Pairman breaks the mould to win title

Post duo fight out classic final

Fans of the Airdrie and District Darts League witnessed a moment of history when two players from outside the big two battled it out in the Singles Championship final for the first time in over a decade.

A duo from The Post took centre stage as Calderbank pair Tommy Rodman and Dougie Pairman fought for the title.

Pairman, who has been seen as a dark horse over the past few months, took home the spoils in the end against a gallant Rodman.

Rodman was in good form as he beat Davie Raeside in the last 16, before he pulled out all the stops to beat reigning champ Stevie Carson.

He then had to up his game again to stun Scott Bailey.

Bailey - viewed as a fantastic prospect for the future by Monklands darts fans - could not match the big finishing of Rodman, who made the final.

Pairman also eased through to the final, only dropping one leg.

That was to Wullie Gilmour of The Clansman - and he outgunned Kenny Campbell and Charlie Morrisey on a successful night.

In the final, Rodman started well with a 16-dart win to put him a leg up in the best-of-seven final.

Then Pairman rattled in three 20dart legs to gain control but Rodman fought right to the end - in fact a brace of 20-darters took it to the deciding leg.

Dougie Pairman finished with a flourish and a fantastic 160 checkout won the title with Rodman losing nothing in defeat.

It is Pairman’s first season in the league and he is undoubtedly a fantastic talent with everyone looking forward to the defence of his title next year.

•There was plenty of supporting events on grand finals night and the Doubles Championship was won by Frank Quinn and Cameron Menzies, who beat Carsons team mates Derek Cunningham and Graham Anderson in the final.

Menzies was in great form here with a 144 checkout which helped him and Quinn win the final 3-1.

The first pairs win for Quinn and Menzies denied Anderson and Cunningham a sixth doubles title.

There was a shock in the ladies’ final where Karen Gallacher of the Boar’s Head came from 2-0 to beat Laura Pearson of The West End.

There was more a case here of Pearson getting the jitters than anything else.

She was well in control and Gallacher grew in confidence as the match progressed,

Pearson no doubt will be kicking herself missing 24-darts in different legs at a double to take the title.