|
The first ADA AmberBock Darts Challenge took place on Saturday, June 19th in Springfield, Massachusetts. Held at the Knights of Columbus, three-person teams representing players from the New England states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut participated.
Sponsored by Michelob AmberBock organized and directed by ADA Massachusetts Representative, Rick Rheault it was a great day of darts. Assisting Rick was ADA New Hampshire Rep, Jon Rice.
The Challenge competition was actually an Express League format, single elimination race to nine points. Limited to the first 16 teams who registered one thousand dollars in prize money was awarded to the top eight teams with plaques presented to the winner and runner-up. After a full day of competition Team X from Worcester, Massachusetts defeated the New Haven, Connecticut Mashers 9-7. Full results complete with ppda’s will be posted
to the web site at a later date.
 In addition to the Challenge I took advantage of the event to organize a Western Massachusetts Darting Association (WMDA) “reunion”. Way back in 1977 I founded the WMDA and brought the first dart league to western Massachusetts. It quickly grew from two taverns to 237 and from sixteen members to 1100 to become the second largest darts club in New England. Past members were invited and I asked them to bring any memorabilia from those days gone past.
Many members stopped by and it was a day full of great stories and wonderful memories. Jan Bauver the unofficial WMDA historian brought here three-ringed binder, full of priceless articles and photos. Of the many who stopped by it was special to see the only member I gave a lifetime membership to Connecticut me mber, Lenny Smith. In 1977 and with partner Scott Walker, Lenny was the National Unicorn Doubles Champion and went on to many other titles in his career. He retired from the sport many years ago and took the trip from Connecticut to attend the reunion.
Two blind draw doubles, cricket & 501 rounded out the full day of activities. A special thanks to Rick Rheault & Jon Rice for there support and to the management team at the Knights of Columbus for a great job in hosting this event.
|