27th February was the Tyne & Wear Open at the Rainton Meadows Arena. With close to (if not in excess of) 300 players, it was by far the largest tournament I had participated in.
Once I got there and registered, I got the important stuff out the way by familiarising myself with where the boards, facilities and the bar were. First pint was consumed at 10.45 and I took a wander over to the A180 stand. I looked at a set similar to my own except they were 23g (mine are 24g) and don't have the "divet" at the top of the barrel (Taylor Phase 3's) As I held them, they just felt good and succumbed to the pressure as I parted with some hard earned cash.
So I was now in the biggest tournament of my career with darts I had never used before. Only time would tell if this was going to turn out to be a good idea. Well they felt good in practice and whilst didn't go in the T20 (or even the 20) they were going straight. Looking around, I could see Phil Nixon, Steve Bunting, Gary Robson and Robbie Green as the big name players I recognized.
With registration closed and the draw put up, I got a bye in the first round so decided to get involved with chalking one of the games. Best of 5 for the early rounds. It was painful and left me thinking "why oh why couldn't I play you guys" Board 12 (the one I was on) the loser of the previous game did a runner so I chalked this one aswell. Turned out to be Robbie Greens match and I got a glimpse of what seperates the good and the very good. 180 starts in 2 of the 3 legs, T20 taking a bit of a hammering, 100+ checkouts, alot of fun to chalk. He even thanked me for chalking.
It seemed to be taking a long time to get through the games so I spent most of the time watching the games, drinking the Strongbow and just keeping loose. 4.15pm (3.5 hours after the tournament start and 5.5 hours after I'd got there) my first game was on. By this time I'd had a couple of drinks!! My opponent was Ray Pearson, him to throw first
First leg, he shot off like a train. 80+, 100+ scores whilst I was a little slower out the blocks however kept in touch with him. Missed doubles cost him as took out 60 in 2. 1-0 to me. Second leg we both got off to great starts (140 100 from him, 100 100 from me) 60's and 80's this time missed doubles cost me as took out D10. 1-1. 3rd leg much the same with the scoring (though a few 45's creeping in) I missed the Bull for a 126 out and took his outshot leaving me 2-1 down. 4th leg saw me hit 100 140 and kept it ticking along. Set up tops and took it out first dart. 2-2 and I was 2 doubles in 3 darts. 5th and final leg. He had the throw. He hit nearly everything and left himself 32 after 15. I went 100, 85, 100, 100 to leave 116 after 12. My turn to throw. S20 (had to clarify with the chalker if it was in the single of treble) T20 then I took a step back, composed myself; could I learn the lesson from last week??. Released the dart..........right in the bottom corner of D18!!!!
I was elated, he was gutted but he was very gracious. He had alot of support there and all them shook my hand and congratulated me. To take out 116 under pressure was very satisfying, 15 darter to boot. Decision to use the new darts vindicated. 4 darts, 3 doubles
Needed to calm down so another trip to the bar and some air to stop the adrenaline flowing. Took a wander over to the fixtures see who I had next. My reward for that effort was a 3rd round clash with..........Robbie "Kong" Green.
No lose situation for me. Either I lose and its expected or I win and its the biggest win of my career so far. Either way, I was getting to play a big name in a competitive match. I was determined to enjoy this.
Match is called up, I'm there early and I feel ok. He's just a guy with 3 darts I kept telling myself. Soon I'm stood behind him with a large picture of King Kong staring back at me, start getting a little nervous but this is natural. He gets to throw first by calling the flip of the coin correctly. Un-surprisingly he had the support and he soon got into his stride whilst I struggled. 45's 60's 66's just not enough to keep pace and I was quickly 1-0 down. More of the same second leg but I was hitting 60's more regularly and the occasional 100+ but 1-0 became 2-0 but I was under 100 left. Put up a better fight in the 3rd hitting 3 100's in a row to leave 32 but it wasn't enough to prevent a 3-0 whitewash. Very nice guy at the end, shook my hand congratulated me and even posed for a photo. Everyone said hard luck to me, think it was more of appreciation that I played Robbie Green and earned the right to. Robbie did a professional job and treated me with due respect.
I chalked the next game which was a high quality one. 15 darter, 180's, 100+ out (Alan Norris I think his name was, won - really good player) Afterwards as I went to look at my photo of myself and Robbie, it wasn't there!! Guy taking it pressed the wrong button. Gutted!!!! However, I ran into Robbie outside, explained the situation and he was very happy to take it again. He congratulated me on a good effort again and I wished him all the best for the future.
I was critical of Robbie for losing the masters final against Adams. Can't criticise him as a person, top quality throughout. Not sure who won as I left before the end (it was 7pm and they were only down to the last 64)
Overall I had a fantastic time, topped off by being able to play Robbie. Over the moon with how I played, just wish I could have given Robbie a closer game but massive experience for me.
Can't wait for the next one :)
Sunday 28 February 2010
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Captains armband
Captains. Some regard being captain as an honor and have alot of responsibility. To others its just a label. It inspires some to greater things, it can cripple others. However it is viewed, it can be a thankless task as you can't please everyone all the time and depending on the personalities on your team, can be a pretty stressful one.
I took on the captaincy of my team after our last one resigned after 8 games as he felt it was affecting his game. My job simply involves picking the side, who's going in the singles and who's going in the pairs. I can't control what order they play in though. We have a rule in our side; if you turn up you play and that is a rule that is enforced rigourously.
I like to let players know in advance where they're playing (singles, doubles) and I do consult some of the senior members of the team regarding selection but ultimately I know the decision rests with me and I will do what I think is right. I try to watch all the games and support the team and the guys usually keep things light themselves.
I'm pretty fortunate with my team as an understanding has developed over the years regarding who the strong players are and whilst we're out to enjoy ourselves, we want to do well. This means the strongest 6 go in the singles. This understanding very much came in use last night.
Last week I only had 4 players, 2 of which usually only play doubles. Last night I had 9 and what resulted in a full strength side. Our best player is away working most of the time but he was back after 4 weeks. Dilemma; do I reward those who showed last week with a place in the singles or do I just go for the strongest 6??
I decided to go for the strongest 6 but did chat to the guys first and they were all "yeah, strongest 6, you have to" so I was fortunate in that regard. Did have to dissapoint someone though. As I had 9, I had 3 to come in for the doubles which meant 3 had to be dropped from the singles. Only 2 lost. I made the decision not to drop myself after a brief consultation. I don't know whether this was right though winning our match 2-0 sort of vindicated me (and I did play pretty well in my singles)
I am competitive by nature and want to play every game. This makes it hard to drop myself though I did 2 weeks ago because I lost and hated it. But though I hated it, I still did it so progression has been made. We have some great players and we have some who can play really well one week crap the next. Makes it hard picking the singles in particular as I know how they can play but not sure which one of them will turn up. I view the doubles as more of a lottery though get the luck of the draw (like last night, their 2 strongest vs our 2 strongest first up with us needing the win to seal the match with 2 to play - which they dutifully did) it can add some vital points as we get 1 point for each game won.
The understanding though can only take you so far and should not be taken for granted which is why whilst there are 5 definites in the singles (assuming we all turn up) still leaves 1 space left. Adam is filling it at the moment and was extremely solid last night (he was the one I dropped) so its hard to drop him next week but I need to give the others a chance. I can't keep relying on people not turning up to do that. But 4 of us are head & shoulders above the rest (no disrespect to any of my team, that's just a cold objective assessment) Paul (the other definite because of his experience and he wins more often than not) & Adam are steady players so I have a good idea of what I'm going to get which is why I pick them.
I guess all I can do as a captain is give the opportunities to the players as and when they arrive but still look to pick the strongest possible in the singles.
I took on the captaincy of my team after our last one resigned after 8 games as he felt it was affecting his game. My job simply involves picking the side, who's going in the singles and who's going in the pairs. I can't control what order they play in though. We have a rule in our side; if you turn up you play and that is a rule that is enforced rigourously.
I like to let players know in advance where they're playing (singles, doubles) and I do consult some of the senior members of the team regarding selection but ultimately I know the decision rests with me and I will do what I think is right. I try to watch all the games and support the team and the guys usually keep things light themselves.
I'm pretty fortunate with my team as an understanding has developed over the years regarding who the strong players are and whilst we're out to enjoy ourselves, we want to do well. This means the strongest 6 go in the singles. This understanding very much came in use last night.
Last week I only had 4 players, 2 of which usually only play doubles. Last night I had 9 and what resulted in a full strength side. Our best player is away working most of the time but he was back after 4 weeks. Dilemma; do I reward those who showed last week with a place in the singles or do I just go for the strongest 6??
I decided to go for the strongest 6 but did chat to the guys first and they were all "yeah, strongest 6, you have to" so I was fortunate in that regard. Did have to dissapoint someone though. As I had 9, I had 3 to come in for the doubles which meant 3 had to be dropped from the singles. Only 2 lost. I made the decision not to drop myself after a brief consultation. I don't know whether this was right though winning our match 2-0 sort of vindicated me (and I did play pretty well in my singles)
I am competitive by nature and want to play every game. This makes it hard to drop myself though I did 2 weeks ago because I lost and hated it. But though I hated it, I still did it so progression has been made. We have some great players and we have some who can play really well one week crap the next. Makes it hard picking the singles in particular as I know how they can play but not sure which one of them will turn up. I view the doubles as more of a lottery though get the luck of the draw (like last night, their 2 strongest vs our 2 strongest first up with us needing the win to seal the match with 2 to play - which they dutifully did) it can add some vital points as we get 1 point for each game won.
The understanding though can only take you so far and should not be taken for granted which is why whilst there are 5 definites in the singles (assuming we all turn up) still leaves 1 space left. Adam is filling it at the moment and was extremely solid last night (he was the one I dropped) so its hard to drop him next week but I need to give the others a chance. I can't keep relying on people not turning up to do that. But 4 of us are head & shoulders above the rest (no disrespect to any of my team, that's just a cold objective assessment) Paul (the other definite because of his experience and he wins more often than not) & Adam are steady players so I have a good idea of what I'm going to get which is why I pick them.
I guess all I can do as a captain is give the opportunities to the players as and when they arrive but still look to pick the strongest possible in the singles.
Monday 22 February 2010
First time for everything
I managed to get myself banned from SoD for 5 years.
Brief backstory: DoubleFinish is uncensored darts discussion and is an over 18's only site. This is going to result in strong language, sexual innuendo and alot of banter. None of which is any worse than anything you will find in your local pub and that's the general feeling/aim of the site. We heavily criticise and praise lavishly when appropriate and we speak our minds. Certain things off limits but its general common sense stuff (racial, homophobic)
Some however (including the owner of SoD) have taken great offence to the style of DoubleFinish and has banned pretty much anyone who is a member of DF. Despite him saying he doesn't consider DF a threat, decided to write a pretty vitriolic blog on it. Below is my response to it:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The below is my own opinion. I am not representing anyone other than me
I am a member of both here (obviously or I wouldn't be responding) and Double Finish (which will probably get me banned from here by your own admission even though I haven't broken any rules) and a host of other darting sites. If I recall correctly, you (Andy F) fired the first shots with posts about Double Finish long before some of the members even knew your site existed (digusting and disgraceful I believe were some of the words you used) yet act all surprised and defensive when some retaliated. I don't agree with some of stuff said about you however I'm not happy about some of the stuff you've said about the forum either.
I post more frequently on Double Finish mostly because I found their site before others and I do enjoy the more liberal approach (plus I just don't have time to post on all forums as much as I'd like to so I usually just pick 1) Double Finish do allow alot more than your site, pros and cons to both approaches but be careful about putting yourself on a pedastool especially when you launch the kind of insults at people you are condemning them for using (homophobic and racist). Considering you don't view the forum as a threat its odd you would dedicate nearly an entire blog to it and you seem to be the only forum owner who has.
Whilst the site is more liberal, there are limits and people are banned if they continue to overstep the mark and have been banned, that includes homophobic and racist comments. If people go too far, they are shot down by the other members. I don't always agree with the comments and say so. There are alot of passionate fans on the site (not going to get into your claims about the figures, I don't have the full story) there are alot of passionate fans on every site. The site was set up because some were fed up with the nazi-style (am I allowed to use that phrase here?) censorship on 606 as was I.
I've had some "abuse" (if it can be called that) from many people on there. I either just give it back or laugh it off. The banter between the members is vitriolic and does take a little getting used to but its no different to what I get in a pub. The players however are supported but we do criticise them if they play poorly and rightly so. Chris Mason in particular got massive support from the members yesterday and the comments were very positive about the players in yesterdays tournament as they are when they play well. When they don't, some will criticise others will support and that's how it should be allowed to be.
As for Dave Whitcombe, some of his comments have been valid but others have been laughable and frankly embarrassing and I've said so. He's entitled to his opinion but I'm also entitled to mine. You come out with statements people are going to comment on it and not always agree with you and not always dress it up either.
I (along with many others on DF) have no issues with you beyond you seemingly tarring everyone with the same brush and feeling the need to appoint yourself judge on what constitutes acceptable on all forums. You run your forum the way you want to and as a member, I will adhere to your rules whilst I am on your site. Its all darts to me.
Hopefully this hasn't come across as an attack but I did feel the need to address some of the points you raised.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This then resulted in some more vile spiel from the owner and me getting a 5 year ban
How pathetic are some people??
Brief backstory: DoubleFinish is uncensored darts discussion and is an over 18's only site. This is going to result in strong language, sexual innuendo and alot of banter. None of which is any worse than anything you will find in your local pub and that's the general feeling/aim of the site. We heavily criticise and praise lavishly when appropriate and we speak our minds. Certain things off limits but its general common sense stuff (racial, homophobic)
Some however (including the owner of SoD) have taken great offence to the style of DoubleFinish and has banned pretty much anyone who is a member of DF. Despite him saying he doesn't consider DF a threat, decided to write a pretty vitriolic blog on it. Below is my response to it:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The below is my own opinion. I am not representing anyone other than me
I am a member of both here (obviously or I wouldn't be responding) and Double Finish (which will probably get me banned from here by your own admission even though I haven't broken any rules) and a host of other darting sites. If I recall correctly, you (Andy F) fired the first shots with posts about Double Finish long before some of the members even knew your site existed (digusting and disgraceful I believe were some of the words you used) yet act all surprised and defensive when some retaliated. I don't agree with some of stuff said about you however I'm not happy about some of the stuff you've said about the forum either.
I post more frequently on Double Finish mostly because I found their site before others and I do enjoy the more liberal approach (plus I just don't have time to post on all forums as much as I'd like to so I usually just pick 1) Double Finish do allow alot more than your site, pros and cons to both approaches but be careful about putting yourself on a pedastool especially when you launch the kind of insults at people you are condemning them for using (homophobic and racist). Considering you don't view the forum as a threat its odd you would dedicate nearly an entire blog to it and you seem to be the only forum owner who has.
Whilst the site is more liberal, there are limits and people are banned if they continue to overstep the mark and have been banned, that includes homophobic and racist comments. If people go too far, they are shot down by the other members. I don't always agree with the comments and say so. There are alot of passionate fans on the site (not going to get into your claims about the figures, I don't have the full story) there are alot of passionate fans on every site. The site was set up because some were fed up with the nazi-style (am I allowed to use that phrase here?) censorship on 606 as was I.
I've had some "abuse" (if it can be called that) from many people on there. I either just give it back or laugh it off. The banter between the members is vitriolic and does take a little getting used to but its no different to what I get in a pub. The players however are supported but we do criticise them if they play poorly and rightly so. Chris Mason in particular got massive support from the members yesterday and the comments were very positive about the players in yesterdays tournament as they are when they play well. When they don't, some will criticise others will support and that's how it should be allowed to be.
As for Dave Whitcombe, some of his comments have been valid but others have been laughable and frankly embarrassing and I've said so. He's entitled to his opinion but I'm also entitled to mine. You come out with statements people are going to comment on it and not always agree with you and not always dress it up either.
I (along with many others on DF) have no issues with you beyond you seemingly tarring everyone with the same brush and feeling the need to appoint yourself judge on what constitutes acceptable on all forums. You run your forum the way you want to and as a member, I will adhere to your rules whilst I am on your site. Its all darts to me.
Hopefully this hasn't come across as an attack but I did feel the need to address some of the points you raised.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This then resulted in some more vile spiel from the owner and me getting a 5 year ban
How pathetic are some people??
Well here we go......
My turn for a blog on here. This will mostly be used to relay my experiences at various darts events, any key results (good and bad) and my own take on the world of Darts.
So a little bit about me.......
Been playing competively for about 18 months now. I'm in the Abingdon Pub League and the Oxford SuperLeague and have started attending the various darts events around the country to gain more experience and because I love it.
Those who know me from DoubleFinish know where I stand on the BDO/PDC debate; ultimately I am a fan of the game overall, just have issues with how aspects of it is run.
This will be raw and what's on my mind at the time so apologies if it gets mad, rambling and somewhat confusing.
So a little bit about me.......
Been playing competively for about 18 months now. I'm in the Abingdon Pub League and the Oxford SuperLeague and have started attending the various darts events around the country to gain more experience and because I love it.
Those who know me from DoubleFinish know where I stand on the BDO/PDC debate; ultimately I am a fan of the game overall, just have issues with how aspects of it is run.
This will be raw and what's on my mind at the time so apologies if it gets mad, rambling and somewhat confusing.
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