TEIGNBRIDGE Darts Academy continues to go from strength to strength and the latest celebration was for the grand opening of their new base.

The Keyberry in Decoy is now where they call home and on Saturday, May 3, players and family alike gathered upstairs to revel in their success to date.

Alex Hall, Newton Abbot’s youngest-ever mayor, was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially kickstart a new era, as well as having donated money towards the academy.

Hall was joined at the oche by local darts hero Owen Bates, who kindly gave up his time to accompany the academy on their big day. The 22-year-old PDC tour card holder played the opening game, taking on none other than the Mandalorian himself.

After the pair were granted epic walk-ons, questionable practice darts didn’t bode well for the beloved Star Wars character only for him to keep pace with Owen. Just as he had whittled his score down to a 129-finish required, Bates checked out double tops to save his own blushes.

This was followed by a first competition-style match for the Teignbridge youngsters with Paignton Academy on hand to give them a tense contest, Teignbridge coming out on top. The only thing as impressive as the standard of darts were the spirits in which it was played, family and fellow players all on hand to offer support.

Eventually it was time to put down the darts in favour of a party, with this exhibition match being paired alongside the club’s first birthday festivities.

Jon Bush and everyone else from the academy would like to thank the mayor, Owen Bates plus the Mandalorian for their support on the day, as well as that of the players and parents and all of those who have sponsored them to date.