No joy for Jackpot as Barney proves the Master

Barney, one of the most popular men in the sport, thrilled the Assembly crowd with a 11-5 victory over world number three Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis.

It was match that lived up to its pre-event hype right from the beginning, when Lewis delivered a 180 with his very first visit to the oche - the first of eight on an evening where both players averaged around 100.

Lewis, may have landed the first blow but it was Barney, pictured right, who kicked on, producing several stunning 100-plus finishes on his way to victory.

He said: “It was a very good game and great preparation for the Premier League. The Leamington crowd were great at the atmosphere made it very competitive.”

The evening all saw a legends clash between Eric Bristow and Andy Fordham, which Fordham won 6-1, before the Crafty Cockney was challenged on stage by local celebrities, including former Coventry City striker Noel Whelan.

Sky Sports referee and MC Russ Bray was also on stage to oversee proceedings, giving spectators the full modern darts experience. At the end of the event the players signed autographs, posed for pictures and chatted with fans for more than two hours.

Ticket-holder Stu Craig said: “It was fantastic. I’ve always wanted to go to the Premier League but to get this on our doorstep was amazing. The match was as good as any on TV and we got to spend time with the players into the bargain.”