DOVER DARTS HALL OF FAME

The Dover Invitation Darts League launched the “Dover Darts Hall of Fame” to recognise inductees for their contribution to the local game. This will be a permanent fixture at our summer presentation nights where a professional dart player will present a memento to the inductees to mark the occasion and the players of the league will also have the opportunity to show their appreciation.

2011 INDUCTEE

“RITCHIE BUCKLE”

The Dover Invitation Darts League latest inductee in to the hall of fame is Ritchie Buckle. Over the last 30 years Ritchie has dominated the local scene and been a force across the County of Kent.

Ritchie has made the TV stages of three PDC events, the 2002 World Grand Prix, 2004 UK Open and 2004 World Championships.

The 2004 World Championships was Ritchie career highlight when he reached the 3^rd round, defeating Jan van de Rassel 3-1 in the first round and then experienced American Steve Brown 3-0 in the second.

His run was ended by two times world champion Dennis Priestley in a classic match, 4-3.

In the 2002 World Grand Prix he shocked the world of darts by beating the then number one in world Alan Warriner Little 2-1.

In the last six years Ritchie has won three league singles titles, a divisional singles title, two blind pairs wins partnering and Wayne Venes and James Warr, a league pairs win with Dave Simmons and also became a member of the 170 club.

Summer 2008 Ritchie set a league campaign record of 18 180’s in just sixteen games and followed this in the Winter 2008/9 with a superb 15 in the same number of games. The maximums were flowing once again in the winter 2008/9 season with Ritchie hitting another 14 180’s.

PICTURE: - Ritchie celebrates his victory over Steve Brown of the U.S. during the second round of the 2004 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship at Circus Tavern December 28, 2003 in Purfleet, England.

PAST INDUCTEES

TONY BROWN

Tony, the towns most successful ever dart player had a distinguished professional career that lead to multiple titles all over the world.

1977 to 1983 were Tony’s trophy laden years, winning the prestigious British Open, WDF Europe Cup Singles, WDF World Cup Pairs with Cliff Lazarenko, the Nations Cup Triples twice and the Indoor League.

He beat Eric Bristow 4-0 in the final of the WDF Europe Cup Singles and reached the World Professional Darts Championships semi-finals four times, losing twice to Eric Bristow and twice to John Lowe. Tony had the honour of playing for his Country in 23 singles matches, winning 15 of his games.

We have true legend of darts playing in our league, humble about his achievements and when talking to him about those great years, it is like he remembers every dart. Tony, WE SALUTE YOU!

TONY IS PICTURED WITH ERIC BRISTOW AND JOHN LOWE AFTER LIFTING THE NATIONS CUP TRIPLES.

BILLY BELL

If you have played darts in Dover over the last 50 years, you know Billy Bell. Now 78 years old, he is still playing on Fridays and Sundays in Dover.

Billy has played darts up to County standard back in his prime darting years, the 70’s. He was in fine company, playing in the same County side as Tony Brown and Dave Whitcome.

Bill has picked up local league titles for fun, whilst most importantly playing darts with his friends.

Sides including the likes of John Petts, Calvin Chaplin, Brian Morris and Dave Green dominated the Dover leagues throughout the late 80’s and the all of 90’s.

He is a staunch supporter of his local league and an ever present at the knockouts. A great player and a great man who is respected by every player in the league.

Billy, YOU’RE A DOVER LEGEND!

PAUL TURNER

In 2002 Paul Turner took over the Dover Friday Night Invitation Dart League, the league had 24 teams in three division`s, today the league has 37 sides playing in four divisions. We also now have knockouts (team, singles, pairs & blind pairs) , a successful Dover open & pro nights. Paul also runs the website which takes up about 2 hours every weekend. In 2007 PT took on the running of the winter league as well. Playing wise Paul plays for the Diamond and is a former Dover singles and pairs runner-up as well as being a former Dover super league player. The dart players of Dover owe you a lot Paul "Thank You".