WRITE UP FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: MISSION COMPLETE

CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE: 7-26-05

Darts: The final frontier. These are the voyages of the dart team, Dartbags. Their 2 year mission: To explore strange new bars, to seek out new beers... and drink them, to boldly throw where no man has thrown before!

July 26 at George Keeley the Dartbags, (The Most Drinkin'est and Friendliest (TM) in the NYDO), defeated McCarthy's 10-2 to pull off a stunning double (sub and divisional champs). With this unprecedented accomplishment of back to back doubles in C and B, true to the words of James Tiberius Kirk, The D'Bags have indeed boldy thrown where no man has thrown before.

It was a full house at "The GeKe" (TM pending approval). All 9 Dartbags were on hand -- much like the 9 Nazgul, except the Ring Wraiths wore black, not yellow (Lou) and lavender (Colin), which is decidedly less intimidating.

But that wasn't all. There was the original Dartbaguette, Hope. There were Nell, Jessie and Lillian on hand to provide encouragement and salty snacks. (Lil also took photographs, more on that to follow.) Lou's betrothed, Emily, was down from Columbia. Meredith made a rare dart night appearance. And Gins was on hand to provide good cheer and sweat profusely.

With beers in our bellies, darts in our hands, and the best-looking women in the bar by our sides, the groundwork was set for a good and festive night, it was time to get down to business. The 9-9 tie last week, meant that 10 points was all that separated us from the championship.

It started as it always starts, with Pike. This time Glennjamin went out in 8 Rounds. 1-0

Frank followed Glenn with a crisp 10 round match to add another W. 2-0

Cup shot sick darts (152, 95, etc) and matched Glenn with an 8 Rounder of his own. 3-0

Lou, getting his first action against McCarthy's, decided to see how many times he could hit the wire on the double 16 before his opponent (Jason) doubled out. The answer; eleventy-four. 3-1 good guys.

Vince got the train back on track with an 8 or 9 rounder, beating Bullet Bob Hilbert. 4-1, The Dartbags and were en fuego. We play singles like this and we'll be just fine in A League.

RJ, faced off against #3 All Star, Colm, and once again walked away a winner. Wow.

Great shooting, a 5-1 lead and lots of momemtum.

And the Dartbags were starting to taste that championship trophy.

It tasted cold and metallic. Just disgusting.

(Who's idea was that anyway?)

We decided to stop licking the trophy, wash the taste out with more beer and get back to darts.

Next came cricket. The first time these teams got together down at McCarthy's, they destroyed us in cricket taking 5 of 6.

This time was different.

Pike and RJ squared off against The 'Berts (Hil and Hu), although, at times it seemed more like Glenn against Bob in a singles war. Pike was unstoppable. His hugest game of the year. And, RJ after selflessly letting Glenn hog all the All Star Points, chipped in with a trip 15 and double bull before Glenn completed the sweep. (7-1) If he doesn't take the League MVP again, it's a joke.

In a related story, following the match, the mayor of a small Kentucky town called a news conference to announce that local officials were naming a school after Glenn in appreciation of his stellar dart play and rugged good looks, choosing the moniker of "Bears" because Glenn is large and quite hairy.

Frank and Lou faced off against Jason and Colm. Another tall order. They got out of the gate slow and a furious comeback came up short. But back to back R-4s in the second game got the ball rolling and the River Road Connection, turned in a strong effort to win a close one. 8-2

Some bars have a cheese platter. Ours has a Cheese Cup. Vince and Cup rolled over their opponents in game 1 clinching a tie. At this point, the other team had basically conceded victory, offering congratulations and good wishes. In game two, Vince and Joe were kind enough to miss the final bullsye for 3 turns to allow for the development of what little suspense there was to be had. Cheese sank the last one to earn the Dartbags the B Division Championship.

There were many hugs (including many "Top Gun Hugs" where you shake the guys hand and quickly embrace while punching the guy once on the back) victory shots, and overall good fellowship.

Gotta tip your hat to the other team. McCarthy's FFS was a game opponent and good sports. They didn't bring their best darts. They knew that. But they didn't let that stop them from being cool and wishing us the best.

This was some kind of year, guys. I was asked me at the end of the evening, whether, looking back, I could have predicted this. And the answer is yes. I'm at least a little familiar with all the other teams -- and there are some good teams in our Division -- but I knew that we could compete with any of them. We showed we could do that and more.

Looking forward, we'll probably bump our heads on the ceiling next season. I know that. But I also know something about the teams we're going to play. And, I'm telling you, we're a legit A team. But let's take a look backwards first to see how far we've come. Remember season number one? Man, did we suck. We were really butchers up there. We were in last place half way through the season and rallied to finish 6th. Want some perspective? The Zulu Dart Kings didn't only beat us, they crushed us 13-5 and 12-6.

But what I believe separates us most from other teams is not the point totals at the end of season. It's the fact that we were friends before we embarked on this darts odyssey and that good fellowship still provides the foundation for the entire Dartbags experience. We started this team primarily as a chance to go out together on Tuesday nights. And nobody has more fun than we do in this whole league.

Whether it's Colin's bizarre pre-game meals. RJ's, at times, comical level of intensity. Big Friendly Tim being, well... just that, Big Friendly Tim. Cuppa Joe coining another neologism. Marty's monologue-worthy one liners. Glenn throwing some ridicu-darts that make you chuckle in spite of yourself. Vince throwing Angry Cheese Darts with a big dip in mouth. Lou cracking everybody up by being a complete jackass.

I'm literally laughing right now at some of the goofy stuff that we did this year.

This is what makes Tuesdays special.

Let's not change a thing. Let's do it again in A.

But first... let's eat steak.

Yo Adrian...

... WE DID IT!!!!

Congrats, everyone.

Great times, great season.

There are lots of pictures (thanks, lil) and a write up will follow.

Though likely not today.

Award night is Tues, site TBD. Let's all celebrate together.

And let's get a steak night is in the works. Luger.

-Your proud Captain, Frank

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Let's B champs.

El Capitan...check with the league
and see if there's ever been a team
to win C-league, then win B-league
the next season.

WRITE UP FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH #1: GUTTIN' IT OUT

CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE; 7-21-05

There were good omens everywhere -- if you knew where to look.

Marty hit a C-5 in warm ups.

Joe captured video footage of Jerry Garcia on 2nd Avenue.

And, out of the blue, a voodoo priestess told Frank on the subway that he would win a dart match tonight.

Okay. I just made up that last one. But the first two are absolutely true.

The Dartbags would do battle with McCarthy's FFS (That's short for "For F*ck's Sake!") and walk away with a 9-9 tie.

It was a festive atmosphere down at McCarthy's. There were guest appearances by Dartside stalwarts Ross and Nick. Gins and Kal made the scene. And of course dart muses Nell & Jess were there to support their men - and the rest of us too.

Things started out on track, Pike was Pike and blew Hubert (pronounced Hu-boyt) out of the water for a 1-0 lead.

Frank came out gunning and did the same. 2-0

Cup played very well and nearly went out in 7 rounds, but Jason - truly a killer all night - took the W. 2-1

Cheese played an Angel. However, as we all know, Cheese can be a devil. He shot even more vicious darts than usual and evil triumphed over good. 3-1 Dartbags.

Colin faced off against Bob Hilbert. Bob is a wiley -- no, make that cagey-- veteran. He's been around the block a few times and this is not his first rodeo. He knows the tricks of the trade and has ice water in his veins. Colin put forth a good effort, but experience won out in the end. 3-2.

RJ played Colm. (And is there anyone who goes above and beyond the call of duty for his teammates more than RJ? I'll field that one; no.) Colm was #3 on the all star team. Normally, taking out all stars, is Lou's specialty. But since Lou had to stay late at work (his pimp has been "leaning on him" lately because he thinks Lou is holding out), the job was left to Richard James Morrow. RJ was solid as a rock and knocked out their big gun to put the 'Bags up 4-2 at the break.

As of now, I am officially declaring a moratorium on referring to cricket as "Our Game (TM revoked). It used to be our game. Now it must belong to somebody else because we've been playing cricket like -- how did Billy Bob Thornton put it in the trailer for the Bad News Bears -- like Helen Keller at a pinata party.

Pike and Cup had some big rounds (they each R-sixed the 19s) but never hit their stride and got swept. Tied 4-4

Then Frank and Tim played well, and had 7 darts to hit a single bull for the win. They couldn't get it done and dropped a heartbreaker. They would rally in the second game behind some nasty darts from the Big Friendly to win one of the most lopsided matches you'll ever see and snap a 3 game losing streak in the process. Tied 5-5

Tim was truly fired up during the match. Apparently he was after the match as well:

Tim: My adrenaline is still through the roof... I'm going to go get a slice.

Enjoy your tasty slice, Big Cat. You earned it.

Next Vince and RJ dropped a pair. That's right. We got swept twice in cricket.

WTF?

And with that, we were trailing 5-7.

Frank and Marty squared off first for the 'Bags. Marty doubled them in promptly (first turn, 3rd dart), but a game effort fell short and all of a sudden the 'Bags were on a 3 game losing skid again. The second match was even tighter. After nearly taking out a sweet 80 but dumping the 'Bags on crappy 5, Marty clutchly put Frank on an out. Both teams were now on X. The other team missed their chance and Frank fought off a foot cramp to hit the double 1 with dart # 3 and earn a split.

Note: In addition to being a double in specialist, Marty was Steve Nash-like in setting his teammate up in both games dishing out leaves of 80, 60, 48 and that final X (when he started on 5). That's a big part of doubles '01.

It's like DeNiro said in the Untouchables.

Capone: "When a man is playing singles '01 it is a time for.... IN-DUHVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT. But when he is playing doubles.... PAWT OF A TEAM."

Teamwork... team..

Pike and RJ stepped up to the mic for round 2. I was so fired up at this point I can't remember a damn thing. Perhaps someone will enlighten us as to the specifics. But in the end, it was Pike and RJ earning a split. And putting us in a position to tie for the night if Cuppa Cheese came up big.

I'll save you the suspense; they did.

Cheese, never one to follow convention, put himself on 34 and took out a double 17 to take the first game. Cup took game 2 with a big double 19 in a nailbiter to get us back to even.

Afterwards an emotional Cup gave Cheese a congratulatory backslap that left the UGLIEST red slap mark you've ever seen, a hand shaped welt that left a puffy-skinned outline of Cup's fingers. I'm sure it will still be there on Tuesday if anyone wants a look.

Every point matters, but those last 2 felt huge. You hate to begin the night in a hole. Now we get to head back to our turf dead even. Ten points gets us the championship.

Good job all around. Thanks to our friends who came out to support us. It was great to see you all. We are at George Keeley on Tuesday. See you all there.

And if anyone can remember some Lines of the Night (TM) or other omissions. By all means post them in the comments section.

You Can't Escape...

...el capitan. Let's take it.

A Word from Cup's Mom

Way to go, Joe!!! Congratulations. I'm sure all you guys are flyin'
high. Of course, I don't understand any of the dart jargon, but it
sure sounds impressive............

I'm happy for you all, since you really enjoy the game.

'Break a leg' in the coming game(s).

Talk to you later. I love you!

(mom's pulling for us....and that's a good thing. i used to
lose my wallet all the time, and mom would pray to
st. anthony for me.....i always got it back.)

WRITE UP FOR PLAYOFF GAME #2: BEATING A WHITE HORSE

CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE: 7-19-05

Damn, it's hot in New York. But as the old saying goes, it's not so much the heat as the humidity. The power brokers and gliteratti were still out at the Hamptons, sunning themselves and drinking sex on the beach. And by drinking, I mean having. But back in Gotham the locals were sweating like Britney Spears taking an SAT. The Dartbags (Drinkin'est and Friendliest (TM) team in the NYDO) didn't mind. They were right where they wanted to be, at George Keeley for round 2 of the playoffs.

They had their hands full with the crew from White Horse Tavern, a former A squad called The Undependables. They knew coming in it would take big darts to win it.

Luckily, they packed their big darts and walked away with a 10-6 victory.

First off was alpha male of the Dartbag wolfpack, Glenn. His opponent, Willie, started off with back to back tons. Glenn made a nice comeback and put the Fear of Pike into him by nearly taking out a 167 (trip 20, trip 19... 18). But Willie took it. Good guys down 1-0 (Factoid: This match featured two players who lost only once all year in singles.)

Not only that, but Cup's better half, Jessie hit her head on some woodwork getting up from her seat. As she applied an ice pack, Tim tried to put a positive spin on it.

Tim: "Maybe it's one of those functional head injuries, like when you whack your head and all of sudden you know French."

Sadly, no. It was more like one of those head injuries when you hit your head and your head hurts.

This was not the way we wanted to come out of the chute. Shocking losses and hematomas is no way to start an evening.

Frank faced off against top gun, Joe Taras. But the furious one was on his game 8 rounds later was gone. All knotted up at 1-1.

Lou went toe to toe with All Star Tom Hummel. Lou decided on a role reversal for this game. He traded his trademark slow start for consistent 19s and his double-out sharpshooting for the yips. He even pulled a brain fart and caused confusion in the ranks by shooting at double 3 instead of double 6. But like Cris Carter ("All he does is catch touchdowns!"), all Lou does is double out to beat All Stars (e.g., Hayes #2, Hummel #6). On the next round he would hit a double 3 to give the 'Bags a 2-1 lead.

Vince (smiling): "Told you he was on double 3."

At this point Willie came over to check the score sheet, he looked at the first 3 matches and an involuntary exclamation escaped his mouth, "Uh oh." Reason? There was no way they expected to be down 2-1 after sending out their big guns early.

That brought up El Cirujano. RJ was his surgical self and in typical fashion threw consistent darts and didn't waste time doubling out. 3-1 'Bags and the momentum was building.

With the winds at our back the 'Bags sent out Cheese. (Is it just me, or does that almost not seem fair?). He played Roger Parsley who is not only is a nice fellow, but also goes great with lamb chops. Slow out of the gate, Cheese put it into gear and in an impressive yet sickening moment, busted on a 141. Now, I know you're not supposed to tell Picasso how to paint, but a good rule is when you're on an odd number... throw at an odd number! Tripping an even leaves no out. But Cheese recovered to take out a 78 and garnish the victory from Parsley. 4-1.

Cup, who was late to the scene and didn't get in any warm ups. He lost to Island Dan (Good darts, mon!) who was gone in 9 rounds.

And at the breaks the 'Bags were up 4-2.

What followed was one for the books. Glenn and Cup faced off againt Joe and Pike got 4 20s. Cup whiffed. And then everyone went nuts. An R-6 from Cup (trip 16, trip 15) and C-3 from Glenn turned in a 7 round cricket match -- that has to be a Dartbag record. They lost the second in a dog fight when Gunner Joe heated it up for the other side. 5-3.

Vince and Frank faced off against Dan and Sue. They never recovered from a slow start in game one and dropped the contest. The second game was another nailbiter. (I mean that literally. I have no nails left on my left hand). But Frank'nCheese got off on the right foot in game two. Cheese was big and a pair of bullseyes by Frank sealed it. 6-4.

Lou and RJ then played All Star Tom and Willie. Tough draw. Perhaps Seamus the Invisible Leprechaun came out from behind the board to deflect all their darts into the 1, 3, and 2 wedges. Or maybe they just sucked. In an uncanny display of near missing, they dropped the first leg and RJ, possibly broke is left hand on the woodwork. But Lou and RJ would rally. In game number 2 they overcame stress fractures and leprechaun's curses to triumph in a war of attrition (if it were a movie, they would have needed to make it into a miniseries) and earned a victory over a very tough pair. Louis sealed the super-tense match with an absolutely necessary bullseye.

Not our best showing in cricket, but hey, a 3-3 split isn't too bad. 7-5 headed down the home stretch.

Vince and RJ started off Double 501 against Deadly Dan and his partner, Sue. Cheese was on his game, doubling in on the first turn. And RJ was smacking the 20s all the way down. Things looked great. Then, they landed on 5. The plan: Hit a 1, go out on double 2. But in one of the stanger dart displays you will see, Cheese, then RJ, then Cheese again all started off their respective turns by hitting double 1. That's just weird. In the end, Cheese followed the plan going 1 double 2 for the win. They pulled off the sweep (details escape, I'm afraid) and in doing so clinched the tie.

At this point, open mic night began. How do I even begin to describe the first act? Words escape me. A chick dressed as a nurse and another chick dressed in sequins and leotards put on a skit, tapdanced and sang "Hot nuts!".

I cannot confirm this, but I believe after singing their song, they drove to the cemetery, exhumed the coffin of Al Jolson and used a Stanley Bostitch Heavy Duty Round Head Power Nail Gun to ensure that it would stay shut forever.

People, there is a reason vaudeville is dead. Let it stay dead.

And in the name of all things holy, please do not try to resurrect it at open mic nite during the playoffs.

However, this slow motion car wreck did provide comic fodder. Among the lines that followed, all worthy of LINES OF THE NIGHT

Marty: "Where is rap guy when you need him? "

Cup (with a priceless look of utter confusion): "Why a nurse? I don't get why she's a nurse."

Hope (a psychologist): "I just came from a psychiatric ward... please make her stop."

Drew, The Bartender: "I'm not working Tuesdays anymore unless i get a bong or a gong. "

The Liza wanna be and Florence Nightingale then made the mistake of taking out their frustration by making nasty comments about the dart players from the stage. Bad idea -- up there with Cop Rock and New Coke -- and not the way to win the crowd over at GK. If there were tomatoes available at the bar, they would have walked out of there looking like marinara sauce.

Up 9-5 with one win necessary to win the day, you had to like our chances with Pike and Cup. The Doubl'in blues were not a problem in this one (Cup took care of that) but Joe T and Parsley took game number 1. (Put the corks back on the champagne.) It's worth noting that Pike nearly took out a 164 (Trip19, trip19, but again the double bull eluded him). But Pike and Cup rallied and were on their game in the second leg. Once again Glenn nearly took out a crazy number, in this case 127 before missing double bull.

It was a tense one, no breathing room for anyone. These guys can shoot. Things got a bit contentious during this match. Joe T was unhappy with the scorekeeper for not tallying fast enough and blocking his view of the scoreboard. Cuppa Joe told him, in essence, to chill out. They were jawing at each other a little bit. That almost never happens with us. Joe put an end to it all by Aaron Booning a double 3 to pull out the W. And I quote everyone...

Everyone: YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

Great win, everyone. We beat a very tough team last night. Gotta tip your cap to them. They were quite gracious afterwards. Among the nice things they said...

"You guys hit every big dart."

"Your team is the nicest team we've played."

"Will one of you please be an *sshole, so we can feel better!"

To which Joe responded, "Stick around. We turn back into *ssholes at midnight."

They didn't even mind when Big Friendly pulled off a legs upset and walked away with 80 bucks.

Good stuff.

Great night.


On another note: James Doohan, beloved actor and role model for manic Scottish engineers everywhere has died.

Beam him up, God.

-Your Captain

Blood, Sweat & Beers

I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, (beers), and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many (hours) of struggle and (drinking).
You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage (dart match) by land, sea, and air. (Darts) with all our might and with all the strength (el capitan) has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of (darts). That is our (game).
You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs - Victory in spite of all (opposing dart teams) - Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no (celebratory shots).
Let that be realized. No survival for the (Dartbags), no survival for all that the (Dartbags) has stood for, no survival for the urge, the impulse of the (drinking), that mankind shall move forward toward his goal.
I take up my task in buoyancy and (beer). I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. I feel entitled at this juncture, at this time, to claim the aid of (the dartbags) and to say, Come then, let us go forward together with our united strength.

(adapted from "Blood, Sweat & Tears" by Sir Winston Churchill)

Can you smell it?

Are You Ready?

WRITE UP FOR PLAYOFF MATCH 1: A DRINKIN' AND FRIENDLY 10-5 WIN

CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE 7-12-05

A giant Saint Bernard puppy sprawled out by the door, The Chicken Stand Throw Down Band playing bluegrass music and a crowd gathered around the dartboard at George Keeley. All the tell tale signs were in place: The playoffs were on and The Dartbags were in.

In their first playoff game in Division B, The Dartbags welcomed By Mistake Muder Focker -- a worthy adversary and as good a bunch of guys as you could want to meet.

It was a festive occasion with the presence of Wife Emily, Dartbaguette Hope, Friend Omer, Andre the Giant.We received a good luck call from once-and-always Dartbag Ian Gallagher. In fact, the only 'Bag missing was Tim. There was even a surprise appearance by Colin "The Microwave" O'Donnell and his new bride Rachel just back from the mountains of Peru.

Colin: "Macchu Pichu, dude."

The night started off cold. Literally. The AC was cranking so hard it felt like a meat locker. Opting against huddling together for warmth (though Lou seemed stangely insistent on the idea), the 'Bags decided to fight off the cold the way our fathers have for centuries -- through heavy intake of alcohol.

Glenn started things off against Jason with Earphones. Just last night Jason swept his opponent in A division, 3 games to zip. But this is Pike. He's the janitor of George Keeley -- he does the sweeping around here. Eleven rounds later the 'Bags were up 1-0.

Frank was locked in a close one against Paul and stuck himself on 5. Unfazed he calmly hit a 1, a 2 and went out on double 2 for the win.

He shook hands with his opponent. Retrieved his darts.... Wait. Why is everyone staring at me?... Someone offered him a clue, "That's a bust. Shoulda thrown at Double 1."

Oh, sh*t. He would salvage the match by hitting X for the win. 2-0 bags.

Lou spared everyone the comedy and bad math and won a close one against the other team's captain.

However, even has he was winning his fight against the Gaf Men, he was losing ground in an even more epic battle with the Ithaca Brewing Company. We all know Lou throws best when he's had a few in him. After starting the evening with a glass of Chimay (8% ABV), he decided to switch to another beer and uttered these fateful words, "Drew, I'll try that Ithaca Double IPA." which is 10 (yes 10) % ABV.

Consider for a moment that pint of Guinness is 4% ABV and do the math...

Exactly.

(Please see Lou's revelations below this post.)

Cup followed suit with yet another close win against Rich. None of our matches were up to our standards. None was 10 rounds or less, but doubling out proved tough for both teams and we were just fortunate to do it first.

Vince dropped his match to Jim in a contest that resembled one of those sped up, fast-forward comedy sketches on Benny Hill. The only thing missing was a sax solo. Poor Lou, gamely fighting the effects of Double IPA, could barely keep up. ("Wait... hold on... whaddija hit?...)

Apparently we don't do speed darts. 4-1 good guys.

But RJ got the 'Bags back on track("The Surgeon!") by beating Steve -- who faintly resembled a young Martin Mull -- giving us 5-1 lead at the break.

Feeling pretty good about ourselves. We headed into Our Game.

We were probably feeling too good about ourselves. The Gaf had yet to bring their good darts. We were actually very fortunate to be winning. Pike and Frank started out against Speed Round Jim and Jason. After an exceedingly long warm up session as we were about to begin the match, Farty captured the sentiment of the restless crowd as Glenn stepped up to start.

Line of the Night (TM)

Farty (to Frank): "So... what happened in the first match?"

Touchee, mon frere.

Pike was nasty 380 ASPs (that trip 15 close, double bull and 17 drove the nail in). Frank generally resembled a backpack for the match, but tossed a few good rounds and 'Bags swept. 7-1

Next Lou and Cup faced off against John and Joe. They dropped the first one in a sloppy contest before rallying -- principally behind Cuppa Joe -- to take the second match. The win pushed us to a still comfortable 8-2 lead.

Cheese and RJ ran into a two headed buzzsaw named Rich and Paul and dropped both contests. And the tie in cricket left the 'Bags up 8-4 heading into the final round.

Pike and Drunk Lou faced off against Jim and Jason in double '01. Those two guys are tough players who play A on Mondays. With Pike having trouble doubling in and Lou distracted by the Invisible Leprechaun perched above the dartboard -- "SHHHHH! Guys... (hiccup)... he's still lookinatme... ithink he's tryin'tell me somethin (hiccup). " -- the 'Bags dropped the first one. 8-5 good guys but now with a 4 game losing streak. Pike again didn't double in as fast as he wanted to and Louis failed to heed the advice of the Seamus the Leprechaun (with whom he was now on a first name basis).

Seamus: "Fait and begorrah!! Just trow yer dahrts at the middle of th' bard, laddie!! Aim fer da middle!!"

Lou (to apparently no one): "I'm am aimin fer middle, Seamus (hick). They keep goin off the side onme."

Seamus: "Yer always after me locky chairms!!!"

Lou (long pause): "Thah wuzzin me, Seamus. I swear. I wuzzin even in tha c'mercial."

Well, Pike did get them in eventually. And what followed was one of the best comebacks you'll see as the 'Bags erased a 250 point deficit, counted down to 48 and Pike nailed it -16-16-double 8 for the win, leaving a pair of very stunned Gaffers. The win was huge because it clinched the tie.

Jim would later admit, "I thought for sure we were going to get back to 8-6"

Fortunately, Cheese did not encounter any leprechauns or gmomes or receive any coded messages through the juke box. He doubled in on his second dart. He and Frank moved down quickly and Cheese put away a double 9 for the victory sealing the win for the Dartbags.

Score it 10-5.

We proceeded to do victory shots (with the other team) of Jameson's and drink Victory Ales for the remainder of the night. Marty proceeded to take the Legs money in an impressive showing, stunning Glenn in the finals.

To the credit of both teams, we had MOST of our players there until 2 in the morning, drinking and enjoying good fellowship. Hats off to the East Gaf for producing a team of fine dart players and good sports.

Next week we are home against a very tough team, The Undependables. They were an A team but took a year off, so they are now in B. We will have our hands full with this bunch who are a very skilled and very competent dart team.

Let's be clear about this... if we play the way we did next week the way we did this week... we can expect to lose. Nobody wants that. So let's stay focused.

And let's not have that 4th Double IPA (Lou, I'm looking at you.)

That is all.

Or is it? All comments welcome

-Your Captain
Frank

A Few Observations from Lou

Too funny not to post...

1) Ithaca = Hades and Ithaca India Pale Ale is brewed by the devil himself.
2) I had to run to the toilet bowl at 2 am and yak like a frat boy.
3) According to the law of averages, I will throw darts very well next Tuesday.
4) I feel that I performed a very accurate impression of a Walter's patron last night.
5) Were Cheese and Slicked-back Hair Guy throwing darts at 300 mph or was that just my warped perspective?
6) I think Glenn was wearing a French Maid outfit but it may have been just a dream.
7) I am now eating an oversized peanut butter cookie for breakfast but I don't remember buying it.
8) The capital of Switzerland is not Geneva - it is Bern.
9) Colin went hiking with Llamas (the animal, not Lorenzo) in Peru for his honeymoon.
10) I am considering going into the woodshop right now to fabricate a bed from Fomecore (board and bubble wrap.)
11) I discovered last month that if you cut your lawn too short it burns up and then you never have to cut it again.
12) Was there live music last night?
13) I think we did shots but I can't swear to it.
14) If everyone hit only 20's, I would volunteer to keep score for the entire match.
15) I parked illegally last night but did not get a ticket.
16) Andre is not a mean person - he is, in fact, very pleasant.
17) Apparently Omer is pronounced Oh Mar not Oh Mer.

Need I Say More?

Get after it.

shi*t show

what a waste. glenn's great...the rest of us
are a bunch of drunk idiots. great scrimmage.

Scrimmage.

Did you guys decide on Ace or Grassroots?

THIS JUST IN...

Congratulations, everyone.

It's in the books... http://www.nydo.com/html/tstat14m.htm

And congrats to Pike for his #4 spot on the All Star Team.