Hodgsons landlord Keith Jenkins is calling on pubs and clubs to keep the Country League alive.
The popular Monday darts and dominoes league – once thriving and with teams from as far afield as Market Weighton – is now down to less than 10 teams.
If any more teams drop out, says Keith, this may be the last year it will run – much to the detriment of pubs and clubs like his own.
He told HU17.net: “The Country League is real traditional, and used to be really popular.
“It was originally for clubs in Beverley – such as the Grosvenor and Armstrongs – and then for pubs from around the East Riding, as far afield as Market Weighton, who had a few teams in it. Pubs who wanted to enter were not allowed.
“Now we are down to eight or nine teams, which is really quite sad. And this makes a big difference for takings in a pub.
“We have some good lads and women here who like a good drink, and it can put £2/300 on your takings on a Monday night. Multiply that by 10, or how many home nights you have, and you can see what a difference it makes.”
The Country League is one of the most traditional pub leagues around, and is open to men and women with 12 players needed for a team.
Players can play darts or dominoes – which is the first to seven chalks – and the mixed company definitely makes for a better atmosphere in the pub or club where it is being played.
Keith believes the Country League is an institution well worth saving.
He continued: “I’m not one of those who wants to come to a pub and just stand at the bar – I want to do something and play some dominoes, and I believe a lot of people are like that.
“So why not combine going out on a Monday with playing some darts or dominoes? Although I can’t play darts, there are some cracking players in the league, and dominoes is straightforward counting, not threes and fives.
“You also get to go to places you wouldn’t think of going normally, such as The Half Moon at Skidby, or to Little Weighton.
“And you see people you only get to see once or twice a year, you catch up and have a really good time.
“It really is worth getting involved with and we need more pubs to field teams. It is not difficult, you have a good time, your pub has a good, friendly atmosphere and you know you can get good takings over the bar.”
To find out more, contact Keith at Hodgsons.
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this league is known as country league which will be starting again in september. but we also need new teams.this league is run on a monday night and is a mixed so male and female can play darts and dominoes together and enjoy areal good night out together. if you need more information ring liam on 01482 883239