Darts league return throws up surprises

The Welshpool and District Darts League sponsored by The New Saints FC was back in full swing on Friday following the doubles break, and there were a few surprises, especially in the second division, writes Steve Lloyd.

We start off in the first division with new leaders, The Kings Head putting in a superb performance to beat the Westwood A 6-1 at home. Oscar Hyland, Kacey Jones, Gareth Steadman, John Gamble and Dave Rix (14-dart 501) were all winners for the home team, while the doubles were shared.

The Compass move into second with a 6-1 win against the Green Dragon C. Cameron Williams, Adam Richards, Brian Jones and Dan Hoseine and both doubles went their way while Roger Knight gaining the Dragon C consolation.

The Green Dragon A are third after a 5-2 win against the Punchbowl with Mitch Butler (180), Dave Boyle (117 out shot), Den Williams and both doubles for the Dragon A compared to Tim Barley and Chris Jay winning for the Punchbowl.

The Westwood B move into fourth spot after a 6-1 win against the Grapes A with promising youngster Theo Davies, Jamie Cater, Chris Proctor, Carl Dockerty and both doubles for the Westwood B and Colin Quinn replying for the Grapes A. Jordan Harding, Westwood B, hit a (180) in his defeat.

The Red Lion A, Llanfair, and the Oak Guilsfield fought out a close game with the latter winning by the odd game 4-3. For the Oak, Aled Jones, Hywel Lloyd, Dia Walsh and Mike Williams all won, while Neil Summers and both Doubles accounted for the Red Lion A.

The major headline in the second division was the early leaders, The Pheasant, losing 6-1 at home to the Kings Head B. Billy Evans took the only game for the Pheasant, while Tommy Kelleher (105 out shot), David Howard, Alex Howard, Spencer Lewis and both doubles went the Kings Head B way who now move into third, and within one point of the Pheasant who just stay top.

Castle A are second after a 5-2 win against the Red Lion Misfits. Mark Smith, Mike L, Brian Williams and John Coulson won for the Castle A, while Rhys Mirca won for the Red Misfits. The Doubles were shared.

The Owl & Pussycat are fourth, only two points off the lead after a 6-1 win over the Angel. Alister Williams won for the Angel while George Price, Spencer Roberts, Joe Jones, Matt Knight and both doubles went the way of the Owl.

The Powis Arms are within striking distance of the top after a 4-3 win at the Grapes B. Robbie Davies, Rob Jones and Macauley Nicoll Davies won for the Grapes B while Konrad Scott, Simon Richards and both doubles secured the win for the Powis Arms.

Finally, The Lion Caerhowell beat the Black Lion Llanfair 4-3. The Lion Caerhowell took three of the singles through Jack Shep, Jack Pope and Charlie Weaver. Iestyn Pryce, Jack Jones won for the Black with the doubles matches shared. Despite losing 2-1, Dan Morgan of the Black Lion, won his leg of 501 in 17 darts.