The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding darts legend Ian Tilley is delighted after earning a call-up to referee at the British Home Internationals in Wales later this month.
Local butcher Tilley, who works for Grasmere at Vine House Farm in Deeping St Nicholas, is no stranger to the big stage having scored at the Lakeside World Championship in the past.
But the Spalding and District Darts League chairman has been waiting for more than 20 years to ref at the Home Internationals – and will get his wish at the Merthyr Tydfil event over the weekend of May 21 and 22.
He will be joined there by Spalding and District League players Scott Williams and Claire Brookin, who will be representing England in their battle against teams from Scotland and Wales.
Tilley has also been selected to ref at this week’s Welsh Open at Pontin’s Prestatyn and is very proud of the double call-up.
He said: “I’m very pleased about the call-up, it’s something I’ve wanted for about 20 years.
“Obviously I’ve scored at Lakeside before and have been part of the team there for many years, but this is a proud moment for me.
“To be there while Scott and Claire are representing England will also be brilliant.
“The event will be live streamed and I’ll be doing a lot of work on the microphone. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Brookin will be part of captain Deta Hedman’s England side, while Williams is playing under skipper James Hurrell.
