After a competitive regular season and exciting playoffs, the final match of the 2023-24 Gloucester City Invitational Dart League on Wednesday, March 20, was for the championship as Team Neal sought its third straight title against newcomers Team Connors.
More than 50 shooters from other teams came out to watch the title match at Brooklawn American Legion Post 72. Team Connors took an early lead in the first 501 game, but they could not hit the outshot. Captain Frank Neal then stood up to the line and nailed a double 10 on his first dart for the win.
Team Neal easily won the cricket game to go up 2-0, but could not get on in the 301 game. However, Captain Chris Connors hit the 33 on shot and teammate Dave Kepper hit a double eight out to make it 2-1.
From there on it was all Team Neal, as Mike Wilson hit a double nine out shot in the 601 game and then hit a double cork out in cricket for a 4-1 lead. Captain Neal then hit a 48 out in the 301 game with a single eight and a double 20.
The final game was 501. Team Neal took an early lead and Mike Sexton stepped up to the line. He calmly nailed a double four out shot for the championship, and jumped into the air.
Congratulations to Team Neal on its three-peat in the GCIEDL. The shooters included Frank Neal, Jennifer Neal, Bob Cullen, Lenny Brown, Mike Wilson, Bob Lee, Mike Sexton and Rich Rein, and their scorekeeper and former shooter was Kathy Neal.
Having a great season but coming up one match short were the Team Connors members, including Chris Connors, Cathie Pinto, Danny Capp, Aaron Hartman, Rob Sherman, Ed Senlick and Dave Kepper.
Overall it was a great season for the GCIEDL, and the league officers thank all the teams and shooters who participated.
