PAUL Cooper gamed in 19 darts then hit a maximum in his pairs as Bay Horse tightened their grip on the York Phoenix Open League division one title.

He was well backed by Rich Corner (19) and by maximums from Dave O'Hara, Ally Wray, and Kev O'Hara as Bay sealed a 6-3 win over Volunteer, whose Mark Fratson had a fine 109 finish.

Greyhound raced to an 8-1 win against Leeman with Stuart Limbert shining with 180 for 20.

Dave Binks scored well to save the aggregate for Phoenix in their 6-3 defeat against Cygnet. Pack's Greg Robinson (2 x 140s for 20) inspired his team to a 7-2 win at Howden.

Ebor recorded a narrow win against Crescent 'B' to hold on to the second spot in division two.

Division three leaders Locomotive suffered their first defeat of the season at Crown, whose Danny White starred with 21 darts. Good scores from Mark Thornton saved the aggregate point for Loco.

Burton took all the pairs in a 7-2 victory against Clarence WMC, while Bishopthorpe hung on to the aggregate point against Indoor Bowls.

Dave O'Hara included a maximum for 20 as Huntington recorded a 9-2 win at Slipper 'B' in division one of the York John Smith's Mixed League.

Phil Chapman was out in 20 and Kev O'Hara-Angie Heilds also did well for Huntington with a 27-dart 701 pairs leg.

A 120 finish for 15 from Mark Hartley inspired Cygnet 'A' to a 8-3 win against Beeswing, whose Jim Hawksby starred with a 100 finish for 18.

Pete Leake gamed in 15 darts as Cue Ball defeated Leeman 'A' 8-3. Michelle Britton (23) and John Smith (2 x 140) also did well.

In division two, Slipper 'A's John Ward paired with Jean West to take the deciding leg against Escrick, while Derek and Toni Smallwood were Leeman 'B's match winners against Cygnet 'D'.

Entries for both Unique-Phoenix League (Mondays) and Phoenix Open League (Thursdays) close on Wednesday, March 24.

Updated: 08:23 Friday, March 19, 2004