ALICE Hawthorn licensee Shane Winship is over the moon to have two of the four representatives fighting for the Marston Moor Villages Doubles-Board League Individual competition on finals night, writes Dave Fotheringham.

One of them is 25-year-old Simon Jackson, who is on course to take the title for the second season running.

Nun Monkton landlord Winship thinks his man can retain the crown.

He said: "His slick 77 then 80 finishes to eliminate Frank Brooke, despite the Tankard 'B' teamer throwing a three tops score, highlights his resolve. He's done the hard work and on stage reputations don't court."

However, one opponent with a reputation to be feared is Lord Collingwood ace Steve Wragg, who held the trophy prior to Jackson.

Although Jackson took him out last time, Wragg is really on fire this season and ready for revenge.

Wragg currently leads three of the four associated league competitions and lies second in the other.

Wragg included 100, 120 in 22 darts to pinch the opener from Alan Whitehead. The Tankard 'A' man, who has previously won the championship twice on the trot, hit back to level with a ton for 23, but a timely ton from Wragg helped secure the decider.

Alice Hawthorn's other hope is raw recruit Johnny O'Mara, who is breaking new ground in his first season. His consistent 26 dart and 66 finish for 24 play gave him the edge on Lord Collingwood's Nick Brown, who made it one each with 25 darts.

Brown manfully shook O'Mara's hand, wishing him all the best, although inwardly disappointed after a fine win over Gary Stead, thus inflicting a season's first defeat for the Royal Oak, Tadcaster, star.

Nigel Shepherdson of league leaders Tankard 'A' completes the line-up. A splendid 22 darts put him all-square with Oak's Chris Scaum and determined darts saw him collect the third.

In the most league wins table, both John Collins (Tankard 'A') and Gary Stead have won eleven from eleven. Steve Wragg has lost once and Andy Carter (Oak), Paul Yore (Sports Club), Jackson, Stephenson and Scaum have each recorded nine victories.

Wragg is top of the tons scored table with 12 and is followed on ten by Andy Hill (Oak) and Stuart Jackson (Hammerton Social).

Wragg's three highest checkouts comprises 100, 100, 80 and second is Lord Nelson's John Spence with 85, 77, 76.

Topping the three fastest finishes, Wragg has recorded marvellous 18, 20 and 23 dart games. Stead is second with 19, 23, 23 ahead of Tankard duo Whitehead (21, 22, 23) and Collins (22, 23, 23).

SIMPLY SIMON: Alice Hawthorn player Simon Jackson intends keeping his hands on the Marston Moor Villages Doubles-Board League individual crown on finals night.

Updated: 11:40 Tuesday, December 31, 2002