Salopians secured there second Darts for Windows Division Three win of the season at home to fellow UKDA newcomers Wirral in a gripping encounter at the Bagley Club, Shrewsbury. Both teams were evenly matched with the ladies ‘A’ and ‘B’ as well as the men’s ‘A’ finishing even. The men’s ‘B’ result proved to be crucial with Salopian taking the 8-4 result to run out 20-16 winners overall.
The ladies ‘B’ kicked off the proceedings with Lyn Middleton making her Salopian debut and unfortunate to lose 3-1 however the Salopians bounced back taking the next three games through Cally Jones (13.51), Julie Griffiths (14.88) and Cheryl Owen (10.05) dropping just two legs in the process. Although Wirral took the last two games it was hard lines on a much improved ladies ‘B’ display that almost turned to victory with Helen Walmsley having darts at the double in the deciding leg of the last match.
The men’s ‘B’ started with both teams trading wins in the first five games with Wirral holding the slight advantage. Andy Mullinder (20.96) plus, a first county win for Scott Towers (23.48) kept Salopian in contention although the dynamics of the match then changed with Salopian taking the next five games Mark Jones (25.33) the pick whilst Andy Kynaston (22.88) gained a debut win. Paul Rowley (22.90) James Carter (23.11) and Glyn Thomas (21.53) were the other winners and although Salopian’s progress was checked in the penultimate game of the day, crucially Andy Gilbert (21.47) took the final game to give Salopian a four game advantage going into Sundays matches.
In a repeat of the ladies ‘B’ the ‘A’ side also had mixed fortunes once again going behind early on. Sarah Roberts (17.48) levelled up before they fell behind for a second time. Steph Clarke (20.04) took just 75 darts to draw level once more before Sue Lane (14.90) put Salopian ahead. A superb last game from Kim Holden (22.10) ensured a second successive draw for the Salopian ‘A’ ladies.
For the fourth time in the match Wirral took the first game but wins for Ash Hilditch (26.72) and Jon Mansell (26.55) ensured a five game cushion, which was soon down to two after Wirral took the next three games, conceding just two legs in the process. Daniel Astbury (29.67) restored some order for the hosts who soon had the overall win after further wins for Ben Bevan (22.01) and Rob Paine (27.31). Although Wirral took the next two, Scott Dockerty (27.68) put the seal on a fine win for Salopian who remain unbeaten at home.
Match awards for the ‘A’ teams went to Daniel Astbury (29.67) and Steph Clarke (20.04) and for the ‘B’ it was Mark Jones (25.33) and Julie Griffiths (14.88).
With both ladies teams finishing all square at 3-3 and the men’s ‘A’ also making a draw at six each, with an 8-4 win for the men’s ‘B’ the overall score for the weekend was 20-16 to Salopian.
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