Features

Review of 2009 - Part 1

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 22/12/2009
Darts betting

With 2009 fast coming to an end and new year resolutions at the forefront of one's mind, it is a time to reflect on yet another magnificent year of sporting success.

We bring you a three-part review of the year as we sift through some of the more notable events in the sporting calendar.

January - Taylor wins Darts World Championship title, Alexandra Palace, London - Phil 'The Power' Taylor, who is the online sportsbook favourite to grab another success in 2010, claimed an unprecedented 14th World Championship after demolishing fierce rival Raymond van Barneveld.

The Potteries-born star, who is undoubtedly the best player ever to grace the oche, cruised to a 7-1 victory over his Dutch counterpart.

February - West Indies claim crushing first Test win, Sabina Park, Jamaica - England travelled to the West Indies with high hopes ahead of their four Test series but, after struggling to 318 in their first innings, centuries by Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan helped their hosts make 392 as they held a healthy first innings lead.

What happened next was simply unexpected as the Windies seamers ripped through England's batsmen.

Jerome Taylor took 5-11 and he was supported perfectly by Sulieman Benn, who collected 4-31 as the visitors collapsed to 51-all-out from just 33.2 overs. Andrew Flintoff scored 24 runs - the only player England to reach double figures.

March - Ireland claim Grand Slam crown after Six Nations success - Irish eyes were definitely smiling after their euphoric Six Nations and Grand Slam success in March.

Coach Declan Kidney guided them marvellously and it was their first success of this magnitude in 61 years.

After wins over France, Italy and England in February, they disposed of Scotland before facing up to Wales at the Millennium Stadium on March 21.

Two penalties by Wales' Stephen Jones had put the hosts in front, and they needed a 13-point victory to retain their 2008 crown.

They were pegged back after early second-half tries from Brian O'Driscoll and Tommy Bowe, and Ronan O'Gara's conversions propelled Ireland into a 14-6 lead.

However, Jones' boot almost proved to be their Achilles heel as he landed a further two penalties and a drop-goal with five minutes remaining that looked set to end the Irish dream.

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But the inspirational O'Gara came up trumps again, knocking over a drop-goal of his own at the death.

There was still time for Jones to sink the Irish with a long-distance penalty, but his effort fell just short much to the relief of the men in green and it allowed captain O'Driscoll to hoist the coveted trophy aloft.

April - Grand National winner Mon Mome - Mon Mome, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by rookie Liam Treadwell, was the 100-1 outsider for the showpiece race and managed to hold off the challenge of 2008 winner Comply Or Die.

Mon Mome's victory was a huge relief for the bookmakers as the horse became the longest-priced winner of the famous race since Foinavon took the plaudits in 1967 after avoiding a massive pile-up to prevail.

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