MARK Gale hit a fantastic 14 dart game for Poacher against Cygnet 'A' in York John Smith's Men's League division one.

Lee Brundrett backed him up with 20 before Cygnet 'A' hit back with 17 darts from Dave Mason and Mark Hartley-Jack White to win the match 5-4.

Martin Waddington-Martyn Turner were the match-winners as second placed Clifton 'A' won the last four games to beat leaders Shepherd 'A' 6-3. However a wide margin win from Mick Willsden (17) was enough to rescue the aggregate.

A 99 finish for 18 from John Pickering and match-winners Sam Pearson-Andy Lawson helped Mitre to a 5-4 victory at Dringhouses. Ged McMahon (20) and a 62 finish from Baz McLaughlin nudged Swan to a 6-3 win at CueBall.

Golden Slipper won the first five then Shaun Collinge-Garry O'Reagan (25) consolidated as they beat Crescent 6-3.

Glen Waterworth (18) did enough to give the aggregate point to Blacksmith's after a good win from Phil Smith led Slip Inn to the match points 6-3 in division two. Barry Noble (19) was outstanding as leaders Clifton 'B' won 6-3 at Holgate whose Mick Brookes opened in 21.

Brian Harden-Mark Neale took the decider for Rose and Crown at Osbaldwick who saved the extra point after a good win from Pete Cooper. Daz Hobnan was the in-form player as Britannia beat Institute 7-2.

Division three leaders Shepherd 'B' overpowered St Clements 6-3 with John Dykes-Chas Ramsden (23) and Jim Leach (98 finish) in top form. St Clements captain Adrian Shaw finished in a creditable 19 darts.

Horse keep noses in front

BAY Horse remain one point clear at the top of York Phoenix Open League division one, after a 7-2 victory at Crescent.

A 116 finish from Kev O'Hara was backed with 19 darters from Rich Corner and Allan Galley, while Iain Smith responded with 22 darts from Crescent.

Howden are hard on the heels of Bay Horse after a 7-2 win at Pack, while John Miller closed on 112 for 21 for Cygnet against Volunteer who had Paul Botterill with 19 darts.

Phoenix had their game against Woodman won within the singles with Dave Binks gaming in 21, and Jim Wallis notching a maximum.

The battle for honours in division two saw Huntington 'B' record a 6-3 win over Yearsley. A two-dart 110 bull finish from Keith Elliott was best for the club side.

Steve Parkinson hit the tons to save the aggregate point for Leeman as they went down to a last game win from Woolpack's Mags Handy-Dave Dalton.

A fine 18 darts from Mark Thornton inspired Locomotive to 5-4 victory at Victoria Vaults who had Arthur Scott closing on 114.

Clarence took division three leaders Three Cranes to the wire with the latter having Simon Norrie with a pressurised 129-bull finish to clinch the match points.

Miller maximum

JON O'Mara gamed in 19 darts and Pete Leake (20) for CueBall at Cygnet 'C' whose John Miller included a maximum in York John Smith's Mixed League encounter.

Dave Gibbons had a 20-darter before Lynn Thompson-Kev Walton clinched the deciding leg for Cygnet 'A' at Collingwood.

Crescent's Ken Smith gamed on 85, while Liza Moore combined with Paul Bartnett to seal the decider against Cygnet 'D'.

Leeman 'A's Phil Smith prevented a whitewash from their 'B' team, while Beeswing had Brian Harden out in 21. Maz Harrison-Neil Hayward took the match points at Slipper.

Cygnet 'B' had Tracey Billingham as their only point scorer at Huntington, whose Angie Heilds checked a 76 finish.

Updated: 08:31 Friday, July 23, 2004