After being recognised as an official service sport earlier this year, the Army Darts Association swiftly capitalised on the announcement by staging its inaugural championships with qualifying rounds held at garrisons across the country.
The top eight players then progressed to finals night, where Capt Jasper Scarrott (R Signals) had the honour of lifting the trophy for the first time.
The event was a long time coming for Lt Col Gary England (R Yorks), the organisation’s chair, a darts enthusiast from a young age who believes the discipline has huge potential moving forward.
“There were a lot of hurdles to get to where we are, with so many unsung heroes involved,” he told SoldierSport.
“In only eight months we have created the first Army Darts Championships and there are so many opportunities that can come from this exposure.
“People can play in barracks, overseas, in aircraft hangars, on ships or in guard rooms – the reach is massive.
“For me it is 23 years too late, and I know a lot of individuals who are now out of the army and are disappointed this did not happen ten years ago.
“Personnel can now play darts on a Wednesday sports afternoon – that is great.
“The players on stage tonight are feeling the nerves, but they are performing well and I’m so pleased we have got here.”
With the first major tournament complete England is now looking to the future and the raft of possibilities that exist.
“Hopefully this can encourage people to participate and create teams,” he continued.
“Our plan is to form regional leagues, so units across the UK can take part. That will create averages, which allows us to identify talent.
“It is all about growing the game and giving people another sporting opportunity.
“We want to create an army darts team, have personnel involved in the elite sports programme and bring all three services together on a stage like the Ally Pally.
“There are players here tonight who are capable of competing at televised events and there is so much talent out there, from young soldiers to late entry captains.”
The competition’s conclusion was not short of magic moments, from Sgt Danny Doyle (R Signals) checking out on 106 to win the opening leg of the evening to Cpl Darren McMahon (Scots) throwing a 180 with his first three darts.
The former went on to lose to Scarrott in the semi-finals, where he threw a 180 of his own, but said the thrill of the night will live long in the memory.
“That was one of the scariest things I have done,” he said.
“With everyone watching I was so nervous, but it was also the best feeling ever. Throwing that 180 was electric.
“It is crazy to think this is now an army sport. Everyone just assumed darts was a pub sport and that it would not happen, but there is so much interest.
“The standard is sky high. We have people who have competed on TV, as well as county players, so I was chuffed just to get here. I never dreamed of winning a quarter final and hitting a 180.”
Capt Tom Kinsey (RA) played at county youth level for Leicestershire and Derbyshire before joining the army at 16.
He has served for 26 years – which includes three Herrick tours – and the introduction of darts has allowed him to reconnect with the sport.
“I’m making up for lost time,” he said. “It is great that those now starting their careers have this opportunity.
“Since I qualified for this I’ve had at least six people contact me who play at lower levels but want to get involved at corps or army level, and this event will only create further interest.
“In football terms, coming here is like going from non-league to the Championship overnight. I’m probably a level below the others but I may never get this opportunity again.”
One of those hoping for further opportunities is Spr Matthew Richards (RE), who lost 3-2 to Doyle in the quarter finals.
A former youth county player for Glamorgan, he chose to join the army ahead of the Wales youth team eight years ago and is delighted to now be combining his career with his chosen sport.
“When I found out darts was recognised, I was absolutely buzzing,” the 25-year-old (pictured below) said.
“It means I can drop football and rugby and continue in the sport I love.
“I’m not disheartened by the result tonight. My average was good, and it could have gone either way. It has been a great experience and hopefully darts can now continue to grow and become more popular.”
