50 years ago 19-year-old Cyril Pearce alongside partner George Pendleton won the Usk and district darts league pairs championship at the town's Royal British Legion, almost half a century later and at the same venue, Cyril, aided and abetted by Nigel (Nobby) Hunt reclaimed the title.

A living embodiment of the old sporting adage, "form is temporary but class is permanent", Cyril followed up his 1961 win with a successful sporting career which saw him securing a long list of darts and nail throwing titles in such far-flung places as America, Malta and Sweden.

Cyril has also given nail throwing exhibitions as far back as 1976 with John Lowe, Leighton Rees, Mickey Norris, Alan Glazier and a host of other stars of the day.

Cyril was vice captain of the British team who beat Sweden home and away in 1980 and throughout is career has always tried to encourage youngsters to take up the sport.

One of Cyril's proteges is Nobby Hunt who hit a tremendous game shot of 158 in the semi-final to help Cyril reclaim his title.

Cyril told the Chronicle, "Winning this trophy after 50 years has given me more pleasure than anything I have ever done and believe me, I have had my moments.

"Yet just as important is the fact we won this title at the same venue as the one in 1961 and that is down to one man - Peter Skillern."

Cyril added, "Peter is the Usk darts league secretary and the mainstay of the Usk Royal British Legion club. Without him and the stewardess Diane Richards this lovely old club would have closed its doors years ago, which would be a crying shame, because amongst other things it is a very fertile and popular ground for darts.

"Peter is also an excellent darts player and captain of the present Legion team, of which I am proud to call myself a member."