‘As the event approached, the nerves began to build...’

Sports reporter Archie Corbett explains how it feels to stand at the oche in front of hundreds of spectators at the White Collar Darts event

LAST weekend I had the privilege of taking part in this year’s White Collar Darts, an experience that, in truth, surpassed every expectation I had going into it.

After a gentle but persistent nudge from our sports editor Elliot Corbel – himself a participant two years ago – I eventually agreed to sign up. What followed over the next eight weeks was far more than simply preparing to throw a few darts; it became a genuine community experience built around charity, camaraderie and a shared willingness to step outside our comfort zones.

Organised superbly by Gareth Colley of Island Fever Events, alongside Stuart Moon and the Jersey Darts team, the evening at the Royal Jersey Showground felt polished, professional and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

The attention to detail was evident long before the first dart was thrown, and it is only right to recognise the work that went into producing an event capable of hosting 650 spectators. The atmosphere they created elevated the entire occasion and ensured that everyone involved felt part of something meaningful.

Standing on a stage in front of several hundred people is not something most of us do regularly, and yet there was a quiet confidence across the group

That sense of purpose was underpinned by the charitable element. Each participant represented a cause close to their heart, and collectively the group raised approximately £30,000. I was proud to support Jersey Stroke Support, and the knowledge that the evening would make a tangible difference added an extra layer of motivation for all of us.

Training twice a week at the Jersey Mechanics’ Institute quickly became a highlight. What began as a room full of relative strangers soon developed into a supportive group united by a shared objective. There was laughter, friendly competition and a steady improvement in standard as the weeks progressed.

Players such as Toby Clarke, Tom Jewell and Alfie Queree, to name a few, consistently demonstrated impressive ability, while others showed remarkable progress over a short period. It was genuinely encouraging to watch everyone grow in confidence ahead of the big night. As the event approached, the nerves inevitably began to build.

Standing on a stage in front of several hundred people is not something most of us do regularly, and yet there was a quiet confidence across the group (and myself if I may) that we would rise to the occasion. A warm-up evening against the 2024 participants, where I toppled Mr Corbel 2-1, provided a glimpse of what lay ahead. By the time the draw was made, anticipation had replaced apprehension.

Arriving at the Showground, the scale of the production became immediately apparent. The staging, lighting and walk-ons created a professional environment that demanded composure and there were even betting odds provided by C.B. Sports, myself at 3/1 as the third favourite.

Once the matches began, the crowd – many in elaborate fancy dress – generated a lively and supportive atmosphere that carried competitors through the evening.

My own experience on stage was one of concentration rather than bravado. Drawn against the 6/4 favourite Alfie Queree in the opening round, I knew I would need to be composed from the outset. He had been one of the standout performers in training and even warmed up with a couple of maximums, which only added to the sense of occasion.

However, ushered on stage by my crew of bananas and the backdrop of a Gerry Cinnamon tune, I managed to settle quickly. Despite my first two darts amounting a score of one, a third dart in the treble 20 helped me to find a rhythm and I eventually took my chances on the doubles to secure a 2-0 victory. It was a satisfying way to start the evening and provided a timely boost in belief.

Each participant represented a cause close to their heart, and collectively the group raised approximately £30,000.

I wriggled my way through the quarter-final against Arron Boschat with another 2-0 victory as thoughts of the trophy began to creep in. However, the semi-final brought me up against Derek Jolly, who produced an outstanding performance. Derek was calm, clinical and thoroughly deserving of his victory, and he carried that form into the final where he claimed the title against Adam Grocott. His win was warmly received by everyone involved and epitomised the spirit of the event.

The night also benefitted from the presence of professionals Ryan ‘Heavy Metal’ Searle and Ross ‘Smudger’ Smith, whose exhibition match added further excitement and quality. Sharing the practice area with players of that calibre was a surreal experience for many of us.

Ultimately, the result felt secondary to the broader achievement. Nineteen competitors, each with different backgrounds and levels of experience, came together to raise significant funds and create a memorable evening for supporters.

The camaraderie throughout the process, the generosity of the crowd, and the exceptional organisation ensured the event exceeded expectations.

White Collar Darts proved to be far more than a competition.

It was a celebration of community spirit, a showcase for local charity work, and a testament to what can be achieved when people are willing to step forward and take part.

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