for 2 against the Orient Bar so far but the Orient were a much improved side coming off the back of a couple of strong displays in league and cup.

Starting off were Marty Currie and Geordie Bolton Snr, a good game that set the mark for the following match-ups. ‘Gentleman George’ is a joy to watch when he’s in full swing. Couple that with Marty nearly back to his best and you have the ingredients for a great game. Both players traded tons but Geordie had the better accuracy when it came to the doubles. Double top accounted for the first leg in 22 darts and a fantastic 95 finish sealed the win in the next.

Another exciting player for the Orient is Sean Moran and he didn’t disappoint against Kevin O’Reilly Snr. Kevin opened with a ton, which was matched by Sean, and the big scores continued coming. However, just as in the first game, it was the double dart that was the important one and Kevin’s were just outside the wire leaving Sean to wrap up a 2 legs to nil victory.

Two nil nearly became three nil when Billy Davidson faced off against Tommy Ryan. Billy was bang in form hitting big scores from the start and won the first leg in 23 darts with a cracking 86 finish. Nevertheless, Tommy drew level in next to no time and then opened the decider with a maximum ton eighty. Billy clung on as best he could and when Tommy bust throwing for the game, Billy was straight in with a 45 checkout for a narrow win.

Parity was restored when Captain Kevin Mezza beat Paul Hanna, but he had to come from behind for his win. Paul took a tight first leg with a double top but Big Mez knocked it up a gear in the next winning it with a neat 56 finish in 23 darts. The third leg was much the same and Mez nailed a double 16 at the first attempt.

The Archers then went ahead for the first time in the match after Gary O’Reilly got the better of Darren Bolton. Yet again, it was a come-from-behind win that saw Gaz reply to Darren’s stunning first leg 19 darter, with two steady 24-dart legs, finishing on double 9 and double top.

The Orient’s decline was halted by Jamesy Bolton when he won a game of the highest quality against Kevin O’Reilly Jnr. Jamesy took the first leg in 18 darts which included three ton plus scores. Kevin’s double 8 in the next leg capped a good 22 darter. However, Jamesy mirrored that in the decider landing his own double in 8 in 22 darts.

It was still all to play for when Fiontan Carson stepped up against Conor Wylie. Fionn got off to the perfect start with a double top but just got pipped in the second leg. The all-important decider went long as both players began to realise the significance of the win and a point was finally secured for the Archers when Fionn hit double 18.

Twice this season Brian McKinney has faced Joe Miller Jnr and twice he’s been on the wrong end of the result. But this time it looked like third time lucky as Brian opened with a ton forty quickly followed by a ton. But when it mattered, Brian couldn’t sustain the quality allowing Joe to take the leg with a fifty finish. The next leg followed in similar fashion, Brian opened with a ton but trailed off and Joe guaranteed a draw for the Orient winning 2 legs to nil.

Archers' title dream becoming a nightmare

The final league match between current champions, Sliabh Dubh, and erstwhile title favourites the Archers, took place on Wednesday night. Anyone having their first experience of Divis League darts may have been surprised at the quality on show. But Sliabh Dubh aren’t topping the league table with 6 cups already in the trophy cabinet for nothing. Despite the scoreline, for the most part the real different was the width of the wire.

The Archers got off to a great start with Kevin O’Reilly Snr beating Peter Matthews. Kevin took the first leg on the dreaded double 1 but let the second leg slip which Peter took in 25 darts. The deciding leg included a maxmum 180 from Peter but he bust on his double and Kevin stepped in to take out 25 for the win.

It was a false dawn for the Archers as they lost the next six games starting with Billy Davidson against Joe McCoubrey Jnr. Billy just couldn’t get going and Joe wasn’t hanging about to let him back in. Joe took the first leg, which included another ton eighty, on double 1 and the second on double 8.

John Black was the next to fall. He may have felt in was in contention in the opening leg but opponent John Matthews pulled off a stunning 108 checkout to win in 24 darts. ‘Blackie’ wasn’t deterred and he opened the next leg with a couple of ton plus scores. Unfortunately, ‘Harpo’ wasn’t to be denied and he took the game on double 12 in 25 darts.

The hatrick for the Sliabh Dubh was achieved when Joe McCoubrey Snr got the better of Kevin O’Reilly Jnr. Kevin was out of sight early on in the first leg but couldn’t find a double allowing Joe to claw back and nick the leg. The next leg saw Joe hit scores of 121, 135 and 165. But back came Kevin and the game went into a third leg. The players traded tons but Joe got the double first and made no mistake, winning in 21 darts. The ton count in this game was 5-4 to Joe.

The draw was guaranteed next after Gary O’Reilly lost to Davy Parker. As with Billy earlier, Gaz couldn’t establish any consistency. Davy on the other hand won the first leg with a super 74 finish and wrapped up the game with a 25 finish in the next leg.

The Sliabh Dubh took all three points in the next game when John Moore was too good for Brian McKinney. John had recently reached the finals of the Pairs competition and he carried some of the form into tonight’s game. But he didn’t meet much resistance in his 2 nil victory.

Captain Kevin Mezza was unable to stop the rot as the heart went of the Archer’s fight and he succumbed to ‘Soupie’ Campbell’s big darts, also losing 2 legs to nil.

The final game was little more than an opportunity for Marty Currie to get some much needed match practice against Jim Kerr, who gives it his all regardless of the importance of the game. Marty showed well and hit the ton counter for four on his way to a win that will do little to ease the pain of this league defeat.

Man of the Match goes to Kevin O’Reilly Jnr. I’m going against convention because Kevin lost. But there are few who would have beaten Kevin in this form. Unfortunately Joe McCoubrey Snr just happens to be one of them.

Archers stunned in Sloans Stalemate

Bottom of the table Sloans, with only one point before tonight’s game, almost caused this season’s biggest upset when The Archers travelled over to the Sliabh Dubh club for round 18 of the Divis Dart League.

Gary O’Reilly’s game against Patrick Slavin was the shape of things to come when he couldn’t find his normal rhythm and accuracy. Patrick was throwing excellent darts and he took the first leg on double 8 and two nice tons led to double top for the win in the second.

It looked like the Archers would get back on even terms when Billy Davidson took the first leg over Stephen Caughey in 24 darts. Nevertheless, Stephen came out slugging in the second leg and hit a ton and ton forty on his way to levelling the game and he kept the ton count going in the next leg, taking out double 20 to extend Sloans’ lead.

It went from bad to worse for the Archers next when John Black failed to hit his doubles allowing opponent Paddy Bell to win both legs with good finishing. Single 20 then tops won the first leg and a 42 finish sealed John’s fate in the following leg.

The Sloans had gained a very rare point with Charlie Curley’s win over Archers’ captain Kevin Mezza. ‘Big Mez’ was keeping pace in the opener until Charlie hit a 129 to leave double top. A couple of busts by Mez in the second leg, and a great 55 finish from Charlie clinched at least a draw.

The pressure was on Brian McKinney now to try and stage a come back for the Archers. Brian Magee, on the other hand, was two doubles away from giving the Sloans their first win of the season. The Archers’ Brian didn’t waver. His opponent started with big scores but Brian held his nerve taking out 43 in the first leg. In the second, he chipped his way to double 18, hitting it first dart and the Archers had a reprieve.

Building on this win Kevin O’Reilly Jnr was in stunning form, winning the first leg in 22 darts finishing on the night’s favourite double 20. The Sloans Kieran Robinson was trying his best to force a third leg but Kevin steam rolled his way to double 10 and the Archers were still in the match.

The baby of the team, Fiontan Carson, doesn’t have much experience of this kind of pressure. However, it would have been very hard for anyone to guess that when young Fionn got the better of Gerard Matthews. Showing no nerves, Fionn hit several big scores to leave 26, which he put away with ease. In the next leg, he was even more convincing and double 8 was no bother for Fionn to help his team a final game decider.

All or nothing now for the Archers. The much-needed win was a faded memory but an embarrassing defeat was a very real possibility.

Marty Currie had to call on all his skill and ability against Jim Dempsey. This game couldn’t have been closer with both players cancelling each other out at every throw. But when Marty nosed in front, he got a shot at double 16 which he didn’t waste any time hitting. Jim started well in the next but Marty now had a taste for victory and even a double 1 wasn’t going to get in the way. The Archers had won a draw.

Man of the Match goes to ‘Baby-Faced’ Fionn Carson. A mature performance from the young pup.

Next Wednesday is finals night of the Marie Bolton cup. The Archers aren’t in it so Round 6 of the Round Robin will take place in the CB club.