INVERCLYDE Open Darts Championship 2009 saw 128 players from Inverclyde and across the west of Scotland compete in the Gamble Halls on Saturday.

A day of darts drama unfolded with some fabulous matches taking place. With 11 ties held simultaneously between the Open, Ladies Open and Open Youths, there was plenty of action for the spectators.

In the open eight, winners emerged from the board finals. Board 1 Andy Boulton (England) beat Gusty Watt (Inv); 2 Bernie McDonald beat Derek McAteer (Inv); 3 Frank Falconer (Inv) beat Robert Kane (Inv); 4 Brian Maly (Clydebank) beat Paul Hanvidge (Paisley); 5, Ian Callaghan (Renfrew) beat Mark McKinnon (Inv); 6 Drew Callary (Paisley) beat Alison McKinnon (Inv); 7 Craig Baxter (Stirling) beat Raymond Kitchen; 8 Mark Barilli (Inv) beat Gary Stone (Larkhall).

In the quarter-final, Callaghan played excellently to join Baxter in the semi-final. Callaghan then just lost out to Baxter.

Baxter"s consistancy and finishing resulted in a fine 4-1 victory over Prince of Wales" top dartsman Callary to take the Inverclyde Open title and £500 first prize.

Twenty darts ladies took part in the Womens Open. Sharon McKinnon (Inv) beat Margaret Ferguson (New cumnock) on board nine final while Keileigh Brown (Ayrshire) defeated Susan McPhee (Inv) on board 10.

Sharon then went on to beat Keileigh 3-1 in the final of a well contested match.

Twelve youngsters played in the Youths tournament. All the players did really well, resulting in 14-year-old Amy McKinnon facing 17-year-old Alex Rankin, Alex taking the title in an entertaining match.

Many thanks to event sponsors Eddie McCallum, The Broomhill Tavern staff providing excellent hospitality, also Motacare Ltd sponsors of the Stage finals, and Smiths Sports of Greenock sponsors of the Youth event.

Thanks to all the volunteer for help in erecting the boards and the IDL committee (special thanks to Colin McEachnie). Inverclyde Open also raised a donation for Ardgowan Hospice.

Inverclyde darts league matches for 2nd June (week 21): Monteiths v Broomhill B; Norseman v St Laurence"s; Broomhill A v Royalle; Dockers v Comet; Morton v Prince of Wales. Free week Oscars.

9 June: Broomhill B v Norseman; St Laurence"s v Oscars; Prince of Wales v Broomhill A; Comet v Morton; Royalle v Dockers. Free week Monteiths.

League meeting Saturday 30 May in the Broomhill at 12pm. Completed team sheets week 20. Singles and Pairs secondnd round results sheets.

St Laurence"s cup team sheets. Singles (last 32) and Pairs (last 16) finals draws. Fees: Champion of Champions host fee.