UNDER-STRENGTH Marcia ‘B’ were unable to pull off a shock as they lost 6-3 at home to Burnholme in division one of the York John Smith’ Ladies Darts League.

Faye Hawksby got the new year off to a fine start by gaming in 23 darts, including a 125 and a 100, as Marcia ‘B’ entered the pairs on level terms, despite being a player light.

Burnholme’s Sarah Jackson closed 86 in the pairs with Jean West and captain Marj Pearson checked out on 69 with Claire Murphy for victory.

Jane Barnes fired two tons as she won in 24 darts for Bootham, but Jackie Clemit was their only other point scorer as they went down 7-2 at Lions, for whom Muriel and Michelle Britton each scored two tons.

The clash of the top two saw City Supporters beat second-placed Tramways 6-3.

Lynne Clapham won the opener for City, but Sue Lowery replied with a 25-dart leg. Natalie Farmeary put the Supporters back in front and her mother, Tracey, added another point with a 25-darter.

Karen Alton and Carole Layne, who rattled up scores of 140, 125, 110 and 100, levelled the tie again, but the leaders enjoyed a clean sweep in the pairs.

Wins for Carole Perrett, Di Moreland, Clair Cooper and Penny Francksen gave Marcia ‘A’ a 4-2 lead over Slipper entering the pairs.

Sue Tate and Ann Parkyn narrowed the gap, but Perrett and Pat Cairns sealed the win before Karen Smith and Vicky Middleton made the scoreline more respectable.

Acomb went into the pairs on level terms with Severus ‘A’ after wins for Kate Rankeillor, Rose Gray and Lisa Benton. Sev’s successes were Sue Richardson, Jackie Simpson and Sheila Elliott.

Rankeillor and Benton edged the home side in front, but Elliott and Richardson set up a decider and watched captain Glynnis Simpson and Sue Clark snatch the win.

Sandra Bruce won the opener for Magnet against Edinburgh, who hit back with victories by Amanda Bevan and Julie Stables.

Magnet held a 4-2 advantage before the pairs thanks to wins for Wendy Shortle, Maggie Tottie and Denise Fowler. Bevan and Claire Jamieson eased the deficit before Magnet added to their tally through Bruce and Flossy Crampton, and Tracey Watkinson and Shortle.

Division two leaders Severus ‘B’ trailed 3-0 to Castle Howard Ox, whose winners were Nikki Johnson, Abbie Scott and Nella Majsterek, courtesy of a 70 bull checkout.

Anne Meek and Wendy Storr replied before Linda Staveley won her singles and teamed up with Scott to win in the pairs to seal Ox’s win. Captain Johnson and Alison Walker made it 6-3.

Green Tree’s clean sweep in the singles helped them to a 7-2 win over Leeman, while Woolpack’s Liz Jackson and Sharon Nelson secured a close-fought victory at Shoulder.