SHEPHERD 'A' were grateful to emerge as victors in a tough 5-4 York John Smith's Men's League encounter with Green Tree 'B', writes Dave Fotheringham.

After a fine 21 darts by Mick Willsden, Kev Walton partnered Rod Thompson to snatch the decider, thus retaining Shepherd's pole position in division one. Tree's best player was Gary Wensley.

Second-placed Poacher had Ray McInally gaming in 21 darts but Trafalgar replied with an excellent 18 from Paul Keers and they went 4-3 up. It was then "all hands to the pumps" as Gary Kynman and Gary Hannigan levelled which gave McInally and Darren Hawcroft a shot at taking the decider.

John Mooring threw 20 darts in Cygnet's 5-4 win at Osbaldwick, but, Cygnet were faced with having to get the last two for victory. Jack White and Paul Mizen collected the winner after the match was squared by Mooring and Mark Miller.

Saddle lost 6-3 to Shepherd 'B' but a good win with a bullseye finish from Andy King helped Saddle take the aggregate by five.

Barry Noble recorded a brilliant 15 darts as Dringhouses went to a 6-3 victory at Holgate whose Mick Brookes won in 20.

Good performances from Paul Bartnett and Brian Harden took division two leaders Lighthorseman to a 7-2 victory at Institute 'B'.

Tony Gregory starred in Sun 'A' team's victory over their 'B' outfit while, although beaten 6-3 by Slip, Institute 'A' had a 180 to count from John Gatenby.

Keith Allan and Dave Norris took Flag's match at Groves in game nine as did Andy Mercer and Garry Strider for Vaults at Green Tree 'A'.

Swan's opener Paul Hayes included 180 to game in a tremendous 15 darts but Cygnet 'B' took the spoils 6-3.

Updated: 10:28 Saturday, June 02, 2001