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Lady Captain Nearly Scalps Mark Hylton.
(Miners V Red Lion 5th October 2009)

The 5th October saw the Miners Arms play the Red Lion Brereton at home where the Lion were probably expecting a relatively easy win, especially with their Super star Mark Hylton in attendance for the night. Mark might only be one player in their team, but most would admit that he is in a much higher class than the rest of us. However, he met his match that night, against the Miners Lady Captain in the form of Jackie McFarlane. Jackie has always played in the men's, rather than ladies darts and competes as an equal with most of the players. The Captains game is being played as the first match of the night this season and the game gave a sign of things to come as Jackie nearly turned over the Lions captain, in the form of Simon Brewer, who only just managed to beat her two – one.

Jackie went up last in the singles with the Lion 3 – 2 up and the Miners needing a seemingly impossible win against Mark Hylton to level up the score. What nobody saw coming was a brilliant performance from Jackie who took the first leg from Mark. The second leg was even better with Jackie just missing her double for a nine darter that would have beaten Mark two nil. Unfortunately for her Mark was right on her heels after hitting a 180 and he managed to steal the leg. Another 180 from Mark helped him to take the third leg to steal the game, but even then Jackie was with him. Mark was certainly taking no prisoners in his game as it is very rare, even for him, to hit two 180’s in one match of 301. During the game it has been said that all the players were cheering Jackie on, even Marks own team mates!

The first leg of the doubles was next and saw Jackie playing with Sid Maddox and between them they trounced Hutchins and Brear two – nil, to give the Miners the chance of taking a point off the Lion in a draw. Unfortunately Hicks and Birt fell at the last fence and lost two – one, to give the Lion a hard fought 5 – 3 win.

Mark was gracious in his victory after the match saying that Jackie should be playing in the County Ladies darts as she frequently puts in some brilliant performances in the Rugley League and indeed I have written about her magnificent darts prowess before on this web-site. (Link)