A darts team from a Gloucester pub has distinguished itself as one of the top contenders in the UK by reaching the quarter-finals of a nationwide tournament.
Darts enthusiasts from Marston’s pubs across the country formed teams to compete in the Cool Hand Cup. Sixteen finalist teams gathered for the Grand Final on Friday, April 10. After an intense competition, The Dog’s Bollogs from Wednesfield claimed the title along with a £10,000 cash prize.
The Gloucester Boys—consisting of Rich, Sam, Wayne, and Simon—secured their spot at the Grand Final by winning at their local haunt, the Barn Owl in Gloucester. Their impressive run saw them advance to the quarter-finals before the competition ended for them.
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At the conclusion of the tournament, The Dog’s Bollogs were awarded the Cool Hand Cup trophy and the cash prize, then had the opportunity to play against the renowned darts professional Luke Humphries.
Sam Price, captain of the Gloucester Boys, reflected on their journey: “Competing in the Grand Final of the Cool Hand Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The atmosphere and setup were extraordinary compared to our local games at the Barn Owl. The friendly spirit among players and the camaraderie across teams made the event truly special. Meeting Luke Humphries was incredible—he was gracious and genuinely a great guy.”
John Green, Director of Operations at Marston’s, added: “It has been fantastic to bring the Cool Hand Cup to over 500 pubs in partnership with Luke Humphries. Inviting teams to enter this year resulted in an overwhelming response, with more than 11,000 participants nationally. The Grand Final evening at The Boundary was electric, with a crowd that matched the energy of major darts venues like Ally Pally. Congratulations to The Dog’s Bollogs and all the finalists who competed so admirably.”