TONI Smallwood closed bull for 19 but it was to no avail as Leeman 'B' lost 6-3 to visitors Slip 'A' in their York John Smith's Ladies Darts League division one encounter.

Cygnet 'C' came down to earth with a bump as excellent scoring from Wenlock's Michelle Britton (146, 2x100) guided them to a 6-3 victory.

Cueball 'B' were taken to the wire by Tramways and, but for the tenacity of Angie Hields (22 and 2x140,100) in the deciding pairs with Tina Platt, they would have floundered.

Clifton 'A' recovered from a 4-3 deficit against Shepherd 'A' as Ruth Norman-Jo Hodges levelled then Wendy Smith-Claire Lickley secured the match.

In division two, Shepherd 'B' were run close by Cygnet 'B' before the club side's captain Jackie Sargeant partnered Sue Lacy to secure victory.

Woolpack made home advantage count as they polished off Clifton 'B' 7-2. Holgate got the better of club colleagues Tang Hall, the Barbara Potter-Pat Rainton partnership sealing the win. Slipper, inspired by Doreen Johnstone, won 6-3 against Sun 'B'. Burnholme polished off all the pairs for a resounding 7-2 win over visitors Jubilee 'A'.

Division three leaders Cueball 'A' fell to Mitre's final pairing of Carol Pearson-Kirstie Allenby.

Volunteer 'A's victory at Leeman 'D' was sealed by the Jan Netherwood-Anthea Jamieson pairing. Leeman 'A' proved too strong for Volunteer 'B' who had held a 2-0 advantage before Chris Waddington started Leeman's charge to victory.

Cygnet 'A' broke their duck with Karen Smith hitting 4x100 as they defeated Tap 6-3 and Britannia were sunk by the same score as Severus cruised to victory.

Sun shining brightly

SUN Inn strengthened their position at the top of the York Phoenix Monday Darts League division one with a resounding 8-1 home win against Cygnet 'A'.

Chris Thompson's superb 14 and 18 legs led the charge and was well backed by Kev Walton with 16 and 20 and Tony Cooper with 19. Walton also gamed on 113 in his 24 dart-701 leg with Jon O'Mara (180).

Cygnet's best display came from Dave Mason with a 101 finish for 21, Pete Leake with 22 and Neil Caywood, who notched a maximum.

Cygnet 'B' were forced to work hard by Flag 'A' before emerging 6-3 victors. Ali Wray clinched the win with 21 after Paul Cooper hit a 180 for 16. Flag's Pete Cox contributed a maximum.

Rose & Crown had Clint Croft, with 180 for 20 plus another 20, on hand to clinch a last game win against Acorn. Steve Evans (17 darts) and Lee Brundrett, (18 darts) starred for Acorn.

Phil Good closed out 2x21 darters to take Huntington WMC to victory at Ebor. Mark Hartley (20) and Tony Raymond (180)-Arthur Conyers included a 25-701 leg for Ebor while Nick Harteveld (20 & 21, bull finish) and 21 from John Smith was enough for the visitors.

The top-of-the-table battle in division two went Shepherd's way. They beat Mitre 6-3 despite John Pickering going out in 14 in his defeat to Mick Willsden who closed in 20 & 21. Kev O'Hara weighed in with 17 & 18 darters for Mitre.

Angel and White Horse were reined in by Health Service Club whose John Callard was out in 21.

Slipper had Paul Partridge in good form with 180 for 20 plus 19 as they beat Edinburgh, whose Paul Bartnett closed on bull.

Holgate WMC opened a ten-point lead at the top of division three with Gary Stewart out in a brilliant 15 and Pete West checking 104 in their 7-2 win at York City Social Club.

Sarah Nicklin was Wenlock's match winner against Post Office Club, while Blacksmith's had a 117 finish from match winner Dan Tait after Keith Elliott hit a team game maximum.

Updated: 09:51 Tuesday, December 20, 2005