Fletcher finally conquers Herm Darts 'hoodoo'

The long-time star player defeated Jersey WDF World Cup representative Craig Quemard on Saturday night to win one of the two top prizes at the Herm Open, which launched four years ago and has rapidly become the highlight of the domestic darts calendar.

Fletcher has made a clear case to be considered Guernsey’s top player in recent years, landing numerous domestic honours and even an Isle of Man Festival pairs title.

But the 42-year-old had been left doubting whether either of the two main Herm trophies – the Open or Classic – would ever end up in his hands.

‘I was saying it myself, like “Really, maybe this isn’t the one for me”,’ he said on reflection of numerous failed attempts to win in Herm.

‘I’ve come runner-up, and I’ve always been there and thereabouts, but never crossed the finish line right.’

He dispelled those doubts on this year’s finals night, claiming the Open crown through a thrilling comeback victory over Quemard, winning 5-2 after losing the first two legs.

Nailing a 130 checkout in leg three levered him back into the best-of-nine match, after which he ran unimpeded to the line with a lofty overall three-dart average of 79.41.

Fletcher said the victory felt ‘great’ – but will he ever be fully satisfied?

‘I wanted to win both of the honours, but maybe that’s just being greedy,’ he added.

He had lost out in the quarter-finals of the Classic, where victory would have meant even more to him, as it is supported by his good friend Grant Le Tissier at Manor Farm Foods.

‘He’s a very good friend of mine, and he sponsors it year on year.

‘It’s still just as good – they’re both exactly the same – but that’s the one I wanted, just for Grant, really.

‘Other than that, it’s great beating Jersey.’

Quemard had won the Classic in an all-Jersey final, defeating 16-year-old talent Lewis Bell 5-3 after marking his intent with a 180 in leg one.

Returning Jersey ace Jenna Avrill had won the women’s Classic by beating Alderney/Guernsey player Nicola Williams 4-0.

Meanwhile, the women’s Open culminated in a Guernsey showdown, where Tracy Ingrouille overcame Debbie Hamon 4-2 after punishing her for several missed doubles.

• Read a full Herm Open round-up in Wednesday's paper