YORK dart star Barry Noble will achieve a lifetime ambition when he steps on the stage to represent his country in the Home Internationals against Wales and Scotland in Merthyr Tydfil next month, writes Dave Fotheringham.

Noble has knocked on England's door several times during a long and illustrious darts career, but his dream is about to be realised at 54 years of age when declining hand to eye co-ordination has led many players to turn to more sedate pastimes.

Noble's list of honours achieved in the local scene is impressive and his graduation to county honours has seen him speedily rise as one of Yorkshire's top exponents.

Among his greatest 'glory days' was a semi-final success in the 1983 British Open over Eric Bristow, when the seven-time world champion was in his prime. Bristow threw 15 then 18 darts, but York's ace crisply replied in 12,14,15 and 16 darts.

Noble was eventually pipped for the title by Cliff Lazarenko, whose out-shot on bullseye took the 4-3 decider, and the national crown, in 18 darts.

The York ace has also qualified for both the Embassy World championship and World Master events three years on the trot, narrowly missing the televised rounds last time.

In the last Inter-Counties season Noble won all nine appearances which included six man of the match awards. His overall 37.78 per dart average yielded sixth place in the national table.

Currently he heads the division three county averages with five wins, all man of the match performances from six outings.

Updated: 11:31 Tuesday, February 18, 2003