PAUL COOPER shot 100,140,180, then 81-finish, in a magnificent 12-darter for Bay Horse 'A' against York Open League division one title rivals, Greyhound.

That put Bay Horse 4-2 up as Rich Corner's superb 15-dart opener was added to by Andy Lawson, then Allan Galley.

The Fulford side went on to capture the pairs which establishes their lead at nine points with a match in reserve.

Volunteer raced to a 4-0 lead against Tap, Paul Botterill closing on 108. John Smith (19) spearheaded a Tap comeback but Botterill-Mike Harris took Volunteer to victory and the extra point.

Slipper went down at Clifton with Neil Hart-Stuart Blake wrapping up the win. Nevertheless big wins from Slipper's Pete Turnbull and Steve Reynolds salvaged the aggregate.

Pack closed the gap on division two leaders Howden to two points after a fine 6-3 score at Huntington 'A' in which Lee Carter (21), Dick Willoughby (20) and Ken Smith (19) helped secure victory within the singles.

However, Howden have a match in hand and took all the pairs to beat Leeman 6-3 whose Roger Pirrie (20) was best.

Stan Isaac hit the tons in Crescent 'B' team's 5-4 win over Ebor.

Mount 'A's promotion hopes are on the back-burner after a 6-3 defeat to Hospital Social Club, whose Steve Rice and Nick Katsarelis played well.

Huntington 'B' captured the division three title with a comprehensive 8-1 success at Little John whose Liz Richford closed on 73 to prevent the whitewash, while Fulford Arms' promotion prospects dipped after a 5-4 defeat to Mount 'B'. Good darts from John Prosser saved the aggregate.

Ali Wray was in excellent form but Bay Horse 'B' lost 6-3 at Burton, whose Steve Simpson steadied the side.

Mick Willsden included 180 to go out in 15 darts for Cygnet 'D' in York John Smith's Mixed League division two.

Mark Jones (19) and Paul Botterill (21) provided substantial support in a 7-2 victory over their 'C' side.

In division one Cygnet 'A' had Dave Gibbons getting the big scores, but Slipper 'B' comfortablyd won 6-3.

Tap took the decider to edge Leeman 'B', while in Cue Ball's 6-3 at Slipper 'A', John Smith made his exit on bullseye.

Teams wishing to enter the summer season should contact Michelle Britton on 01904 448075 before March 30.

York John Smith's Men's League hold their competition finals on Friday (7.45) at Holgate WMC.

Cygnet 'A' are division one champions and Blacksmith's Arms represent division two in the team event.

Cygnet have both John Mooring and Dave Gibbons taking the individual competition stage, along with Paul Bartnett (Rose and Crown) and title dark-horse Ged McMahon (Swan).

The current pairs title-holders, Mark Hartley-Jack White, bid to retain the trophy.

Mooring-Gibbons are a real threat and Paul Keers-Kelvyn Frankel (Trafalgar) are no pushover. Jamie Byworth-John Holden (Rose & Crown) are there too on merit.

Contesting the Captain's Cup are Mick Coupland (Dringhouses) and Rich Plummer (Trafalgar).

Updated: 09:02 Tuesday, March 11, 2003