Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get.
Well in the case of Bunting in Barnsley, you know exactly what to expect! They’ll be some excellent performances, ton plus averages a-plenty, a Euro Tour qualification and a few shots that smashed against the crossbar.
The action on Saturday afternoon began with a meeting against recent UK Open semi-finalist, Adam Gawlas. And despite the Czech youngster narrowly topping the average count, it was the Bullet who picked up a 6-3 win.
However, in match number two, Keegan Brown edged a close contest to claim a 6-4 victory and halt any hopes of another PDC Pro Tour title.
Onto Sunday and unfortunately it was defeat at the very same stage as the previous day. A blistering 101.21 average was enough to see off veteran, Ross Montgomery before losing out in a thrilling last leg decider to Mike De Decker.
The Euro Tour qualifiers and always nice chance to pick up a place on the plane – or often in Stephen’s case, a ferry.
First up was a spot in the Austrian Darts Open. And Bunting’s opening game of that event also produced his highest average of the day recording a colossal 105.65 as he saw off the challenge from Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-3.
And despite another excellent ton plus average over Cameron Menzies, it was the Scot who prevailed by pinching the final leg of an exhilarating match-up. No Graz for the Liverpudlian next month.
In the second Euro Tour qualifying tournament, Stephen was able to make it a successful plight. First to fall was the German, Daniel Klose in another high quality game which included checkouts of 142 and 167 – that one finished 6-3.
Qualification for the Darts Dutch Championship was then sealed with another 6-3 win, this time over Jamie Clark. There was almost a 9-darter thrown into the mix as Bunting wired D12 for the perfect leg.
Stephen spoke to us after another busy weekend in Yorkshire, saying: “Yet again, my scoring was there and you can see that in my averages.
“There were a couple of occasions where I should have killed the game off earlier but probably got a little complacent – especially in my last one against Jamie Clark.
“If I can up my doubles percentage then I’m sure I can be challenging for titles. It’s ok but I know there’s room for improvement.“Pleased to get another Euro Tour event in the bag. Should have been two but I spurned my chances against Cameron [Menzies] and he punished me.
“I have a few days back home now to hit the practice board and get ready for next weekends Pro Tours in Germany. But I am happy with the way I’m playing and just need make the most of the chances that I work hard in games to get.”
