Over the recent May Day Bank Holiday weekend, the inaugural WADC Vault 1.0 delivered a bustling and thoroughly encouraging snapshot of the women’s grassroots darts scene, with venues across the United Kingdom and Ireland hosting packed evenings of tungsten action from Friday through to Monday.
Beginning on the Friday night with a cluster of events spread across England and Wales. At the United Services Club in Harwich, Wendy Collins emerged victorious, overcoming Shaunna Hughes in the final. Meanwhile, over in Evesham at The Bengeworth, Tammy Jones secured the title ahead of Ruby Kennedy.
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Wales also joined the opening-night festivities as Briton Ferry Working Men’s Club in Neath saw Eve Watson claim victory in a six-player field, defeating Gail Williams in the decider. Elsewhere, Bar 1895 in Oldham crowned Eleanor Cairns as champion, while The Arena in Crewe staged a Silver event won by Joanne Oldershaw.
Saturday’s action maintained the momentum, beginning in Rhyl where Jackie Brighton triumphed at The Royal Oak. Further north in Hebburn, Toni Straughan took the honours at Jordan’s Bar, while Eston Labour Club in Middlesbrough saw Kelly Haverson emerge victorious.
Wallasey’s Great Float Social Club produced success for Emma Barlow, while Newark’s Castle & Falcon witnessed another strong turnout with Joanne Oldershaw adding a second title of the weekend to her growing haul. In Southend-on-Sea, Keeleigh White completed Saturday’s list of winners at The Len Forge Centre.
Sunday proved to be the busiest day of the entire schedule, with tournaments stretching from Scotland to Northern Ireland and throughout England. Clacton Sports Bar crowned Lisa James, while The Market Gate in Skelmersdale saw Eileen Harrison take the title before later reaching another final in Oldham.
At Peterlee Central Club, Jody Hancock came through successfully, while Longton Snooker & Pool Club in the Midlands witnessed yet another victory for the ever-impressive Joanne Oldershaw. Chelmsford Social Club produced a win for Karen Williams, and Rushden Windmill Club’s Silver event was claimed by Rebecca Rose.
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Also on Sunday, titles went to Bridget McGuire in Waterlooville, Apylee Jones in Dorking, Sophie McKinlay in Stirling, Danyela Parish Bolton in Oldham, and Amber O’Toole in Larne.
The busy long WADC Vault weekend stretched into bank holiday Monday with another extensive schedule. Minehead’s Banckers Draught celebrated success for Zoe Liddle, Carlisle saw Liz Humphries triumph at Qzone, and Jo Rolls claimed top spot in Basingstoke.
There were further victories for Eileen Harrison in Preston, Sandra Page in Norwich, Leanne Topper in Birkenhead, and Jade Gill in Washington. Shrewsbury’s Bagley Sports & Social Club hosted a remarkable triple-header, with Steph Clarke winning two of the events and Jackie Brighton taking the remaining title.
From packed social clubs to thriving local darts venues, the early stages of the maiden WADC Vault 1.0 provided compelling evidence of the rapidly expanding strength and enthusiasm within the women’s grassroots game.
For Players intrigued, a visit to www.dartscircuit.com offers the gateway. Register attend one of the hundreds of affiliated venues and immerse yourself. The trajectory from local league hopeful to recognised contender often begins in these modest yet indispensable arenas.
So, if you operate a venue with a strong affinity for darts – or know someone who does – now is the time to act. Follow this link register your interest in becoming part of a progressive team and a truly outstanding initiative.
——ENDS——
Images: ADC
