It was back to the oche on Monday night last as the 2022/23 season began with a full complement of matches in all four divisions of the Cork Darts Organisation men’s leagues.
The big game in the men’s Premier league was the meeting of the Joshua Tree and the Groves 1 at the Blarney Street venue and it was the Groves who came through in this clash with a 4/1 win over their rivals.
The highlight of this encounter was the meeting of home player William Goulding against Robbie O’Donovan in the first game of the evening.
Four hands of 180 were shared between the players and in excess of 6 scores of 140 or more in what was a marvellous game with O’Donovan going on to take the honours on a three legs to one score line and setting his team on their way to a 4/1 win on the night.
It proved to be a perfect start for both Quinlans teams operating in the Premier league as Quinlans 1 took the win by 4/1 after their visit to play the Groves 2 who were equal to reach the same heights as their second squad.
The Cow bar who had a fine 2020/21 season began this current one with an away loss as they fell by four games to one against Quinlans 2.
Top of the Hill welcomed newly promoted Ma Dulleas to their venue on Gurranabraher Road but Ma Dulleas were there on business and came away with a business like performance as they took three points from the clash as against the Hill’s 2 points.
The first division league saw three out of the four games end in 3/2 score lines as over in section one the Gallows came through on a 3/2 score line in their home game against D’Anglers with the second game in section one also a 3/2 result with the three points going to the Local 1 against O’Cionnaighs.
Section 2 of the first division saw Gallows 2 win 3/2 against the Old Reliable while the Joshua Tree 2 were 4/1 winners away to Aunties.
The second division section one had Carrigaline GAA win 3/2 in their first game in over two years as they were winners away to the Glenryan 2 with the Joshua Tree 3 winning 3/2 at home against the Red Cove Inn.
Glenryan 1 won four points away from home as they travelled to near neighbours Jack Fords and were 4/1 winners in section 2 with the Gallows 3 also winning here in section 2 against the Maple Leaf by 3/2.
Score lines from the third division saw the Riverlane go down at home against the Residence in their local derby while the Muskerry Arms whitewashed Hennessy’s by 5/0.
Nick Buttimer was the victor by three legs to two in the Cork County Board men’s ranking competition number 2 held in the Riverlane on Sunday last with Dean Forde in the runner-up position.
The next trial to be held will be Sunday October 2 again at the Riverlane Lounge.
A delegate meeting will be held on Tuesday next at the Local Lounge on Military Hill.
Frank Goulding.