Following opening day defeats for both Warwickshire and West Midlands in the latest BDO Inter Counties Championship season, there were mixed fortunes for them in the latest fixtures. In the premier division Warwickshire, playing away to Kent, returned with a 19-17 victory. The ladies ‘A’ saved the day with a convincing 5-1 success, the irrepressible Trina Gulliver once again showing the way with a lady of the match 25.91 average. The ‘B’ team’s match award went to Viki Franklin as they finished all square at three each.
The men’s ‘B’ also shared the honours in a 6-6 draw with their top man Dave Shorthouse averaging 27.83, the ‘A’ team are still seeking their first win as they for the second time went down 5-7. The ‘A’ match award went to Kevin Dowling (29.48).
West Midlands travelled to Suffolk and improved on their previous 20-16 defeat with an 18-18 draw. The men’s ‘B’ kept up their 100% record with a 7-5 win, Jamie Parsons taking the honours with his 28.08 average. Tom Aldridge was the ‘A’ side’s top player as they came back from 5-3 down to draw 6-6. A draw was how the ladies ‘A’ finished but the ‘B’ team lost 4-2. Rose Mycock (20.37) and Val Arnold (12.63) took the match awards.
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It was a case of top playing bottom in division one of the Four Oaks and District League as leaders Midland Red took on M.E.B. Red won the match 6-3 to maintain their unbeaten record and keep them two points clear of second placed Castle Vale.
In division two Jim Taylor (S.S.Mary & Johns Flights), who has played in the league for three seasons won his very first game. Following his success Jim now appears to be on a roll as he romped to his second win as his side beat Boldmere Mixed 6-3. Who knows Jim could be in for a hat trick. Well done Jim keep up the good work.
Good Hope Flights head division two with an unbeaten four games, their most recent being a close 5-4 verdict at home to Mile Oak, this being Oak’s first defeat but they have only played two games so far.
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3-0 wins over Mark Elkin and Steve Davis has seen Dave Shorthouse, the current reigning champion in the Bass Breweries sponsored Minworth Social Individual League, move into pole position again. Shorthouse notching a 180 in his win over Elkin. Also hitting 180’s were Robbie Earl, Trevor Frost and Ian Humphries. Mark Elkin had a tremendous 161 finish in his 2-1 victory against Barry Salter, Alan Mayell not far behind as he checked out on 154 in a 3-0 win against Dave Downes and 150 was Steve Cain’s contribution in a 2-1 success over Gordon Clinton.
Robbie Earl and Paul Spiers both recorded 13 darts legs.
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In the premier division of the Harborne and District Winter League the George staged a fantastic fight back against Midland Red. Trailing 4-2 George snatched a 5-4 victory despite a 180 from Red’s M.Hollyoake. Biggest winners in the division were Lickey Banker who with a 160 break by T.Corbett romped to a 9-0 win.
Division two produced a couple of shocks with New Inns and Golden Cup chalked up 5-4 wins over respective opponents Hobsons Choice and Highlander. Stores hammered Avenue Social 8-1.
All three second division fixtures finished with a 7-1 result. Bartley Green Social Flights, Village Stump and Coronation Club were winners at the expense of Stonehouse Flights, Stonehouse Ladies and Highlander Ladies K.Whitehouse had a 160 break for Stump.
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The preliminary round of the K.O. Cup was on the agenda for the Small Heath Winter League. Custard House and Saltley Flights recorded 7-2 wins in their games against the Bear and Red Hill respectively. J.J.Kempson and K.Devany were Bear’s only winners while D.Bourne and J.Young were Red Hill’s only resistance. Black Horse and Sheldon Heath Flights had bye’s.
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The Forest of Arden Winter League were also engaged in preliminary round games as they staged their Presidents Cup. Red Arrows who are having an unusually quiet league spell began the cup campaign with a much needed 6-3 win over the Poachers Pocket. Hobs Meadow Mixes were in a high scoring mood with no fewer than thirteen three figure scores to their name plus an eight darts leg by J.Hilton. Nevertheless it was not enough for them to avoid a 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Harvester team.
Other winners through to the next round are, Silver Wings and Mackadown Social.
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