THE Buckinghamshire county youth darts team saw their winning streak come to an end after a 10-5 defeat against Suffolk on Sunday.

Bucks knew it was going to be a tough ask with some key players missing such as captain Liam Earwicker for the first match in the New Year.

The Under 18s started the game and Matt Brackley fought hard for a 3-1 win (10.70 average).

Things did not stay as planned however and the rest of the U18s were unlucky to lose including Toby McLeod 3-0 (15.53), Kelsey Harding 3-0 (9.66), Chardonnay Bowen 3-0 (12.31), Bailey Martin 3-2 (16.05) and finally debutante Josh Bean 3-2 (19.80).

Bucks ladies captain Alexandra Dorney put in a steady performance to win 3-1 (14.76) and be named Lady of the Match.

Holly Meadwell was unlucky to be on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat to a much-improved Emily Cribb and Remi Stone lost 3-1 (11.33) while making her debut.

Bucks had a youngest-ever age of just 17 in their U21s side and were unlucky to be on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat.

Tommy Funge made only his third appearance and came up against quality opposition but broke the 20-point average (20.21) in a 3-2 loss.

Matthew Marshallsay had some serious double trouble but eventually got a 3-0 win (12.53). Jordan Bowen lost 3-0 (16.64). He was followed by man-of-the-match Lennon Cradock who is still unbeaten after a 3-0 success (25.47).

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Lennon Craddock, right, was the Buckinghamshire Under 21s player-of-the-match.

The last player was vice captain Leo Beechey who not only had an incredibly tough draw when getting Nathan Potter but was representing the U21s for the first time at only 16 years of age. He lost 3-0 but was superb and achieved his highest ever on-stage average of 21.88.

The result might not have gone in the favour of Bucks but it does not paint the full picture of how close the game was. Bucks have a very young team who are showing a lot of potential.

Their next game is away at rivals Bedfordshire on Sunday 16th February.

Anyone under the age of 21 and interested in playing for the team should send an email to northbucksyouth@outlook.com.

  • THE 2020 Red Dragon Bucks Easter Darts Open will take place on Good Friday (April 10th) at the Cressex Community Centre in High Wycombe.

Players of all age and ability are welcome to play and entry on the day costs £10. All monies paid in will be paid out and there is extra prize money from the club.

Doors open at 10am with registration at 11am. The draw will take place at 12.30pm with competition starting at 1pm.

There will be a separate ladies competition and food is available on the day.

For further information contact Andy Long at 01494 266121.