A SUPERB 135 finish from Tony Raymond was all in vain as Ebor lost the decider in their York Phoenix Monday League division one encounter with leaders Sun Inn.

He was well backed by Mark Hartley with 180 for 16 plus a 17 darter as Ebor went 3-1 up, but Sun showed their mettle, with Chris Thompson including a maximum and a 15-darter. Tony Cooper's 17 and 180 for 19 levelled to give Dave Gibbons (19) the chance to seal a fine victory.

Hard on Ebor's heels are Cygnet 'A' who had Jack White to thank for the last game win at Acomb SC. A Pete Leake team game maximum was followed by Kev O'Hara notching a maximum in his pairs.

Leake added a 19-darter, while Dave Mason weighed in with a 21 and a 100 finish. Acomb's Rob Henman closed in 18, while Stu Morton scored a maximum for 19.

Despite a 180 for 16 from Paul Cooper and 20 darters from Ally Wray, Cygnet 'B' were whitewashed by Shepherd's who had Heath Scaife with 180 and 17.

Huntington WMC eased their relegation worries with a 7-2 win at Rose and Crown which saw Dave Binks-Jim Wallis with a 25-dart pairs leg.

In division two, Clifton increased their lead at the top to 14 points after a 9-0 victory against Alice Hawthorn. Tony Baxter starred with 19 and was well supported by John Holmes-Neil Hart with a 24-dart 701 leg.

Blacksmiths stayed in contention with a last-gasp win against Flag 'A'. Tony Brown hit a 120 finish to seal the win, while Trev Platt was Slipper's match-winner against Falcon.

In-form John Dykes (19) wrapped up the win for Palace and Rich Saville added a maximum to keep them top of division three, while Britannia had maximums from Paul Wilson and Daz Hoban to give them a 6-3 win against Derwent Arms.

Toni Smallwood hit her second 180 of the season to inspire Hospital Social Club to a 7-2 win over Sun Inn, while a 22-darter from Mark Chamberlain saw Reindeer to victory at Flag 'B'.

Division three teams should note that Reindeer are moving to The Mount.

Thompson in top form

LYNN Thompson's two-dart 91 finish inspired Cygnet 'A' to a perfect score against Slip 'A' in York John Smith's Ladies Darts League shooting them into pole position in division one.

Cueball hit the tons but Flag flew high as Sharon Neads-Sarah Jackson secured them a last-gasp victory.

Slip 'B' quickly found themselves 2-0 down against Leeman before Di Moreland started their revival.

Sandra Bruce had 21 in her individuals then partnering Karen Alton to victory in Independent's win against Cygnet 'C' whose Carole Layne, Julie Coyle and Michelle Britton were treble ton scorers.

Clifton's Jo Hodges hit the tons, but it was mother and daughter Liz and Lynn Richford who sealed their win against Holgate. Pauline Welburn-Karen Braithwaite clinched Blacksmiths' victory against Dringhouses.

In division two, leaders Shepherd 'A' fell at Cygnet 'B' whose mother and daughter combination Jackie Coverdale-Cindy Benton won the decider.

Burnholme are keeping the top two in sight after beating Severus. Sun 'B' eclipsed Jubilee and Sun 'A' were too strong for Tang Hall WMC.

Division three leaders Leeman 'C' kept hold of top spot by reeling off all the pairs to beat Woolpack, Leeman 'A' mirrored their 'C' team to beat Volunteer 'A'.

Jacky Sargeant's 96 helped Shepherd 'B' defeat Cueball while Joanne Whitty-Jackie Ryder secured victory for Turf at St Clements.

Mo Hearfield secured the match for Cygnet 'D' at Volunteer 'B' who won all the pairs. Burton WMC's only point came via the Cath Roe-Jacqui Ridall pairing against Leeman 'D' who were inspired by excellent scoring from Mandy Waddington.

Updated: 10:52 Tuesday, December 07, 2004