A DARTS competition in memory of one of East Lancashire’s favourite players has done him proud.

The special Pioneer Club champion of champions tournament was held in honour of Les Gibson who sadly past away in May.

But Les, one of the finest players on the local circuit, would have been impressed with the standard of play on display with six players hitting 10 maximums between them while winner Dave Place checked out with a 12 dart finish.

“The standard on the night was superb,” said beaten semi finalist John Campbell. “Les would have been very proud as he was one of the best players I’ve seen.

“He’s entered and won the competition a number of times so it was fitting that we held a competition in his honour.”

Place confirmed his position among the East Lancs elite after beating Brian Carter in the final at the Church club.

The inaugural event brought together eight previous winners of the weekly Friday night competition to battle it out for the Les Gibson Trophy.

And it was Place, who has won all three Blackburn Premier League darts titles, who came out on top.

The Blackburn thrower, who narrowly lost to Ian Lever in the final of last month’s King George’s Classic, averaged over 100 as he beat Carter 2-0 and did it in style with that 12-dart finish.

“That finish summed up the night,” added Campbell who lost to Place in the semi finals. “There were some great darts played on the night and Dave’s 12 dart checkout just proved the point.”

Place and Campbell were among the players who hit 180s with Fred Long, Ian McMillan, Gary Briley and Carter all scoring maximums.

A draw was made on the night with Place, Campbell, Carter and Long all winning through the quarter finals. In the first semi final, Place beat Campbell 2-1 with Carter beating Long by the same scoreline.

Les’s daughter Sally, who also provided the food on the night, presented the winning trophy and £60 prize money to Place, which were both donated by the Pioneer club.

The competition was such a success it will now become an annual event — and Campbell paid tribute to organiser Shaun Gallagher.

“Shaun has done a magnificent job,” said Campbell. “The event has become more and more popular and that is all down to his hard work. I would also like to thank the Pioneer Club as well for its continued support and for also donating the trophy and prize money.”

l The next Pioneer Knockout takes place at the Tanpits Road club on Friday from 8pm.