Glamorgan cricketers David Lloyd, Graham Wagg, Colin Ingram and Michael Hogan were part of an historic night at The SSE SWALEC tonight, as the stadium hosted its first darts event.
The Foster’s Pro Darts Masters Event saw the four unlikely darts stars line up against professionals Mark Webster, Vincent Van der Voort, Devon Petersen and Simon Whitlock for an exhibition match, which also featured darts legend Bobby George.
While none of the cricket boys caused an upset, it made for brilliant entertainment on a memorable night in the National Cricket Centre at The SSE SWALEC in Cardiff.
Lloyd who went down two legs to nil against former World Champion – and fellow North Walian – Webster, spoke before the event about his apprehension taking to the oche.
The 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a stellar season on the field for Glamorgan, told Sky Sports News: “I’m not a big darts fan – I’ve been described as one – I’m not sure know why, but hopefully I’ll just enjoy it. Mark (Webster) is from the same place as I am, so I guess that’s why I’m playing.
“Throwing the ball (in cricket) is quite similar to hitting a 20 (in darts) and it’s all good fun.”
Colin Ingram, who has also been in fantastic batting form for Glamorgan in white-ball cricket, lost 2-0 to fellow countryman Devon Petersen and thoroughly enjoyed playing his part in a unique night in Cardiff, hitting a 125 during his all-South African clash.
Ingram, nicknamed ‘the Farmer’, said: “It’s great to be part of the evening. For us cricketers that are here it’s great to play darts. We don’t usually get a chance to play different sports so it’s just great to be involved.
“I used to play a month every year with my dad on holiday and then paying club cricket in the UK, I picked it up while watching the Premier League. I usually enjoy a casual throw round the fire every now and then, but it’s great to mix and meet with the darts guys. I think Devon had a sleepless night thinking about it and I’ll be coming for him…”
Although Ingram couldn’t grab the win, there was a close call for Dutch darts legend Van der Voort against Glamorgan allrounder Graham Wagg, but VDV won 2-0, while the Battle of The Aussies saw Simon ‘Wizard’ Whitlock comfortably beat Michael Hogan two legs to nil.
The Glamorgan cricketers will now turn their attention to the prospect of facing Hampshire in the NatWest T20 Blast in Southampton, tomorrow night from 7pm, in an all-important encounter.