CYGNET 'A' pair Sarah Jackson (174 and 140) and Dave Gibbons (125 and 100) closed in a brilliant 19-dart 701 in their top-of-the-table York John Smith's Mixed League clash against Cueball.

Daz Bailey was Cueball's best performer with a fine 19-dart debut. However, they could not contain Cygnet's better finishing prowess.

Huntington's 7-2 win at Cygnet 'B' saw Rich Plummer game in a splendid 17 darts and he was well backed up by Dave O'Hara, who hit a fine 92 finish for 21. Joan Hunter included a 79 finish to round off a good result.

Phil Smith (three tons for 18 darts) and Martyn Turner (18 darts) turned in good performances for Leeman 'A'. However, Paul Partridge shone for Slipper 'B' with a superb 17-darter, then partnered Chrissie Noble to secure victory.

John Miller (21) stood out for Cygnet 'C' in their 6-3 win at Vaults, while Pete and Jean West took the only Slipper 'A' point at Leeman 'B'.

Group winners in the first qualifying round of the Clifton Hotel Darts Knockout, sponsored by Avebury Taverns, were Dave Gibbons, Rich Plummer, Gary Nicholson and Rich Corner.

In group one, Gibbons defeated Jon O'Mara 3-0 by including a superb 15-darter. Mark Thornton beat Mark Jones 3-1 in 20, 21 and 21 darts.

In the group final, Gibbons shot a 115 finish for 18, but Thornton bounced back 180 for 18 then hit a second 18-darter to lead 2-1. Gibbons got back to level before closing out a 21-dart decider.

In group two, Rich Plummer beat Ged McMahon 3-1 in the group final.

Rich Corner stormed through group four without dropping a leg. Corner hit 140, 180, 140 and 41 for a magnificent 14-darter against Jo Hodges, then included a 104 finish for 18, followed by a 19-dart leg to take out Chris Manners.

The group final saw Corner include an excellent 124 finish for 18 darts to put an end to Roger Shot's hopes.

The next qualifier will take place at the Clifton Hotel on Friday.

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, August 05, 2003