Leinster Shield Darts title for Westmeath
Westmeath travelled to Kilkenny last weekend for the Leinster Darts Championship and enjoyed a wonderful day on the oche, at the end of which they emerged winners of the Shield competition.
The Lake County were drawn in a very strong group for the main event, with Wexford, Carlow and last year’s champions Offaly the opposition. As only the top two sides qualified from the group, it was a serious test of their mettle.
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 find renewed form, coming through impressively 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 a 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 game through young Mick Smyth before Kildare pulled one back to make it 5-1.
However, Westmeath were too strong, powering on to win the next two games and run out 7-1 winners.
Once again, it was a very 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 turn their attention to the All-Ireland championship in Killarney at the end of February and they will be hoping to go well in what is the main event on the inter county darts calendar. If they can reproduce the form shown in the Leinster Shield final against Kildare, the Lake County could go a long way in the All-Ireland.