Selecta for the cup? It's just not cricket

The magic of the cup was in the air in the Holland Club Monday night. For the minnows it was a chance to take on some of the tuna (panini's?) of the IC league. Selecta had been drawn against
Cricketers who more than lived up to their name by actually being AT the cricket and arriving late. Ian, their Captain, could barely walk, but had a a great tan, in fact an all over body tan, which he could not quite explain:

When they did arrive they only had "a pair" though which led to some hasty negotiations, some teams (mentioning no names, you fat bastards) would have claimed the win had a fag and gone home, not Selecta however who always like to make sure that darts is the winner. A quick throw for the bull and 3 players had been (much to Ricky Pontings annoyance) substituted onto
the Cricketers team, Houses, Warrior and Magneto making the jump.

Game 1: Fours 701, Single in. Rampage, Devastating, Bags & Psyche

A nervous opening by both teams with darts pitching randomly before finding that trusted line and length saw Selecta just about maintain a lead a get to a checkout first before Nick stepped in and hit a beauty straight into the middle of the double at the first attempt, to quote Bags "shit". Cricketers 1, Select 0

Game 2: Doubles 501, Single in. Devastating & Psyche vs Ian & Warrior.

A game of solid good scoring by both teams particularly Devastating and Ian saw both
teams at the boundary ring quickly, all missed chances before Selecta repeatedly halved the score to x2 and found the double. Cricketers 1, Selecta 1

Game 3: Doubles 501 Single in. Kenergy & Bags vs. Houses & Nick.

A bit of a loosener for all concerned although there were some mutterings about bad light
before Kenergy decided to add some excitement with a non orthodox spin on the 30 Checkout. Double 2 then double 13 saw Selecta edge ahead. Cricketers 1, Selecta 2

Game 4: Singles 301, Single in. Rampage vs. Magneto.

The first singles game of the night also saw the first all Selecta duel, more than just the score at
stake in this one. Another close game on the way down with both players throwing in a mix of good and average scores, Rampage managed to step ahead toward the end before quickly taking double 4 on the inside edge of the wire. Cricketers 1, Selecta 3

Game 5: Singles 301, Single in. Psyche vs. Ian.

The Selecta man hit a lot of good scores all through the game but Ian was in inspired form showing the qualities of an all rounder, big scores, the pick of which was a 132, and deadly finishing, x16 first dart. Cricketers 2, Selecta 3

Game 6: Singles 301, Single in. Bags vs. Nick.

Not a lot to say about this one, other than both players will learn from the experience, as will the Selecta note takers - take notes on ALL games. With the series already decided by this point both players played for pride. Not sure who won, I vaguely remember Bags shouting "yes" and punching the air, might have been a win, might have a text from the bag lady. Cricketers 2, Selecta 4 and the matchaahhhhhhh.

Game 7: Singles 301, Single in. Kenergy vs. Houses.

Another all Selecta tie was a tense close affair with both players more concerned with not losing than winning. Kenergy again found his bounce at the end, double 8 wiggle wiggle. Cricketers 2, Selecta 5.

Captains Match

Devastating vs. Ian. 301 best of 3.

The Devastating start was anything but, whilst Ian raced ahead. Some pride was restored with a near century checkout which put the worries on Ian who came back and put a slider into D5. Ian 1 - Devastating 0.

A much better start from the Selecta captain this time (83) opened up a neck and neck race to the finish, both left x16 but with Ians awesome finishing Devastating had to hit it quick, he did. Ian 1 - Devastating 1

To a one leg shoot out for the game, Ian with a good start 85, the response 13, the nick name is gonna fast become deviating. Ian flew towards a finish with a big 125 to leave double 16 with Devastating still back in the changing room (like a 12th man) in the 200's. Ian, with time
on his side missed all 3 at x16, Devastating could smell a chance and hit a big 63 to add pressure, Ian steps up for x8, misses again, could Dave grab victory from the jaws of defeat? No. Ian squeaked home the double 8. 2-1 Ian Wins.

At this stage in the evening Rampage left the building missing Deavastatings two Captain's wins over Staggy and Heather (yes he actually beat a girl) to take him into the semi-finals. The draw was made and Dev drew the Captain of the Fat Boys, on hearing the good news Devastating turned confidently to the crowd "Wh wh wh wh Wipe Out."

So not a bad night all in all, pound-a-pint and Selecta progress nicely in the tournament, surely no-one would bet against them securing another second place. Also, how could I forget, England won the ashes as well, cricket totally slipped my mind. To celebrate another picture of Ian.