KEV O'Hara got Mitre's defence of their York Knavesmire Racing Darts League Championship off to a flying start with a tremendous 161 finish for 12 darts.

Backed by Rich Corner (180 and 2 x 18) and a brace of 19-darters from John Quantock, Mitre 'A' beat 'house' rivals Mitre 'B' 8-1. Al Johnson took the 'B' team's only point.

Clifton 'B' won the battle of the newly promoted teams as they demolished Palace 8-1. Newcomer Lutz Leutzsch gamed in 2 x 18, and was supported by Jo Hodges (20) and John Holmes and Anthony Baxter with 21 darts apiece.

In division two, Edinburgh's Damien Coleville closed on 142, but his team lost 6-4 against Reindeer, while Edward VII had an 86-bull finish for 18 from Rich Pike.

The annual meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 2, at the Edinburgh Arms, 7.30pm start.

Mick Wilsden (20) and Chaz Ramsden (21) helped Sherpherds go top of the John Smith's Men's League thanks to a convincing win at Dringhouses, whose only success came from Mick Coupland (20).

Sun 'A' maintained their challenge through Tony Cooper (19), Steve Thompson (20), and Gary Scott (20) giving them a 9-2 win at Flag, whose Paul Calpin (20) played well.

In division two, King William's Col Fowler (125, 140, 100, 100, 36 finish for 13) secured the league's fastest finish in their 9-2 win at Green Tree. Derwent's Mick Carling (106 finish) and Alister Matheson (96, two-dart finish) could not prevent their team going down 8-3 at Sun 'B'.

Fulfordgate's Steve Swithenbank (17) maintained his fine form in the 9-2 win over Institute.

Heath Scaife produced a brilliant performance, including legs of 12 and 14 darts, to beat the reigning Minster Law Individual League champion Chris Thompson 7-5.

Mark Hartley increased his lead at the top in an evenly matched game with Mick Willsden.

Updated: 11:16 Friday, April 28, 2006