Northern Ireland star Josh Rock’s year has gone from cloud nine to stratospheric – and come Sunday, he might just be in orbit. The 24-year-old Antrim born arrow-smith overcame Gerwyn Price 16-11 to reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay.
After making early dashes to the airport on his previous two visits to Blackpool, Rocky has finally managed to stick around a bit longer this time. Naturally, when in Blackpool, it’s hard not to mention rock. But we’re not talking about the cylindrical, sugar-based souvenir that shatters your teeth – not this time.
The Rock in question is Josh. And right now, that name is running straight through the Winter Gardens like a stick of the stuff.Facing Gerwyn Price – fresh off title wins in Poland and Germany – it was always going to be a belter.
The Welshman has been breathing the sort of fire his Red Dragon branding promises, while Rock, fresh from a World Cup win alongside Daryl Gurney, has been hitting form with in emphatic fashion. Luke Littler said in his post match press conference to expect fireworks. He wasn’t wrong.
Both players were lobbing little tungsten rockets.Sixteen legs in and, as predicted, there was nothing between them. If the treble 20 could talk, it would’ve been screaming for mercy after being relentlessly pounded. The doubles were landing at a frightening rate too – both men comfortably over the 50% mark.Then came a burst – and Josh timed it perfectly to lead 11-8 – enough of a leap forward to see the finishing line peeking over the horizon. A brief exchange followed which didn’t affect the deficit but added to the leg count – 13-9.
And then, Rocky found another gear, floored the accelerator, and ran off with it – sealing a 16-11 win.The stats will show both players scored and finished at a high level. But the difference? Rock’s relentless 140-hitting and, crucially, his timing. Gezzy, magnanimous in defeat, embraced Rock on stage – the second time in a matter of weeks the pair have shown mutual respect after a heavyweight contest. Other being the World Cup final.After the match, I asked Josh how he’d felt in the build-up. He gave a detailed answer – spa treatments and all.
“Yeah, I felt very confident all day. I went to the sauna, swimming pool and jacuzzi – Gezzy was there too, and I did that…” [At this point, Josh made a little gesture with his fingers, circling them around his eyes, which I must describe since this isn’t a video. It basically meant: “I see you, Gezzy.”] …and he did the same back. We’re very friendly. But you’ve got to believe in your game – there’s no point being here if you don’t.”
Behind every top darts player, there’s a team helping to keep things steady – people who support, encourage, and let the thrower focus on what matters. Earlier this week, Josh spoke about being stuck in a rut with his management and manufacturer.
So how much does he attribute this rise to his partnership with Target Darts and current manager Rab Bain?”It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. As soon as everything was finalised – especially with Rabbie helping me out – and when I heard Target wanted me, I said, ‘Happy days.’”
“As a kid, I always wore a Target shirt. I was twelve years old thinking, ‘One day, I’d love to be sponsored by them.’ Then I got that phone call from Gary [Plummer – the big boss at Target, say no more] and I was delighted.
“It’s already been a pretty good year for Rocky. A World Cup in the bag, playing blistering stuff that would require me about 60 darts just to get close – and now, a Matchplay semi-final. In fact, I’d go as far as to say he’s a pretty great advert for marriage. Right, Josh?”Everybody get married!” he laughed.
“Since I got married, everything’s changed – and it’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m a father of two kids.”
No, the World Matchplay won’t be a third child – but it’s definitely a baby Josh Rock would love to cradle in his arms.
Dare to dream? He already has.
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Images: T Lanning/ PDC
