As a university sport darts may not be the most high profile, but when it comes to Roses there is no contest that can rival the frenzied atmosphere that engulfs the darts competition.
During recent years this titanic clash has seen abuse hurled, beers launched and loutish behaviour a-plenty. But that simply is Roses darts, a unique and memorable contest which always proves to be one of the highlights of Roses.
Last year, York prevailed in an absorbing encounter as Kris Hilliam held his nerve to throw the winning dart and silence the vociferous Lancaster support, which had fervently urged on their competitors for the previous hours. Speaking to Vision, Nick Hall described the darts as “a real spectator sport, which is one of the highlights of Roses each year.”
This year promises to be no different as the darts moves to D/L/028 by the Courtyard, where York will be hoping to once more emerge victorious. “We’re feeling good about it this year,” added Hall. “It should be a fantastic spectacle and a really close fought match.”
York suffered defeat at the hands of Hull at Varsity, but recovered well to make the national finals, where they narrowly lost to Lancaster. Revenge at Roses would be sweet.
The women’s clash last year was equally enthralling, but not so rewarding for York, as the hosts surged back to claim victory. “The game was tense, exhilarating and nerve racking and it literally came down to the last dart,” Amanda Barnes told Vision. “It was a real shame as we deserved to win that game. We gave Lancaster a real run for the money.”
The side has progressed dramatically over the past years, and despite not prevailing in this clash for 20 years, there is real optimism that this could be the year. Barnes added: “We showed last year we can play as well as Lancaster and this year we will be coming back stronger.”
Two enthralling contests lie ahead in what is likely to prove one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.