Westmeath Darts side secure Leinster Shield title

Westmeath travelled to Kilkenny last weekend for the Leinster Darts Championship and ended up in a very strong group with Wexford, Carlow and last year’s champions Offaly, with the top two sides qualifying from the group.

Westmeath were unfortunate not to emerge from the group, losing the last game to Carlow, 8-5, and unfortunately it was some missed doubles that cost them dearly.

Westmeath were then entered into the Shield competition where they seemed to come alive and really hit form, coming through easy to the semi-final where they beat Dublin's 'B' side after a good performance. Westmeath were 8-5 winners, with Anthony Blacoe and Killian Kelly throwing excellent darts in this match.

In the final, it was a 13-man team so the first to seven would take the title. Westmeath were up against a strong Kildare side in the decider, so nothing could be taken for granted.

Westmeath got off to great start with Cormac Foley, Jimmy Hickey, Jason Waters and Mark Corrigan all winning. It secured a 4-0 lead and put Westmeath in a strong position. Westmeath went on to take the fifth through young Mick Smyth before Kildare pulled one back to make it 5-1.

However, Westmeath were too strong and went on to win next two games and run out 7-1 winners.

Once again another solid performance from Anthony Blacoe in the eighth game that wrapped it up early for Westmeath.

Overall, this was great result for Westmeath darts and a long time coming. There were some excellent darts from all the team during the course of the day and it was encouraging to see young players emerge to stake a claim.

Westmeath now they have All-Ireland championship in Killarney to look forward to at the end of February and will be hoping to go well in that competition. If they can produce the darts they threw in final against Kildare, the Lake County will go a long way in the All-Ireland.