BY JOSH GREEN
Harry Gregory sealed his second Junior Darts Corporation title of the season, as he defeated a resurgent Alfie Jacques in Saturday’s Super 16 tour final.
After reaching the semi-finals last time out in Sheffield, Gregory had to battle though a tough draw in order to reach the final at Riley’s Worcester. Wins over Connor Pickett and Charlie Large set him on his way, followed by a routine victory over Tommy Nelson in the last 16.
‘The Hawk’ was then a 3-1 victor over Jack Boardman in the final eight, setting up a meeting with the tournaments surprise package Charlie Manby in the semi-finals.
His highest average of the day would see Gregory swoop on Manby’s mistakes, an 85.6 average carrying him through another tough encounter and into the day’s finale.
He would face Alfie Jacques, with the winner taking the glory in Worcestershire. After a tough 18 months on the board for Jacques, the last two events have seen a resurgence in form for the Wolverhampton ace.
Jacques would nail the highest average of the afternoon in his 3-1 victory over Sean Ashburner but saved an excellent display on the outer ring for his meeting with Henry Coates.
Coates had previously secured his place in the Wolverhampton finals by winning June’s event in South Yorkshire. But couldn’t make it two out of two, as checkouts of 67 and 74 sealed a final appearance for Jacques.
After holding throw in the opening leg, Jacques would take out 118 to level proceedings. Gregory would break throw in the fourth leg, extending his advantage to 3-1.
The 14-year-old would stay steady to hold throw and despite a late come-back from Jacques in the latter stages, a 16-darter would seal the deal as Harry Gregory became a JDC Super 16 tour champion.
Quarter-Finals
Henry Coates 3-0 Ash Marson
Alfie Jacques 3-1 Reece Pauling
Charlie Manby 3-2 Nathan Care
Harry Gregory 3-1 Jack Boardman
Semi-Finals
Alfie Jacques 4-2 Henry Coates
Harry Gregor 4-1 Charlie Manby
Final
Harry Gregory 5-3 Alfie Jacques