It’s just like a party: Wick’s friendly darts weekend hailed as ‘absolutely amazing’
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Up to 150 darts players from across the north gathered in Wick to enjoy the party atmosphere of the annual Friends of the Glass weekend.
Organisers were delighted with the turnout as well as the support of sponsors, with total prize money of £7200 up for grabs.
Players from Shetland, Orkney, Inverness, Moray and Aberdeenshire joined members of the local darts fraternity for three days of competition in the Seaforth Highlanders’ Club.
Arthur Bruce, one of the four-strong organising team alongside Malcolm Begg, Liz Ronaldson and Claire Thain, said: “It was absolutely amazing. It was without a doubt the biggest weekend that the club has ever had.”
Main sponsor this year was Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd, with many others also contributing to the prize fund.
“Without the sponsors, it could never go ahead,” Arthur said. “There was over £7000 given out in prize money.
“The previous record for pairs on the Saturday was 59 and we had 66. The three days that we had were all the busiest ones – the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“Everybody stayed and they all seemed to really enjoy themselves. They’re all saying they are coming back.
“What boosted it as well was a lot of younger local guys coming to play in it.
“All the prizes for the raffle were donated by darts players and local businesses. Without them we couldn’t do it, it’s as simple as that. All the vibes we’re getting are really good.
“At the end of the day it’s a team effort and it’s great for the club. All the lassies that work behind the bar, they never got a minute to themselves.”
Arthur added: “It takes a bit of organising but it’s well worth doing when you see so many people just enjoying themselves.
“They come from everywhere. I think the thing with Wick is it’s so friendly. Other competitions you go to, everyone sort of keeps themselves to themselves – but here it’s just like a party.”
Mixed triples (Friday) – Winners: Ryan Campbell, Dave King, Linda Simon. Runners-up: Martin Campbell, Craig Quinn, Rachel Mackay.
Pairs (Saturday) – Men’s winners: Nicky Denoon and Craig Quinn. Runners-up: Aidan Sutherland and Lewis Plank. Semi-finalists: Dave King / Robbie Campbell, Stewart Tait / James Howden.
Ladies’ winners: Sarah Stephen and Hollie Ridgers. Runners-up: Elizabeth Irvine and Gemma Irvine. Semi-finalists: Gemma Alexander / Katie Croy, Morgan Perry / Alison Tait.
Singles (Sunday) – Men’s winner: Kevin Gray. Runner-up: Lewis Plank. Semi-finalists: Aidan Sutherland, Jamie Gray.
Ladies’ winner: Courtney McBain. Runner-up: Sammie Campbell. Semi-finalists: Rachel Dick, Sarah Stephen.
