A riot of a birthday bash...and a Hailsham appearance for a three-time world champ!
WHAT a weekend... Barnsley for two PDC Players Championship events, a small matter of England's first World Cup match, and it was my birthday as well.
We travelled up on Friday evening; the usual suspects were in the car – Adi Gray, Tony Ayres, my wife Kristina, and me.
We arrived at around 11pm, and checked in to our hotel, had a quick drink in the bar, and then got a good night's sleep.
Up fairly early on Saturday... well it was my birthday, and I had to open my cards and presents!
Down to the venue at around 9.30am, and then settle down to the task ahead. We were joined on our table by Hailsham's Donna Rainsley and her husband Richard, she was at the venue for the inaugural Womens World Championship qualifying tournament. She seemed quite shocked to see us there, as she did not realise that our tournaments were taking place as well.
My first match was against Matt Draper, and although I didn't really play that well, I won 6-2, setting up a second round game against world number 14, Robert Thornton.
This match was very high scoring, and I really enjoyed it.
Rob (pictured) went 2-0 up, and then I levelled, and we went with the throw until 4-4. Thornton then broke my throw after I missed a shot, and he closed out the match with a combination, checking out on the bullseye.
I felt really happy with my game though.
We then settled in to support Donna in her first round match in the Ladies Championship. She was very nervous, but she came through, winning comfortably in her first round.
Donna was pretty emotional after that win, and didn't have long before she had to play against her next opponent in the last 16 – American Stacy Bromberg.
Unfortunately, Stacy won the next game, and Donna was out, but she put on an excellent display in a closely-fought match.
Bromberg went on to qualify for the final against Tricia Wright from England.
Back to the hotel to put on the England shirts, and it was into town to find a big screen.
The centre was full of eager fans, and we joined some of the other dart players in a large bar with screens everywhere.
The footy didn't go as well as expected, but the night out created an excellent atmosphere, and the PDC might now have a new meaning... Professional Dance Club!
The dancing kicked off when 'I Predict a Riot' came over the speakers. As it is Kevin Painter's walk-on music, we all spontaneously started bouncing around the dance floor... as you do, led by the man himself.
Best dancer of the night was Brendan Dolan – an absolute legend. I had a fantastic birthday.
Next day, I woke up with a pulled muscle in my calf; I was an injury doubt for England's next match!
I drew Mark Dudbridge today, and I played really well.
He was awesome on the finishing though, even checking out 157 with me sat on 83. Sometimes you have to accept these results.
Back to Tuesday nights, and The Kings Head are at home to the Hailsham M.I. We win the match, but I lost my singles – my opponent hit a 100, 137, and checked out on 78. Not a lot I could do about that.
Superleague on Wednesday, and I've been holding back a secret from our Hailsham opponents – we've got a guest player tonight... three time world champion John Part is in town, and is playing for us.
The look on the Hailsham team's faces was superb when they walked in and double took when they saw who was there.
My opponent tonight was to be Donna, never an easy game, she is the best lady player in Sussex.
We get underway, and Donna is not missing, we are both hitting high scores and she wins the first leg.
She carries on with the scoring in the next leg, leaving herself 50, with me sat on 155. I had to hit this or I would be staring at a defeat.
I checked it out, and let out a loud "come on". I don't know where the shout came from, but I needed that finish. I went on to win 3 -1, but that was my hardest game of the season.
Donna's son Todd had the pleasure of playing John Part. He put up a superb display, despite losing 3-0. He had shots to win the first leg.
The team won 7-2, and then it was photo and autograph time for Hailsham, John happy to pose with everyone.
This weekend we are off to Haarlem in Holland for two more Players Championships, then next Friday it is off to Las Vegas for the World Series of Darts. That will be hot!
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Weather for Lewes
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 14 C to 22 C
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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