THE leading Premier Division darts contenders all enhanced their credentials in the latest round of matches in the Crewe Oddies Club Open League.

Leaders West End LMR B enhanced their advantage by trouncing Nantwich Road ASLEF 7-1, while main challengers Cosey Club struggled to draw with visitors Vine A.

Third-placed Pioneers Club A’s 5-3 win at Eight Farmers A puts them within a point of second place and well-placed to take advantage of any further slip-ups.

Fourth-placed Willaston Club went 3-0 up against Horse Shoe, but then things went downhill fast as the bottom-placed side recovered well to snatch a hard-earned draw.

Division One leaders Broughton Arms beat Bridge A 6-2 to extend their lead over Hop Pole A, who were beaten 6-2 at fourth-placed Rising Sun B, to 12 points. Cheshire Cheese still sit third despite losing 5-3 at Pioneers Club B.

Runaway leaders Raven seem to be unstoppable in Division Two and a 6-2 victory over Nags Head A opened a massive 19-points lead over Bridge C, who were beaten 5-3 by visitors Rising Sun A. Nearest rivals Flying Lady A and Hawk met and the latter’s 6-2 win liftsthem to third, but still 10 points off the pace. Steve Dooley (Raven) and Barrie Collins (Coppenhall Club) fired 19 darters, Dave Morris (Coppenhall Club) a 21 darter and Jules Wilde (Cosey) bombed a 180.

Duke of Bridgewater B won 6-2 at White Lion to stay well clear of Swan & Chequers, who overturned a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3 at Sydney Arms, at the top of Division Three. Alberts Corner enhanced their position in third place by hammering bottom sideBrunel Arms C 7-1, and like the Swan they have a match in hand on the leaders.

Clear leaders in Division Four are Nags Head B, who walloped Junction 7-1. Deposed leaders Dishers Club A had a bye week, so the leading teams are now all on level matches. Cheese Hall climb to third and within a point of Dishers by leapfrogging Eight Farmers B after beating them 5-3.

In the dominoes Premier Division, leaders West End LMR B seem to be on track for another double as they extended their lead to 17 points with a 7-1 drubbing of Nantwich Road ASLEF. Vying for a probable runners-up place are Horse Shoe, Oddies, Pioneers A, Willaston and Amalgamated B, who are covered by just two points.

Meanwhile, Amalgamated A returned to the top of Division One by a point after a 6-2 win at Express, with Cheshire Cheese, beaten 5-3 at Pioneers Club B, demoted to second. Broughton Arms and Bridge A continue their challenge, but their drawn clash saw both fall back slightly.

Division Two leaders Dishers Club B won 5-3 at Brunel Arms B, while second-placed Woodside closed a seemingly unassailable point’s deficit to 12 by walloping visitors Coppenhall Club 7-1. Hawk and Raven’s trophy challenge faltered after Hawk drew at Flying Lady A and Raven were beaten 5-3 by Nags Head A.

Sydney Arms beat Swan & Chequers in Division Three to stay clear of Brunel Arms C, who let slip a 3-1 advantage in their draw at co-challengers Alberts Corner, the result favouring neither team.

Hop Pole B take over at the top of Division Four by a point after a 5-3 victory over Coach & Horses. Deposed leaders Dishers Club A drop back to second, two points ahead of Cheese Hall who hammered bottom placed Eight Farmers B 7-1.