Ipswich Town Supports London Branch

Popularly referred to as the most successful Ipswich Town team of modern times, the London Branch Supporters Club darts team, recently concluded their 2008-9 season by winning their 4th team gold medals within the last 12 months.

Going into the game as current holders, the London based Tractor boys and girls defended their hold on the knock out cup on Tuesday 16th June against a powerful Derby County side who had just finished the season as runners up in the Premier League.

Having won the Trophy around a year ago, at the same Lord Clyde venue, the London team had no intention of relinquishing their hold on it without a fight. The Blues have also won The Super Cup, against the best of the league at the league’s annual presentation evening, and recently took the second division title, following demotion from the premier league at the end of last season.

With the odd exception both sides fielded their strongest squads.

Memories of 12 month’s earlier flooded back as the Town heroes lost the first team leg, although in sequence Scott Walker, Martin “Chester” Ringwood and John ”The Colonel” Last threw a succession of darts at the wire any one of which would have given us an early lead had it been a millimetre nearer. Stand in skipper Paul Ebblewhite rang the changes for the following pairs round, proving to be an astute tactician as we went into a 2-1 lead against two extremely powerful Ram’s duos as firstly former league singles champion Mike "The Landlord" Walton, on this occasion accompanied by Chris Farthing, and skipper Paul hit winning doubles. A 140 at a crucial time by Scott put Paul into this position.

Tons for both Ray “The Kid” Elliot and John in the final pair, proved insufficient in the final analysis as the score, after this series ended, was 2-2. A war of nerves in selections for the singles ensued with Derby seemingly having won it by forging into a 4-2 lead.

Sacrificially, following Ray’s defeat, Paul set himself against a very powerful opponent in Michael Howell. On the night it has to be said that of all the Town boys Paul was the most likely to beat this opponent. The fact that he didn’t is testament to some brilliant darts. Paul could no doubt have beaten any other opponent on the night but selflessly chose to help the team rather than seek an easy win to keep his season long 100% record intact. For the next two legs Derby shot into an early leads and although Scott looked slightly more at ease in his leg in pulling things back to hit a double 11 with his second dart. Mike looked distinctly uncomfortable. Using all his experience and skill though he pulled off a welcome, if surprise on the night, victory to level the scores again.

Returnee Horry “Rumpole of The Bailey” Money, successful barrister to the Ipswich Witches speedway team, then stepped up to face probably the coolest person on the night in Derby captain Peter Reeves. The pressure began to tell as Horry fell some way behind from the off. In a last bend blast though Horry picked up sufficient drive with a sensational 125, to overtake his opponent and then hit the remaining double 10 two darts later. The metaphorical celebration wheelies from Horry were matched with the equally metaphorical airhorns from his delighted celebrating team mates.

This put the boys ahead for the first time since the third leg and left Chris with the unenviable task of giving us a match victory with one leg to spare. Although there was an obvious problem of nerves from both players, such was the tension, Chris held on to his cool and hit as sweet a 2 dart 39 game shot as you would wish to see to clinch victory and see the team retain the knock out trophy for a second season. Having recently finished in a bronze medal place in the World Team Croquet Championships Chris should have become used to this type of pressure.

“The World Championships are easy when compared with playing in the Association of Provincial Football Supporters Clubs In London Darts Cup Final,” said a relieved Chris, whose usually calm exterior exploded with delight as he hit the winning double.

Well he actually never said this and he wasn’t actually asked for a quote, but he may well have said that if he was asked so journalistic integrity is maintained !!!

Spontaneous applause and congratulations then followed between the two sides who knew they had been in a serious battle. With a deciding result reached, the final beer leg was put on hold, much to the relief of remaining substitutes Phil “Director of Darts” Loy, Terry “The Headmaster” Holden and Heather “Paul’s Much Better Half” Bedford who could bask in the glory without having the pressures of actually throwing in the game.

Sadly Branch Founder and darts team regular Tony Moyse was unwell so unable to attend and take his deserved place in the team on the night. This victory is dedicated to him with acknowledgment that had it not been for his efforts during the season we would not have been in a position to defend our title.

Phil "The Length" Loy

Darts Secretary and PHILanderer

ITFC London

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