Winning double act as Borders darts duo team up for Scotland

Grant Murray and Kyle Clark travelled to Morecambe recently to play against England, Wales and Northern Ireland at the Disability Home Internationals.

The event, the first of its kind, was split into two categories – Classic, for players with physical disabilities, and Compris, for those with disabilities which are not always noticeable.

Grant (34), of Earlston, and Kyle (40), of Galashiels, both represent the Red Lion pub, in Earlston, in the Jedburgh and Kelso darts leagues.

They have been part of Disability Darts Scotland since the organisation was established in January last year.

Already hugely proud to be representing their country, it was a tournament to cherish for both players.

Grant hit the winning double for Scotland in the Classic ‘A’ team game against England, while Kyle won several of his Compris ‘A’ matches. The ladies’ squads also performed very impressively to help ensure Scotland took home the ‘Tiger’ Tony Pass Cup.

The opening Classic ‘A’ contest between Scotland and England consisted of singles, pairs and a team match.

With the overall scores level, Scotland went one up in the latter – the best of three legs from 1001 – meaning they just need one more leg for a major win.

“I started the second leg with a 180 on my first three darts and the cheers started rising from the once quiet but loyal supporters,” said Grant.

“ The rest of the team was also buoyed by this and we took a commanding lead in the leg. But the English were narrowing the gap as we approached the double and the pressure was well and truly on. As it came round to my turn, I had been left with eight (double four).

“I could instantly feel the nerves rushing from my head to my toes while trying my utmost to remain calm and relaxed and just throw the dart at the target. I took a deep breath and let it fly – bang straight in the middle of the double four bed. The noise as it went in was crazy. The venue erupted and it set the mood for the Tartan Army for the rest of the weekend.

“I can honestly say it’s one of the proudest moments of my life so far, being able to compete for my country and, when it really mattered, I was able to do the business for the team.”

Kyle won four of his five Compris ‘A’ games, while his team finished third with three wins from five. After a tie with England, however, Scotland were declared the overall winners on the total number of legs won.

Kyle added: “I am over the moon to represent my country and county in the very first Home Nations Cup. To win it first time for the Scotland squad is something I will treasure forever. To share it with my good friend Grant is truly an honour, as the guy played awesome darts all weekend. I played well in all my games, having lost only one out of five in my category. I look forward to representing my country in the future.”