Premier League Darts produced a cracker in Manchester on Thursday as Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler made it back-to-back wins in front of 11,000, but there was no finer moment than when someone in Where’s Wally fancy dress was spotted fighting in the stands.
Luke ‘The Nuke’ produced a great display against Stockport’s Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, with the pair of them helping turn the crowd into a choir as a sea of Mancs serenaded the AO Arena to the tune of The Killers, but it was the other semi with Gerwyn Price that produced the biggest highlight of all.
As if things couldn’t get any more quintessentially British than a lot of drunken fans belting out ‘Mr Brightside’, a clip of someone dressed as Where’s Wally scrapping with other supporters as they desperately tried to cling onto their pints has now gone viral.
In typically chaotic fashion for UK crowds, it also happened to unfold just as Gerwyn Price hit the best of the night in the background as the AO was left utterly bouncing.
Can we just say, we have all the respect in the world for the people filming who quickly swivelled the camera to capture Price’s nine-darter and celebrate like nutters – rightly so. Well done to the arena staff who did a good job of defusing the situation as well.
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Although the runner-up himself shared a post saying the “final was spoilt before a dart was even thrown” and that “change is needed” after a pocket of fans were filmed throwing drinks at each other, we can assure ‘The Iceman’ that most the vast majority were well-behaved and soaking up what he admitted was an “amazing atmosphere”.
While we obviously don’t condone any form of violence and details surrounding how the bust-up began are still unclear, it’s also hard to take a fight involving a life-sized Where’s Wally seriously and fighting at the darts is still a relatively rare occurrence. When we think arrows we just think good vibes.
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Gezzy can rest assured that it in no way overshadowed what was another blockbuster night involving the very best talents on the circuit. Just look at the scenes.
As for the round itself, not only did Greater Manchester local ‘The Asp‘ do a great job of whipping the crowd up for his home turf match but it was another star showing from the 17-year-old darting superstar from Warrington.
Littler is absolutely one a roll and has taken like a duck to water in his first season in the Premier League, not to mention seemingly living the sports personality dream.
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His beloved Man United might have conceded two late goals to give up a huge result elsewhere but we’re sure going a point clear at the top of the table helped him get over it soon enough.
A bust-up in the stands or darts’ biggest phenomenon going for an inevitable kebab after his win might not be as iconic as this, but it’s a reminder that we’ll take British sporting culture over all others any day.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
5th April 2024 
