Death of ex-player overshadows Oldham victory

Date published: 10 December 2014


DARTS

OLDHAM moved level with leaders Rochdale after beating their rivals 7-3 at home in the Lancashire GMC Super Eights Elite League — but it was a sad night as the team learned of the passing of ex-player John Kenway midway through the match.

Dave Adshead was the first Oldham winner on the night, 4-3 with a three-dart average of 89.78, before Dave Airey (4-2, 84.36) and and Dave Rawstron (4-0, 85.24) put the home team further ahead.

Rochdale pulled one back and after Ian Walters’ 4-3 win and 82.21 average had restored the balance, the table-toppers showed their worth by claiming the next two matches.

Offering to stop the match when the bad news came through on Kenway, Oldham decided he would have wanted the game to continue.

Captain Paul Cartwright averaged an excellent 96.97 on his way to a 4-0 win and he was followed home by Mark McGeeney (4-2, 81.03) and Lee Holden (4-1, 85.53) as Oldham made it level-pegging at the summit of the division.

One game remains, against third-placed Lune Valley, Lancaster, who are 17 points further back. It takes place at Crompton Conservative Club, Queen Street, on Sunday (12.30pm start).

On the death of Kenway, Oldham town team manager Graham Anderson said: “John was a very popular person and a quiet, unassuming character.

“He was a very good darts player, who last played for Oldham three years ago before having to give up because of ill health.

“John played for the old Roebuck and the Bridge Inn on Moorhey Street, and equally adept at log-end and 501. He will be very-much missed.”

Funeral details to follow.