Jamie Harvey Exhibition
When Kevin rang up and said Jamie Harvey is coming to Australia my first reaction was "who the f... is Jamie Harvey. Even the Professional Darts Association website has little to say about him . But I thought what the hell - I've never been to a Dart Exhibition Saturday 2nd June Maroondah Social Darts Association club rooms. I walked through the door, up to the bar, bought a drink and turned round. Kevin greeted me, Rowee meet Jamie Harvey. The next 30 mins were spent in conversation. Viki said to me later did you know him? you chatted like old buddies.
I guess I expected some sort of mini tournament. Just a procession of players getting blown off the board with spectacular scoring. There were the high scores, at least 4 180s but it was far more than that, this was entertainment. Jamie's party trick if you like is throwing his darts flight first. 2 of the 180's were thrown flight first. He made the point though that if anyone he played felt uncomfortable with him throwing this way he out of respect wouldn't do it. To their credit none of the 16 or so people he played declined and we were treated to some spectacular shots. Double doubles backwards, bull finishes backwards, hitting doubles while kneeling and throwing flight first, standing on a chair. The crowd was so vocal and good humoured that I thought a double hit while he was rolling on the floor laughing was a distinct possibility.
"Kevina" Jamie with young fan Melissa Sinnott
The next day we travelled down to Nioka Sports club for his 2nd exhibition. This time I took my camera and a pen and paper.
The Exhibition opened with Moses, dressed in full Highland regalia piping Jamie into the hall. Kevin did the honours and introduced him to the crowd. Then the Jamie Harvey show began. After a brief introduction he told a couple of joke then asked everyone who was to play him to try to beat him but to have fun while they were playing. Then the same warning he would throw his darts flight first at times but anyone who thought the may take offence he wouldn't
Moses on the bagpipes Jamie introduces himself
First victim I mean opponent Kevin Berlyn
Format of the game 701.
Jamie through all his dart flight first. Among his scores 140, 123, 121, 137. He just missed a bull finish His finish, 16 hit by scoring 2 double 4s.
Neil ( Muzzie) Murray Robbie ( Big ) Dick
701 Jamie throwing dart flight first. Neil managed to get down to a double first but failed to peg. Jamie pegged 32 8 then double 12
Robbie's game 701 Jamie throwing flight first managed to leave himself on 170. His first 2 scores 60 60 but just missed the bull peg. Robbie had thrown good solid darts all the leg and finished on 76.
Anthony Crowle Kirsty Brown
Next game up was against the Victorian Boys Under 15 Champion Anthony Crowle. Anthony showed a little of his potential but Jamie pegged out on 40 2 double 10s
The format was changed when Jamie played Kirsty Brown. He started on 601 Kirsty on 401. He could only score on 25s and bulls finishing only on double 13. Kirsty played well but Jamie finished on 76 in 3 darts 25 25 double 13. Again all darts thrown flight first.
Melanie Krause Tommy Hyland
Same format against Melanie. Up until this point though the atmosphere was light hearted there was a tenseness in the air. Melanie quickly showed the class that has in a very short amount of time taken her to a top 10 ranking in Australia. With Melanie on 86 and Jamie on 326 Melanie turned to Jamie and said to him "I'll wait for you to get down further". The hall erupted and Jamie took full advantage piling on the banter to keep her distracted while he closed the gap. Melanie waited just too long and Jamie pegged 51 25 double 13.
Against Tommy Hyland the format reverted back to 701. Only occasionally did he revert the throwing flight backwards. This leg produced the first 180 of the day
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