THE annual Inter Insular Darts contest returns to Jersey this weekend, with the island once again playing host to Guernsey in what promises to be another finely balanced two-day battle at the Best Western Royal Hotel.
With bragging rights, pride and silverware all on the line, both islands arrive with recent history showing just how little separates them.
The 2025 edition proved as much, with the men’s contest producing heartbreak for Jersey as both the A and B sides narrowly lost 5-4 in their respective fixtures.
The ladies, however, ensured home success with a determined 5-4 victory of their own, keeping Jersey’s name on the trophy in one of the closest finishes in recent memory.
This year, anticipation is once again high, and both camps are speaking with quiet confidence ahead of the opening darts.
Ladies captain Ema Love will lead a group that blends experience with a noticeable injection of youth. Despite that, her message remains upbeat about the group’s preparation and spirit.
“We are doing good, putting in the practice as always,” she said. “We have a slightly less experienced team this year, for some it’s only their second time, so probably a few nerves but we will enjoy it as we always do.
“Taking on Guernsey has got to be our favourite tournament and as we’ve seen from previous years, it’s usually the last game and last leg to determine who walks away with the trophy. The girls really have put in the hard work and hopefully that will show on the day.
“I’m extremely proud of them all as it’s not easy to get up on that stage. It would be great to get a win without it going to a nail biting end.”
On the men’s side, captain Craig Quemard (right) is equally determined to turn narrow margins into winning moments after last year’s double disappointment.
“Every year I’m always confident in the lads to get the job done and this year is no different,” he said. “Unfortunately last year both our A & B teams lost 5-4 with both matches going down to a last game decider so this year myself and the boys are determined to get revenge and bring the trophies back to Jersey.”
The action begins tomorrow from 2pm with the CI Finals, where the opening match-ups will be drawn live, before the Men’s B teams take centre stage from 7pm.
Sunday sees the ladies in action from 1pm, with the Men’s A contest bringing the weekend to a close from 7pm, rounding off what is expected to be another tense and fiercely competitive chapter in this long-running rivalry.
Saturday
C.I. Finals – from 2pm
Men’s B – from 7pm
Sunday
Ladies – from 1pm
Men’s A – from 7pm
Jersey Squads
Men – A: Craig Quemard (c), Lewis Bell, Sid Bell, Steve Eusebini, Taylor Greechan, Dave Parlby, Mark Buckingham, Nigel Greenwood, Stuart Moon; B: Mark James, Craig Brolly, Steve McDonald, Olly Mulcahy, Geoff Anderton, Gareth Le Monnier, Geoff Mauger, Dave Moore, Aaron Kearney
Ladies: Ema Love (c), Jenna Avrill, Hope Hopwood, Donna le Clercq, Casey Lodwidge, Andrea John, Tina Carver, Caz Hillion, Courtney Picot
