NEEDING nine points to guarantee runners-up spot in the John Smith’s Bulmers Darts League, Shepherds had Shaun Day (20), Mark Hartley (18), Dave Gibbons (131 c/o for 15), Tony Cooper (180 for 19), Mark Jones (107 c/o for 18) and Rich Saville (180) to thank when racing into an 8-0 lead.

Jones and Gibbons had numerous darts at the double before Flag’s Alan Littlewood, partnering Mick Holdsworth, checked on bull, to force a play-off with Acomb.

St Paul’s lost the decider at league champions Mitre otherwise they would have forced a three way tie for second.

In division two, Cueball beat Fulfordgate 6-3 but also face a play-off for runners-up spot after Mike Harrison (22), Daz Hoban (22), Alex Renton (18, 20), Steve Snowden (22) and Rob Carr (20) gave Britannia a 9-0 win at Shepherds.

Severus’ Gary Kitson (139 c/o for 18) and Mark Woodward (21) played well, but league champions Crescent won 7-2 thanks to Paul Helm (22), Neil Fairclough (106 c/o) and Iain Smith (19).

Turf’s Sam Lingard (17) could not prevent a 6-3 defeat to Tree, whose Adam Morgan checked on 102.

In division three, Sun defeated Holgate but John Crowe and all the pairs secured them the title.

Runners-up Derwent’s best were Chris Flanagan (24) and Pete Fowler (24) in a 7-2 win at Acomb.