Title contenders drop points in Welshpool Darts League

The Horse and Jockey have dropped vital points at the hands of Grapes A to make it a thrilling battle at the top of the Welshpool and District Darts League Sponsored by The New Saints FC.

The Grapes A returned from Churchstoke with a 5-2 win with Steve Proctor, Jordan Harding (180) Keith Gamble and Ben Davies all winning their singles. Steve Owen replied for the Horse and Jockey with the doubles shared. Leigh Marsdon hit a credible 177 in his game.

The Green Dragon A took full advantage of the other title hopes playing each other by taking maximum points from the Grapes B. Mitch Butler, Robin Shingler (180), Rhys Butler, Den Williams and Steve Price all won their singles before the Green Dragon A took the doubles.

Last year’s champions, Kings Head, beat the Green Dragon B 4-3 in the remaining game with Gareth Steadman, Dave Rix and Kacey Jones winning for the hosts while Phil Jones (180) and Craig Edgar won for the Green Dragon B. The doubles were shared.

The results mean Green Dragon A and Grapes A are level at the top with 74 points each and the Horse and Jockey just five points behind.

In the second division, game of the evening saw second-placed Red Lion Llanfair host leaders Westwood A. The Red raced into a 3-1 in the singles through Gwyn Evans, Tom Evans and Glyn Davies while Alan Jame added to Duncan Cork’s win to reduce the deficit for the Westwood who then took the doubles matches for a 3-4 win to open up a three-point lead at the top. Martyn Whitby hit a fine 171 in his match.

The Oak recorded another win at the Punchbowl, 4-3 with Mike Hall and Brian Jones winning for the hosts while Dai Walsh, Aled Jones and Iwan Walsh won for the Oak. The doubles were shared.

The Green Dragon C won 4-3 against the Castle but had to fight for it after falling behind at the end of the singles following wins for Castle’s John Coulson, Paul Roberts and Steve Allsbrook, while Gethin Stephens and Dave Knight won for the Dragon C, who then clinched the match with both doubles matches.

There’s a break in the league for the doubles to take place on Friday in the Green Dragon, Welshpool. Registration is 7.45pm for an 8pm start. Please attend and support the league if you can.

PICTURE: The Westwood A darts team of (standing from left): Martyn Whitby, Dave Watson and John Gibb. Seated from left are Steve Lloyd and Alan James.