Critchley’s decisive win

Herne Bay Darts League

The opening week of the Herne Bay & District Winter Darts League season produced three last-game thrillers. The first saw reigning champions Hampton Inn come from 3-2 and then 5-3 down to beat Angling Club A 6-5. Back-to-back singles wins from skipper Peter Furner and Steve Moys levelled the match before debutant Craig Critchley put in a man-of-thematch performance to defeat Anglers Les Bates 2-1. Anglers trio Luke Adby, Mike Brett and Kevin Moran all hit 180s, while Hampton’s Paul Dawkins checked out on 119. Last year’s wooden spoon winners, the Heron spent all season chasing a win but started this campaign with a 6-5 home victory over the Whitstable Labour Club. Luke Milner beat Labour Club’s Chris Bonici 2-1 to see the Heron take the points. The Catholic Club edged out the Rising Sun 6-5 with Martin Godden capping a fine debut by defeating Rising Sun skipper Alan Howlett in the decider. Newly-promoted Angling Club B lost 7-4 to last year’s runners-up Divers Arms for whom Mike Cattell hit two 180s. Dean Owen and Paul Knight checked out on 115 and 106 respectively. Smugglers Inn B won 9-2 away to Division 1 champions, the Chislet Colliery Club with debutant Joe Ralph among their winners.