For only £6 entry fee, players were competing for a total purse of £870 . New dart boards were in place, some new lighting had been installed as well as additional practice boards and free pool tables were available for the players between rounds. Andy Wilson, manager at Rileys also laid on platters of hot food throughout the afternoon for players and spectators.
The tournament enjoyed a large turnout with players from across the Lothians as well as East Stirlingshire, Ayrshire, Tay Valley, Lanarkshire and Fife. Pick of the early matches saw a good win for Mike Veitch against the prolific Andy Boulton. The tournament format was played down to the last 8 (qualifiers listed below) at which point a draw took place on stage to decide the quarter-final ties.
Tay Valley county player Ross Parsons had a good quarter-final win against former Scotland internationalist Andy Murray only to see his efforts to make the final ended by Mike Veitch in the semi. East Lothian’s Lee Sneddon, in his quarter final tie, was 2-1 up against Ryan Murray before Murray checked 150 to level the game before going on to win the deciding leg.
In the semi-final, Ryan Murray struggled to find his form against John Donaldson who was solid throughout and booked his place in the final against internationalist Veitch. And it was John Donaldson from Bo’ness with fantastic quality darts in the final that came out on top, winning the final 4-1. Well played and congratulations go to John.
A big thanks to all the players who turned out to play at what has become one of the most professional darts venues in the Lothians. Great value for money and a great afternoon out.
Prize winners below:
1st John Donaldson £350
2 Mike Veitch £170
3= Ryan Murray £75
Ross Parsons £75
5= Lee Sneddon £40
Gus Santana £40
Andy Murray £40
Colin Stuart £40
Furthest lady: Rone Mollison £40
