SUN Inn have finally been eclipsed in the York Unique-Phoenix League division one.

Their two-and-a-half-year unbeaten record was finally broken as they went down 6-3 at Hospital Social Club 'A'.

Nick Harteveld hit 180 for a fantastic 14 to put the home side 3-1 up. Kev Walton beat Mike Kearney to give Sun hope, then John Smith gamed in 21 against Tony Cooper, who hit back with a formidable 15. Smith closed on 20 darts to wrap up a superb victory, then Chris Thompson gamed in 15 in the defeat of Phil Good.

A brilliant 113 finish from Mick Willsden secured victory for Shepherds against Acomb, who saw Mike Harris hit a pairs maximum, Martin Cooper throw 17 and 18 darts, and Stu Morton notch a 180.

A fine 20-darter from Blacksmith's Keith Elliott prevented a whitewash by Cygnet 'A', who had Pete Leake out in 15, while Ally Wray's 21 and 22 completed a clean sweep for Cygnet 'B'. Paul Cooper was in exceptional form with 14 and 17-darters and was well backed by Craig Wedge (19) and Noel Cooper (20).

Arthur Conyer's 16 darts proved Ebor's match-winner at Rose and Crown. Mark Hartley supported with 20 darts.

In division two, Acorn ARL enjoyed a 9-0 whitewash at Sun Inn with Mark Gale including a fine 130 finish for 18 after partnering Robbie Carr in a 25-dart 701 leg.

Hard on Acorn's heels are Clifton, who also had a clean sweep against Lord Nelson. Neil Hart gamed in 19 and 21 darts and John Holmes also closed on 21, while an 18-darter from Pete Cox gave Flag a 7-2 win against Hospital Social Club 'B'.

Tina Platt stood out for Phoenix 'B' with a maximum, then followed up with a fine 23-darter to set up Karen Richardson to earn victory against Alice who had a maximum from Stu Jackson.

Trev Platt was Slipper's match-winner against Holgate WMC after Paul Partridge hit a 116 finish for 21 darts.

Clifton competition

The Clifton Hotel Open Darts Competition starts on Friday, August 6, with a first prize of £150. The entry fee is £2.50 and players need to register at 8.15pm with 'Toe the Oche' at 8.30pm. Players can enter more than once, should they fail on their first attempt. Qualifying rounds will take place on Friday nights (August 13, 20 and 27) and the finals will be held on Friday, September 3, 2004.

For further details, contact Neil Hart at Clifton Hotel.

Phoenix entries

Entries for the York Phoenix Open League (Thursday nights) are now being accepted. For further details, contact John Smith on 01904 341651.

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, July 27, 2004