LEWIS: I WILL BE BACK

World Championship darter Jamie Lewis has vowed to come back stronger and better despite his disappointing defeat at the hands of Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright at the Alexandra Palace on Tuesday evening. Writes Andrew Clarke.

Lewis was on the receiving end of some blistering finishing by the flying Scotsman who seemed to find another level of performance whenever the proud Welshman got near to closing out a leg.

Lewis who hails from Cardigan and who is one of the most popular young sports stars to have emerged from the area was magnanimous in defeat and said:” Well to be honest I was rubbish and did not play anything like I can but fair play to Peter, as he annihilated me on the night!

However, I will get there and I am looking forward to next season already as I know I have to put the time in and put more work in to my darts.

I would just like to say thanks to all the positive messages that I have received and a big thanks to all of you who have faith in me”.

Wright started off in blistering fashion at the Ally Pally and confidently took the first set when he landed doubles ten, 12 and 20 to move ahead and in the second set he hit a 180 and took out 71 before adding a spectacular 144 finish. He then fired in his second maximum and pinned double 16 to make it two sets on the spin and six straight legs. The Scotsman then took out 74 to make it eight legs on the spin before Jamie finally took out 110. But it was the ruthless Wright who sealed the set though with a double 16.

In the final set Wright took out 89 on the bull, 100 and 130 to cap off a fabulous display and one which would have troubled most darters in the World.

Lewis though said that even though he was disappointed he nevertheless took a great deal of satisfaction from winning his opening round against Mick McGowan in what was a nail biter with Lewis starting well but having to tough it out in the middle part of the match. The Welshman though kept his cool and hit five 180s and took out a top finish of 108 and enjoyed a fifty per cent checkout success along the way.

“I was just chuffed to get through the one game as it was a first for me after four previous attempts at the World championships and I am making steady progress and I will be back in 2017.”

Jamie may be out of the darts competition but he has plenty to keep his hands busy with his little daughter Jorgie who came into this world only a few months ago. So for the next few months it will be more of a case of packs of 32 rather than double sixteen!!

Jamie has come in for some fierce criticism from certain parts of the media following his dip in form in midweek and particularly from those you would expect to see offering support and encouragement.

 

This observer fondly remembers former Wales and Neath hooker Kevin Phillips some years ago playing for Cardigan in a league match at Seven Sisters on a miserable wet afternoon and he suffered terrible stick from some old hack all the worse for drink who thought he knew better but in fact knew very little at all.

As Phillips walked off the field this penguin kept on at him, so the former All Black calmly walked up to him and said: “ I have been there .”

One day Jamie will no doubt have a similar opportunity.

Sportsline wishes Jamie Lewis all the best for 2017.