Darts players at the Half Moon pub in Walton stood on the oche there for the last time last night (October 22) for their final match before their local closes on Friday.

The pub has run competitive darts teams for more than 60 years in the Felixstowe Tuesday Darts League but they bowed out with a tournament between themselves which was won by Kevin Jacobs.

The Half Moon pub is closing on FridayThe Half Moon pub is closing on Friday (Image: Google Maps) Kevin, who has been playing in the league since 1993 aged 15, paid tribute to their former captain Mick Stannard who skippered the Half Moon from 1973 until the Covid pandemic halted proceedings in 2020. Mick then passed on the captaincy to Andy Bloomfield in 2021.

Kevin said: "Under Mick's reign, the Half Moon enjoyed great success in the 80s and 90s, even into the early 2000's, winning many trophies at both team and individual levels. Mick sadly passed away in 2022, leaving behind him a legacy of darts that he built at our beloved Half Moon."

Read more: Half Moon Pub in Walton, Suffolk, to close after 200 years

The Half Moon has been a fixture in the town since 1746 but when it closes this week after being sold to developers, the team will be relocating over the road to The Falcon Inn.

Kevin said: " Once our local rivals, The Falcon currently do not have a team in the FTDL, so we at the Half Moon will now fill that void and look to make a fresh start at our new darting home. But we will never forget the memories we made playing at the Half Moon."

Memories include numerous 180s and big checkouts as well as vice captain Peter taking his shirt off and swinging it round his head after a notable victory.

"We're now onto the next chapter," Kevin said. "We have a new generation of players now - Reuben Jacobs is just 14 and already playing in the competitive FTDL this season. We encourage all younger darts players to get involved."

However, the Half Moon will not be forgotten. 

"It is with a collective heavy heart that we as a team now bid farewell to our spiritual home. Thank you The Half Moon. We will miss you," he added.