By Isle of Wight Observer
A nine-year-old who needs help to retrieve his darts from the board has become the youngest winner of the Richard Bridger Memorial Darts Match after an unlikely victory in Bembridge.
Around 25 pairs took part in the fourth annual event at Bembridge Youth and Community Centre on Saturday evening. Organised by local residents Denny Seymour and Chris Millington, the hidden pairs competition partners experienced darts players with non-darts players, drawn at random from a hat.
All eyes were on three-time champion Wayne Till, widely regarded as one of the Island’s finest players and the hot favourite to lift the Richard Bridger Memorial Cup once again. But in a surprise twist he was knocked out in the latter stages, leaving the field wide open.
Among those still standing was Les Eldridge, a close friend of the late Richard Bridger, who had finished runner-up in each of the previous two years. This time, however, the luck of the draw was finally on his side. His partner was nine-year-old Emerson, whose enthusiasm for darts is matched only by his determination. At home in the Village Inn, Bembridge, he has to climb on a strategically-placed barstool to retrieve his darts after he’s thrown them.
As the evening progressed, the unlikely pairing became the talk of the tournament. The odd couple battled through the knockout rounds, earning growing support from spectators.
Their reward was a place in the final against talented Elliott Yardley, who is also a young player – but is at least twice Emerson’s age – and his non-dart-playing partner, Samantha Rust.
After a tense, nail-biting contest, the final dart was thrown. Emerson, biting his lip, looked up at Les and asked hopefully: “Did we win?” Seconds later he got his answer.
As the room erupted in applause, Emerson and Les were crowned champions and presented with the Richard Bridger Memorial Cup. Elliott and Samantha, meanwhile, became the first winners of the new Ena Rust Trophy for the runners-up.
“It was one of those moments nobody will forget,” said one onlooker. “Les and Emerson kept winning rounds, and by the end the whole room was willing them on. When that final result was announced, you could see just how much it meant; I don’t think Les will mind me saying he had tears in his eyes.”
The evening proved a winner for Sue Bridger’s chosen beneficiary, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Also £120 was raised for the charity.
