By Kurt Bevan
After what was a much improved season in UKDA Division one for Suffolk's Ladies, with the county being amongst the promotion hopefuls up until the end of the season, attentions turned to the UKDA National Finals weekend that sees all of the top players from each respective National league county gather to crown the best in the country.
Saturday saw Suffolk's ladies take to the oche in both the UKDA National Singles and Pairs events.
In the pairs, Suffolk were represented by Jo Locke and Nadine Leathers, Locke this year made her England debut after winning the international trial at the British Open weekend in Bridlington back in September 2022.
In what was a fantastic run from the pair defeating international players and regulars on the PDC Women's series, the ladies from Suffolk went all the way defeating Maria O'Brien and Sarah Brown 4-3 in the final after losing the first two legs.
Jo Locke and Nadine Leathers results
L64: 4-2 vs. Dawn Blowers & Julia Virgoe
L32: 4-2 vs. Grace Angell & Chez Allcock
L16: 4-3 vs. Vicky Pruim & Ros Hemmings
QF: 4-3 vs. Steph Stutley & Debs Watling
SF: 4-1 vs. Hannah Meek & Courtney Hine
F: 4-3 vs. Maria O'Brien & Sarah Brown
Double Delight for Jo Locke
Not only did Locke win the Ladies pairs with partner Nadine Leathers, she also went all the way in the UKDA National Ladies Singles coming through another tough field to be crowned champion.
Locke, who played a staggering 78 legs of darts throughout the day over both competitions which started early on the Saturday, won the final at around 23:20 in the evening having played over 12 hours of darts.
A dominant run from Locke saw her only lose 6 legs in 8 games, half of which came in the final. Along the way she once defeated Maria O'Brien once again, this time in the Semi-finals, setting up a meeting with Angela Kirkwood in the final.
The final reached 3-3 before Locke took the final two legs ton win 5-3 with an average of 76.63, hitting some big scores to keep the distance and at times pressure Kirkwood in what was a closely contested final.
Jo Locke Results
L256: 4-0 vs. Lily Woodrow
L128: 4-0 vs. Shannon Chappell
L64: 4-0 vs. Donna Rainsley
L32: 4-0 vs Kerry O'Connor
L16: 4-1 vs. Rebecca Hoyland
QF: 4-1 vs. Becca Rose
SF: 5-1 vs. Maria O'Brien
F: 5-3 vs. Angela Kirkwood.
Congratulations to both Jo Locke and Nadine Leathers for their brilliant performances and taking both national trophies back to Suffolk.
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