TONY Clark failed to save Wiltshire youths from their third defeat of the season against Glamorgan despite his man-of-the-match display, writes Dave Eaton.

Playing in only their fourth ever inter-county match they went down for the third time this season in Wales.

After a narrow defeat by West Midlands they recorded a fine win over Herefordshire but then lost to Shropshire.

They fared little better last Sunday against Glamorgan who lead Division One of the Southern Section with a hundred per cent record.

Wiltshire lost all three sections - under 18s, under 21 males and under 21 ladies - as they were beaten 11-6 by the Welsh county but certainly put up a spirited showing.

Although Glamorgan are unbeaten in all three sections this season the Moonraker county pushed them all the way in both the under 18 and under 21 male sections only going down in each match by the odd leg.

Hosts Glamorgan just had the edge in the under-18 match keeping their noses in front throughout despite wins for Richard North, Matt Aubrey, Luke Little and man of the match Robert Higginson, who averaged a fine 20.04 in his 2-0 success.

In the end Glamorgan just shaded this section 5-4 but it could have been so different if Aaron Dunne and Rhys Dudley could have capitalised on throwing a higher average than their opponents.

Wiltshire under-21's ladies their match lost 3-0.

They were already a set down before an arrow had even been thrown as Nicole Knight pulled out through illness.

The under-21 men's match was an extremely close affair with Wiltshire twice holding the lead.

Tony Clark was the star of the show again and took the man-of-the-match award with an average of 22.77.

He won the opening game and with Daniel Butler taking the third Wiltshire led 2-1.

But in the final two matches Paul Thomson was edged out 3-2 and in the decider Simon Nottman lost out to Cliff Williams 3-1.

So near but so far was the outcome on this occasion but Wiltshire have shown enough signs to suggest that another win is not far away.

Wiltshire's next match is home to West Midlands on Sunday, February 25.

RESULTS

Under 18s: Richard North (16.98) beat Ross Robson (15.61) 2-0; Luke Venn (13.32) lost to Mark Challenger (14.52) 0-2; Aaron Dunne (19.93) lost to Lee Harrison (18.97) 1-2; Rhys Dudley (19.58) lost to Michael Rich (15.21) 1-2; Robert Higginson (20.04) beat Jake Lewis (12.44) 2-0; Kyle Murdoch (15.31) lost to Ryan Perry (17.89) 0-2; Matty Aubrey (16.70) beat Jordan Dobbs (13.88) 2-0; Shaune Cahalin (13.43) lost to Robert Lewis (14.52) 0-2; Luke Little (13.38) beat Drew Bradley (12.76) 2-1.

Score: Wiltshire lost to Glamorgan 4-5.

Under 21 Ladies: Letitia Knight (13.63) lost to Kylie Murphy (18.56) 0-2; Stephanie Richell (13.51) lost to Kimberley Lewis (13.54); Nicole Knight loss to Hannah Cryer - conceded.

Score: Wiltshire lost to Glamorgan 0-3.

Under 21 Males: Tony Clark (22.77) beat Patrick Murphy (19.48) 3-0; Adam Payne (18.33) lost to Matthew Hanniford (21.91) 1-3; Daniel Butler (17.73) beat Steven Thorne (18.43) 3-2; Paul Thomson (15.95) lost to Dale Williams (16.87) 2-3; Simon Nottman (20.07) lost to Cliff Williams (21.03).

Score: Wiltshire lost to Glamorgan 2-3.

Overall score: Wiltshire lost to Glamorgan 6-11.

  • A NEW committee has been formed to run Wiltshire Youth darts and will be setting up specific events for youth players.

Anyone interested in playing youth darts should contact Stephanie Venn on 079893535819.

In addition Wiltshire Youths are looking for sponsorship.

Any businesses willing to sponsor or help the youngsters can also contact Steph Venn on the same number.