This year’s ADC’s VAULT series has been busy crafting its own thrilling narrative, redefining the landscape of amateur darts across the UK and Ireland. It all began in December 2024 with the launch of Vault 10.0, quickly followed by the fast-paced drama of Vault 11.0. Now deep into Vault 12.0, the tour is storming ahead with the precision of a well-oiled pub crawl, steadily funnelling new talent into the rankings.
Since kicking off on 12th April and running through to 8th June, Vault 12.0 has already delivered its fair share of fireworks – from nine-darters to fierce regional rivalries. From the Highlands to the South Coast, players are throwing as if their lives – or at the very least, their pub bragging rights – are on the line.
Up in Scotland, Brett Morgan-Williams is leading with composed consistency, keeping the pack at arm’s length. Across the sea in Ireland, Ronan McDonagh holds top spot, but Sean McKeon and Alan Richards are refusing to let him coast. Northern Ireland is Colin McGarry territory for now, with a whopping 51-point lead that’s turned the race into a one-man exhibition.
Meanwhile in Wales, things are a little more chaotic – Mike Huntley leads, but Timothy Jones and Kieran Harris, with three wins apiece, are breathing down his neck. It’s just as tight in the North East, where Karl Coleman’s solid total of 229 points puts him in front, but not by much. Matt Clark is setting the pace in the North West with a big average and even bigger leg difference, while Pete Taun is quietly but effectively doing the business in Yorkshire & Humber.
Dan Nicholls is clinging to top spot in the Midlands, but only just – four other players are within eight points, making this region tighter than a trebles-only practice session. Neil Meneer is bossing the South West with dominant form week after week, while Johnny Haines holds the lead in South East & London, though Jason Heaver is right on his heels. In the East of England, Michael Wiles is running the show with 304 points and a ruthless 80.58 average.
But before Vault 12.0 stole the spotlight, it was the earlier series that laid the foundations for this year’s darts drama. Vault 10.0 saw David Sharp win in Scotland, John O’Shea in Ireland, and Colin McGarry dominate Northern Ireland. Mike Huntley took top honours in South Wales, with Jonny Barnes (North East), David Airey (North West), Tom Sykes (Yorkshire), and Jonathan Platt (Midlands) also coming out on top. Graham Jenkins ruled the South West, while Archie Self and Oliver King led the way in South East & London and the East of England, respectively.
Vault 11.0 then delivered a fresh crop of champions. Scott Robertson claimed the Scottish title, Ronan McDonagh returned to win in Ireland, and Dean Gallagher took over in Northern Ireland. Huntley retained his South Wales crown, joined by Scott Bannerman in the North. Gary Hayes and Steve Green led the North East and North West respectively, while Jasper Scarrott (Yorkshire), Dan Hands (Midlands), Jack Tweddell (South West), Chas Barstow (South East & London), and Ashley Coleman (East of England) completed the winners’ circle.
The end of June will see the launch of Vault 13 which will surely confound the old “unlucky for some” adage.
Perfect Moments:
We’ve also been spoiled with a flurry of nine-darters in this year’s Vault series. Most recently, Montrose saw Scott Winder nail the perfect leg. Back in March, Joseph Heywood delivered the goods in Oldham – not just a nine-darter, but backed up with three consecutive ton-plus finishes for good measure. February brought perfection from Oliver Mitchell in Bridlington and Jacob Cooksey in Middlesbrough, adding more sparkle to an already electric start to the season.
While not quite a nine-darter, one moment still worth shouting about came from 10-year-old Addison Hefferon, who became the youngest ever Vault winner after clinching victory at the Kempston Con Club in Bedford – a truly remarkable feat.
And the nine-dart magic hasn’t been limited to Vault alone. A few affiliated Open events have also seen perfection, with Tom Sykes (Green Bowling Club) and Brian Dawson (Darfield Cons) lighting it up in Yorkshire, and Callum Mitchell joining the club with his own moment of brilliance at the Windmill Club in the Midlands.
With the Winmau Championship Tour warming up nicely, Vault 12.0 nearing its grand finale, and Vault 13.0 set to begin almost immediately after, one thing’s certain: grassroots darts has never been in better health. Everything’s still to play for, but with every event offering precious ranking points, the sprint to the finish – on both sides of the water – is shaping up to be a full-blown chase.
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