BDDA Delivers Thrilling Weekend at Chelmsford
David Silva Shield & Cup – 21–22 February 2026
The British Disability Darts Association returned to Chelmsford Social Club for a superb weekend of competition in the annual David Silva Shield and Cup tournaments, with high-quality darts, dramatic finishes, and standout performances across both days.
Day 1 – David Silva Shield
The action got underway early on Saturday, with volunteers preparing the venue before sunrise to ensure everything was ready for a full day of competition.
In the standing category, strong performances saw Jon Hirst, Matt Doe, Dave Johnson, and Neil Dudbridge advance to the semi-finals. Home favourite Matt Doe carried his form into the final, where he defeated Neil Dudbridge 4–1 to lift the Shield on home soil.
The wheelchair event delivered one of the closest contests of the day. Kevin “Beep Beep” Stringer, Mick Jones, Steve Plimley, and a returning Ian Lewis—back after a year-long injury layoff—reached the last four. In a high-quality final, Stringer edged past Lewis 4–3 to claim the Shield in a thrilling decider.
Day 2 – David Silva Cup
Sunday’s Cup competition brought fresh battles and a reversal of fortunes.
In the standing event, three of Saturday’s semi-finalists returned, with Steve North replacing Dave Johnson in the final four. This time, Neil Dudbridge turned the tables on Matt Doe, producing a strong display to win the final 4–2 and take the Cup.
The wheelchair competition featured new semi-finalists Amar Dehar and Nathan Butler, who progressed from the round-robin stages to join Kevin Stringer and Ian Lewis. The final saw Stringer face Dehar, and the in-form Stringer completed a dominant weekend, securing his second title with a 4–1 victory.
A Weekend to Remember
Beyond the results, the event once again highlighted the spirit of the BDDA community. Players, supporters, and volunteers combined to create a welcoming atmosphere, while fundraising efforts throughout the weekend helped support the association’s ongoing work.
With competitive darts, inspiring performances, and strong community backing, Chelmsford once again proved a fitting stage for a memorable BDDA tournament weekend.