GUERNSEY men’s darts players could arrow their way into the history books in Jersey this weekend. Captain Mick Le Gallic will be playing in his eighth inter-insular and after having been beaten in his first in 1995, he has not lost since.
Along with team-mate John Cusack, Le Gallic will be attempting to set a new record of seven wins in a row and the team will be all out to create a new best of four wins on the trot.
‘I’m quietly confident,’ said Le Gallic.
‘Everyone seems to be playing well and is quite confident. It’s always tight between the two teams - it’s a dart here and a dart there - that’s how close it is.’
Terry King and Mark Fletcher are the new caps with uncapped Kevin Brouard the official reserve.
The rest of the team comprises Jason Allez, Rob Davidson, Rob Foss, Micky Ogier and Colin Prigent.
Last year Guernsey’s men’s team edged a 5-4 thriller.
‘I think we can do it again but we will find out on Saturday - we are pretty strong,’ said Le Gallic.
Guernsey are benefiting from fresh faces each year, said the captain.
‘We keep getting different people coming in and a lot of new people are pushing their way through. I think last year’s team was one of the strongest we have ever had.’
He believes this year’s has a good mix of youth and experience.
‘I don’t think Jason Allez is the youngest player any more. Mark Fletcher is a little bit younger.’
Despite his experience Le Gallic admits he still gets butterflies before the annual battle.
‘Even the likes of Micky Ogier, who has played more than 20 times for Guernsey, is as nervous as 15 years ago. It does not matter who you are: it’s a cross between nerves and adrenalin that gets you through,’ he said.
He has no doubts Channel Islands darts standards are rising.
‘There is never a lot between the teams. There is a double miss here and there between us. If you take the chances, you win.’
Le Gallic is expecting a few big finishes and is hoping the travelling support can spur the side on to victory.
‘This year we are taking nearly 60 people and have a good following - they are like an 11th man. It’s noisy and makes for a good atmosphere.’
Allez is notorious for springing a few surprises each year with his cleverly shaved and colourful head designs and this time is expected to be no different.
‘I have heard a couple of rumours it might be a Guernsey donkey design on his head. Most of us would not have it done - some of us are running out of hair and would not have enough to get it done,’ joked Le Gallic, 37, who works in technical services for Bucktrout & Co. Ltd.
One of the team selectors, Tony Holland, who is also PR officer for the Guernsey Darts Association, said: ‘Terry King is playing very well and Jason Allez is Guernsey’s number one and in outstanding form. I pity anybody that comes up against him.’
Tomorrow’s action starts with the women’s clash at the Ommaroo Hotel at 5.30pm followed by the men at about 8.30pm.
Le Gallic’s wife Yvonne is the non-playing captain of the women’s team which comprises June Allen, Joanne Fallaize, Linda Eborall, Pauline Chick, Julie Murphy, Marilyn Atkinson, Alvena Renouf, Gill Le Cras and Sue Topley. Reserve is Caroline La Touche.
Murphy and Atkinson are the two new caps.
‘I’m especially chuffed for those two because they have been playing darts a long time and both deserve their place,’ said the captain.
Last year the women were 4-0 up but lost despairingly 5-4 in a Lazarus-style comeback, but hopes are high of reversing that score this time.
Tonight, before the team action, the Guernsey Darts League final takes place with singles play-offs to find the overall Channel Islands champion - the only open competition against Jersey.
The winner of Chris Smith and Micky Ogier will play the Jersey champion. There are also pairs and three and four-a-side matches.
Allez won the CI Championship last year but was knocked out in the first round this year by Kevin Brouard.
Article posted on 27th April, 2007 - 12.00am
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