It’s World Cup glory at last for Northern Ireland, as Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney majestically claimed the prize after a thrilling, nerve-shredding decider against Wales.
After over a decade of trying, and for the first time competing without The History Maker Brendan Dolan, the boys finally made history of their own. Dolan, the long-time pioneer of Northern Irish darts, must have been watching on with glowing pride as his compatriots came through an epic encounter against two-time champions Wales to get their hands on that coveted trophy.
As with so many tournaments before it, the theme of this World Cup was drama – and plenty of it. The finale twisted and turned like a tungsten-fuelled tornado, culminating in a shoot-out leg for the ultimate climax. Before revisiting one of the greatest finals of all time, it’s worth reflecting on how both teams reached the showpiece.
Against Germany in the semi-final, Northern Ireland had already found their groove: Rock handled the heavy scoring while Gurney focused on the finishing. They occasionally wandered into each other’s territory, but that was the basic formula – and it worked a treat.
Euphoria was still high across Frankfurt, with German fans still buzzing from their win over England. When the hosts edged out the Aussies in a dramatic quarter-final, the party was in full swing by the time they faced Northern Ireland. But just as quickly as the balloons went up, the Irish went round and popped them – figuratively, of course. Schindy and Pikachu, (as they are affectionately known) saw their hopes burst as the boys in green steamrolled them 8-1. The story? Northern Ireland were sharp, Germany were blunt.
Wales had the tougher route, battling a Dutch team that – from day of the event – came flying out of the traps. The orange-shirted pairing of Noppert and Van Veen looked irresistible early on in this one too, taking a 4-3 lead at the break. But after the interval, the Welsh lit the furnace. Like two raging red dragons, they breathed fire and melted the Dutch resistance with a five-leg burst that sealed their spot in the final.
And so to the main event. Passion aplenty as the four warriors took to the stage: ‘Rocky‘ alongside his new Bullwinkle – Superchin himself – and an unflappable Iceman next to the greatest Ferret darts has ever known.
It had all the makings of a blockbuster – and that’s exactly what unfolded. Northern Ireland raced into a 2-0 lead, the biggest margin until the very end. Rock fired in maximums at a chaotic rate while Wales, scoring decently, relied on their superior finishing to keep things tight. After fourteen pulsating legs, the teams couldn’t be separated. The title would now be decided over a best of five.
Northern Ireland opened up a two-leg gap to move within one of glory. But those relentless red dragons roared back, surviving four match darts to force a decider. Having won the bull, Northern Ireland had the advantage. Rock’s heavy scoring – aided my a huge visit from his partner – left Gurney on double eight – a target he clearly prefers to double five. First dart missed. No matter. The pride of Derry composed himself, pinned it, and secured World Cup immortality.
Their screams of delight likely echoed all the way to Belfast. Classy as ever, Gezzy and Jonny took defeat graciously, despite their clear disappointment, offering heartfelt congratulations.
On a night where Northern Ireland stood victorious, it was another massive win for the great sport of darts.
Semi-Finals
Northern Ireland 8-1 Germany
Wales 8-5 Netherlands
Final
Northern Ireland 10-9 Wales
—–ENDS—–
Images: Jenny Segers / PDC Europe
