CHAMPIONS Sun Inn began their defence of their York Unique-Phoenix Darts League division one title with an 8-1 win at Cygnet 'B'.

Kev Walton wrapped up the win with 16 and 21 darters, then Paul Cooper got Cygnet on the score sheet with a 17.

Jon O'Mara gamed in 19 and 20 before Chris Thompson recorded 15 and 17 darters against Craig Wedge, who took a game off Thompson in 17 darts.

Shepherd's Mick Willsden (2) and Paul Botterill (19) stood out in their 8-1 win against Phoenix 'A', whose Matt Dobson-Arthur Scott prevented the whitewash.

A 21 darter from Pete Leake gave Cygnet 'A' victory at Hospital Social Club 'A', whose John Smith (20) and Kev Watson made the scoreline more respectable.

Mart Hartley (17 & 21) starred for Ebor in their 8-1 win at Blacksmith's Arms, while Mike Harris (180) was Acomb's match winner at Rose and Crown, whose Mike Dickinson notched a maximum.

Division two newcomers Acorn ARL won their opening match 7-2 at Slipper. Mark Gale, with a splendid 17, and Lee Brundrett's 19 darter stood out. Paul Partridge 17 and John Ward 20 were Slipper's best.

Holgate hit back from 3-1 down to win, Pete West sealing victory at Phoenix 'B'. John Spence and Jeff Twort hit the tons for Lord Nelson, who went on to win 7-2.

Flag ran up a 7-2 scoreline, Steve Simpson gaming on a superb 16 darter. Stu Jackson closed in 21 for Alice.

Doreen Johnstone closed on 110 for 21 for Slipper in York John Smith's Ladies League division one, but Leeman secured the match by winning all the pairs.

Angie Hields (135, 2 x 100 for 20) and Tracey Farmeary with 23 starred for Cueball, who were prevented from a total clearance by Slip's Helen Lomas.

Dawn Exton and Wendy Smith inspired Cygnet 'A' to a 6-3 victory at Clifton. Carol Price-Chris Godson were the match winners for Holgate against Flat, as were Phoenix's Diane Moreland-Liz Speck despite high scoring by Independent's Sandra Bruce.

Clifton 'B' scuppered Britannia 6-3 to lead division two with Cygnet 'B', who lost by the merest margin as Jubilee's Maureen Carlill-Mavis Irwin combined to secure victory.

Shepherd 'B' sank Ship 7-2, with Heather Green starring. Jackie Keenaghan partnering Karen Braithwaite were the match winners for Blacksmith's at Tap.

Severus's Sue Richardson-Deanna Joy set up the decider which saw Sun's Kath Williams-Sally Swales secure victory.

In division three Volunteer 'A' had good scoring from Amanda Bevan and a winning last pairs by Chris Lamb-Pat Jamieson to beat joint leaders Leeman 'C.

Volunteer 'B' polished off the pairs for a 6-3 victory against Leeman 'D', whose Amanda Britton had levelled at 3-3.

Michelle Lawrence 115 combined with Dee Flower to win Turf the decider against Acomb.

Team number 11 in division three is now Reindeer.

Taylor on target

IRENE Taylor shot a bull finish to inspire New York 'B' to victory over Clarence WMC in the York White Rose Ladies Darts League division one.

Clarence battled well with high scores from Celia Wells, Val Lumby and Jayne Cain.

Crescent are joint top after a 4-3 win over Fulford Cons Club whose Moira Atkinson did well, while joining them at the top are Slipper who recorded a 4-3 win against Lord Collingwood.

Ton scores from Beryl Glover and Marion Stilgoe steered Fulfordgate to a 4-3 result over Tap, whilst New York 'A' defeated Winning Post 5-2.

In division two leaders Acomb S.C. went down 4-3 at Lord Nelson 'A' while a 121 from Carol Quantock inspired Bells to a 5-2 result against Bowling Club whose Peggy McBride hit a 103.

Mary Thornton was New Earswick Bowling match winner against Bay Horse (Tad) while Bay Horse (Murton) moved up the table with an emphatic 5-2 win against Lord Nelson 'B'.

Brenda Bainbridge showed nerves of steel to take the decider for King William against Alice Hawthorn.

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, May 04, 2004