BAY Horse 'A' recorded an emphatic win at Howden Arms to open up an 18-point lead at the top of the York Phoenix Open League division one.

Paul Cooper closed on 21, while Steve Burton prevented a Howden whitewash.

Mount 'A's Chris Manners opened their account with a 21-darter with Mark Thornton adding a second. Mitre then took the next five legs with Russ Armstrong including a splendid 17 darts.

John Miller's 20-darter spearheaded Cygnet, who racked off the first seven legs before Phoenix found the doubles for the remaining pairs.

A 108 finish (6x18) from Pete Turnbull stood out as Slipper romped to a 6-3 result at Woodman.

In division two, Tony Brown's six ton-plus scores inspired Huntington to a narrow victory over Clarence WMC, while Keith Watkinson was Hospital Social Club's only singles success at Crescent 'A'.

All square after the singles, Cranes lifted themselves to take all the pairs against Woolpack, whose Vic Reed hit the tons.

Solid performances from Dean Smallwood and Steve Parkinson steered Leeman to a fine 7-2 win to keep their promotion hopes on track.

In the division three individual knockout, Chris Wilson (Falcon), Geoff Holmes (Mount 'B') and Arthur Scott and Stan Isaac (Crescent 'B') qualified for the semi-finals on Friday, September 12.

Heath Scaife shot a superb 17 darts in York John Smith's League division one.

Mark Mason added a 19-darter as Shepherd crushed Holgate 8-1 after Mick Brookes recorded their only point.

Dave Gibbons spearheaded Cygnet's 7-2 result against Rose & Crown and Mark Hartley supported well with a 180 and a 101 finish.

Ray McInally (21) and five tons from Shaun Day were Poacher's stars as they overran Dringhouses 8-1.

Glen Waterworth (20) gave Blacksmith's a good start only for Ron Simpson (20), plus a quick-fire pairs with Rich Plummer, to give Bay Horse (Marygate) the win.

Chris Thompson (21) shone for Sun 'A' as they beat Saddle 6-3, whose best replies came from Andy King and Kev Graham.

Dave Endeacott-Gary Penrose sealed a 5-4 victory for Cueball over Green Tree 'B'. However a good win from Steve Snowden and a pairs bull finish from Paul Mahaney grabbed the aggregate point.

In division two, Barry Houlden (20) gave Groves a good start against Slip 'B', who battled back to 4-4 before Alan Singleton-John Morrison collected the points for Groves.

Swan maintained their 100 per cent record to open up a 13-point lead. Pete McNichol stood out with a 92-finish to lead them to a 7-2 win over Institute 'A'.

Second-placed Osbaldwick collapsed at Flag & Whistle as the home side took the first eight legs, while third-placed Cygnet 'B' took a 4-2 lead but had to settle for a point as Slip 'A' stormed back with Kev Richmond-Pete Ella snatching the all-important game.

Updated: 10:00 Friday, July 18, 2003