The Peterrilside League was originally set up to cater for country pubs so they could enjoy competitive darts.
But sadly the league has been in decline for a number of years, so a Carlisle darts stalwart is trying to revive interest.
John Duncan started playing in the League during the 1987/1988 season when there were two divisions of 12 teams in each from villages like Durdar, Calthwaite, High Hesket, Low Hesket, Armathwaite, Wetheral, Cotehill, Cumwhinton and Wreay with many other country pubs entering teams as well.
Pubs and clubs from inside the Carlisle city limits were unable to enter into the league at this point as it was set up as a country league.
John says: “Unfortunately, times have changed over the years I have been playing and the league now consists mainly of teams from within the city with only one new team, the Royal Oak, Moorhouse coming in.
“This means that there is only one division of seven teams so that one team is free each week with no game to play.
“If the teams in the city hadn’t come into the league it would have surely have folded now.
“It’s only through the determined efforts of Fiona Nelson (secretary), Derek Gill (the new chairman), keen team captains and players that it has survived so far.
“From a personal point of view it is sad to see that all but one of the country pub teams that used to be members have gone as it was good to go to different places to play and see people out and enjoying themselves.
“Maybe an appeal like this might encourage people in the villages I mentioned to get the younger generations, both men and women, back out into the pubs and playing the game of darts just as Luke Littler and Fallon Sherrock are doing so on TV.”
The playing Format of the league is unique in that you have:
- 6 players – men or women – can make up your team that play a singles game 301 Double off and Double to finish for 1 point each.
- 3 Doubles games of 501 Double off and Double finish for 2 points each.
- 2 Trebles Games of 501 Double off and Double Finish for 3 points.
- 1 Team Game of 701 Double off and Double Finish for 4 points.
This means teams are playing for a total of 22 points on the night which makes the game really interesting to play in.
There is at the moment an all-ladies team playing in the league which is good for the ladies game in general.
There are also a number of competitions that are held throughout the lLeague season with trophies to be won for each of them.
If anyone is interested in getting into playing darts or entering a team get in-touch and John will gladly pass your details onto the right people. Email johnduncan64@gmx.co.uk
