League finals set to be classics

AS I SAID last week, there was no darts on Friday night because of Good Friday. It was a welcome break after a few busy weeks and it gave us all a chance to draw breath.

All roads lead to Rathdrum on Friday night with Jacob’s playing host to finals night. It promises to be a fitting end to what has been a great season of league darts. It has been trying at times but packed with excitement as well.

The First Division final will see Nolan’s taking on Glenmalure.

Nolan’s booked an automatic spot in the final by topping the league table and it became apparent from an early stage the the Annagh men were hungry to regain their league title this season.

They made a shaky start to their campaign and looked rusty at times but as the league progressed they got sharper and by the end of it they were in dangerous form.

They have a team packed with big match experience and class and they look sure to go very close to lifting the title. Make no mistake about it though, it won’t be easy.

Glenmalure have been a bit of a surprise package this season. They won the Second Division last season and while everyone expected them to hold their own in the First Division, nobody quiet expected them to be in the final.

They had an excellent league campaign that culminated in them getting the better of the Grand in the semi’s. An exciting young team, not short of talent either, with the likes of Shane logger’ Byrne and Patrick Dunne, they were consistent right from the start and nobody looked forward to an away game in the Lodge because they knew they would get it tough.

Who ever wins the First Division title will have earned it.

The Second Division final promises to be equally as exciting. Its a local derby with Doyle’s taking on Fitzpatrick’s in the battle of the Village.

Doyle’s have beaten all before them this season. They are the only team across both divisions not to lose a match and have already won the Second Division cup.

They are a quality side and look sure to go close. However, Fitzpatrick’s will be no easy opposition.

They also enjoyed an excellent league campaign and only lost their first game in the final league game of the season.

They have plenty of good throwers at their disposal as well with the likes of Jason Giffney, Jay Devlin and Kenneth Peake.

Both sides know plenty about each other and this game has the potential to be a classic.