MICHELLE Britton closed on 124 (treble 20, 14, bull) in the York John Smith's Ladies Elsie Bell Trophy drawn pairs competition.

Britton and partner Sandra Pallister saw off the challenge of Angie Hields' five 100s and Audrey Carling to set up a board final against Pallister's daughter Linda Embleton-Roz Kerr, who took out Anne Bass-Floss Cramtpon with a 21 leg.

The final saw Kerr-Pallister pull out all the stops for a 2-0 victory.

Two of the league's up and coming young players, Toni Smallwood-Angela Smith, won through to the league semi-finals at Dringhouses on March 30, by recovering from a 0-1 deficit against Tracey Farmeary-Cindy Benton, to meet Jan Wilberham-Karen Hodgson who ran out 2-1 winners against Barbara Johnson-Tina Platt. In the board final Wilberham-Hodgson, with a 59 close, went one up, but the youngster fought back winning the remaining legs.

Dawn Exton shot out on 101 partnering Joan Hunter for a 2-1 win against Sue Tate-Jean Elliot before then disposing of Lynn Thompson-Diane Armer to reach the board final at Leeman.

Mary Dodsworth-Tracey Bruce were undone by Sandra Bruce-Joan Cockerill who lost in the board final to Hunter-Exton 2-0.

Cygnet winners were Lynda Kennelly-Tracey Billingham, who got to the board final by first beating Jean Smallwood-Babs Harrison 2-1, Harrison checking on 112 (treble 20,20, double 16) in the first leg. The winners also took out Jackie Coverdale-Diane Moreland 2-1 with Billingham hitting the tons.

Julie Ashton-Sharon Rishworth progressed to the board final by beating the winners of the Carole Pipes-Barbara Russell/Dot Dykes-Ann Reagan match, Ashton closing on 69. The final was all square at 1-1 with the third game going to the wire.

Sun's max factor

Back-to-back maximums, including a superb 15-darter from Dave Gibbons, inspired York Unique-Phoenix League champions Sun Inn to an emphatic victory at Phoenix 'A'.

The winners were well-backed by Chris Thompson, who hit a 104 pairs finish in a fine 21-dart pairs game with Tony Cooper, plus 16 and 17-darters. Mark Hartley took the only singles point, including a splendid 17-darter.

Shepherd's extended their lead in the battle for the runners-up spot after a 6-3 win against Cygnet 'A'. Cygnet led 3-2 after Pete Leake notched 19 and 21 games. Mick Willsden levelled with 18 and 180 for 21 before Paul Botterill sealed the win with 20 and a bull finish.

Nick Harteveld (20) stood out as HSC 'A' opened up a 3-1 lead against Rose & Crown who then bounced back through Scott Dowsett and Ged McMahon. Phil Good wrapped up the win for HSC 'A'.

Acomb took all the singles to give a 7-2 scoreline against Alice Hawthorn, whose Mal Davey included a 180.

Rob Platt was Slipper's last-game winner at Bishopthorpe, whose Arthur Conyers gamed in 20. Phil Chapman notched a maximum for 18 for Slipper.

Cygnet 'B' were confirmed as division two champions after a 7-2 victory against Flag & Whistle, whose Steve Simpson gamed in 19. A 17-dart leg from Paul Cooper was well backed by John Page with 21 and Ally Wray with 22.

Pete West was Holgate's matchwinner at Boot & Shoe, while Nick Davis followed suit to give Lord Nelson the last-game victory.

All teams are reminded that the closing date for entries for the summer season is March 24, 2004. No entries will be accepted after this date.

Updated: 09:45 Tuesday, March 16, 2004