Youngsters claim big scalp
Jelle shows his ‘Klaas’ against other local opponents
BILLY KELLY’S pub in The Faythe hosted Jelle Klaasen on Saturday evening as 20 locals took their chance to face off against the 2006 BDO world dhampion.
It’s not every day a world champion makes the journey to Wexford, but the visit proved hugely popular with locals and darts fans alike.
Kelly’s was packed to capacity, with all earnings being donated by the establishment to a worthy local charity.
The challenge of facing such darting prowess proved too tough an assignment for most locals, but there were two young, talented arrow-throwers that did take their chance to impress the Dutch man with some silky darts.
After Klaasen proved too hot for James Scott, Brian Newport, Corey Cullen and Eddie Murphy, James Evans stepped up to the oche. The young gun wasn’t going to be overawed and nailed his first dart at a double to take the leg.
Vinny Donnelly and Gavin Leniston were next to take their opportunity, but Klaasen did the business again.
However, things were a little tougher against his youngest opponent of the night.
Charlie Nolan might be only nine but he’s showing plenty of promise on the oche. Klaasen got the full force of that quality when, much like Evans, Nolan nailed his first shot at a double to take the leg.
An intermission came after Fran Murphy and Denis O’Brien were beaten, and nobody got the better of Klaasen in the remainder of the evening.
Those who later had a go included Ger Whooley, Graham Doyle, Paul Barry, Paul Gray, James Reck, Mikey Phillips, Eddie Kearney, Tina Gray, Colm Phillips and Richie Price.
After the success of this exhibition, organisers are looking for other opportunities to raise funds for local organisations, with Billy Kelly’s pub always keen to find ways of helping charities around the county.