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The Darts Fly at the Eudunda Invitational Tournament Last Weekend

October 2008

Eudunda was the venue for a sea of red Polo and T Shirts covering over 120 bodies which included 70 Plus Players both men and women, the organizers, Sponsors and the volunteers in the bar and kitchen creating an atmosphere of belonging and excitement.

In the absence of the previous two years winner Rod Modra who apologized for non attendance due to national playing commitments in Queensland Eudunda was blessed with an exceptional representation of the South Australian State players such as Craig Atze, Peter Machin, Colin Edwards, Laurie Loch, Darcy Mobbs, Matt Roessel, Colin Garner and an equal ability contestant in Ian Wise. Ian became the overall winner of the Eudunda Invitational Singles this year after only landing in Australia 6 weeks prior to emigrate from Buckinghamshire, England where he has represented his state no fewer than 75 times and also had played in two series of televised tournaments bringing him to us with the credentials of a very experienced darts player. Another notable representative was Frank Tarr a duel state player with SA and now Victoria who brought with him two State Victorian Juniors namely Michael Sardoz and Brett Shier who play in the Geelong Darts League.

After knocking out players of this calibre and advancing to the grand Final, Ian still did not have it his own way due to the bold darts thrown early by Darren Parfitt from the Southern Darts League. Darren led early with 5 games to 2 and looking as though he would overthrow his much more celebrated opponent but succumb to the pressure in the last few games giving Ian this year’s title 6 games to 5. The best placed local was young Terry Baker who was very proud to accept his trophy and most of all enjoyed the experience of playing against such high quality players.

Congratulations must go to the guys who patiently waited for the ladies final to be played first where the Jo Vardy Trophy along with the Eudunda Invitational Ladies Tournament trophy was eventually won by Margie Tonkin who had a hard fought game against an admiral opponent in Cathy Howarth who did not disgrace herself against her more experienced opposition. Both Ladies played the game in the right spirit and gave a good account of the standard of darts which is played currently by the women. Thanks must go to Darcy Mobbs who solely sponsored the purse for the ladies which was much appreciated. The best placed Local in this event was Jackie Baker who along with her son was not only proud of her achievements but was elated to think that Eudunda has the ability to run one of the best darts competitions in the State.

On the Saturday the competition was fierce and fun where players teamed up in a round robin both for men and women alike. The Bar was always well supported and the kitchen staff did not stop keeping the food up to the famished players. Raffle tickets were aplenty along with stories of 180’s as they were thrown realizing over 25 each day.

The eventual winners were Adam Ritchie and Marque Le-Maistre defeating Dave Wilson and Darcy Mobbs in a close encounter in the men’s Grand Final and in the ladies Jackie Clothier and Helen McCartney defeated Lyn Petherbridge and Margaret Tonkin in another tight encounter.

At the presentations Tim Knight of T Shirt City said he was honoured to be part of the competition and the old cliché of “Darts was the winner” certainly applied here but he felt that Eudunda also has gained and suggested that he would like to throw his hat in the ring again for next years event, which was endorsed by the other Major sponsors in Peter Herriman of Web South who promised to have all of the information and photos on the web site in the next week on www.eudundadarts.com along with Craig Atze from Bridge Trophies and Party Hire.

The Event Coordinator Colin Garner thanked Tim, Peter and Craig for their ongoing support along with all of the sponsors who made the event possible naming ohnno’s Freight from Kapunda who volunteered his services in bringing all of the board stands to and from Jamestown. Colin also then thanked the RSL for providing the catering which received a rousing cheer and the players for attending wishing them a safe journey home and inviting them back next year to do it all again.