In the first week of the John Smith Bulmers Men's Darts League, Shepherd's Mark Jones (130 finish), Heath Scaife (180 for 16 and 18) and Kev Walton (20) could not prevent an opening loss.

They went down 5-4 at Volunteer, whose Paul Botterill (2 x 180 and 16), Mark Hartley (161 finish for 15), Paul Cooper (180 and 118 finish) and Mick Harris (bull finish) kept their team in the game, allowing Daz Grey and Paul Dixon to take the decider.

Flag A' also lost 5-4 to division one newcomers Fulfordgate, whose George Tams included a 180. Roses' Clint Croft had a 158 finish for 21, but his team perished 5-4 to Acomb.

Division two's fastest game came from Simon Rimmington (19) in their 6-3 win at Institute.

Swan had Barry McLaughlin (24) and Matt Ford (23) playing well in their 6-3 win over Dringhouses, whose best was Darrell Beavers (22).

Teams should note that Cygnet and Golden Slipper have dropped out of the league.