FDDA Premier League Grand Final

What a fantastic way to end a great season in the first year of the Fremantle Premier League, the top 8 players over the season battled it out for the title and the games were brilliant.

The night started with the seeded quarter finals and the top two seeds kicked things off at each side of the draw. Kim came from 5-4 down to win the last two legs against Pete to claim victory and move into the semi final, an early scare for the top seed. Pegs of 101 and 100 from Kim and a 121 from Pete in a high quality match with both players just under the 90 average.

Brad showed his intentions right from the off with some excellent finishing against the unlucky Mick on an off night for him, the game closer than the scoreline suggests.

Tim Pusey followed Kim Lewis into the semi’s in the same fashion coming from 5-4 down against Lewis Kirk with a 4 shot deciding leg being the difference in a tight encounter, 4 180’s and a 113 peg from Tim and a 180 from Lewis.

Dave Charnock and Damo Heta battled it out next and it was very tight early on with the pair sharing the first 4 legs before Dave moved in front with 5 and 4 shot legs to go 4-2 up. Damo replied with a 4 shot leg to take the next and reduced the deficit to one, but 180’s in each of the next two legs from Dave saw him through to the semi finals 6-3. Both players averaging over 90 in that one.

On to the semi finals and it was the experience of Kim Lewis and Brad Austen that showed through as they beat Tim Pusey and Dave Charnock respectively to set up a final between the two top seeds from the whole season. The first semi final Kim beating Tim 6-1 with the latter never really getting going and Kim’s finishing seeing him progress to the final. The second semi final between Brad and Dave was nip and tuck early on with the score at 2-2 after 4 legs, Brad held throw to move ahead and then a 106 out shot with Dave having missed doubles was the turning point. Brad took control and closed the game out to set up a final clash with Kim.

Wow, wow, wow what a treat the spectators got in the Dalmatinac Club for the Grand Final of the first Fremantle Premier League. The top two seeds battled for 13 legs to decide the eventual winner and inaugural champion, the game had everything. Brad raced into an early lead going 3-1 up after the first 4 legs, only for Kim to hit back with the next three legs including pegs of 128 and 119 to move 4-3 in front.

Kim won the next as well in 5 shots to take a two leg advantage and required just two more legs to be crowned champion. Brad was not giving it up, a 4 shot game with a 118 out followed by a 5 shot leg squared things up at 5-5. What happened next was unbelievable, Kim starting the 11th leg with a maximum followed by another to leave 141, the crowd watched on as the first dart hit the 60, the second the 57 and the third straight in double 12, 9 dart finish, fantastic, everyone on their feet to recognise the perfect leg, great stuff from the legend Kim Lewis.

We were not finished there however with the final being best of 13, Brad held his concentration admirably to win the 12th leg and take it to a decider. Kim had the advantage having won the bull and went first, leaving 30 after 5 shots only for Brad to go out in style with a 116 peg (57, 57, double 1) and take the title in 4 shots and become this year’s champion.

With 0.66 difference in the averages it really couldn’t of been any closer. Congratulations to Brad on his victory and commiseration to Kim on his runner up spot, the game was played in true spirit and was a great way to cap a wonderful season. See you all next year, bigger and better.

Quarter Finals:

(1) Kim Lewis 6 – 5 Peter Sutton (8)  Kim 88.13, Peter 89.41

(3) Tim Pusey 6 – 5 Lewis Kirk (6) Tim 91.80, Lewis 80.00

(4) Damon Heta 3 – 6 Dave Charnock (5) Damon 90.47, Dave 95.70

(2) Brad Austen 6 – 0 Mick Zdun (7) Brad 88.41, Mick 70.30

Semi Finals:

(1) Kim Lewis 6 – 1 Tim Pusey (3) Kim 80.98, Tim 69.60

(2) Brad Austen 6 – 3 Dave Charnock (5) Brad 87.65, Dave 79.70

Grand Final:

(1) Kim Lewis 6 – 7 Brad Austen (2) Kim 86.10, Brad 85.44 – Kim Lewis 9 Dart Leg