TRACEY Farmeary included three tons for 23 darts as Phoenix 'B' rose to a fine 8-1 victory against Slipper in York John Smith's Ladies League division one, writes Dave Fotheringham.

Phoenix cleaned up the singles despite Slipper's Gill Harley hitting two bulls but her colleagues Aline Turpin and Sue Tate combined to save the whitewash.

Dawn Exton closed in 23 for Cygnet to give them a 4-2 advantage over Nags Head, whose Sue Tate and Dot Dykes pulled one back before Maggie Druett partnering Lynn Thompson secured the match.

Sandra Bruce and Wendy Shortle were Ox's only players to trouble the opposition as Brigadier romped to a 7-2 win. Karen Richardson, Michelle Britton and Brigadier captain Sue Lowery were double-ton scorers.

Slip found Phoenix 'A' too hot to handle as Helen Lomas was their only singles player to register.

Britannia 'A' jumped into pole position in division two but had to pull back from 4-2 down against Brown Cow. Sally and Chris Swales won the decider. Clifton raced into a 4-0 lead against Shepherd but failed to consolidate. Angie Read and Brenda Hodgson sealed the club side's win.

Glynnis Simpson played a captain's role when partnering Mavis Gallimore to gain Severus victory at Leeman 'B'. Leeman 'A' also suffered a 5-4 defeat at Burton WMC after Debbie Witts had given them an ideal start. Paula Rose put the club side 4-2 up and Val Pinder and Jenny Barron sealed the win.

Liz Powell and daughter Angela, did the big scoring for Cygnet. Then Rosie Hattee, partnering Maureen Murray, steered them to a 5-4 victory against Half Moon.

Jubilee jumped to the top of division three with a resounding 7-2 win at close rivals Woolpack. Shepherd were taken to the wire by Puss 'B', whose Dot Sellers was in good form. But Diane Clasper and Sue Lacey saw the club side home.

Sue Atkin levelled to 3-3 for Puss 'A' then combined with Tracy Atkin to level at 4-4. Nevertheless, Old Ebor's Karen and Sarah Barrett settled the decider. Jean Wright and Sandra Pallister took Clifton to victory but they were pushed hard by Cue Ball.

Joan Shaw (103, 134) was in sparkling form as Woodman beat Acomb 6-3.

Tang Hall WMC won by the same scoreline against Leeman for whom Karen Brown starred.

Huntington Sports 'A' enhanced their chances of taking the York John Smith's Mixed League championship by winning all nine games at Bumper Castle. Angie Hields won in 23 darts.

John Miller gamed in 21 and Tony Noble was a maximum scorer for Cygnet 'C' but their 'B' team came out on top. Dave Broadhead and Angela Powell collected the decider.

Beeswing breezed to a 7-2 win at Slipper 'B', Jim Hawksby leading the way, while Slipper 'A' were also on the receiving end, Pete Leake out in 20 darts and getting good support from John Smith as Huntington 'B' won 6-3.

The grand final of the £500 Escrick Open is promising to be the best-ever line-up. Past winner Martin Adams is one of the latest to qualify along with Allan Galley, James Dean and Chris Harrison. The round which completes the 16 finalists is on Friday.

Updated: 12:10 Tuesday, October 23, 2001