The new B.D.O. Inter Counties season got underway and produced mixed fortunes for our two local counties. Warwickshire’s return to the top flight in the premier division began with a home fixture at the Belgrave Sports and Social Club, Tamworth against London. The result was a very encouraging 26-13 win. Both men’s teams finished all square at six each, with Pat Koyce (29.37) taking the ‘A’ teams match award and Dave Brown (29.47) the ‘B’ sides top player. However it was the ladies who ensured the victory with both teams in exceptional form. The ‘A’ chalked up a superb 5-1 win and incredibly the only loser was super star Trina Gulliver. Trina recorded her team’s highest average 26.88, but was unfortunate to come up against an in form Mandy Solomons who defeated her 3-2 with a tremendous 30.12 average. Mandy’s winning legs taking just 14,15 and 16 darts. Cheryl Jackson with a 23.86 average was Warwickshire’s top lady.
The ‘B’ team went one better beating their counterparts 6-0. Pick of the bunch was Tammy Montgomery with an 18.33 average.
West Midlands also gained promotion last season and kicked off their Division Two campaign with a home tie against Northumberland at the Chubb Sports and Social Club, Wolverhampton. Both men’s came up trumps, the ‘A’ recording a 7-5 win after trailing 3-0.Tom Aldridge gave his opponent Phil Clements no chance whatsoever. Aldridge won the opening leg in 18 darts then got better and better. His second leg took 14 darts and he sealed his straight legs win with a fabulous 12 darter hitting 140-135-140 then checking out on 86 for a 34.16 average. Anchor man Kevin Platt was the ‘B’ side’s man of the match with a 28.36 average, his team always in command never trailing throughout the match.
The ladies, well that was another story. The ‘A’ team, undefeated last season in division three, failed on finishing doubles and as a result lost by an amazing 6-0. The ‘B’ team were also guilty of missed doubles and they too were punished, Alison Ward their only winner in a 5-1 defeat. Alison’s 13.21 average was obviously the award winner.
———————————-
In week two of the Sheldon and District Winter League Kierans were the biggest winners in division two. Helping them to their 7-2 away win over Shard End R.B.L. was E.Davison who chalked up a 160 break. In the same division Dovecote won their away game at Silver Wings by a close 5-4, G.Walker recording a ten darts leg.
Ten was also the number of darts required by P.Randell (Sheldon Heath Social) in his teams 6-3 win at Stechford Social in the Premier Division. Lea Hall Legion’s R.Pritchard needed one more dart in his game. However his team just lost out 5-4 in their tie at St Annes.
———————————-
A few close results in the South West Birmingham Clubs Summer League this week, in division one third placed Selly Oak Flights took on second from bottom Tascos. The match went to the wire with Selly Oak’s M.Buckley gaining a 2-0 win over his counterpart J.Greenley to give his team the points. Fourth placed Brunswick played two matches, one against Springfield and the other against second in the table COBS. Again both games finished 4-3 with Brunswick getting the verdict in each of them.
Tomorrow night (01-10-98) the league will be staging their John Leek Trophy, for men and the Evelyn Leek Cup, for the ladies at the Stirchley United W.M.C. Entry to both events is £1 with registration at 8-15pm. All proceeds will go to St Marys Hospice.
———————————-
A 6-3 win over Tyseley Staff sees Tyseley W.M.C. sitting in pole position in the Acocks Green Summer League with a total of 22 points from 14 games with only two remaining. However, breathing down their neck is Shirley Legion who are only two points adrift with as many games in hand, should be quite a run in to the end of the season.
———————————-
In the Amber Windows League no fewer than four of the five fixtures played finished with a 6-3 scoreline. Home teams King Edward V11 and Vauxhall Social chalked up wins over respective opposition Kynoch Social and Yew Tree Colts, while Red Lion and Albion recorded away wins at Aston Social and Baggot. Roebuck and Old Oscott Social had a closer 5-4 result with the latter taking the honours.
———————————-