DARTS: Protests force breakdown (From thisisoxfordshire)

DARTS: Protests force breakdown

9:35am Tuesday 28th March 2006

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A MOVE to extend the length of the oche in the local Oxford League's top divisions has been reversed following strong protests and a petition.

At the annual meeting of the Greene King Oxford & District Darts Association (ODDA), a proposal to lengthen the throwing distance from 7ft 6ins to 7ft 9 ins the generally recognised international and national distance was approved for the top sections in the men's and ladies leagues.

Once news of this decision came out, several pubs and clubs protested at the change.

Janet Loveridgecheck, captain of the Quarry Gate ladies' team in Headington, led the protests and set up a petition.

"I've been playing in the league for 20 years and don't see why we need to change now," she said.

"One of the arguments for change was that there are a number of county players in the top sections.

"But there are also lots of players, who are quite happy not to be playing at county level."

About 50 signed the pettion, which was handed in to ODDA secretary Jim Baxendale.

Baxendale said: "The annual meeting was sparsely attended, that's why the motion got through.

"I was personally against the change, because there is nothing to stop players from throwing further than 7ft 6ins if they want to.

Some pubs said they would not enter teams in to the forthcoming ODDA Summer League if the move went through.

At a meeting, the ODDA committee decided to end the uncertainty by reverting back to 7ft 6ins for all men's and ladies sections.

Entries for the Summer League must be in by this Saturday. Teams requiring forms should contact Baxendale on 01865 375760.

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