December 30th saw my last competitive game of 2018 at my Superleague venue of Morecambe Cricket Club. This event is kindly sponsored and supported each year by Lloyd South Lakes BMW. This event is where we all play and raise lots of money for our local St John's Hospice.
There were a few other competitions and grand slams on on this day however I will always try to support local comps and charities as well as giving back to our great Superleague sponsors. Despite the other competitions there was still a fantastic turn out with 53 men and 15 ladies all aiming to take the championship crown.
For extra experience and practise I also entered the mens open too. Amongst the mens field which ranged from Scotland to Fleetwood! A fantastic field of men including Dave Chisnall, Wes Newton, Tony Newell, Darren Place and former Scotland international Ronnie Sharp.
I got a bye in the first mens round and drew former Scotland international Ronnie Sharp second round. Despite being in some discomfort with my back and legs I played solidly and seized victory with a nice 3.0 and a cheeky double double finish. My second mens match was against Lancashire team mate and Fleetwoods own "The Warrior" Wes Newton, after taking the first leg and sticking with Wes all the way he pipped me to into a 1.3 defeat. Despite losing I was happy how I'd played, I just needed to take those chances!
On to the ladies I drew fellow Superleague team mate Lucy Fay. It was a good game but my experience and a nice 180 set me on my travels trying to defend my crown of the past 2 years. My second game saw me take on yet another Superleague team mate a good friend Kerri Forrester-Willacy. Kerri played the best I have ever seen taking it all the way. I just had the luck at the very end hitting the double to snatch victory 3.2. The final was against Margaret Ferguson from Scotland. I have played her and Ronnie Sharp together in the Scottish Open, where they knocked me and my partner out in the 4th round. It wasn't the best of finals but I got the job done with a resounding 4.0 victory..
A slight rest for January before it all starts up again, I am going to use the time to chill an try to sort out my back problems. I will be watching the BDO players playing a the infamous Lakeside on TV. Perhaps next year...IT MIGHT BE ME!!!!
Health, wealth and happiness to all - See you in 2019!!