Aces deal out the Wizards

Sheffield Darts Franchise League:Leadmill Premier Division
Sponsored by:                               The Leadmill
                                                      Red Dragon Darts
                                                      Projectdarts
                                                      Winmau Blade 4
In Association with:                     Sheffield Star
Leadmill Franchise League (Week 19)

19th January 2017

Aces 5-1 Wizards 

Andy Umney 3-2 Anne Lofthouse

Neil Bradley 3-1 Ben Chivers

Mick Smith 3-0 Lee Slack

Trev Tye 3-2 Daz Bleur

Ian Speed 3-0 Wayne Fletcher

Dave Belfitt 0-3 Michael Slack

We start this weeks action at the Newbold with the Aces who find themselves mid-table but with two wins out of the last three take on the Wizards of Wilton who find themselves bottom of the table but just a point off the Warriors who lay just above them in the table.

(Match 1) Andy Umney 3-2 Anne Lofthouse

Andy Umney took on Anne Lofthouse in the first game of the night which started off with a 19 dart leg against throw for Umney for him to take the lead, Lofthouse replied with a break back of her own then taking the lead in the third leg to put her one leg away but Umney kept his nerve and equalised to set up a fifth leg decider which Lofthouse had the darts but Umney threw brilliant in the final leg to win in 15 darts to put the Aces one up against an Anne Lofthouse who threw very well.

Neil Bradley

(Match 2) Neil Bradley 3-1 Ben Chivers

In the second game Ben Chivers was looking to level for the Wizards as he played Neil Bradley and he got off to a good start breaking the Bradley throw in the opening leg but then Bradley got going and started to throw with composure which led him to break straight back then taking the lead in the third leg, Chivers was hoping for a good leg in the fourth but Bradley took the victory which put the Aces two up.

(Match 3) Mick Smith 3-0 Lee Slack

Match three of the evening saw Mick Smith taking on captain Lee Slack who was hoping to keep his team in with a chance but from the off Smith had other ideas as he broke the Slack throw early doors which led him on his way to a convincing three legs to nil win and put the Aces in the driving seat at the halfway stage.

(Match 4) Trev Tye 3-2 Daz Bleur

With the Aces taking full control of the game Daz Bluer was looking to keep the Wizards in with a chance against Trev Tye in what was a very good contest.  The opening exchanges saw both men break the throw to make it 1-1. Tye managed to take the lead in the third leg to put him one away but then Bluer hit a maximum in the fourth leg which led him to take out the double to bring the game into a fifth leg with Tye to throw first which was an advantage as it showed as it was he who took out the double to seal the victory for him and the Aces with two to play.

(Match 5) Ian Speed 3-0 Wayne Fletcher

In the fifth game with the Aces in full flow Ian Speed faced Wayne Fletcher in a game which saw Speed hit the gas early and broke throw. In the next leg Speed had the darts which saw him never really being put under pressure as he doubled his lead. In the third Fletcher had the darts to keep himself in the game but Speed took the victory to make it five out of five for the rampant Aces.

(Match 6) Dave Belfitt 0-3 Michael Slack 

Michael slack

The final match of the night saw young Michael Slack for the Wizards looking for the consolation taking on Dave Belfitt. Slack started with a break of throw to put him in the lead which gave him so much confidence that he held in the second leg to make him go one away from victory where he clinched it without dropping a leg to nick a consolation for the Wizards which meant that the Aces close the six point gap to the fifth placed Sausages to go level with them in the table.

Panthers 5-1 Vulcans

Lee Cushworth 1-3 Paul Meeham

Russ Simons 3-0 Andrew Payling

John Lieber 3-0 Phil Lambert

Ryan Goffin 3-0 Jim Smith

Luke Brooks 3-0 Bye

Mick Wood 3-0 Bye

Over at the Woodbourne Hotel a depleted fourth placed Vulcans travelled to face the Panthers who lie in second with five wins out of their last six and were looking to take full advantage of the Vulcans situation.

(Match 1) Lee Cushworth 1-3 Paul Meeham

The night did start well for the Vulcans as debutant Paul Meeham faced Lee Cushworth. Meeham was looking for a solid start for his new team and he took the opening leg of the night which settled him well. In the second leg Meeham managed a break of throw to put him two up and well in control, Cushy managed to break back in the third but Meeham wrapped up the win on his debut to give him and his team the perfect start to their comeback trail.

(Match 2) Russ Simons 3-0 Andrew Payling

Russ simons

In the second game with the score effectively 2-1 to the Panthers, Russ Simons was looking to get the point to set them on their way as he played Andrew Payling, Simons couldn't have got off to a better start holding throw in the first leg, Payling was looking for a way back into the match but Simons kept up the pressure and eased to a 3-0 win to put the Panthers 3-1 up with two to play.

(Match 3) John Lieber 3-0 Phil Lambert

Panthers captain John Lieber was looking to seal victory for the Panthersin game three against Phil Lambert, against the darts it was Lieber who started the better and managed to break in the opening leg. Lambert just couldn't keep up with Lieber as he strode to a 2-0 lead and the writing was on the wall in the third leg when Lieber calmly finished off the game to seal the win for the Panthers with one to play.

(Match 4) Ryan Goffin 3-0 Jim Smith

With the win secured for the Panthers, Vulcans captain Jim Smith was looking to keep the scoreline respectable but he ran into "The Manic" Ryan Goffin who was in no mood to give anything away as it showed from the off as Goffin held then managed to break soon after which gave Smith all sorts of problems and he couldn't muster a comeback as Goffin secured the win for his team to keep a stranglehold on second place in the standings.

Sausages 2-4 Railwaymen 

Marc Ellis 1-3 Steve Marfleet

Jimmy Haslam 3-0 Pete Bramley

Ben Beardmore 3-1 Martin Scott

Ben Dolman 1-3 Gav Pilling

Pete Bell 2-3 Jordan Payne

Steve Ewington 0-3 Andy Bradbury

At the Cumberland the home side fifth placed Sausages faced the Railwaymen in the third at the start of play with just four points separating the two teams.

(Match 1) Marc Ellis 1-3 Steve Marfleet

We start with "Tiny" Marc Ellis facing a tough cookie in Steve Marfleet and it showed when Marfleet started with back to back legs. Ellis managed to break back in the third but Marfleet took out the winning double to give the Railwaymen the lead after the opening game.

Jimmy Haslam

(Match 2) Jimmy Haslam 3-0 Pete Bramley

Up next Pete Bramley was looking to add to the good start Marfleet gave the team against Jimmy Haslam but it came clear after the first leg that Haslam was on song right from the off with solid darts hitting a maximum and managing a 17 dart leg in the second as Haslam ran away with the game securing the win in the third leg to level the scores at 1-1.

(Match 3) Ben Beardmore 3-1 Martin Scott

With the scores tied after two games "Boom" Ben Beardmore was next on for the home side facing Martin Scott. In the first leg Scott seemed assured as he held to take the lead but that was as good as the game got for him as "Boom" kicked in and hit 17 and 20 dart legs on his way to a 3-1 victory to give the Sausages the lead for the first time in the match.

(Match 4) Ben Dolman 1-3 Gav Pilling

In the fourth match Gav Pilling was looking to level for the Railwaymen against the darts against Ben Dolman and he got off to a good start breaking throw in the opening leg then followed it up by doubling his lead. Dolman came back at Pilling in the third leg but Pilling continued where he left off and grabbed the win with some good darts thrown by both players to level up at two each with two to play.

(Match 5) Pete Bell 2-3 Jordan Payne

With the game nicely balanced "The Landlord" Pete Bell faced Jordan Payne in game five. In the first couple of legs Payne threatened to runaway with the game breaking throw in the second leg with an 18 darter but Bell battled back breaking back in the third leg and then managing to hold which brought the game to a last leg shootout between the two. Payne had the throw which made all the difference as he got to the double and then took it out to to win the game in five to put the Railwaymen 3-2 up with one to play.

Andy bradbury

(Match 6) Steve Ewington 0-3 Andy Bradbury

In the deciding game with the match on tenterhooks it was down to the Railwaymen's captain Andy Bradbury to secure the victory for his team as he played Steve Ewington. Captain got off to the perfect start taking the first leg to settle him down, Bradbury followed that up with an 18 dart leg against the throw which put him in a commanding position as to which he didn't falter as he finished the night off by winning in the third leg to secure the win and consolidate third place in the league.

Warriors 2-4 Wolves

Paul Brittle 0-3 Paul Harris

Steve Newton 3-0 Steve Naisbitt 

Nicola Warne 3-1 Chris Keane

Jodie Bruce 1-3 Jon Smethurst

Sandra Webster 0-3 Simon Sawford

Barry Brittle 0-3 Tom Sawford

It was the battle at the bottom in this Woodbourne derby between the Warriors who start the night second bottom facing the Wolves who are directly above them with just four points between the two before tonight.

(Match 1) Paul Brittle 0-3 Paul Harris

We start with the Warriors captain Paul Brittle taking on his namesake Paul Harris. Harris showed his capabilities with the darts taking out the first leg, then he upped the ante in the second leg hitting steady scores to keep Brittle under pressure in his throw eventually Harris broke which set him on his way to throw for victory which he did in brilliant fashion which was unlucky for Brittle as the Wolves took the lead.

Steve Newton

(Match 2) Steve Newton 3-0 Steve Naisbitt 

The second match of the night saw "Hero" Steve Newton play Steve Naisbitt of the Wolves. "Hero" raced out of the traps hitting consistent darts from the off winning the opening leg then quickly put Naisbitt on the back foot on his throw as to where Newton broke him which meant he threw for the match with the pressure getting to Naisbitt, Newton finished him off in the third to grab an equaliser for the Warriors. 

(Match 3) Nicola Warne 3-1 Chris Keane

With the scores level from the opening two games Chris "The Blade" Keane had the darts against Nicola Warne but couldn't make it count after winning the first leg Keano couldn't follow it up as Warne broke throw in the third leg to take the lead following a 91 checkout which boosted her confidence to finishing the match off convincingly to put the Warriors in the lead.

(Match 4) Jodie Bruce 1-3 Jon Smethurst

In the fourth game on Jodie Bruce had the opportunity to guarantee at least a draw for the Warriors against Jon Smethurst. The first leg saw Smethy break to go in front to relax the tension he managed to keep the darts flowing by also taking the second leg with Bruce pulling one back to give herself hope but Smethurst wrapped up the win in four to tie the game with two to play.

(Match 5) Sandra Webster 0-3 Simon Sawford

At the start of the fifth match and the scores between the teams level it was the turn of the Sawford lads as father and son stepped up to the oche. First up it was the turn of Simon who played Sandra Webster, Sawford threw first and held convincingly, He then broke the Webster throw and threw for the match where he threw with composure as he won in three legs to put the Wolves 3-2 up.

(Match 6) Barry Brittle 0-3 Tom Sawford

tom sawford

In the final match of this close tussle between the basement boys and with the Wolves 3-2 up it was down to Barry Brittle who was looking for the draw for the Warriors against Tom Sawford. With Brittle throwing first he was looking to put Sawford on the back foot from the off but Sawford quickly took control and broke in the first leg. Confidence began to rise for the youngster as he held in the second which set him up nicely and Sawford finished off the night taking out the the double which gave the Wolves victory in a tight contest between the two teams which meant they pull away from their opponents in the table.

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)

Pat finney

Railwaymen and Panthers in game of the season

Sheffield Darts Franchise League:Leadmill Premier Division
Sponsored by:                               The Leadmill
                                                      Red Dragon Darts
                                                      Projectdarts
                                                      Winmau Blade 4
In Association with:                     Sheffield Star
12th January 2017

Black Eagles 6-0 Wizards

Tom Briggs 3-2 Lee Slack

Greg Beard 3-0 Daz Bluer

John Walton 3-0 Matt Simmons 

Jelger Tuinstra 3-0 Andrew Spencer 

Steve Briggs 3-0 Michael Slack 

Trevor Burkhill 3-1 Sie Simmons

(Match 1) Tom Briggs 3-2 Lee Slack

Tom Briggs

The night started with a close game between young Tom Briggs and Lee Slack which saw every leg went against the darts. Briggs took the opening leg which followed by a swift leveller from Slack. In the third leg Briggs again hit high scores against the throw which led him to go 2-1 up but Slack wasn't finished as he pulled another equaliser out of the bag which meant he threw for the match, In a nervy decider, Briggs opened the better of the two and Slack couldn't cope in the final leg as Briggs hit the winning double to give the leaders the lead.

(Match 2) Greg Beard 3-0 Daz Bluer

In the second match of the night Daz Bleur of the Wizards faced "Big Shot" Greg Beard. "Big Shot" had the darts which was a huge advantage as he started with an 18 dart leg to go one up. Beard continued pummelling the big scores as he went out in 21 in the second leg to double his lead giving Bluer a mountain to climb which he just couldn't manage as "Big Shot" ranaway with the game in the third leg with a 160 finish throw in for good measure to double the Black Eagles lead.

(Match 3) John Walton 3-0 Matt Simmons 

Third match on for the leaders was former World Champion John "Boy" Walton looking to keep the teams winning run going as he faced Matt Simmons. Walton settled the better of the two players as he hit a 21 darter against the throw to open his account for the night. The following leg saw Walton take it out in 15 darts to go two up with Simmons looking worried John "Boy" rounded off a convincing performance taking the match three legs to nil.

(Match 4) Jelger Tuinstra 3-0 Andrew Spencer

With the Black Eagles romping away with the game at the halfway stage it was down to Andrew Spencer of the Wizards to stop the slide but he faced another tricky opponent in Jelger Tuinstra which showed early doors as Jelger took the first leg in 18 darts to lay down a marker to his opponent. On the Spencer throw Jelger stepped up the heat as he hit a maximum finished by another 18 darter to double his advantage and as he threw for the match he was in no doubt he was going to win and he did so in style taking out a 19 dart leg to secure the win for him and his team with two to play.

(Match 5) Steve Briggs 3-0 Michael Slack 

The fifth game of the night saw Steve Briggs step up to the oche for the leaders against Michael Slack. It was Slack who threw first looking to gain any momentum for him to have a chance but Briggs steadily got to grips and took the first leg which opened the floodgates to some very good darts been thrown as Briggs took out a 17 dart leg with two maximums thrown in to which Slack couldn't reply and Briggs took victory by three legs to nil and put the Black Eagles five up.

Trevor burkhill

(Match 6) Trevor Burkhill 3-1 Sie Simmons 

In the final match of the night and with the leaders running away with the game it was the turn of "Turbo" Trevor Burkhill who was looking to put the icing on the cake against Sie Simmmons who was aiming for a consolation for his team. The first couple of legs saw both men hold throw which gave Simmons an opportunity to snatch something, In the third leg Turbo went back in front following an 18 darter which set himself up in the fourth leg. Simmons threw to stay in the game but he couldn't mange it a second time as Burkhill took the fourth leg which gave him the win and the Black Eagles the whitewash victory to keep the team rolling along at the top.

Railwaymen 3-3 Panthers

Jordan Payne 1-3 Russ Simons

Steve Marfleet 2-3 Lee Cushworth

Tom Gurran 3-2 John Leiber

Pete Bramley 3-1 Mick Hulley

Mark Gurran 2-3 Ryan Goffin

Gav Pilling 3-2 John Schultz 

(Match 1) Jordan Payne 1-3 Russ Simons

We kick off the action with Railwaymen's Jordan Payne taking on Russ Simons,  the match started off well for both men as each held throw which saw Payne equalise with a maximum and a 20 dart leg. In the third leg Simons continued that trend as he took the lead again which meant that Payne had to hold to stay in the match but Simons managed to wrap up the win with a 17 darter to put the Panthers one up.

Lee Cushworth

(Match 2) Steve Marfleet 2-3 Lee Cushworth 

With Panthers taking an early lead a mouthwatering contest took place on the second match between Steve Marfleet and Lee Cushworth. In the opening leg Cushworth broke early to take an early lead. Marfleet replied with a 17 and a 21 dart leg to overturn the defecit and put himself in the driving seat but Cushworth wasn't finished as he held with a 20 dart leg to put the game into a fifth and deciding leg with Marfleet throwing he was favourite but Cushworth held it together to put in a 17 darter to win the match to double the Panthers lead.

(Match 3) Tom Gurran 3-2 John Leiber

In match three the Panthers were threatening to run riot as captain John Lieber played the youngster Tom Gurran in yet another close battle which saw  both men start well holding throw which made the tie 1-1. The game turned on the third as the youngster broke the Leiber throw hitting a 21 dart leg to set him u but Leiber wasn't finished as he fought back in the fourth leg to level up a two each to force another decider which Leiber had the throw but that wasn't to faze young Gurran as he claimed the victory in another close battle which pulled one back for the Railwaymen.

(Match 4) Pete Bramley 3-1 Mick Hulley

"Perfect" Pete Bramley was looking to put the Railwaymen level in match four against Mick Hulley. Bramley looked in confident mood as he took out an 18 and a 19 dart leg as well as a high finish of a 156, Hulley managed a consolation leg but Bramley ran out a 3-1 winner to equalise with two to play.

Ryan Goffin

(Match 5) Mark Gurran 2-3 Ryan Goffin

With the scores level at 2-2 this fifth game was crucial between Mark Gurran and Ryan "The Manic" Goffin, with Goffin having the darts it gave him the edge in a match which saw him hit a 20 dart leg followed by back to back 17 dart legs with a maximum thrown in to scrape a 3-2 win over a very unlucky Gurran.

(Match 6) Gav Pilling 3-2 John Schultz 

The last match on and it was up to John Schultz to get the win for the Panthers against Gav Pilling in a game which went all the way to the fifth and last leg of the night. Pilling gave his all and managed to hit an 18 dart leg and a 160 checkout which was just enough to get past Schultz which rescued the point for the Railwaymen.

Vulcans 3-3 Academicals 

Steve Whyers 2-3 Brad Clowery

Joseph Gregg 2-3 Johnny Kirk

Matt Gray 3-0 Declan Parsons 

Dave Ward 3-1 Tom Wright

Jim Smith 3-1 Tom Hogg

Andrew Payling 1-3 Matt Royle

(Match 1) Steve Whyers 2-3 Brad Clowery

The opening match saw a tight affair between Vulcans Steve Whyers and Brad Clowery which saw every leg go with the darts. The game opened up with Clowery going in front, only to be pegged back soon after, with Whyers looking for an opening Clowery always had the advantage with the darts as it showed with him taking the third leg, Whyers once again responded which showed great character but Clowery managed to win it in the deciding leg hitting a 20 dart leg with a ton finish to wrap up the win and put the Academicals in front.

John Kirk

(Match 2) Joseph Gregg 2-3 Johnny Kirk

Johnny Kirk was up next for the Academicals with his team one up as he played Joseph Gregg. The opening legs saw breaks of throw for each player which tightened the match up. Gregg held it together in the third leg to go in front for the first time but Kirk battled back equalising which brought another deciding leg with Gregg throwing he was the favourite but it was Kirk who finished the deciding double to put his team two up.

(Match 3) Matt Gray 3-0 Declan Parsons 

With the Academicals looking good after their solid start, Declan Parsons played Matt Gray hoping to keep up the good form but as soon as the first leg started Gray was always in the ascendancy as he broke throw in the opening leg. Parsons tried to respond but Gray was too good as he took a 3-0 win to pull a leg back for the Vulcans.

(Match 4) Dave Ward 3-1 Tom Wright

Dave Ward was fourth on for the Vulcans with the fight back on against Tom Wright, Ward threw first which he took full advantage of as he won the first leg and also managed to break throw in the second leg to make him hot favourite, Wright managed to muster a leg back in the third leg but it was Ward who finished off with ease to pull the Vulcans level to make it all to play for in the final two matches.

Jim Smith

(Match 5) Jim Smith 3-1 Tom Hogg

After four games the match was tied up so this match was vital to the outcome  with Tom Hogg throwing first for the Academicals facing Jim Smith. The game started with two breaks of throw which made it 1-1, Smith then continued where he left off in the first leg and broke again which set him to throw for the match win which he did with solid darts to complete the Vulcans comeback with one game left to grab victory.

(Match 6) Andrew Payling 1-3 Mat Royle

In the final game of this brilliant match between these two teams Andrew Payling we looking to win it for the Vulcans as he played Mat Royle. Payling threw first in a leg which saw Royle break which saw him take the lead. In the second leg Payling was looking to break straight back which he eventually did to level but then Royle stepped on the gas a rattled in back to back legs to secure the win and rescued a draw for the Academicals.

Wolves 1-5 Sausages 

Pat Finney 0-3 Ben Dolman

Chris Keane 1-3 Ben Beardmore

John Edwards 1-3 Shaun Greenfield

Antonio Cruz 1-3 Steve Ewington

Simon Sawford 1-3 Pete Bell

Tom Sawford 3-0 Matt Pryor

(Match 1) Pat Finney 0-3 Ben Dolman

We start with Wolves Pat Finney taking on Ben Dolman. Dolman was the one who started the game well and he put pressure on Finney from the off as he won the first leg without breaking sweat, Finney then threw hopeful of levelling up but Dolman was throwing well and it showed as he broke to throw for the match in which Finney didn't have any answers as Dolman won by three legs to nil to give the Sausages the perfect start.

(Match 2) Chris Keane 1-3 Ben Beardmore 

In the match following Ben "Boom" Beardmore took on "The Blade" Chris Keane. Keano rapidly went in front but "Boom" responded with the equaliser, the game turned in the third leg when Beardmore showed his class breaking the throw then stepped on the gas playing quality darts in the fourth to win 3-1 which put the Sausages two up.

Shaun Greenfield

(Match 3) John Edwards 1-3 Shaun Greenfield 

The captain of the Wolves John Edwards stepped up third against "Croc" Shaun Greenfield trying to pull his team back in the contest. "Croc" opened the match up with a hold of throw. The captain levelled in the second leg to give him a bit of hope but Greenfield's class shone through as he didn't give Edwards another chance as he took victory by three legs to one.

(Match 4) Antonio Cruz 1-3 Steve Ewington 

With the Sausages in the driving seat Steve Ewington went into the fourth game looking to wrap it up early against Antonio Cruz. Cruz couldn't have asked for a better start as he took the first leg, Ewington managed an equaliser as Cruz threw first in the third leg Ewington put him under pressure asCruz cracked and Ewington sailed away with a 3-1 win which guaranteed the win for the Sausages with still two to play.

(Match 5) Simon Sawford 1-3 Pete Bell

Simon "James" Sawford was looking for some consolation for the Wolves this evening as he played "The Landlord" Pete Bell. Things got off to the perfect start for Sawford as he broke the Bell throw to go 1-0 up but that's as good as it got for "James" as Bell stepped it up as he broke back and then took the following two legs to make it five out of five for the Sausages.

Tom Sawford

(Match 6) Tom Sawford 3-0 Matt Pryor

The game was long gone by the time Tom Sawford played Matt Pryor but nevertheless Sawford put in a very good performance considering the circumstances of tonight's matches. Sawford started with a hold of throw then followed it by breaking to go 2-0 up with Pryor looking to come back into the contest Sawford hit the victory double to pull a consolation back for the Wolves but it was the Sausages night as the romped to a 5-1 victory.

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)

Wizards win crucial game as Panthers go 2nd

Sheffield Darts Franchise League:Leadmill Premier Division
Sponsored by:                               The Leadmill
                                                      Red Dragon Darts
                                                      Projectdarts
                                                      Winmau Blade 4
In Association with:                     Sheffield Star

Academicals 0-6 Railwaymen 

Max Orange 1-3 Jordan Payne

Jack Lewis 2-3 Tom Gurran

Ellis Turner 0-3 Martin Scott

Matt Eardley 0-3 Steve Marfleet

Ed McCosh 2-3 Pete Bramley

Tom Wright 1-3 Gav Pilling

The first round of fixtures after the Christmas break took place this week and we start at the Uni Arms where the Academicals take on the Railwaymen who were looking to break into the top three.

Jordan Payne

(Match 1) Max Orange 1-3 Jordan Payne

First up was Academicals Max Orange taking on Jordan Payne in a good battle between the two to kick us off. The night started with Payne holding with a 17 darter to open he scoring. Orange equalised soon after himself hitting a 20 dart leg. Payne held in the third leg to go back in front with another 17 darts to take the lead again and finally in the fourth leg Payne managed to finish Orange off winning the match with a 21 dart leg and finishing with an overall average of 78.92 to give the Railwaymen the lead.

(Match 2) Jack Lewis 2-3 Tom Gurran

The second match of the night saw two youngsters battle it out in Jack Lewis and Tom Gurran. Lewis started the better of the two players as he took the lead hitting a 21 dart leg and then followed with a break of throw to go two up but Gurran stepped it up in the third leg breaking back to stay in the game and following the levelling fourth leg it was down to a last leg shootout with Lewis having the darts he was favourite but it was young Gurran who managed to complete the comeback to take the victory to double the Railwaymen's advantage.

(Match 3) Ellis Turner 0-3 Martin Scott

With the Railwaymen steaming along after two games Martin Scott was looking to heap more pressure on the Academicals as he faced Ellis Turner, In the first leg Scott held to go one up, On the Turner throw he was looking for the equaliser which never came as Scott broke to go 2-0 up and throwing for the match in which he did in cool fashion to put his team three up with three to play. 

(Match 4) Matt Eardley 0-3 Steve Marfleet

In match four it was up to the Academicals Matt Eardley to keep his side in the game but he faced tough opposition in Steve Marfleet as it showed in the opening leg where Marfleet kicked off with a 19 darter against the throw to lay down the foundation to a solid match which saw him follow it up with a 21 dart leg to double his lead to keep the pressure on his opponent and then in the third leg Eardley had no answer to Marfleet's scoring as he romped to victory to give his team the the win.

(Match 5) Ed McCosh 2-3 Pete Bramley

With the Railwaymen cruising "Perfect" Pete Bramley was up next taking on Uni captain Ed McCosh who was looking to make the score more respectable for his team. McCosh made a great start breaking the Bramley throw in the opening leg only for Pete to reply in kind with a 20 darter to level at 1-1. Bramley kept up the scoring to which he put himself in front for the first time and after looking odds on to win it in the fourth leg McCosh had other ideas as this time it was he that clawed his way back into the game and took it to a decider to which experience pulled through as Bramley grabbed the victory in the final leg in a very entertaining match to which McCosh threw everything at the game.

(Match 6) Tom Wright 1-3 Gav Pilling

The final game of the night saw Tom Wright of the Academicals facing Gav Pilling who was looking for the whitewash but things didn't get off to the best of starts for him as Wright went ahead on throw. Pilling replied with an 18 dart leg which set the ball rolling for him in this game. The third leg saw Pilling break with a 21 dart leg to give him the darts to win the match which he did in great fashion whichbsaw another 18 darter being hit with a 117 finish to wrap up a whitewash victory for the Railwaymen which put them third in the table.

Panthers 5-1 Wolves

John Lieber 3-1 Chris Keane

Lee Cushworth 3-2 Pat Finney

Ryan Goffin 3-0 Simon Sawford

Mick Hulley 3-2 Stephen Naisbitt

John Schultz 3-1 Jon Smethurst

Mick Wood 0-3 Tom Sawford

Over at the Woodbourne a derby took place which saw the Panthers in second play the Wolves who start the day third bottom and were looking to pull away from the bottom two.

(Match 1) John Lieber 3-1 Chris Keane

The night started with Panthers captain John Lieber taking on Chris "The Blade" Keane. Captain started off hitting a 21 darter to go in front, Lieber continued to put Keane under pressure breaking in the second leg to go two up. In the third leg Keane hit back pulling a leg back but it was only a consolation as the Panthers captain took out the winning double to give his team the perfect start.

(Match 2) Lee Cushworth 3-2 Pat Finney

Next up for the Wolves was Pat Finney taking on Lee "Cushy" Cushworth. In the opening leg Finney took the throw breaking to take the lead. Cushworth soon hit back with back to back legs to overturn the deficit. In the fourth leg of the contest Finney managed himself to stay in the game holding to force the match into the first decider of the night to which Cushworth finally finished Finney off as he won the game to put the Panthers two up.

Ryan Goffin

(Match 3) Ryan Goffin 3-0 Simon Sawford

"The Manic" and Simon Sawford toed the oche for the third match of the night. The game started with Simon on throw but Goffin quickly got to grips with the game and broke open his account. Sawford knew he had to break back quick to stay in the game but Goffin found his range and quickly went two up. Sawford had a mountain to climb and just couldn't manage it as "The Manic" took victory without dropping a leg to make it 3-0 at the halfway stage.

(Match 4) Mick Hulley 3-2 Stephen Naisbitt

In the fourth game on of the Woodbourne derby Stephen Naisbitt had to get the win to keep the Wolves in with a chance against Mick Hulley. In the opening exchanges both men broke throw to level at one a piece. Hulley then managed to edge in front in the third leg but this time Naisbitt was the one fighting back as they both headed into a deciding leg Naisbitt needed the win to keep his team in the game but Hulley had the darts which proved decisive in the end as Mick finished off the match with the winning double in a good battle between the two players as the Panthers secured the win.

(Match 5) John Schultz 3-1 Jon Smethurst 

With the victory already assured for the Panthers John Schultz was looking to heap more misery on the Wolves team as played Jon Smethurst. The first leg saw Smethurst go in front on throw but Schultz soon hit back and equalised. The third leg so a change in the game as Schultz broke the Smethurst throw to gain the advantage in which he never let go as he smashed the fourth leg to gain the win to give the Panthers five out of five.

(Match 6) Mick Wood 0-3 Tom Sawford

In the final match of the night Mick Wood and Tom "Shooter" Sawford toed the oche as Wood looked to make it a clean sweep for the Panthers. "Shooter" started the better of the two which saw him break throw in the first leg which set up the match nicely for him. The following leg saw Sawford put the foot on the accelerator and took out a 17 dart leg which doubled the lead and put him in total control which proved as "Shoots" wrapped up the win in straight legs taking out an 18 darter to finish off the night to give his team the consolation point as the Panthers strengthen their grip on second spot.

Sausages 2-4 Aces

Marc Ellis 3-2 Rich Swainston

Ben Beardmore 0-3 Andy Umney

Kev Blogg 2-3 Trev Tye

Ben Dolman 1-3 Matt Needham

Steve Ewington 3-0 Neil Bradley

Shaun Greenfield 0-3 Ian Speed

Over at the Cumberland fifth played sixth as the home side Sausages took on the Newbold Aces.

(Match 1) Marc Ellis 3-2 Rich Swainston 

"Tiny" Marc Ellis was up first for the home side against "The Gruffalo" Rich Swainston in a very tight match to kick things off. Ellis broke in the very first leg of the match but "The Gruffalo" responded with a 20 and a 21 dart leg to take the lead but as the match wore on Ellis got stronger and after equalising in the fourth leg it went to a last leg shootout with Swainston having the darts "Tiny" throw in a controlled 20 dart leg to win the game and give the Sausages a 1-0 lead.

(Match 2) Ben Beardmore 0-3 Andy Umney

Next up for the Aces was Andy Umney facing Ben "Boom" Beardmore. The match started with umney against the darts throwing in big scores which led him to break and take the lead. The following leg andy stepped it up with a 17 darter to double the scores and put him in the driving seat. "Boom" had throw to keep in the game but nothing was going to stop Andy on this form as he put in another 17 dart leg to claim the win with a maximum thrown in for good measure as he equalised for the Aces.

(Match 3) Kev Blogg 2-3 Trev Tye

The third match saw another close tie as Kev Blogg and Trev Tye was looking to edge their team in front. The first couple of legs saw Tye in control as he went up 2-0 but in the third leg the turnaround was on as Blogg broke back and held it in the fourth to set up a crucial decider which saw Tye take the advantage in throwing first which saw him finish the match and put the Aces 2–1 ahead.

(Match 4) Ben Dolman 1-3 Matt Needham

With the Aces on top it was up to Matt Needham to keep it that way but things didn't get off to the way he would have liked against Ben Dolman as it was Dolman who took the first leg, but Needham came back at him and quickly levelled, then things got even worse for Dolman as Needman fired home a 20 darter to take the lead against throw then in the fourth Needham finished the match off in style with a 107 checkout, 18 dart leg to secure the win which put his team 3-1 up with two to play.

Steve ewington

(Match 5) Steve Ewington 3-0 Neil Bradley

In the fifth match Steve Ewington of the Sausages was trying to keep his team in with a chance of a draw against Neil Bradley who was trying to win it for the Aces. Ewington quickly broke throw to go one up, Now it was up to Bradley to reel him back but Ewington was deadly on the finishes as he strolled to a 3-0 victory with brought the game back to 3-2 which meant a last match shootout to finish.

(Match 6) Shaun Greenfield 0-3 Ian Speed

In the final game in a contest which showed why these two teams are close in the league standings Ian Speed who was looking to win it for the Aces and "Croc" Shaun Greenfield did battle on the oche. "Croc" had the darts but couldn't really get going as Speed broke his throw early to give his chances a big boost and so it proved as he held to go two up and give him a great opportunity for victory which he took in the third leg to give his team a valuable win to close the game on their opponents to seven points but with a game in hand.

Wizards 5-1 Warriors

Lee Slack 3-0 Ian Webster

Simon Simmons 3-0 Jodie Bruce 

Martin Pell 3-1 Nicola Warne

Claire Thom 3-1 Paul Brittle

Darren Bleur 1-3 Steve Newton

Michael Slack 3-0 Angie Brittle 

The final match of the night took place at the Wilton as the bottom two teams Wizards and the Warriors squared off looking for their first wins of the campaign.

(Match 1) Lee Slack 3-0 Ian Webster

In the opening match of he night saw Wizards captain Lee Slack facing Ian Webster. The first leg saw Webster with the darts, Slack broke early which set the tone for the rest of the match as Slack hit a solid 21 dart leg to further his lead. The third leg followed with Slack continuing the form that he found and secured a convincing victory to put the Wizards in front. 

(Match 2) Simon Simmons 3-0 Jodie Bruce

With the Wizards taking an early lead it was up to Warriors Jodie Bruce to pull her team level as she played Simon Simmons. Simmons kicked off with the first leg to put him in front. On the Bruce throw in the second it was her chance to get back in the match but Simmons was too good as he broke to double the lead. The third leg saw much of the same from Simmons as he strode to victory by three legs to nil to put the Wizards 2-0 up.

(Match 3) Martin Pell 3-1 Nicola Warne

The pressure was mounting on the Warriors after game two, up next was Nicola Warne trying to pull her side back into the match as she faced Martin Pell. Things didn't get off to the best of starts for Warne as Pell took the first two legs. Warne responded with a maximum which led her to pull a leg back but it wasn't enough as Pell finished off the game in four legs to make it 3-0 at the halfway stage.

(Match 4) Claire Thom 3-1 Paul Brittle 

With his side three down captain Paul "The Undertaker" Brittle was looking to start a comeback standing in his way was Claire Thom who had the opportunity to win it early doors for the Wizards. Thom shot out of the blocks holding in the first leg then managing to break The Undertaker's throw to go two up. Brittle managed to claim a leg but it was Thom's day as she won the match in four to give the bottom side the victory with still two to play.

(Match 5) Darren Bleur 1-3 Steve Newton

"Hero" Steve Newton was fifth game on for the Warriors as he was looking to halt the four game losing streak playing Darren Bleur but it didn't get off to the best of starts for Newton as Bleur broke throw in the first leg to go ahead, Newton showed bottle as he broke straight back to level them held in the third leg to put himself 2-1 up on the Bleur throw in the fourth leg Newton seized the opportunity and finished off the match to pull a consolation point back for the Warriors.

(Match 6) Michael Slack 3-0 Angie Brittle 

Michael slack

The final match of the night saw Wizards Michael Slack facing Angie Brittle, the game started well for Slack as he went one up on throw, he followed that up by breaking Angie in the second to set himself up for the win in which he cooly rounded off the night taking out the winning double in the third leg to secure the Wizards a 5-1 victory which secured their first win of the season and saw the gap at the bottom between them and their opponents reduced to just one point.

Report by 

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)