2003-09-01

Most surprising news to come out of the West Midlands County darts Organisation’s camp during the close season is the shock resignation of Dot Harvey. For many seasons Dot has said to me that she was thinking of resigning, but fortunately for the county she had a change of heart and continued the good work. Now she has actually done what she has threatened.
Dot has been associated with the West Midlands for in excess of twenty years, a magnificent accomplishment. For sixteen of those years she has been the County’s secretary. She has achieved a remarkable record throughout her twenty years in so much as she has only missed one game, a true sign of her dedication and devotion to the county. I think under the circumstances, she can be excused for her one leave of absence due to the fact that she had only been discharged from hospital the previous day.
Dot has been a martyr to the cause for the West Midlands, not only travelling the length and breadth of the country in all weathers, but also for her commitment in ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She would organise the travelling to away venues and the setting up and running of numerous competitions together with uncountable other tasks that many people will only begin to appreciate now she is no longer there to do them.
I would personally like to thank Dot for her help and assistance over the years in providing invaluable information for this column and helping to get the name of the West Midlands spread far and wide.
Although Dot is retiring from the senior squad she will continue to run the youth teams, the under 18’s she nurtured and taken into pole position in their section.
I’m sure everyone who knows Dot will join me in wishing her a happy semi retirement from the county scene and all the very best for the future, she will be sorely missed throughout the circuit.
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Talking of the county scene West Midlands have been engaged in their county play off’s for the Winmau World Masters Competitions which, they staged at their headquarters, Gilberts Bar, Willenhall.
West Midlands have for many years had two famous Jones players, namely Ian and Wayne, but it appears they have now found another to add to their list, that of Ian. With two players going through to the grand finals, in Ian’s half of the draw he played against seasoned county man Alan Cockayne in the quarter finals and won 2-1. He then went on to face a regular county ‘B’ player Jamie Parsons and again won by the same scoreline to set up a final encounter against the experienced Eddie Price.
Jones was yet again taken to a decider, but once more was successful and booked his place in the grand finals.
From the other half of the draw Steve Penwright was the victor. Steve had tough opposition in the semi’s in the form of Darren Williams, whom he defeated by 2-1. He then had to take on a possibly tougher opponent in the shape of Wayne Jones.Jones had just come through a gruelling tie with his namesake Ian, the result the popular one of the day 2-1 in Wayne’s favour.
As in the previous games the final finished with a 2-1 scoreline, but to most people’s amazement it was Steve Penwright who got the decision.
Only one lady was to go through to the grand finals, which made it an even more fiercely fought contest. Making up the final were Angie Perry, who had previously taken out Teresa Johnston and Debi Hackett, and Claire Hobbs, who had accounted for Sara Jukes. As in the men’s competition the final went the full distance with Angie Perry just getting the better of the 2-1 result.
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The South West Birmingham Clubs Summer League have been engaged in their men’s and women’s singles competitions. Congratulations go to T. Corbett who won the men’s event with C. Geenes runner up and K.Cahill who lifted the ladies crown after her final win over S.Reynolds.
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In this day and age when many local league’s have either folded or are struggling to find enough teams to keep the players interested, it is heart warming to hear of a new league making an entrance.
John Jones, for many years associated with the West Midlands Super League, Tipton’ record breaking Super League team and many other local leagues has announced the inauguration of the Sandwell and District League. Matches will consist of five singles, best of three legs of 501 and one 601 doubles game.
Well done John keep up the good work.
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Finally I would like to thank Lee Woodhouse, manager of the O² shop in Merry Hill for helping to keep this column going. To explain, I recently purchased a new mobile, but unfortunately after only a few weeks it began to have problems. It was suggested it would have to go away to be repaired and it could take up to four weeks. I explained to Lee how vital my mobile was to this column and without further ado he exchanged it for a new one. On behalf of my contributors, darts and especially me, many thanks Lee for being so understanding and helpful in what could have been a really difficult situation.
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