King Of The Hill Cricket I | May, 2009 | Andre Carman & Jason Bernard

King of the Hill Cricket: Andre Carman

When you get the likes of Andre Carman, John Morrison, Bernie Miller and Gord Mills, just to name a few, in a room of 60 playing singles cricket and only cricket, you just might think you had temporarily stepped into the Twilight Zone. In fact, when Kevin suggested we hold a cricket event as part of the popular King of the Hill series, I thought maybe he was maybe just a little crazy. Well, less than 2 months later and after 60 players from all parts of Ontario showed up, I have to admit it could be he was on to something.

We've long known that cricket is a game much like Rodney Dangerfield - it gets no respect. But I do have to say, to watch a room full of players banging out great cricket games is a thing of beauty. You don't get to see cricket played well too often, and you rarely - of ever - get to see it on television. Watching a couple 7-bangers (2 counting triples and a single) in a row followed by 5 bulls for the win is something I hope every dart fan and every aspiring dart champion has a chance to see.

And, in fact, and until we hear otherwise, the $500 for the winner was the highest payout for singles cricket in our memory - and maybe even ever in Canada. Not bad for a day's work (or play)!

When the day began we had some early favourites which would of course include Andre Carman, John Morrison and Bernie Miller, the reigning King of the Hill, but we also knew there were also about half a dozen serious contenders in the field who could step up and make some hay. In the end it was Andre Carman, proving why he is one of the best players in the country as he made his way through a tough bracket directly facing Adam Bernard, Bernie Miller, Gord Mills, Ted Larocque and Jason Bernard to earn the victory.

Prize Breakdown:

1st: Andre Carman $500

2nd: Jason Bernard $220

3rd (joint): Jason Marchis / Ted Larocque $110 each

5th (joint): Gord Mills / Nick Holmes $80 each

7th (joint): Bill Neilson / James Fishback $50 each

Photos:

Jason Bernard & Jason Bernard

Jason Marchis & Ted Larocque

Gord Mills & Nick Holmes

Bill Neilson & James Fishback

All skill levels are welcome and in addition to being guaranteed a number of legs against some very good players, you'll get to watch some amazing playoff matches that you would otherwise have to travel to see. We'll be looking to hold another tournament in the Fall of 2009 and we look forward to seeing even more players compete!