Biggest shock of the week in the Forest of Arden Winter League was supplied by the Poachers Pocket. Playing at home Poachers had previously only won two games from fifteen fixtures and with their latest game being against high riding Red Arrows at the best they were given no chance. Not the case the hosts sprung a surprise on their guests handing them a 5-4 defeat. Highwood were another team to have a close, but unexpected 5-4 success in their encounter with Mackadown Social, who had previously only lost three games. Phil Taverner (Cocks and Hens) hit a maximum, but it was not enough to save his side from a 6-3 defeat at home to Hobs Meadow Mixes. League leaders Hobs Meadow took on second placed Silver Wings and despite a 180 by Wings Jim Gilfoyle, Hobs won 6-3 to open up a four point’s gap between them and the rest of the field.
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A 160 break plus an eight darts leg from M.Bathurst helped Lickey Banker, leaders of the premier division in the Harborne and District Winter League, to a 5-4 win at the George. Raven handed out a shock 5-4 defeat to Bartley Green Social Club.
In division one Stores ‘A’ continue to hold on to pole position with a 5-4 verdict over W.C.WMC, while in division two Bartley Green Social Flights maintained the top spot with a 6-3 success at the Coronation Club.
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In division one of the Four Oaks Winter League R.Pritchard (Midland Red) scored a maximum as his side romped to an 8-1 victory at Bromford Social. Boldmere Settlers, Castle Vale Residents and M.E.B all won 5-4 against respective opponents Anvil, Plough and Harrow and Old Oscott WMC.
In division two, Good Hope with a 9-0 result whitewashed Bolmere Mixed. There were also good results for Safe Harbour and Mile Oak who each won 7-2 against in turn Drakes Drum and S.S Mary and Johns Flights. Kings Arms were unable to field a team and S.S.Mary and Johns were awarded a 9-0 result.
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After completing 25 fixtures in the Bass Breweries sponsored Minworth Social Individual League, reigning champion Dave Shorthouse has taken over the number one position. With 103 points Shorthouse is six points ahead of his nearest rival Pat Koyce and has the added advantage of a game in hand. Third and fourth placed Trevor Frost and Tony Randell are on 90 and 89 points respectively and have two games in hand of Shorthouse.
Pat Koyce, who has been setting the pace for the past few weeks, suffered a severe setback in his quest for the title when he lost 2-1 to Chris Packer (180) and followed that with another defeat, this time going down 3-0 to Gary Mills.
Players hitting a 180 this week were Tony Whitehouse, Steve Cain, Richie Shenton and Steve Shenton.
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