The second round of the Skipp Cup was on the agenda for the Harborne and District Winter League. There were no real surprises but the biggest score of the round was provided be the Red Lion who beat Bartley Green Social Flights 13-2. Raven, with a 180 from T.Hamilton won 11-4 against Village Stump, the same margin by which Bartley Green Social Club and Quinborne defeated Hillyfields ‘B’ and Travellers Rest.
Premier division leaders Wernley accounted for Hillyfields ‘A’ with a 10-5 result, thanks to 180 by W.Hadley and a 160 break from A.Stevens. Other teams through to the next round are, the Plough and the Bell.
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The Bell, newcomers to the Harborne 401 Summer League division one, got the new campaign off to a good start with a 7-2 win over the Plough, M.Smith breaking with 152 and hitting a maximum for the Bell. Newly promoted Hillyfields also had a 7-2 victory in their match with Hobsons Choice.
It was success for another new team to the league in division one when Greenlands scored a brilliant 7-2 win over the Highlander. Not the story in division two where Bear and Staff went down to the Beeches, again by 7-2. A.Wooldridge (Bear and Staff) notched a maximum.
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Saltley Flights began the Small Heath Summer League with a fine 7-2 win against Sheldon Flights thanks to wins from E.Haines, D.Higgs, T.Walton, G.McCormack, M.Birch, J.Walker, and C.Griffiths.Gables beat B.C.A.Club 6-3 and McDwyers won 5-4 in their match with Hay Mills.
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Coventry Howitzers, top team in the Warwickshire Men’s Super League, finished all square at 4-4 in their away game against third placed Birmingham Midland Red. Second in the table Bedworth Bank’s handed out an 8-0 whitewash to bottom team Midland Red Harborne. Fourth and fifth teams Birmingham Old Wharf and Tamworth also ended in deadlock.
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With five fixtures remaining in the Forest of Arden Winter League, Red Arrows have a four points advantage over their nearest rivals Hobs Meadow. In their most recent encounter Arrows had a close 5-4 verdict at home to Mackadown Social. Hobs Meadow meanwhile had a comfortable 6-3 win over rivals Hobs Meadow Mixes, sweet revenge after losing the fixture in the first half of the season. Third placed Silver Wings, a further two points behind Hobs, on 26 points were also 6-3 winners, their R.Hawkins hitting a 180, as did A.Grainger for the opposition, Hunters Moon.
In the League Cup semi finals Harvester had an emphatic 13-2 victory over Heart of England.
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Chubbs Sports and Social Club, Wolverhampton, was the setting for the West Midlands County play off for the England National Singles Championships. Going forward for the grand finals at Hemsby Holiday Centre, Norfolk on the 1st May will be Tipton’s Ian Jones who won his final against fellow Tipton player Martin Angell 3-0.
Representing the ladies will be Diane Tolley (Burntwood), she defeated Hednesford’s Frances Allen 3-1 in the final game.
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The Birmingham District Darts Alliance will be holding a meeting at the Vauxhall Club, Nechells, Birmingham on Sunday 18th April at 11-30am. Any teams, old or new who wish to take part in the league for the 1999 season should contact Brian Johnson on 0121-784-6536 or 0956-690959.
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