Queen of the oche

Janet Fox: chairwoman of the board

DARTS:

“SHE’S a legend, you know. It’s her choice to play against the men, because she’s that good.”

That is how local darts expert Graham Anderson describes Janet Fox.

Janet, from Chadderton, is celebrating a notable landmark on the oche — 200 appearances for Lancashire.

The 65-year-old made her county debut in 1982, against the old enemy, Yorkshire. She lost the match, but it started a darts career which shows no sign of stopping.

So how did she get the darts bug?

“My husband, Eric, used to play cards in the tap room at The Horton Arms, in Middleton Road,” said Janet. “There was a darts board, so I decided to have a go.

“It started out as a bit of fun really, but here I am, still playing.”

Janet, who practices half-an-hour each night at home, hasn’t looked back.

She has gone on to win numerous individual and team honours, as well as the Inter-Counties title wearing the red rose.

Janet also manages the Oldham women’s team which competes in the Lancashire Super League.

Such is her expertise on the local circuit, she is more than happy to play alongside the men for the Rifle Range pub and Blue Club.

Janet has also tested her skills against some of the best women players in the business. She won the first two legs against 2010 BDO World Championship runner-up Rhian Edwards, of Wales, before eventually succumbing to defeat.

She has passed on her mastery with the “arrows” to daughter Shereen Downs, who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with mum in Lancashire colours.

“I was made up when I was first picked for the county,” said Janet, who plays around nine matches a season for Lancashire, which includes trips as far afield as Kent and Surrey.

“I just enjoy playing. I did retire for a while, but I missed it and wanted to get back into it.

“It’s like being the member of one big family. I’ve made so many friends over the years — good friends — and we have a good time.”