PREMIER Division darts’ top two West End LMR B and Pioneers A met the bottom two teams with LMR B’s whitewash of hosts Hop Pole A taking them nine points clear of the Pi’s, who won 6-2 at Kings A.

Third placed Cosey Club overturned a 3-1 deficit in their 5-3 win at West End Band C, eliminating them from the trophy chase, but their own chances are slim as they are way off the pace.

The opening game in the Imperial/Vine A clash paved the way to a close 5-3 win for the Vine, the Imp’s Ian Rathbone bombing 16 and 18 dart legs, a maximum and a 177 high score to beat Vine’s Howard Bateman, who hit a 19 darter. Top arrows came from Patrick Lynskey (LMR B) with a 14 and 18 dart legs, the former including two 180’s. Simon Preston (Cosey) fired a 15 dart leg and team mate Bobby Baynham a 16 darter.

Barry Cooper (Commercial) and Cosey duo Mark Jodrill and Dave Wood hit 17 darters, Woody concluding his with a 119 checkout. Aaron Taylor (Kings A) fired an 18 dart leg, Shaun Done (LMR B) won in 19 and 20 darts and also hit a 180, with further maximum’s hit by Pioneers pair John Cooper and Andy Poynton and Chris Townsend (LMR B).

Division One champions are Delamere Arms, clinched with a 6-2 win at fourth placed Broughton Arms.

Second placed White Lion B drew at Amalgamated A, leaving rivals Cheshire Cheese a six points gap to bridge. Steve Faddes (‘Mals A) and Darren Downey (Pioneers B) hit 17 dart legs, Aaron Russell (Delamere) a 19 darter, then paired with Tom Kelly in a 32 darter at 31.28 PDA to seal the win.

Ben Fletcher (Nantwich Road A) and Ryan Ayres (Lion B) hit 114 checkouts, Ryan’s younger brother Aaron and Shaun Boffey (Cheese) registering maximum 180s.

Division Two pacemakers Oddfellows Club beat Amalgamated B 6-2 to move a step closer to the title after second placed Brunel Arms A scrambled a draw with fourth placed visitors Bridge A, who were 3-1 ahead.

Third placed Sydney Arms closed in on the Brunel by walloping bottom team Rising Sun A 7-1, and can only be helped by the next match clash of the top two.

Rob Caine (Brunel A) fired a 14 dart leg, Dave Coyne (Oddies) won in 17 and 19 darts and also hit a 180. Simon Phillips (Horse Shoe), Tom Knibbs (Express) and Steve Cornes (Bridge C) hit respective 17, 19 and 20 darters. Jordan Bradley (Brunel A) hit a ton finish and a 180, and Fraser Cooper (Oddies) a 180.

Division Three leaders Rileys A clinched the champions’ tag with a 7-1 win at bottom placed Flying Lady B.

Runners-up berth is a very close contest between Swan & Chequers, Raven, Kings B and Hawk. Swan beat the Raven 5-3 in the battle of the birds and Kings B and Hawk came out on top at Vine B and Liberal Club.

Ben Snape (Rileys A) bombed a 16 darter concluded with a bull/double 16 kill of 82, Hawk duo Dave Arrowsmith and Mick Shea fired an 18 darter and a 112 finish respectively and Gareth Wood (Kings B) concluded his 127 checkout, also on the bull.

Division Four champions Willaston Club had to overturn a 3-1 deficit on their 5-3 win over Duke of Bridgewater C.

Main Runners-up contenders Nantwich Road B won 6-2 at Dishers B and have a 10 points buffer over Duke of Bridgewater B and White Lion who did little against Dishers A and Nags Head to enhance their trophy aspirations.

Daron Riley (Coach) and Mark Sturmey (Sun B) won in 18 and 20 darts respectively and Darren Cooper (Duke C) hit a maximum 180.

Division Five toppers Prince of Wales A coaster to a 7-1 win over Brunel Arms B to be Champions, with Brunel C team colleagues favourites to be Runners-up after beating Prince D 6-2.