Aces deal Panthers defeat

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 11) 

Thursday 7th December 2017

Aces 5-1 Panthers 

Andy Umney 3-2 John Schultz 

Wes Deane 3-0 Mick Hulley 

Ian Speed 3-2 Kieron Potts

Mick Smith 0-3 Ryan Goffin

Simon Birkett 3-0 Richard Brown

Trevor Tye 3-1 Mick Wood

We start week 11 at the Newbold in a match which saw home side the Aces unbeaten in four going into tonight facing a Panthers side who won their first match in seven last time out in a game which saw 46 scores over a ton or more which shows the standard of darts in this league.

Up first to start us off was a five leg thriller between Aces Andy Umney and opponent John Schultz. It was Schultz who got us underway but Umney who hit the first blow with an maximum followed by an 18 dart leg. In the second leg Schultz fired back to equalise then held to make it 2-1. It was not over yet though as Umney held to force a deciding leg in which Schultz had throw but Umney took the match and a 101 finish to get the Aces underway.

Mick Hulley was next up for the Panthers as he took on Wes Deane who started with a 14 darter plus a max to get him up and running. Hulley couldn't do anything about Deane's explosive darts as he recorded another 180 and a ton finish as well as winning the game in 17 darts in the third leg to put the Aces two up. 

In another match that went all the way Aces Ian Speed faced Kieron Potts in game three in a tight affair which could've gone either way. It was Potts to start and both men threw consistently well throughout the match which showed in the first four legs all went with throw in the finale leg with Potts favourite with the darts, Speed pulled it out of the bag to win the match to make it three for the Aces and they were on a roll.

It was Panthers captain Ryan "The Manic" Goffin looking to steady the Panthers sinking ship in game four as he took on Mick Smith and Goffin took the game into his own hands straight from the off with some brilliant darts. Goffin started with a 20 darter against the throw but he was just warming up as he took the second leg in 21 to make it two. Smith was hoping for a comeback but Goffin saved the best until last where he took out a fantastic 12 dart leg to win it in three and put in a captain's performance.

Aces' Simon Birkett saw Goffin's performance in the last match and aimed to go one better as he played Richard Brown. It was Brown with the darts but that didn't bother Birkett as he quickly turned it round and took out a 15 dart leg to open the scoring. He then doubled his lead finishing in 19 darts to go one away. Brown had throw to stay in it but Birkett was too hot tonight as he took victory with another 15 darter finishing with a 125 checkout and a 30.67 average to boot to win it for the Aces with one to spare.

In the final match in a terrible night for the Panthers Mick Wood was searching for a consolation point versus Trevor Tye. It was Tye's darts and he held in the opener. Wood replied with an equaliser but then Tye took it up a notch and went 2-1 up after leaving himself a one dart finish after 21 he took it out with the very next dart. Wood needed to hold to stay in the contest but couldn't manage it as Tye finished off the night winning it in four to give the Aces a 5-1 win which stretches their unbeaten run to five games. 

Black Eagles 5-1 Vulcans

Owen Cubitt 2-3 Mick Swift 

John Walton 3-0 Steven Caley

Steve Briggs 3-0 James Thomas

Marie Tuinstra 3-0 Phil Lambert 

Trevor Burkhill 3-0 Mark Barnes

Jelger Tuinstra 3-0 no player

Next up we're at the Woodbourne where defending champions Black Eagles who start the night three points clear at the top host bottom of the table Vulcans.

It was youngster Owen "Ice" Cubitt to start for the Black Eagles as he played a good test against Mick Swift. It was Swift to start and he took the first leg of the night, Cubitt replied with a 21 dart leg to equalise, Swift then took out a 101 finish to make it 2-1. Cubitt held it together in the fourth taking out a 110 finish to push the match into a final leg in which Swift had to hold to win it and he did in a match where every dart went with throw it was the Vulcans who took a shock lead. 

Up next for the Vulcans was Steven Caley hoping to keep the Vulcans pushing on bit he bumped into former World Champion John Walton. "John Boy" stated in typical fashion holding throw in 20 darts. Caley needed to hold his throw to stay in touch but Walton was too god breaking him with a 17 darter then comfortably winning it with another steady 20 dart leg to equalise for the Black Eagles.

After that match it was all downhill from there for the Vulcans as James Thomas suffered a heavy defeat by the hands of Steve Briggs, as Briggs took off with a 180 and breaking throw in 16 darts to go one up. Briggs then continued with a 21 dart hold of throw. "Tank" didn't have anything left in the third leg as Briggs blitzed to victory rounding off with an 18 darter to put the champions ahead. 

Black Eagles were flying now and in match four Marie Tuinstra was in good form against Phil Lambert who did manage to register a maximum but that's all he could muster as Tuinstra held her throw to go one up then she broke Lambert with a 16 dart leg then after that Marie finished off the game in three to make it 3-1 to Black Eagles with two to go. 

It was all on Mark Barnes to keep the Vulcans in the match as he took on "Turbo" Trevor Burkhill. Barnes had the darts which could've been an advantage but from the off Burkhill were flying taking out the first leg in 21 darts to break early. Trev then held his own throw with a 17 dart finish. Barnes was reeling and never really recovered as Burkhill took victory with a 20 darter to secure the win for the champions to keep pushing on at the top of the table. 

Railwaymen 5-1 Academicals 

Steve Marfleet 3-0 Conall Doughty 

Steve Brittle 3-0 Ben Tomlinson 

Martin Scott 3-2 Ritesh Deo 

Pete Bramley 1-3 Tim Close

Gavin Pilling 3-0 Greg Batting

Tom Gurran 3-0 Bye

Over at the Station Hotel second placed Railwaymen who are trying to catch the leaders but have had an in-different form of late face a player down Academicals team who are unbeaten in three but back to back draws have stalled their rise up the table. 

The night started bright for the Railwaymen as Steve Marfleet showed good form in his 3-0 win over Conall Doughty. Marfleet hit a 15 darter against throw to start then he took out finishes of a ton with two double tops and a 120 "Shangai" also ending on tops, Doughty didn't stand a chance a Marfleet won it with a 21 dart leg to give the home side the lead.

Up next for the Uni lads were Ben Tomlinson taking on Steve Brittle, it was Brittle to throw and he continued the Railwaymen's run in the opening leg by leaving him a one dart finish after 21 he cooly slotted in the double in one dart the next visit to set him on his way, Brittle broke Tomlinson in the se one leg to make it two and Tomlinson didn't have an answer to Brittle's darts as he ran out another 3-0 winner to make it two. 

In the match of the night in the third game Martin Scott and Ritesh Deo played a quality match which saw Scott break throw early doors to give him the advantage, after Scott held in the second leg with a 119 finish by taking out double 19 it looked all over but back came Deo in the second half of the match after holding to pull it back to 2-1. Scott threw for the match but couldn't finish it yet as Deo levelled up with a 21 dart leg which made it a decider and Deo had the darts to complete the comeback but it was Scott what ended the battle between the two with an excellent 12 darter and a 121 bull finish to win the contest which made the match 3-0 to the home side. 

After Academicals were unlucky in the last game following a brilliant finish by Scott, Tim Close was next up trying to put a point on the board as he faced opponent "Perfect" Pete Bramley and Bramley throwing first he looked out of sorts as Close took the first two legs with 22 dart finishes in both. Bramley only managed an hold of throw to peg it back to 2-1 and that was as good as it got for him as Close took the match with a 20 dart leg throwing fantastically well to pull a game back for the Uni. 

In the final game of a short night in the Railway, Gavin Pilling played solidly in his convincing 3-0 win over Greg Batting, Batting had throw to start but got broke twice by Pilling as he finished off the night hitting a 19 dart leg to give the Railwaymen a 5-1 win over the Uni team to keep tabs on the leaders.

Wades 4-2 Hawks

Lester Bowers 3-1 Ben Dulley 

Stephen Naisbitt 3-0 Laura Taylor

Simon Sawford 2-3 Paul Moore 

Tom Briggs 3-0 Pete Bell

Antonio Cruz 1-3 Matt Pryor

Tom Sawford 3-2 Steve Ewington

In the second match of the night at the Woodbourne Hotel, it was the turn of the Wades who sit fourth face an Hawks team who start sixth and were looking to chase down tonight's opponents.

To start it was Wades Lester "Big Red" Bowers playing opponent Ben Dulley who had the darts but Bowers scoring over-powered the consistent Dulley as "Big Red" broke in the opener with a 19 darter, he then took out a 21 on throw to double the lead. Dulley took a leg in third to bring the score back but Bowers finished him with an 18 dart leg to win and put the Wades in front. 

Laura Taylor was next up for the Hawks looking to level as she took on Wades captain Stephen Naisbitt. It was the captain to start and set off well holding his throw to get underway. Taylor needed to hold to stay in touch but couldn't keep up with Naisbitt as he broke her in the second leg and he then finished it off in the third to make the score 2-0.

After game two the Hawks were already reeling and they needed to get back into the match, up next for them was Paul Moore who's match with Simon Sawford went all the way. Moore opened with a hold, Sawford took the second leg to level, then after breaking the Moore throw in the third with an 18 dart leg he looked odds on for the win, but Moore picked up and following a 180 he equalised in 17 darts then in the final leg decider he took out an 18 darter to win it to pull a game back for the Hawks.

Wades were being pegged back then upped stepped Tom Briggs in his game with Pete Bell. Briggs started with an hold to take the lead. He then broke Bell's throw to make it 2-0 to leave Bell with it all to do. In the third leg it was all over as Briggs took it with a winning double to halt the Hawks comeback and leaving Wades needing just one to win out of the last two games. 

In match five Matt Pryor needed to take out Antonio Cruz to force a deciding match and he started well under pressure taking the opening two legs to give him that cushion. Cruz took out a ton finish to break back and threw first in the fourth leg to stay in the match but Pryor responded to the test to win it to give the Hawks hope.

In the deciding match with the Wades 3-2 up young Tom "Shooter" Sawford and Steve Ewington traded blows with both players throwing well it was anybody's game. Sawford had the throw and started brilliantly hitting a 16 dart leg to open the game. The pendulum kept swinging back and forth with both players holding throw in every leg. Ewington took out a 17 darter to stay in the game and for it to go to a fifth and final leg with "Shooter" throwing he was favourite and he threw well enough to win the match with an 81 finish on the bull to win it and give the Wades a tight victory. 

Warriors 2-4 Wolves

Jodie Bruce 3-0 Graham Waller

Ian Webster 0-3 Lee Cushworth

Angela Brittle 0-3 John Lieber 

Nicola Warne 0-3 Dave Cliffe 

Steve Newton 3-1 Pat Finney

Paul Brittle 0-3 Pete Daffin

In the final game of week 11 we head to the Midland where the Warriors who are in poor form with eight defeats on the bounce face a Wolves side who sit middle of the table with just one defeat out of last six games played. 

Playing first for the Warriors was Jodie Bruce as she made light work of Graham Waller earning a 3-0 victory with some big scores thrown in to give the Warriors a perfect start. 

Up next was "The Dartin' Demon" Lee Cushworth looking to pull the Wolves level against Ian Webster who had the throw. Cushworth couldn't have started better breaking Webster in the first leg with a 15 darter. "The Dartin' Demon's" form continued as he held to make it two. Webster needed to hold on the third leg but couldn't manage it as Cushworth took the match with a 20 dart leg to level the scoring. 

John Lieber was up third for the Wolves to try and put his team ahead for the first time as he took on Angela Brittle. It was Lieber to start and set off well taking the first leg with ease. Brittle needed to hold throw to be equal to her opponent but Lieber didn't take the game too lightly as he broke throw which led to him winning it in three to overturn the deficit to put the Wolves ahead. 

For the first time on the night the Wolves found themselves in front, up next for the Warriors looking to equalise was Nicola Warne who had the throw against Dave Cliffe. In the opening exchanges it was close until Cliffe seized the opportunity to break throw to open the scoring. Cliffe went on to hold in the next leg to make it two, Warne needed an hold to bring herself back in the game but Cliffe was the victor which made it 3-1 to the away side. 

It was down to "Hero" Steve Newton to keep the Warriors in with a chance of getting something out of their fixture as he took on Pat Finney. It was Finney who had throw which gave him a slight advantage but couldn't get a rhythm going in the early part of the match as Newton took his chance and threw well to break in the first leg then Newton took out a 21 dart leg to double his lead. Finney replied with a hold in the third leg but "Hero" won the match in four to give the Warriors a chance of a draw going into the final game. 

The sixth and deciding match saw captains of both sides go head to head to finish as "Super Daff's" Pete Daffin for the Wolves and "The Undertaker" Paul Brittle did battle. Brittle had the darts to try and make a statement but Daffin wasn't too impressed as he plodded on to break throw. "Super Daff's" started to warm up as we got into the second leg and he took out a 15 darter to make it two, then on Brittle's throw Daffin won it with a two dart finish, 17 dart leg to round off the night with a 4-2 win for the Wolves to get them back to winning ways. 

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)

High Checkout Galore On Another Successful Franchise League Night

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 10)

Thursday 30th November 2017

Hawks 3-3 Academicals 

Paul Moore 3-0 Jack Lewis

Laura Taylor 0-3 Ritesh Deo 

Pete Bell 3-0 Greg Batting 

Ben Dulley 2-3 Tim Close 

Steve Ewington 3-0 Ellis Turner

Joelle Taylor 1-3 Adam Warner

Sixth placed Hawks kicked off week 10 hosting the Academicals who sit eighth with a three point difference between the two teams this promises to be a close one. 

Hawks Paul Moore got his team off to a dream start after breaking opponent Jack Lewis in the opening leg, Moore went from strength to strength holding his throw in the second leg he set himself up for the win, Lewis managed to register a maximum but Moore won it in three to put the Hawks one up.

In the next game Academicals Ritesh Deo put in a good performance in his match with Laura Taylor. Deo broke throw straightaway then followed it with a 19 darter to double his lead. Taylor had the throw to get back in the game but she couldn't manage it as Deo won the match to level the scores. 

Pete Bell showed no mercy in the third match against opponent Greg Batting. Bell took the lead with a break of throw, He held his own in the second leg to make it two, Batting needed a miracle and couldn't find it as Bell ran out a 3-0 winner to put the home side back in front.

It was a tight affair in the fourth game as Ben Dulley and Tim Close went head to head as every leg went against the darts both players were of their game. Close took the early lead but Dulley battled back to pull level. Once again Dulley couldn't get going on his throw as Close capitalised again to make it 2-1. Dulley made it another break in the fourth to force a decider and throw for the match but he couldn't finish it off as Close took the match to level the scores again.

Up next Ellis Turner was looking to put the Academicals but opponent Steve Ewington had other ideas as he got up and running with a 19 dart leg against the darts to start. Ewington held in the second leg to make it two, Turner had the darts in the third but Ewington was too good and sealed the win to make it 3-2 to the Hawks with one to play.

In the deciding match of the night it was Hawks Joelle Taylor looking to win it for her team against Adam Warner and Taylor started brilliant taking out a 145 checkout to open her account for the evening. Warner kicked in after that by equalising then breaking Taylor's throw in the third leg to throw for the match. Warner finished off the night with a nice double finish to rescue a draw for the Academicals.

Panthers 6-0 Pirates

Mick Wood 3-1 Simon Chivers 

Mick Hulley 3-2 Anne Lofthouse 

Pat Meeson 3-2 Simon Simmons 

Russ Simons 3-2 Lee Slack

Richard Brown 3-0 Martin Chivers

Ryan Goffin 3-0 Michael Slack

Over at the Woodbourne Hotel two out of form teams go head to head as the Panthers who won their first game in seven last time out play the Pirates who have lost 7 out of the first 9 games.

First to step up to the oche was Pirates Simon Chivers as he played Mick Wood. It was Chivers to start but struggled in the first leg as Wood broke throw. Chivers did well to equalise with the break back but Wood got going and threw some steady darts to win 3-1 and give Panthers a good start. 

Up next for the hosts was Mick Hulley in a good match with Anne Lofthouse which went all the way and with the darts too, Hulley took the early lead, Lofthouse made it one each on her throw. In the third leg it was Hulley who went back in front but back came Anne who pulled it back to two each but it was Hulley who took the match with advantage of throwing first he took out the winning double to make it two for the home side. 

Third on was Woodbourne landlord Pat Meeson in another close one with Simon Simmons. It was Simmons to throw and held well. Meeson hit back managing to break his opponent in the third leg to take the lead. Meeson threw for the match in the fourth leg but couldn't close it out which led to another decider but this time Meeson won it for the Panthers to make it 3-0.

Nothing we're going to stop the Panthers tonight as Russ Simons and Lee Slack played out the third consecutive five leg match. Simons started brilliant going into a 2-0 lead and looked a cert but Lee Slack found his range inthe second half of the game to pull it back to two each with Simons throwing for the match he threw his best leg hitting a 180 and then finishing off with a 21 dart leg to grab the win and give Panthers victory with two to spare.

In the fifth game Martin Chivers to redeem the scoreline for his team playing Richard Brown but Brown took him out with a break to take the lead, then after holding his darts in the second leg, Brown won it comfortably to mark it five.

Finally Michal Slack needed a miracle against "The Manic" Ryan Goffin, Slack did throw some decent darts but it wasn't enough to threaten Goffin after Goffin held throw he recorded a 21 darter in the next leg to set him up then "The Manic" rounded off the night for his team quite well to secure the double and the points to rise the Panthers up to fifth.

Railwaymen 6-0 Warriors

Steve Brittle 3-0 Paul Brittle

Martin Scott 3-0 Nicola Warne

Gavin Pilling 3-0 Steve Newton 

Mark Gurran 3-1 Ian Webster 

Tom Gurran 3-0 Jodie Bruce 

Noal Campbell 3-1 Sandra Webster 

We're at the Station next with third placed Railwaymen hosting struggling Warriors.

Railwaymen got off to a solid start with Steve Brittle taking out his namesake Paul after breaking in the opening leg Brittle took the second then finished it off with an 18 darter to get the Railwaymen up and running.

Up next for the Warriors was Nicola Warne looking to equalise as she faced Martin Scott, it was Scott to start and quickly took the lead with a 21 dart leg. Warne was searching for a response on her throw but Scott was consistent with his throw and after breaking in the second leg with a 120 finish, Scott rounded off the match in three to double the home sides lead. 

"Hero" Steve Newton was looking to bring the Warriors back into the game as but struggled in his match with Gavin Pilling. Straight from the off Pilling took the darts and took the early break, he then held firm in the second leg which set it up nicely for him. True to from Pilling won it in three and kept the Railwaymen rolling on. 

In game four Warriors Ian Webster tried his best and even managing to take the lead in the opening leg against opponent Mark Gurran but Gurran kicked in and found another gear winning the match 3-1 with a 116 finish to win it for the Railwaymen.

Young Tom "The Inferno" Gurran a second light work in his match with Jodie Bruce winning the game without dropping a leg to make it five wins in five with one to play. 

In the sixth and final game with the contest all but over Warriors Sandra Webster played well enough to get a leg on the board for herself with an 82 finish to equalise but Campbell won he last two legs to give the Railwaymen a whitewash win to leapfrog the Wades in second place. 

Vulcans 1-5 Aces

Mick Swift 3-1 Andy Umney

James Thomas 2-3 Wes Deane

Steven Caley 0-3 Simon Birkett

Alex Sproston 0-3 Mick Smith

Phil Lambert 0-3 Trevor Tye

Bye 0-3 Ian Speed

It was bottom of the table Vulcans first ever match in their new home venue The Punchbowl in Gleadless area of Sheffield and they arrived a man down as they entertained the Aces.

Up first to toe the oche was Mick Swift for the Vulcans against Andy Umney and Umney kicked off with a 20 dart leg to take the lead but Swift then got used to the throw and after equalising he broke Umney in the third leg to set himself up to win it in four to get the Vulcans off the mark in the Punchbowl. 

In the second game was a close one between Aces Wes Deane and "Tank" James Thomas that went all the way. In e opening exchanges you couldn't separate the two players as it went with throw in the first four legs. In the decider it was Thomas to throw but he couldn't keep the rhythm like he did in the two legs before when he had the darts, Deane took advantage of that and hit a 180 then finished it with a 20 dart leg to win the match to level for the Aces.

Presssure was on Vulcans now after losing their first game of the night and it didn't get any better for them as Steven Caley couldn't handle Simon Birkett who after holding throw took out a 16 darter against the darts then Birkett sealed it with an 18 dart leg finishing in three to give the Aces the lead for the first time.

Aces Mick Smith continued where Birkett left off in the last match by defeating Alex Sproston by the same 3-0 scoreline after Smith broke throw early he took the second leg with a 16 darter with a maximum thrown in for good measure and just like Birkett did in the last match Smith won it with an 18 dart leg to give the Aces the win which puts them up to third in the standings.

In the final match Vulcans Phil Lambert was hoping to get his team another point as he played Trevor Tye. It was Tye to start and he threw comfortably to take the opening leg. Lambert knew he had to hold throw to keep in touch but it wasn't to be as Tye broke him then took the third and final leg of the night to secure a 5-1 win for the Aces to make it a not so welcome night for the Vulcans in the new venue.

Wolves 1-5 Black Eagles 

Dave Cliffe 0-3 Trevor Burkhill

Lee Cushworth 3-0 Greg Beard

Pat Finney 1-3 Jelger Tuinstra

Pete Daffin 2-3 John Walton 

John Lieber 2-3 Steve Briggs

Graham Waller 2-3 Owen Cubitt 

In the final game of week 10 it was a Woodbourne derby as the Wolves unbeaten in four take on the leaders and defending champions Black Eagles. 

To start us off Wolves Dave Cliffe faced a tough opener taking on "Turbo" Trevor Burkhill who started off steady with an 18 dart leg to open proceedings. Cliffe had the darts in the next leg to bring him back in it but couldn't cope as Burkhill hit a 20 darter followed by a 17 to win the match and put the champs in front.

Up next for the Black Eagles was "The Titan" Greg Beard taking on "The Dartin' Demon" Lee Cushworth. It was "Cushy" to start us off and he threw well taking the first leg in 17 darts. Beard threw to level but couldn't match Cushworth's scoring as he broke with a 19 darter which set him up nicely and he finished off "The Titan" in three to level up the scores. 

The scores were level after two matches so this third game could become crucial as Pat Finney and Jelger Tuinstra toed the oche. It was Tuinstra's darts and he started well holding throw. Finney replied in the second leg to equalise but then Jelger improved and after taking a 2-1 lead he then hit a maximum in the fourth leg and followed it with a 20 dart finish to win the game which made the score 2-1 the the Black Eagles. 

In the game of the night it was former World Champion John Walton representing the Black Eagles took on Wolves captain "Super Daff's" Pete Daffin. It was Daffin's darts to start and he opened with a 21 dart leg to take the lead. Walton hit back in the next leg equalising with a 15 darter then what looked like the turning point of the match in the third leg "John Boy" broke the Daffin throw with his first max of the night finishing in 12 darts and a 161 finish to boot. The next leg was crucial as Walton threw for the match but couldn't but couldn't repeat the last couple of legs as Daffin forced a decider and he had the darts. In the final leg of this pulsating game of darts the former World Champion pulled it out of the bag also against throw hitting another 180 and winning it in 15 darts to secure a 3-2 win for him and put his team 3-1 up with two to play. 

In another too close to call game it was Wolves John Lieber facing Steve Briggs. It was Briggs to get us underway and he settled in quicker of the two players by taking the first two legs of the match. Lieber broke back in the third leg to reduce the arrears then he held throw to force another deciding leg but with Briggs to throw he was favourite and he was true to form as he took out the victory double as well as a ton finish to boot to win it for the Black Eagles with one to go. 

Owen "Ice" Cubitt finished off the night for the Black Eagles playing Graham Waller  in a nip/tuck game which saw the first four legs shared each going with the throw which showed good consistency from the two players. In the final leg of the night the youngster Cubitt put in his best leg of 21 darts and also getting a 120 "Shangai" finish along the way to a 3-2 win to give the Black Eagles a 5-1 victory overall to consolidate top spot. 

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)

Eagles and Railwaymen play out classic

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 9)

Thursday 23rd November 2017

Academicals 3-3 Wades

Jonny Stevens 0-3 Brian Jones

Conall Doughty 3-0 Simon Denton

Tim Close 3-0 Stephen Naisbitt

Thomas Wright 1-3  Antonio Cruz

Ritesh Deo 2-3 Tom Sawford

Adam Warner 3-1 Tom Briggs 

We start week nine at the University Arms where the Academicals host high flying Wades.

The night started off with the Academicals Jonny Stevens struggling to get to grips with the game as he went down 3-0 to Brian Jones to get the Wades off to a flying start.

Next up saw Wades Simon Denton looking to double his team's lead but opponent Conall Doughty had other ideas as he started with a hold of throw then continued the pressure on Denton which resulted in Doughty sealing it in three legs to level up the scores. 

In the third match with scores level between the two teams Wades captain Stephen Naisbitt had the darts to put his team back in front as he took on Tim Close. Naisbitt couldn't get out of the traps as Close took the opener to break. Close then made it two with a max and a 20 dart leg. In the third Close finished it off resulting in another 180 to set himself up for a victory in three.

The match was tight after three games as Wades Antonio Cruz was looking to equalise against Tom Wright. The match started well for both players as each held throw in the opening two legs. In the third leg Cruz had the chance to break which he took well which knocked Wright's confidence as Cruz finished him off in four to pull it back level once again.

In the penultimate match Academicals Ritesh Deo and Tom "Shooter" Sawford played out a brilliant five legs of darts with the first three legs all been won on throw with each player taking the leg in 21 darts with Sawford hitting a 180 thrown in. Deo managed to level again in the fourth leg to force a decider but it was Sawford's day as he held out to finish off Deo with a double to finish to give the Wades the lead with one to play.

The deciding match saw Wades Tom Briggs looking to seal it for his team against opponent Adam Warner, Briggs started well an broke throw in the opener. Warner hit back straightaway with a 19 darter to level then holding throw in the third leg to make it 2-1. Briggs needed to hold in the fourth to have a chance but Warner took the fourth leg against the darts to earn the Academicals a 3-3 draw.

Aces 3-3 Wolves

Wes Deane 2-3 John Lieber

Andy Umney 3-0 Pat Finney 

Ian Speed 0-3 Lee Cushworth 

Mick Smith 0-3 Pete Daffin 

Trevor Tye 3-0 Bye

Danny Wilks 3-0 Bye

Over at the Newbold a lack of communication led to the Wolves being short before the games began but still ended up with four players took on the Aces who looked favourites with a two game cushion. 

Up first was a quality match between Aces Wes Deane and John Lieber which saw Lieber start brightly with back to back legs to start the night. Deane pulled it back with a 16 dart leg, a maximum and a 21 darter to force a decider in which Lieber had the throw and he held out with a 17 dart leg to finish to get the Wolves up and running. 

Next up was Wolves Pat Finney looking to keep the Wolves with a chance of a win facing Andy Umney with Umney having the darts he took control from the off taking the opener. Finney had the darts in the second leg but he was no match for Umney has it was Umney who broke his throw then fired in a 21 dart leg to win in three to put the Aces 3-1 up with two to play.

In the third game of the night and with the Wolves in all sorts of trouble "The Dartin' Demon" Lee Cushworth was in fine form with the darts as he took on Ian Speed. Cushworth started with a 20 dart leg to get off the mark, Speed needed to level quick to stand a chance but he couldn't match his opponent as "Cushy" broke to make it two then took the match in the third leg which made the fourth and final match crucial. 

It was up to Mick Smith in the last game of a short night to win it for the Aces but he took on Wolves captain "Super Daff's" Pete Daffin. It was Smith to start but he couldn't get going as Daffin took the darts early on with a 20 dart leg to take the lead. Daffin kept up his ryhtm and high scoring by holding his throw with a 19 darter to make it two. Smith needed a miracle to win it and he couldn't find it as captain Daffin rounded off the night with a maximum and a 15 dart leg to earn an unlikely draw for the Wolves.

Black Eagles 5-1 Railwaymen 

Micky Stocks 3-0 Steve Brittle

John Walton 3-1 Steve Marfleet

Trevor Burkhill 3-0 Martin Scott

Steve Briggs 3-2 Gavin Pilling

Greg Beard 3-1 Pete Bramley

Jelger Tuinstra 2-3 Tom Gurran

At the Woodbourne Hotel the Champions Woodbourne Black Eagles who sit top of the tree played third placed Railwaymen. 

To start the night we had Black Eagles Micky Stocks who made light work of his opponent Steve Brittle by hitting back to back 21 darters to get him going and he was never in danger as he won by three legs to nil to get the Champs off the mark.

Next up was Steve Marfleet for the away side who took on former World Champion John Walton with every leg 18 darts or under it was a joy to watch. Walton kicked off with an 18 darter to take the lead. Marfleet came back with a 17 dart leg of his own to level but then Walton showed his experience and took the match 3-1 with every then he threw was finished in 18 darts, remarkable consistency from Walton which doubled his team's lead.

It was Turbo time in game three as in form Trevor Burkhill took out Martin Scott with a 12 darter to start against the darts and a 180 to add to his tally for the season. Burkhill then went on to hit back to back 17 dart legs to wrap up the win which made it three for the Black Eagles.

In game four Gavin Pilling gave his all for the Railwaymen in his match with Steve Briggs. It was Briggs who started with a 20 darter with throw. Pilling came back into the match and broke Briggs in the third leg recording a 21 dart finish to put him in the lead. Pilling threw for the match in the fourth leg but Briggs came back to equalise and take the match to a final leg in which it was Briggs who took the victory with the darts to win the match with two to spare against a very good opponent to who gave his all.

In another good match Black Eagles Greg "The Titan" Beard and Pete "Perfect" Bramley played out. a match which had it all in four legs. It was Bramley's darts and he started great with a 21 dart leg and a three dart 148 finish to take the lead, then "Titan" took off and powered his way through with two maximums followed by a 14 dart leg to level and then he hit a 15 dart leg to break throw. Bramley tried his best to keep up but Beard couldn't be stopped as he grabbed the win finishing with a 21 darter to make it five in five for the hosts.

After everyone had a breather following a classic in the last match, the final game of the night was young vs experience as Tom Gurran took on Jelger Tuinstra. It was Tuinstra to get us under way but he didn't start as he would've liked so Gurran jumped at the chance and took the first leg. Tuinstra did better in the second leg and equalised with a break back then Jelger took the third leg to make it 2-1. Young Gurran wasn't finished as he took out the fourth leg which made it a decider to finish the night which gave him the chance to save a whitewash albeit against the throw but that didn't bother the young gun as he took out the double to win the match in the final leg to ensure the Railwaymen took a point home with them to the Station.

Pirates 4-2 Vulcans

Lee Slack 1-3 Mick Swift

Jordan Chivers 3-2 Alex Sproston

Anne Lofthouse 3-0 Steven Caley

Andy Friar 0-3 James Thomas

Sie Simmons 3-0 Phil Lambert

Lewis Nota 3-0 Bye

We're at the Players Bar next with the Pirates who start third bottom take on bottom of the table Vulcans who start a player short.

First up Pirates Lee Slack was up against Mick Smith and it was Slack who got the better start managing to break Swift and take the lead. Swift then got himself together and equalised taking the score to one each then it was Swift from then on in throwing some good darts on his way to a 3-1 win to give the Vulcans the lead. 

Vulcans were always chasing the match from the start so every player were under pressure up next for them was Alex Sproston who did his best against Jordan Chivers as Chivers took the opening two legs it looked plain sailing but Sproston fought back to pull level and force a decider with Chivers throwing for them arch he hung on for the win to equalise for the Pirates.

Third up was Anne Lofthouse for the home side and she threw well on her way to victory in three against opponent Steve Caley to put the Pirates ahead and only needing one more for the win. 

In the fourth match and the Vulcans struggling "Tank" James Thomas dragged his team back into it against Andy Friar after breaking his throw to get underway Thomas then held in the second to mark it two. Friar threw to stay in the game but "Tank" won it in three to force a decider. 

In the last game of a short night at Players Bar, Phil Lambert had the opportunity and the darts to save a draw for the Vulcans as he took on Sie Simmons. It was Simmons who took the first leg to calm the nerves which showed in the remaining darts he threw, Simmons broke Lambert to go two up and then rounded off the night and the Vulcans resistance by taking the third and final leg to give the Pirates a 4-2 win to pull clear from tonights opponents in the table.

Warriors 1-5 Hawks

Sandra Webster 0-3 Laura Taylor

Ian Webster 2-3 Pete Bell

Nicola Warne 0-3 Steve Ewington 

Barry Brittle 0-3 Ben Dulley

Steve Newton 3-0 Matt Pryor

Paul Brittle 0-3 Marc Ellis

In the final game of the week at the Midland we have the Warriors who have lost six on the spin face a Hawks side who sit mid-table with an even game difference.

In the opener Warriors Sandra Webster found it difficult against Laura Taylor as Taylor held in the first leg. Webster couldn't find her range at all as Taylor broke throw to make it two then she managed to ease to victory in straight legs to put the Hawks one up. 

The second match Hawks Pete Bell and Ian Webster played out a five leg match. Webster opened but it was Bell who got off the better and broke throw, Webster broke back in the next leg to make it one each the after taking the third he looked a cert to win. Bell fought back and took the last two legs to secure the win and make it two for the Hawks. 

Nicola Warne needed to pull something out of the bag for the Warriors before the match slipped away from them but she bumped into a steady Steve Ewington who was relentless on the doubles as he took a 3-0 win to make it three on the spin for the away side.

In game four Ben Dulley sealed it for the Hawks once again without dropping a leg against Barry Brittle which made it seven defeats on the bounce for the Warriors with still two games to play. 

The Warriors had some respite in game five when "Hero" Steve Newton got them off the mark by defeating an out of sorts Matt Pryor by the same 3-0 score line.

In the final match "Tiny" Marc Ellis sealed a comfortable victory for his team by taking out captain Paul Brittle in three to make it 5-1 for the Hawks overall and take the Warriors losing streak to seven.

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)