JERSEY Darts welcomed the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland and Guernsey over the weekend for the third edition of the Islands Internationals competition.
The Royal Hotel played host, with both men’s and ladies’ teams battling it out for Island supremacy.
Northern Ireland proved their worth again with dominant performances across the board.
The ladies’ side produced the best return of the Jersey contingent, losing to the Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man, but managing a tight win over Guernsey, while the men suffered three defeats.
“We were aiming for a better result, to be honest,” said men’s captain, Craig Quemard.
“I think we were slightly unlucky in some of the games, particularly the Guernsey match.
“That was a massive shame to be 6-4 up and not win.
“But the efforts from all the team were outstanding and I cannot fault anyone.”
Starting the men’s contest was a tough 6-7 defeat against IOM, who required an unusual compromise for half of their games.
Due to adverse weather, several Isle of Man players were unable to travel. However, Jersey offered them the chance to still play those matches online.
“I think it disrupted our rhythm quite a lot,” Quemard continued.
“The lads who played virtually really found it challenging.
“Darts is a very rhythmical game and, although it was the same for both teams, we definitely felt the effects.”
The ladies clash followed, unfortunately in a similar tone, as they lost 3-4.
Finding themselves 1-3 down, they fought back superbly, before falling in the deciding match.
Next up, the ladies faced a rampant Northern Irish side, who proved too strong, winning 1-6.
Jersey’s Ema Love said: “The entire weekend was chaos, but so much fun.
“It was brilliantly organised, despite the challenges we faced, and the competition was extremely high.
“Getting to share the oche with the Irish players is great, it’s exactly the challenge we want and need.
“Personally to get three wins from my three games was very satisfying, but the whole team performed really well.”
The men’s clash was similar as they lost 3-10, however Quemard was complimentary.
“I thought we played well against the Irish. To take three games off them with the quality of team they had was an excellent effort.”
Quemard himself was one of those three winners, alongside Taylor Greechan and Steve Eusebini.
Last up were rivals Guernsey, and the ladies stood tall, surviving a late Sarnian comeback to win 4-3.
Love added: “Of course, it was nice to get a win over Guernsey.
“The games were again close, but it was very satisfying to get that win, especially ahead of April’s inter-insular.
“We hold the bragging rights over them and this is another psychological win for us.”
The men, however, could not repeat the dose.
Finding themselves 6-4 up needing one more for the win, they lost their last three matches, including a final leg thriller in the deciding match, to lose 6-7 overall.
Skipper Quemard concluded: “We were gutted about that one. We always want to beat Guernsey, but our finishing really let us down.
“We will go back to the practice boards and look to right that result come the inter-insular.”
Jersey Ladies squad: Lorraine Porter, Tina Carver, Casey Lodwidge, Hope Hopwood, Jenna Avrill, Ema Love, Donna Le Clerq, Andrea John
Jersey Men’s squad: Craig Quemard, Lewis Bell, Sid Bell, Eddie Le Bailly, Steve Eusebini, Stuart Moon, Taylor Greechan, Mark James, Gareth Le Monnier, Dave Parlby, Geoff Anderton, Scott Ruderham, Craig Meddings Reserve: Nigel Greenwood
