CARSONS ARROW IN ON NINE-MAN TROPHY

Top show from league champs

Airdrie & District Darts League champions Carsons took the Nine Man Trophy back to Coatbridge last week.

In the top half of the draw, they got off to a good start with a bye and despite their quarter-final opponents the Swan going into a quick lead it was business as usual for Carsons Bar as they marched through.

The Albert Bar were waiting and were on a high after eliminating The Forge, who have been playing well, but they were no match for Carsons, who beat them with plenty in hand including a 12-darter from Cameron Menzies.

In the other half plenty of teams had their chances.

The Workmen’s C beat The Bank Club and The Eagle to move into the semi-finals where fellow lodgers The Workmen’s B were waiting. The B team had beaten The Workmen’s A and Wilson Arms.

Ian McCaskill got the better of Stevie Carson in 20 darts, both with 180s, and Scott Gibb levelled for The B team, beating Tommy Rodman, again both with 180s.

So the old rivals in League champions Carsons and defending Nine Man Team champions The Workmen’s B lined up to battle it out in the best of nine legs with first to five the winner.

Graham Anderson gave Carsons the lead with a fine 18 darter and Ernie Brown made it 2-0 when he gave Gerry Brown little chance, as he won in 16 darts.

Scott Gibb then had a chance of a 13- dart win against Jim McGeary, however jitters at the double gave McGeary a chance.

Just as he seemed ready to finish the tie, Gibb regained his composure and finished the job to get the Workies lads back in the match.

But when Cameron Menzies threw a nine- dart leg on the warm-up board he was full of confidence taking on David Cunningham, but there was no fireworks as Carsons made it 3-1.

Derek Cunningham and Ian Gibb both missed chances before Cunningham got the all-important double to make it 4-1.

Carsons then only needed one leg to take the title and that happened in the next game when Frank Quinn hit double top to see off Tam Ferguson and at last take The Nine Man Title to