Unicorn Petersfield Darts Academy

L-R Aarron Bentley, David Broughton (Marketing Director Unicorn Darts) and Chris Skinner, Chairman of the Academy.

Monday January 18th saw the rearranged presentation evening of the Unicorn Petersfield Darts Academy. The evening was attended by over 40 youngsters who had been members of the academy and had taken part in the competitions that had been running from September to Christmas. It was a fantastic evening with every member winning something and no one walking away empty handed.

It was great to welcome David Broughton Marketing Director of Unicorn Darts for the evening, which was installed as an Honorary Vice President of the Academy and was presented with a certificate and commemorative group photo of all the members of the Academy.

David commented: “The Annual Awards Presentation at the Unicorn Petersfield Darts Academy was a testament to what can be achieved with a combination of dedication, enthusiasm and great organisation. Under Chris Skinner's expert leadership, the Academy has gone from strength to strength and with the help of his dedicated team of coaches and supporters the Academy continues to develop and grow.”

He continued: “The enthusiasm of the Members was clear to see, and the awards reflected their increasing expertise and experience - the Academy's reputation is not only attracting members from Petersfield, but well beyond across Hampshire and as far as Sussex. Unicorn are proud to have been major sponsors of the Academy since its inception, and are delighted to confirm their continuing support into 2010 and beyond.”

The Chairman responded as follows: “I would like to personally thank Unicorn for their involvement with the academy as without their help and guidance we would not be were we are today. I would also like to thank EHDC, Drum housing, Petersfield Town Council, The community safety partnership and Get Active East Hants for the grants that we have had approved without these much needed funds the academy would not be able to provide the facilities and opportunities that we have been able to this year.”

“I would also like to thank the committee of the Petersfield Social Club for allowing us the use of the hall not only on Mondays but on other nights when we have had fundraising events also, but finally the biggest thank you has to go to my fellow committee members Carl Hiscock, Martin Payne, Sara Hall, Wendy Bentley, Gary Heath and 'Gaffer' Hiscock without whom it would not be able to run the Academy.”

The highlight of the evening was the Presentation of the first ever Player of the Year Award which was a very tough decision to be made by the committee, there was a shortlist of 4 which was whittled down to 2 but they were so close and the fact that one of them was a junior member we made 2 presentations.

Jack Bentley picked up an award as the junior member who had shown the greatest improvement over the course of the whole year, But the award for overall Player of the Year 2009 went to Aarron Bentley who had shown a vast improvement from when he first joined and the standard of his darts which continually got better throughout the year which was evident from the competitions he either won or was runner up in and also the performances outside the academy at other competitions and leagues.

As part of his award not only did Aarron pick up the trophy he also got a specially commissioned Academy Shirt, pro trainer dartboard and from Unicorn Darts a choice of his own darts and accessories from the current catalogue. He was also presented with a special award - a 2 hour personal coaching session with former World Champion Bob Anderson.

Unicorn Darts also made a special announcement on the night that as of Next Year the Player of the year will get to join 'Generation 180' part of Team Unicorn and have their own darts designed that will then go on general sale to the public. This fantastic chance for the academy and the players alike gives us all something to aim for in 2010 and to prove that Petersfield Academy can achieve the highest standards possible.

180's - Joe Kavanagh, Ryan Groves, Harry Annals, Jack Marriner, Aarron Bentley

Bobs 27

Runner Up Aarron Farr

Winner Harry Annals

Snooker

Runner Up Scott Pearson

Winner Jack Holloway

101 Outshot

Runner Up Hallam Brown

Winner Aarron Farr

Dartsathlon

Runner Up Aarron Farr

Winner Aarron Bentley

Pentathlon

Runner Up Matt Weller

Winner Joe Kavanagh

Target Darts

Runner Up Jason Dearlove

Winner Jack Bentley

Charge the Bull

Runner Up Harry Annals

Winner Matt Weller

League Game(Team)

Runners Up Harry Annals,Mark Hamilton,Matt Weller,Ryan Groves,George Albery,Steven Wharton

Winners Aarron Farr,Hallam Brown,Aarron Bentley,Jack Marriner,Lewis Clue,Zak Fullick

Junior/Senior Doubles

Runners Up Harry Annals, Jack Bentley

Winners Jack Marriner, Aston Delamont

Handicapped 501

Runner Up Hallam Brown

Winner Zak Fullick

Junior Doubles

Runners Up Jack Bentley, Simon Allen

Winners Dayle Goffin, James Kidd

Senior Doubles

Runners Up Jack Marriner, Josh Crease

Winners Harry Annals, Aarron Bentley

Junior Singles

Runner Up Georgia Delamont

Winner Jake Hickman

Senior Singles

Runner Up Aarron Farr

Winner Joe Kavanagh

Player of the Year

Aarron Bentley