SFL Round Up week 7 and it is tight at the top

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 7)

Thursday 26th October 2017

Aces 5-1 Hawks

Danny Wilks 0-3 Ben Dulley 

Wes Deane 3-2 Paul Moore

Trevor Tye 3-1 Pete Bell

Neil Bradley 3-0 Laura Taylor

Ian Speed 3-1 Matt Pryor

Mick Smith 3-0 Joelle Taylor

We start week seven at the Newbold where the Aces who suffered their first defeat of the season last time out face an Hawks side who are unbeaten in four.

In the opening game of the night Aces Danny Wilks faced Ben Dulley. It was Dulley to start and after holding throw he forced a break in the second leg to take a 2-0 lead. Wilks was in deep trouble early doors and Dulley finished it off in the next leg to get the Hawks off to a flying start.

It was Paul Moore up next for the Hawks taking on debutant Wes Deane in a thriller. Deane opened his Franchise League account with a 15 darter to welcome himself to the party. Moore hit back with an 18 dart leg to level then in the third leg Moore broke throw in 13 darts to make it 2-1. Moore threw for the match in the fourth leg but Deane wasn't finished as he grinded out an equaliser to force a fifth leg finale and with him having the darts he was favourite and to finish Deane threw a solid 18 darter to seal the win in a match where both players gave it their all and no-one deserved to lose.

After two games the scores were level between the two sides. In the third game Aces Trevor Tye was up against Pete Bell. It was Bell who threw first but couldn't get going in the early exchanges as Tye broke then held in the next leg to race into a 2-0 lead. Bell managed to pull a leg back but Tye finished off the match in leg four with a 19 dart leg to put the Aces in the lead for the first time.

Hawks Laura Taylor was fourth up needing to keep the team in the game as she were up against Neil Bradley. In the opener Neil Bradley comfortably held throw to get off the mark. Taylor needed a quick reply but it didn't come as Bradley broke her throw to make it two and Bradley held it together in the third to make it 3-1 to the home side.

In the fifth game and the Aces sensing blood Ian Speed took on Matt Pryor looking to wrap it up, Speed broke Pryor in the first leg to set him on his way. Speed continued with the pressure and took the second leg to extend his lead further, Pryor did well to pull a leg back but Speed wrapped it up in the next leg to give the Aces the win with one to spare.

The final game of the night saw a quality set of darts by Aces Mick Smith against Joelle Taylor who couldn't do anything against Smith's power scoring. In the first leg Smith took out a 14 dart leg on throw. Taylor had the darts in the second but Smith then took out back to back 19 darters for a brilliant finish to a great night for the home side to get them back to winning ways.

Black Eagles 4-2 Wades

Marie Tuinstra 2-3 Chris Keane

Greg Beard 3-0 Stephen Naisbitt 

Trevor Burkhill 3-0 Lester Bowers

Steve Briggs 3-1 Tom Briggs

Owen Cubitt 3-0 Simon Sawford

Jelger Tuinstra 1-3 Tom Sawford

Over at the Woodbourne two derbies took place at the same time as Champions Black Eagles who rose to top spot after last week's win took on the Wades who have five wins on the bounce.

Wades Chris Keane got us underway facing Marie Tuinstra in a match that went the distance. Keane held his throw in the first leg of the evening, Tuinstra fought back equalising then managing to break Keane to go 2-1 up and throw for the match but Keano wasn't going to fold as he got it together and after breaking back to level Keane took the decider to put the Wades in front in a close encounter.

"Titan" was up next in Greg Beard for the Black Eagles looking to level up against Wades captain Stephen Naisbitt. Beard got off to a solid start by taking the opener on throw, "Titan" then notched it up a gear and broke the throw with a 17 dart leg and Beard finished it off early with a 21 darter to equalise for the Black Eagles. 

In game three "Turbo" Trevor Burkhill made light work of Lester "Big Red" Bowers after breaking throw to go in the lead "Turbo" took out legs of 15 darts and an 18 to finish as well as a maximum and a 107 checkout to give his opponent no chance and make the score 2-1 to the reigning champions.

It was a family affair in the next match as father vs son took to the oche as Steve Briggs took on his son Tom. Steve had the darts to start and took out a 19 to ease in front. Tom needed an equaliser but Steve threw in the best leg of the match in 14 darts against the throw to double his lead. Tom did well to have a mini fightback taking the third leg to break back but Steve won it with a 19 dart leg to make it 3-1 for his side.

After four games the Wades needed the last two to rescue a draw as Simon Sawford was next to step up against Owen "Ice" Cubitt. Youngster "Ice" was in good form which saw him break Sawford in the opening exchanges. Cubitt went on to take the second leg to get himself breathing space. Sawford had the darts in the third leg but Cubitt rounded off the game in three to give Black Eagles the win which ended the Wades five match winning streak.

In the sixth and final game of the night "Shooter" Tom Sawford played Jelger Tuinstra in a good battle it was Tuinstra to start us off and held comfortably to go one up. "Shooter" hit back with a 20 dart leg and a 19 against the throw to gain the advantage in which he finished off Jelger in the fourth leg to reduce the deficit to a 4-2 win for the Black Eagles which ended the five match winning streak of the Wades.

Panthers 2-4 Wolves

Mick Hulley 3-2 John Lieber

Claire Dunning 1-3 Dave Cliffe 

John Schultz 0-3 Pete Daffin

Russ Simons 0-3 Lee Cushworth

Ryan Goffin 3-0 Pat Finney

Pat Meeson 1-3 Graham Waller

Staying at the Woodbourne the second Woodbourne derby of the night between the Panthers who are without a win in five face a Wolves side who recorded only their second win of the season last time out. 

To open we had Panthers Mick Hulley taking on John Lieber in what was a good battle between the two players. Lieber had the darts to start us off and held his throw well. Hulley did the same in the next leg to level the scores up. In the third leg the game was getting tight but it was Lieber who grabbed it to gain a 2-1 lead, Hulley needed the next two legs and after holding to force a decider he finally managed to break Lieber in the deciding leg when it mattered the most to give the Panthers the lead. 

In the second match Dave Cliffe was looking to even the scores as he took on Panthers Claire Dunning. It was Dunning to start but Cliffe took the throw and went in front. Cliffe kept consistent as he took the second leg to double his lead. Dunning achieved a leg on the board on throw in the third but Cliffe finished off the match in four to level the score. 

It was Wolves captain "Super Daff's" Pete Daffin to start the third match against opponent John Schultz. Daffin opened with a hold of throw which set the tone for the rest of the match as he recorded a maximum and won the match without dropping a leg finishing with an 18 darter to put the Wolves ahead for the first time the match.

Panthers Russ Simons was fourth up looking to level the game back up taking on Wolves debut lad Lee Cushworth. Simons gave it his best shot as he started the game and recording a 180 for himself but Cushworth settled in and after breaking throw he took out a 20 dart leg in the second on his way to securing a 3-0 win for a solid debut performance which put the Wolves 3-1 up.

Captain for the Panthers Ryan "The Manic" Goffin needed to keep his side in the game as he took on Pat Finney. Finney had the arrows but "The Manic" got off the better of the two as he broke Finney's throw to take the lead and Finney never recovered after that as Goffin hit a 20 darter and then won the game in 17 darts to give the Panthers a lifeline for the final game. 

In the last match of the night Woodbourne landlord Pat Meeson was in action looking to rescue a draw for he Panthers as he faced Graham Waller who needed the match to give the Wolves who were looking for two wins on he bounce. Both men got off to a shaky start as neither one could hold their throws, with the score at 1-1 Waller took out the double on the Meeson throw again to nudge in front and throw for the victory for his team, Waller did well to hold his nerve and take out Meeson in four legs of darts which secured the Wolves third win in six games which put them fifth in the table.

Pirates 2-4 Railwaymen 

Martin Chivers 0-3 Martin Scott

Jordan Chivers 3-2 Tom Gurran

Simon Simmons 0-3 Steve Marfleet 

Anne Lofthouse 3-2 Gavin Pilling

Martin Baugh 0-3 Mark Gurran

Simon Chivers 0-3 Pete Bramley

We're at the Players Bar next with the Pirates who have lost five out of the first six take on the Railwaymen who were knocked off top spot last week following an end to their 100% record against the Panthers.

We start with Martin Chivers for the Pirates taking on Martin Scott. It was Scott who got off to the better start and held his throw, Chivers with the darts struggled as Scott got better as the game wore on and took out a 21 and 20 dart legs to win and get the Railwaymen off to a good start.

In a tight tussle Railwaymen's Tom Gurran played well against Jordan Chivers but couldn't take anything away from the game. Chivers started with a 21 dart leg, Gurran replied with a leveller. In the next leg Chivers went back in front to make it 2-1 but Gurran wasn't finished as he took out a brilliant 14 darter to force a decider but it was Chivers who took the game to equalise for the Pirates.

In match three Steve Marfleet put the Railwaymen back in front in his match against Simon Simmons after holding throw he then took out a 21 dart leg on the Simmons throw to double his lead. In the third leg Marfleet eased to the win to make it 2-1 to the away side.

Pirates Anne Lofthouse and Gav Pilling gave us another five leg tussle in the next match on which every leg went with the throw. It was Lofthouse who got us underway and took the first leg, the match went back on forth all the way through with Pilling taking out a 21 darts in the fourth leg to force a decider but it was Lofthouse who held out and took the victory to level it back up again with two to play.

After four game the match was on a knife edge as Railwaymen's Mark Gurran played Martin Baugh. It was Gurran to start and he steadied himself away as he took the opening leg. On the Baugh throw Gurran kept up the pressure and broke his opponent and gave him no way back as Gurran recorded a 114 checkout to make it 3-2 to the Railwaymen.

In the final game decider Simon Chivers needed to defeat "Perfect" Pete Bramley to save his team from defeat. Chivers had the throw so all he had to know was hold on to it but Bramley was too good as he broke throw straightaway and after holding in the second there was only going to be one winner as Bramley slotted in the winning double to give the Railwaymen a close victory to get them back on track.

Warriors 2-4 Academicals 

Barry Brittle 1-3 Conall Doughty

Ian Webster 2-3 Ben Tomlinson

Sandra Webster 0-3 Tim Close

Angie Brittle 3-1 George Francis

Paul Brittle 0-3 Ellis Turner

Steve Newton 3-2 Greg Batting 

In the final match of the week we're at the Midland where two out of form teams go head to head as the Warriors who had a week off last week following four successive defeats play an Academicals side who have lost two on the spin so something had to give. 

In the opener Warriors Barry Brittle took on Conall Doughty who had the darts and took the lead in the first leg. Brittle equalised with a hold of his own but then Doughty took the match in his own hands and after taking a 2-1 lead. Doughty finished off the match in four to get Uni team up and running. 

Ben Tomlinson and Ian Webster played out a good match in the second game as it was Webster who started and took the opening two legs and looking in command. Tomlinson had other ideas in the second half of the game Tomlinson broke back in the third leg then after holding to make it two each it was Webster to throw for the match but he just couldn't finish off his opponent and Tomlinson took the unlikely victory in five to double the Academicals lead.

After two good games of darts to start the night, up next was Tim Close who made light work of Warriors Sandra Webster. Close started with a hold of throw then following a break to make it two, Close managed to whitewash Webster to make it three in three for his team. 

Academicals were closing in on victory as Warriors Angie Brittle was up next looking to keep her team in the game as she played opponent George Francis. Both players started well after trading legs, Brittle went 2-1 up after three legs. Francis was under pressure to hold his throw and it showed as Brittle took out the victory double against the darts to pull a game back and keep the Warriors in with a shout.

In the fifth match it was the turn of Warriors captain Paul Brittle needing to keep his team in it facing Ellis Turner who had the second shot at securing the win for the Academicals. Turner got off to a fine start as she took the opener get leg and then in the second leg it was Turner who broke the Brittle throw. Brittle struggled through the game as Ellis Turner wrapped up the match in three to give the Academicals the win with one to play. 

It was a close finale to finish off the week as Greg Batting faced "Hero" Steve Newton in a match that went all the way with throw. Newton took the early lead. Batting equalised soon after to make it all square. In the third leg it was "Hero" again managing to hold throw to go 2-1 up. Back came Batting in the fourth leg to force a fifth and final leg of the match with Newton to throw he pulled out a solid 21 dart leg to win the match and pull the game back to 4-2 to the Academicals to stop the losing streak but for the Warriors it's five defeats on the bounce.

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)

Wades go level at top after quality performance

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 6)

Thursday 19th October 2017

Academicals 1-5 Black Eagles

Oliver Newall 0-3 John Walton

Conall Doughty 2-3 Micky Stocks

Harry Hatter 1-3 Charlie Stocks 

Tim Close 3-1 Greg Beard

William Pollard 0-3 Ben Beardmore 

Ellis Turner 0-3 Owen Cubitt 

We start the week with the Uni team as the Academicals in fifth entertain the Champions Black Eagles who rose to second following last week's victory.

Oliver Newall started the night for the Uni team taking on former World Champion John Walton. It was Walton's darts to start and he set off steady holding to take the lead. Newall needed to break in the next leg but Walton was too strong for him as he hit a 180 followed with a 17 and a 21 dart leg to win the match to put the away side in front. 

In a quality second game Micky Stocks was looking to double his team's lead as he played Conall Doughty. Doughty started us off and threw well taking the first leg in 20 darts, Stocks replied with a 21 dart leg of his own to make it one each. In leg three Doughty once again played a steady game on throw to nudge in front for the second time leaving Stocks needing to take the next two as to which he did with a 20 darter and then winning the decider in 17 darts against the throw to take the win.

Young Charlie Stocks was in good form as he played Harry Hatter in our third game despite Hatter taking a leg it was Stocks who took out a 20 darter in the opening leg then played steady from then on in to get the win to make it three for the Black Eagles.

Black Eagles were flying after three matches it was up to Tim Close to stop them in their tracks as he came up against Greg "The Titan" Beard. It was Close to start us off and took the lead, Beard equalised with a 19 darter. In the third leg Close steadied himself to take the lead again recording a 21 dart leg and in the fourth with Beard to thro to stay in the match, Close played a blinder to take the win to put a point on the board for his team. 

In the fifth match William Pollard faced Ben "Boom" Beardmore. It was Beardmore to start us off and held in the opener, Pollard was looking to equalise in the next leg but "Boom" hit a 180 and took out a 21 dart leg to break then won the game with a 20 to seal the win after five games.

Another youngster in Owen "Ice" Cubitt rounded off the night as he took on opponent Ellis Turner. It was Turner to start but Cubitt always had the edge through the game after breaking throw he then hit a max on his way to a 2-0 lead, Turner needed to hold throw but couldn't manage it as Cubitt rounded off the night with a win in three which put the Champions top of the tree.

Hawks 4-2 Pirates 

Paul Moore 3-0 Anne Lofthouse 

Marc Ellis 0-3 Sie Simmons

Ben Dulley 1-3 Jordan Chivers

Steve Ewington 3-0 Simon Chivers

Matt Pryor 3-0 Bye

Pete Bell 3-0 Bye

Over at the Hawk & Dove the Hawks who are starting to climb the table after a three match unbeaten run take on the Pirates who started the game short and who've lost four out of their first five.

In the opening game Anne Lofthouse started us off for the visitors against an in form Paul Moore who broke Lofthouse in the very first leg with a 17 darter. Moore then hit his best leg of the night registering a 14 dart leg to make it two then he sealed the win in 16 darts against the throw to finish with an almost 96 average to give the Hawks the lead. 

Up next was Sie Simmons looking to equalise for the Pirates facing "Tiny" Marc Ellis. Simmons started with a hold of throw to get on his way Ellis threw in the second looking to level but Simmons struck with a 21 dart leg to break and Simmons finished the job early to level for the Pirates.

After two games the Pirates were still chasing the game as Jordan Chivers faced Ben Dulley. Both men started steady with a hold of throw a-piece. In the third leg Chivers nudged ahead again to put him on the brink. Dulley needed to hold again in to force a decider but couldn't manage it as Chivers finished him off in the fourth to keep the Pirates in the game with one to play.

In the final match of a short night and with the result still in the balance Hawks Steve Ewington needed a win to finish it off as his opponent Simon Chivers was searching to save an unlikely draw for the Pirates. It was Ewington who started the better and held in the first leg, he then followed it with a break of throw to go two up and to throw for the match. Ewington threw steady all the way through the match to secure the win for the Hawks to stretch the unbeaten run to four.

Railwaymen 3-3 Panthers

Steve Marfleet 3-0 Mick Wood

Martin Scott 3-0 Pat Meeson

Steve Brittle 1-3 Russ Simons

Brian Lewis 2-3 Mick Hulley

Pete Bramley 3-0 John Schultz 

Mark Gurran 0-3 Ryan Goffin

We're at the Station next with the leaders Railwaymen's 100% record on the line against Panthers who are winless in four. 

Up first was Steve "Damorf" Marfleet for the home side taking on Mick Wood, Wood started us off and as he tried to get a rhythm Marfleet took out the first leg and broke his throw. In the next leg "Damorf" turned it on taking out a 21 dart leg to make it two, It was Wood to throw in leg three but he couldn't pressure Marfleet and "Damorf" took him out and give the Railwaymen the lead. 

It was up to "The Landlord" Pat Meeson to equalise as he faced Martin Scott but he didn't really get going as Scott took the opener. On the Meeson throw Scott played really well to break taking out an 18 dart leg and a ton finish to give him the win to put the leaders two up.

In the third match Panthers Russ Simons really needed to get something going for his side as he took on Steve Brittle. The match started with a hold of throw for both players with Brittle hitting a maximum. Simmons took the third leg in 18 darts and with Brittle missing double 15 for a 150 finish it just wasn't to be his day despite playing well it was Simmons who got the job done to bring the Panthers back in the game.

In game four with the Panthers on the prowl a tight match was played out between Brian "The Messiah" Lewis and Mick Hulley. It was Lewis to start and held well to take the lead. Hulley took out a 21 in the next leg to level, Lewis has the throw in the third which he took out the double again to make it 2-1 which brought him on the hill. It was Hulley who needed to hold throw to force a decider in which he did then it was Lewis to throw for the match but Hulley brought out his best darts to the final leg and grasped victory with a 20 dart leg to bring the game back to two each.

The tie was in the balance as the fifth game approached as Pete "Perfect" Bramley fought John Schultz. It was Schultz's darts and he needed a good start but Bramley played well which saw him break throw then held in the second leg to make Schultz chase the game which he couldn't manage as "Perfect" took the match with a 180 and a 21 dart leg to win to give the Railwaymen a 3-2 lead.

In the sixth and deciding game of the night Railwaymen's Mark Gurran needed to take out Panthers captain "The Manic" Ryan Goffin to give his team the win. It was Gurran to start but he bumped into a Goffin who was in top form breaking the throw quickly in 19 darts, Goffin then held his own throw in the next leg hitting a 17 darter to make it two. Gurran was under pressure and it showed in the third and final leg of the night as captain Goffin rescued a draw for his team with another 17 dart leg to secure the win in three  to end the Railwaymen's winning start to the season.

Wades 5-1 Aces

Lester Bowers 1-3 Andy Umney 

Simon Sawford 3-0 Neil Bradley 

Lee Siddle 3-1 Ian Speed 

Tom Briggs 3-2 Trevor Tye

Antonio Cruz 3-0 Dave Belfitt 

Tom Sawford 3-1 Danny Wilks

In the Woodbourne it was the Wades in action who have started the season in fine form after the opening day defeat they're now on a run of four wins out of five host the Newbold Aces who are still unbeaten in the four games they've played.

We open with a good match up between Wades Lester "Big Red" Bowers and Andy Umney. It was Umney to start us off and after holding his throw to go one up Bowers soon levelled the scores with a 19 darter but that's as good as it got for "Big Red" as Umney went back in front in the third leg then took the victory in the fourth leg with a 17 darter against throw to give the Aces a perfect start. 

In the second game Neil Bradley was looking to make it two against "James" Simon Sawford. It was Sawford to start and after scoring well he took the lead. "James" continued in the sand vain and after breaking in the second he wrapped up the victory in the third to equalise for the Wades.

After two games the scores were level as Lee Siddle went head to head with Ian Speed. It was Siddle who started well breaking the Speed throw to make it 1-0. Siddle continued the form holding in the second leg and after Speed pulled a leg back Siddle wrapped up the win with a ton checkout to finish to put the Wades ahead.

In the tightest match of the night, Aces Trevor Tye looking to level it back up played Tom Briggs. Both men got off to an in-different start as they couldn't hold throw for the first couple of legs but then they got it together as Briggs took the third leg to nudge ahead for the first time, Tye took out a 21 darter in the fourth leg to force a deciding leg in which Briggs had the throw and took full advantage to seal the win to make it 3-1 Wades with two to play.

Wades Antonio Cruz played a really solid game against opponent Dave Belfitt to seal the win for the Wades after breaking the throw in the opener Cruz went on take a 2-0 lead with Belfitt on the ropes Cruz finish of the contest with a 21 dart leg to wrap up the victory for the Wades to end the Aces unbeaten start the season.

In the finale Aces Danny Wilks was up against "Shooter" Tom Sawford. Wilks couldn't have got off to a better start breaking "Shooter" with a 104 checkout. Sawford replied with a 21 dart leg to break straight back then "Shooter" took the third leg to put himself in front. Wilks needed to hold to stand any chance but Sawford was too good and rounded off a good night for the Wades with a 3-1 win to make it 5-1 overall to end the Aces unbeaten start to the league.

Wolves 4-2 Vulcans

John Lieber 3-0 Steve Whyers

Pete Daffin 3-0 Chelsea Woodhead 

Pat Finney 1-3 Jim Smith

Dave Cliffe 1-3 Mick Swift 

Graham Waller 3-2 Phil Lambert

Sue Edwards 3-0 Bye

Staying at the Woodbourne for the final game of the week the Woodbourne Wolves who haven't won since the opening night faced a Vulcans team who are bottom of the table and without a win this season.

To start us off was Wolves John Lieber up against Steve Whyers, It was Whyers' darts to kick us off but he couldn't match Lieber as his opponent broke early doors with a 17 darter, Lieber held his own throw in the next leg to make it two. Whyers was on the ropes as he tried to hold but it was Lieber who won the game in three to give the Wolves the perfect start.

It was Wolves captain "Super Daff's" Pete Daffin next up playing Chelsea Woodhead. Daffin threw first and eased his way in the match holding throw to make it 1-0. It was Woodhead's throw in the next leg but "Super Daff's" just got better as he broke throw with a 180 and an 18 darter then the captain finished it off in the third leg to put the home team two up.

It was the turn of the opposition captain in Jim Smith in game three as he took on Pat Finney. Smith took the opener with a hold. Finney was looking to level on his throw but Smith hit an 18 dart leg to break. Finney did his best to fight back taking a leg but Smith held out and secured the win in four to start the comeback.

The Vulcans smelled blood and in the fourth match Mick Swift faced Dave Cliffe who had throw but couldn't do anything with it as Swift broke then held in the second to make it two. Cliffe took a leg in the third but it was Swift celebrating as he took out the double in the fourth leg to make the score two each.

In the fifth and final match with the Vulcans a player short Graham Waller knew a win would give the Wolves victory as he took on Phil Lambert. Waller started well with a break to take the lead. Lambert hit back with back to back legs and only needing a leg to rescue a draw but Waller gave it his all to secure the win in the final leg of the night for him and his team their second win of the season.

Report by 

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)

Aces deal losing hand to academicals

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 5)

Thursday 12th October 2017

Aces 5-1 Academicals 

Neil Bradley 0-3 C. Doughty

Mick Smith 3-0 William Pollard 

Andy Umney 3-1 Tim Close

Trevor Tye 3-0 Jack Lewis 

Ian Speed 3-0 Ellis Turner 

Simon Birkett 3-1 Tom Hogg

Week five of the Franchise League started at the Newbold where the Aces who start the season undefeated take on the Academicals who are unbeaten in their last three.

We first start with Aces Neil Bradley taking on debutant C. Doughty who laid down a marker already in the opening leg to take the lead. Bradley had the darts in the next leg but Doughty showed no sign of nerves as he broke the throw then followed with the victory in the third leg to mark an impressive debut to put the Uni team one up.

In the second match William Pollard was looking to double the Academicals lead but as he faced Mick Smith. Smith had the throw and held well to put him one up, Pollard needed to hold to level but couldn't manage it as Smith broke throw then took out the third and final leg to equalise for the Aces.

Andy Umney put in a good performance in the third match of the evening for the home side after breaking his opponent Tim Close in the first leg he then took out an 18 darter to go two up, Close managed a leg back in the third but Umney finished him with a 180 and a 20 darter to put the Aces in the lead for the first time.

The fourth game of the night saw Jack Lewis looking to turn it around again for the Academicals as he played Trevor Tye who himself looked a cool customer after Tye held his throw in the first leg he then broke the Lewis throw to double his lead, Lewis needed to find his way back in the match but it wasn't to be as Tye finished him off without dropping a leg to make it 3-1 with two to play.

In game five with the Academicals chasing the game it was up to Elis Turner to keep them in it as her opponent Ian Speed was looking to finish it off. Turner started us off with the throw in which Speed powered in front with a break. After Speed held in the second leg for 2-0 Turner was in trouble and it was Speed to wrap it up early with solid darts to give the Aces victory with one to spare.

The final match of the night with the game sewn up for the Aces up stepped Simon Birkett making his debut facing T. Hogg in what was the best match of the night in terms of scoring. It was Birkett to start us off and he held well recording an 18 darter to get off the mark. Hogg replied in the next leg with a 21 to level. Once again Birkett showed how good he is registering a 19 dart leg in the third to go back in front which put Hogg under pressure to hold his throw which he couldn't manage as Birkett turned the screw to win the game with the best leg of the night a 16 darter to give the Aces a 5-1 win which stretches their unbeaten run to four.

Black Eagles 6-0 Warriors 

John Walton 3-0 Sandra Webster 

Micky Stocks 3-0 Ian Webster

Ben Beardmore 3-0 Barry Brittle 

Trevor Burkhill 3-0 Nicola Warne

Greg Beard 3-1 Steve Newton

Jelger Tuinstra 3-0 Paul Brittle

Over at the Woodbourne Hotel, the champions Black Eagles who had a week off last week and are looking back to get to winning ways face the Warriors who have three successive defeats to their name.

To start us off was former World Champion John "Boy" Walton taking on Sandra Webster. John "Boy" started positively breaking the Webster throw to get of the mark. Walton held his throw in the next leg to double his lead. Webster threw to stay in the contest but it was Walton who finished the match off without dropping a leg to get the Champions up and running. 

It was another Webster in Ian playing in the second game for the Warriors facing Micky Stocks, It was Stocks to throw first and held well. Stocks then got into a rhythm which broke throw in the second with a solid 19 darter to make it two. It was Stocks who threw first in the third leg and that's when he cooly finished off Webster with another 19 dart leg for a very consistent performance to put the Black Eagles two up.

Warriors were on the back foot and chasing the game up next for them were "Ginga ninja" Barry Brittle and his opponent Ben "Boom" Beardmore. It was Brittle's darts to start and after a slow start for both men it was Beardmore who broke and then it set the wheels in motion from then on as "Boom" recorded an 18 and a 19 dart leg as well as a 96 finish to make it three in three for the home side.

Things didn't get any better for the Warriors in the next match either as Nicola Warne played "Turbo" Trevor Burkhill. It was "Turbo" who started the match and powered in front with a 19 dart leg, Warne needed a response but try as she did she just couldn't find it as Burkhill threw in a 18 and a 16 darter to secure the win which wrapped up the match after four games. 

Black Eagles were running away with the match at this point as "The Titan" Greg Beard was looking to turn the screw even more as he faced Steve "Hero" Newton. It was "The Hero" to start but it was Beard who felt in control from the off as he broke early then held his own throw to put him two up, After Newton finally achieved a leg for the Warriors in the third "The Titan" finished off the game in the fourth leg to make it five in five.

In the sixth and final game of the night and the match as a contest all finished it was the Warriors captain Paul Brittle looking to get anything as he played Jelger Tuinstra. It was Tuinstra who got off to the better start and he went ahead with a hold. Brittle needed to equalise and fast as he had the darts in the next leg but Jelger showed his class taking out a 19 dart leg against throw then rounding off the night with a 20 darter to secure a 6-0 rout for the Champions.

Panthers 3-3 Hawks 

Mick Wood 0-3 Paul Moore

John Schultz 3-0 Laura Taylor

Mick Hulley 0-3 Ben Dulley

Gavin Markham 3-1 Pete Bell

Ryan Goffin 1-3 Steve Ewington

Pat Meeson 3-1 Joelle Taylor

Still at the Woodbourne the home team Panthers without a win in three face a Hawks side who recorded their first win in the league last time out. 

Up first representing the Panthers was Mick Wood facing Paul Moore, Moore started with a hold of throw to get us under way. Wood had the darts in the second leg but it was Moore who was in control of the match breaking the Wood throw and finally winning the match after three legs to get the Hawks up and running.

Second on was Laura Taylor looking to equalise against John Schultz but Schultzy was in no mood to let Taylor in as he confidently held his throw in the first leg. Schultz continued in that vain as he broke Taylor to make it 2-0 and then Schultz grabbed the win after three legs of darts to make the score one each. 

It was Dulley versus Hulley in the third game of the night as Hawks Ben faced Mick. It was Ben Dulley who held well to get in front. Hulley threw first in the second leg but Dulley was in control as he fired in an 18 darter to break then holding out in the third to win and put the Hawks back in front. 

In a topsy turvy contest between the two teams it continued in that vain in the fourth match on as Panthers Gavin Markham played Pete Bell. The match started with both men holding throw to make it one each. Markham then turned up the heat by hitting an 18 dart leg to go in front again. Bell needed to hold to stay in the match but couldn't do it as Markham secured the winning double to make it two each with two to play.

Steve Ewington had the darts against "The Manic" Ryan Goffin in the fifth match but didn't get off to he best of starts as Goffin broke in the opener to take the lead. Goffin couldn't capitalise on his good start though as Ewington broke straight back to level then held his throw to nudge ahead. "The Manic" needed to hold to force a decider but it was Ewington's day as he grabbed the win in four to put the Hawks on the brink of victory.

In the last game of the evening saw the Woodbourne landlord Pat Meeson looking rescue a draw for the Panthers play Joelle Taylor. Both players started consistently with a hold of throw each to get out of the blocks. It was Meeson who held his throw in the third leg to make the score 2-1 meaning that Taylor needed a hold of throw against to stand a chance of victory but Meeson won it against the darts in the fourth leg to rescue a draw for the Panthers in a match where you just couldn't separate the two teams.

Pirates 0-6 Wades

Simon Chivers 0-3 Simon Sawford

Jordan Chivers 0-3 Lee Siddle 

Martin Baugh 0-3 Lester Bowers 

Anne Lofthouse 0-3 Tom Sawford

Sie Simmons 2-3 Paul Harris

Martin Chivers 1-3 Chris Keane

At the Players Bar the Pirates who have lost three out of first four games face the Wades who have three wins on the bounce before tonight.

Starting us off was the battle of the Simon's as Pirates Chivers took on Sawford. It was Sawford who got the darts underway and cooly held his throw. In the next leg Chivers had the darts but couldn't make it count as Sawford upped a gear which broke the throw and Sawford threw solidly for the match to win it with a 20 dart leg to get the Wades off the mark.

Lee Siddle continued where Sawford left off against Jordan Chivers in game two. Siddle quickly broke throw to gain the advantage and after he held in the second Siddle wrapped it up with a 21 dart leg to give the Wades a 2-0 lead. 

Pirates were struggling for form and legs as Martin Baugh faced Lester "Big Red" Bowers. "Big Red" started brightly taking out the opener on throw. Baugh threw in the second leg for the leveller but Bowers was in control of the game throughout as he broke then finished off the match with a 21 darter (108 finish) to make it three nil.

In game four "Shooter" Tom Sawford showed good form in beating Anne Lofthouse as he achieved a 17 and an 18 dart leg on his way to a 3-0 victory finishing on a 75 average to give the Wades the win with still two play.

The closest match of the night happened in game five as Sie Simmons tried to get the Pirates on the board against Paul Harris, Harris had the darts to start and held throw to take the lead. Simmons hit back levelling the scores. In leg three Harris produced his best leg hitting a 21 darter to regain control but Simmons wasn't going to give in and replied with another equaliser to force a decider in which Harris once again had the darts and took full advantage to win the final leg shootout with a ton checkout to make in five in five for the Wades. 

It was Chris "The Blade" Keane's time to finish the whitewash for the Wades as he took on opponent Martin Chivers. Things didn't get off to the best of starts for Chivers as "The Blade" sliced into him in the opening leg to break the throw. Chivers broke straight back in the second leg but that's all he could muster as Keane stepped it up and took out back to back legs to finish off the night with a whitewash for the Wades which made it four wins on the bounce which puts them up to third in the table.

Vulcans 1-5 Railwaymen 

Chelsea Woodhead 0-3 Steve Marfleet

Jim Smith 2-3 Glen Payne

Joe Gregg 0-3 Steve Brittle

Steve Whyers 0-3  Martin Scott

Mick Swift 1-3 Pete Bramley

Phil Lambert 3-1 Gavin Pilling

In the final report of the week we head to Frecheville where the Vulcans the only team left without a win this season face a Railwaymen side who are the only team with an 100% record. 

In the opening game Vulcans Chelsea Woodhead played well in her match against Steve Marfleet but Marfleet was too good starting off with a 180 in the opening leg and finished it in 16 darts, he then followed it with a 20 darter against the throw which put him on the brink and Marfleet finished Woodhead off in the third leg to get the Railwaymen up and running.

In a close second match Railwaymen's Glen Payne took on Jim Smith in a match that went all the way. Smith threw first and took the leg to edge in the lead. Payne replied with a hold of his own to level. It was Smith to throw in the third leg and once again confidently held to put him one away from victory but that's when the wheels fell off and Payne took full advantage of it and win the match against the darts to make it 2-0.

After the unlucky second game for the Vulcans Joe Gregg needed to get something against opponent Steve Brittle. It was Brittle to start and he took the lead with a 21 dart leg. Gregg threw to level the scores but Brittle took out a 17 darter to take full control of the match which he won in the next leg to make it three at the halfway point.

The Railwaymen were on a roll and in the fourth match on Martin Scott put in a performance versus Steve Whyers. After Scott broke the Whyers throw in the opener he then managed to hold his own to make the score 2-0, Whyers needed to hold to stand any chance in the match but Scott took the win in three to give the Railwaymen the victory with two left to play.

In a good contest in the fifth match Mick Swift faced Pete "Perfect" Bramley in which both players kicked off with a 17 darter each. Bramley then held his throw to go up 2-1. Swift needed to hold to force a decider but "Perfect" took out the winning double against the darts to make it five in five for his team.

In the final match of the weeks action Railwaymen's Gavin Pilling was looking to make it a straight six against opponent Phil Lambert, It was Lambert to throw first and he held well to get off the mark. Pilling threw in a 17 dart leg in reply to even it up. Lambert went back in front in the third leg and with Pilling throwing to stay in the match Lambert broke him to win the game 3-1 and save the whitewash for the Vulcans.

Red Dragon Sheffield Franchise League (Week 4)

Thursday 5th October 2017

Academicals 4-2 Pirates

William Pollard 3-0 Crystal Chivers 

Oliver Newall 2-3 Simon Chivers

Tim Close 2-3 Jordan Chivers

Ritesh Deo Zun Xiong 3-2 Anne Lofthouse

Harry Hatter 3-0 Andy Friar 

Adam Warner 3-0 Sie Simmons 

We start the weeks action at the Uni Arms where home side Academicals who are on the back of two successive draws take on a Pirates team who achieved their first victory last time out. 

New recruit William Pollard stepped up first for the Uni team and couldn't have got the team off to a better start as he won 3-0 against Crystal Chivers and uniquely won all the legs on a double 7 finish.

Simon Chivers was next up looking to level for the Pirates against Oli Newall. Chivers kicked off with a break of throw then doubled his lead soon after to take control of the game. Newall fought back to two each to force a decider but Chivers wasn't to be denied as he took out the double to win in five legs to level up the scores.

In another match that went all the way Tim Close took on Jordan Chivers where every leg went with throw, it was Chivers to start and hit a 16 darter to take the lead. Close equalised in the next leg, then Chivers continued with the darts a managed to hold again. It was Close's turn in leg four to finish in 16 darts to make another five leg game and Chivers had the darts and once again made it count as he finally took the match to put the Pirates in the lead in which both players played well.

Another Uni newbie Ritesh Xiong who started his Franchise League career in good form took on Anne Lofthouse in the third consecutive five leg match in which once again went with the darts. Xiong took the lead to set him off the mark. Lofthouse equalised with a fine 17 dart leg, Xiong replied with a 20 darter of his own and a 92 finish to make it 2-1 but once again Lofthouse wasn't going to give up as she made it the game two each Ritesh Xiong had the darts in the final leg and took full advantage to take the game 3-2 to draw the scores level overall.

After four matches you couldn't separate the two teams which made the final two games decisive and all to play for. Pirates Andy Friar found it tough against Harry Hatter as Hatter broke throw in the first leg then after holding in the second, he ran out winner in three to put the home side 3-2 up.

In the decider young Adam Warner for the Uni Academicals played well against Sie Simmons after holding throw Warner smashed in a 21 darter to break and put daylight between him and his opponent. Simmons needed to break just to stay in the match but couldn't do it as Warner was too good and secured the win to give the Academicals a 4-2 victory for their first win of the season.

Hawks 5-1 Vulcans

Ben Dulley 3-0 Jordan W

Steve Ewington 3-1 Phil Lambert

Paul Moore 3-0 Chelsea Woodhead 

Laura Taylor 0-3 Mick Swift

Joelle Taylor 3-0 Steve Whyers

Kev Rodgers 3-0 Bye 

We head to the Hawk & Duck next as the Hawks and Vulcans who were a man down square off with both teams still searching for their first wins of the season. 

We open with Ben Dulley for the Hawks in good form taking on Jordan W. Dulley opened the night with a break of throw. Jordan tried to level but Dulley was proved too strong as he held on the second then wrapped up the match without conceding to put the Hawks one up.

In the second game Phil Lambert started encouragingly by taking the first leg with another break of throw against Steve Ewington. Ewington quickly broke straight back to equalise then a hold of throw in 21 darts put him in command. Lambert threw to stay in the tie in the fourth leg but Ewington finished off the match to make it 2-0 to the home team. 

Vulcans were really chasing the game now as the third game got under way between Chelsea Woodhead and Vulcans Paul Moore. In the first leg Moore fired in a quick fire 14 dart leg with a 180 to boot against the throw to set him on his way. After holding throw in e next leg, Moore comfortably sealed the match with a 17 dart finish leaving Woodhead no chance to extend the Hawks lead even further.

After three matches the Hawks were threatening to run away with the game as Laura Taylor with the darts were up against Mick Smith. It was Smith who started scoring the better of the two which gave him the platform to break throw early on, Smith then held out in the second leg to double his lead. Taylor needed a hold just to stay in with a chance but it was Smith who finished it off in three to get the Vulcans on the mark.

In the final match of a short night with the Hawks already secured the win Joelle Taylor was looking rub salt on the wounds against opponent Steve Whyers. Joelle started brilliantly with a break straightaway to get up and running. In the second leg Taylor held throw to put her on the brink. Whyers needed to hold to stand any chance but Taylor rounded it off with a 3-0 victory to wrap up a 5-1 win.

Railwaymen 5-1 Wolves

Steve Marfleet 3-0 Graham Waller

Tom Gurran 3-0 Dave Cliffe

Mark Gurran 1-3 Pete Daffin

Martin Scott 3-0 Jon Smethurst 

Gavin Pilling 3-0 Pat Finney 

Pete Bramley 3-0 Bye

Over at the Station the Railwaymen who had a week off last week but started the season with back to back wins took on the Wolves who started with a man down but who have had a mixed start with a win, loss and a draw to their name.

In the opening game of the night Railwaymen's Steve Marfleet took on Graham Waller who just couldn't cope with Marfleet's high scoring as he took out back to back 19 dart legs with a maximum to boot and then Marfleet won the match in the third leg finishing with a 120 "Shangai" finish (18 dart leg) to open the scoring for the Railwaymen.

The second game saw Dave Cliffe looking to equalise for the Wolves against youngster "The Inferno" Tom Gurran who started brightly with a hold of throw. Cliffe had the darts in the next leg but "The Inferno" turned up the heat to break to put him in total control and showed maturity beyond his years by finishing off the match in three to put his team 2-0 up.

With his team on the back foot Wolves captain "Super Daff's" Pete Daffin pulled something out of the bag as he took on Mark Gurran, "Super Daff's" took the lead with a hold of throw finishing in 16 darts, Gurran equalised with a hold to level but that's when Daffin turned it up by finishing in 14 and 15 darts as well as a maximum thrown in for good measure to secure the win in four to bring the Wolves back in the contest.

Martin Scott was consistent in his game against Jon Smethurst after Scott broke throw in he first leg, He managed a break in the second leg to make the game 2-0. Smethurst just didn't have any reply and Scott finished him off in the third leg with a 18 darter to win to theoretically win the game with one to play on the night.

In the fifth and what was the final match of the night Gavin Pilling showed what he is capable of against Pat Finney. It was Finney to start but he didn't throw well as Pilling grabbed the darts and took the opening leg. Finney was on the back foot from then on as Pilling held in the second leg to make it 2-0. Finney had to hold in the third just to stay in it but Pilling was too good on the night and sealed a comfortable win to give the Railwaymen a 5-1 win overall to keep their perfect start to the season.

Wades 4-2 Panthers

Craig Ingram 3-1 Mick Wood

Lester Bowers 3-0 Russ Simons

Tom Briggs 3-2 John Schultz

Lee Siddle 3-0 Pat Meeson

Antonio Cruz 1-3 Mick Hulley 

Stephen Naisbitt 0-3 Ryan Goffin 

At the Woodbourne their was a derby between the Wades who achieved back to back wins following their opening day defeat taking on the Panthers who have recorded a loss, win and a draw in the first three.

Wades' Craig Ingram kicked us off with a break of throw in the very first leg against Mick Wood. Ingram held in the second to make it two, Wood managed a hold in the third to register a leg but Ingram wrapped up the win in four to put the Wades ahead.

In the second match Russ Simons was looking to level for the Panthers against "Big Red" Lester Bowers but things didn't get off to a good start as "Big Red" registered a 19 darter on throw to take the first leg. Simons had the darts to equalise but Bowers threw in a 21 dart leg to make it two and throw for the match which he did in 21 darts to wrap up the win without dropping a leg to put the Wades two up.

The Panthers were on the back foot after two matches they needed a spark as John Schultz faced Tom Briggs in a good five leg match which saw Briggs take a 2-0 lead and looked certain for three in a row but Schultz fought back after holding his throw in the third leg Schultz then broke back to make it a last leg shootout with him having the darts but young Briggs finally hit the deciding double to win in five to make it three in three for the Wades.

Lee Siddle was on decent form as he took on "The Landlord" Pat Meeson. Siddle opened with a hold to put him one up. Siddle then stepped it up by taking out 21 dart legs back to back to finish off Meeson 3-0 to win it for the Wades with two to spare.

In the fifth match Wades Antonio Cruz were looking to keep the run going and he started well against Mick Hulley as he broke throw in the opener to take the lead. Hulley broke back in the second then he upped the ante as he held in third leg to go in front, Hulley won the match against the darts to stop the rot and put a point on the board for the Panthers.

We finish off the night with the captains going head to head as "The Manic" Ryan Goffin looking to make the score more respectable for the Panthers faces Stephen Naisbitt looking to finish off his opponents, but it was "The Manic" who settled the better of the two as he broke the Naisbitt throw to go in the lead and he never really looked back as he held in the second to make it two then Goffin finished off his opponent against the darts to finish off the night with a win but it was the Wades celebrating a 4-2 win to make it three in the spin.

Warriors 1-5 Aces

Angie Brittle 0-3 Andy Umney 

Jodie Bruce 0-3 Mick Smith

Nicola Warne 1-3 Neil Bradley

Steve Newton 3-0 Danny Wilks

Paul Brittle 0-3 Ian Speed

Ian Webster 2-3 Trevor Tye

In the final game of the week was at the Midland where the Warriors with back to back defeats to their name take on the Aces who have a win and a draw from their opening two matches.

Up first for the Warriors was Angie Brittle as she took on Andy Umney. The night started with a 20 dart leg from Umney to hold throw and things went from bad to worse for Angie as Umney broke to go two up, Brittle couldn't get to grips with the match as Umneyfinished get off with a 19 darter to get the Aces up and running.

Next up for the Aces was Mick Smith against Jodie Bruce who had the darts but it was Smith who set off well hitting a 17 darter to break and take the lead and that knocked the confidence right out of Bruce as Smith went on to secure a 3-0 win to make it two in two for the away side.

Third up to the oche was Warriors Nicola Warne with her team chasing the game she needed to get something against Neil Bradley. It was Bradley's darts and he held to make it 1-0. In the second leg it was Warne to start but Bradley was on form and managed a break to make it two, with the game looking over Warne managed to grab a leg back but Bradley finished it in the fourth leg to to make it 3-0 to the Aces.

It was down to "Hero" Steve Newton for the home side just to keep his team in the game as he played Danny Wilks and he started perfectly managing a god of throw then breaking in the second leg to ease the pressure. Newton held throw in the third leg to take the win and pull a game back for the Warriors.

In game five Ian Speed was up for the Aces still looking to put the match to bed against captain Paul Brittle. Speed held in the opener to put Brittle under pressure in which he cracked as Speed took out a 16 dart leg against the throw to put him within a leg which he confidently finished off to give the Aces the win with one to play.

The closest match of the night was the final one as Ian Webster looking for another game for the Warriors facing Trevor Tye. It was Webster who started well holding throw in the first leg. Tye equalised to put his opponent on the back foot as to which Webster responded to go 2-1 up. Both players weren't  giving an inch as the match went to a decider and finally it was Webster who cracked on his own throw to let Tye in and he finished off the night to give the Aces a 5-1 win.

Report by

Pat Finney (Projectdarts Reporter/Media)