RAY McInally threw a fine 15-dart game, comprising 100, 140, 60, 100 then a 101-finish in Poacher's York John Smith's Men's Darts League victory over Swan.

Pete McNichol drew first blood for Swan but Poacher swept to an 8-1 scoreline. Darren Howcroft gamed in 19 darts and McInally partnered Gary Kynman to a 22-dart 701.

Ron Simpson and Paul Keers (18) shone in Trafalgar's 7-2 against Green Tree 'B' who had a 180-scorer in Steve Snowdon while only Steve Dagnell came up with an Osbaldwick win at Cygnet 'A'.

Shepherd 'A' kept their one point lead in division one with a 6-3 win over Lighthorseman, who were led in with a 110-finish from John Holden. Dave Gibbons (180) and Mark Jones each recorded 19 darters while Mick Willsden-Chas Ramsden took out 701 in 22.

A good win from Alan Shipley earned Dringhouses a point but Holgate were taken to a 5-4 victory by Rob Atkinson-Pete west.

Sun 'A' had excellent games from Tony Cooper (18), Chris Thompson (20) and Doug Sutcliffe (21) to beat Bootham Tavern 7-2.

Division two leaders Shepherd 'B' beat Victoria Vaults 6-3. Mike Percival checked 99 for 18 darts then closed on 100 for victory.

Andy King included a maximum as Saddle strengthened their grip on second while Flag had Dave Norris-Mark Lea sealing victory over Institute 'B'.

Pete Ross returned a 180 as Groves got the better of Institute 'A' while Pete Ella-Mick Shepherd took the decider for Slip at Green Tree 'A'.

A good game by Colin McMahon gave Old Ebor the aggregate and Ashley Corbett included a 180 score but Cygnet 'B' took the match 5-4 with Gary Farthing-Keith Graham.

Applications are being taken for the winter season. Contact Dave Fotheringham (01904 330829).

Chas Ramsden produced excellent 16 and 19-darters as Shepherd SC took a huge step towards capturing the York Unique-Phoenix League championship by beating their closest rivals.

Mick Wilsden and Paul Botterill supported well in a 6-1 victory over Golden Slipper whose best came from Steve Reynolds.

A 21-darter from John Smith and slick finishing from Darren Bailey helped Tap to an emphatic 7-0 scoreline against Red Lion.

A maximum plus 16 and 18-dart games from Arthur Conyers and 19 then 20 by Tony Raymond inspired Bishopthorpe SC to a 6-1 win over Acomb SC whose reply came from Rob Henman.

Martin Webster and Paul Kennelly shone while Keith Graham wrapped up Collingwood's win against Lord Nelson whose main contributor was John Spence.

Entries for the winter season must be received by Monday, September 16.

Bay Horse 'A' took a step closer to retaining the York Atlas Auto Services League division one crown with a fine 7-2 win against Cygnet.

Superb 17-darters from Rich Corner and Allan Galley were followed by a fantastic 15 darts from Dave O'Hara. Cygnet's best came from Alan Simpson who notched a maximum.

Karen Richardson was Huntington's only point scorer when crushed by Clifton 'A', whose Martyn Turner closed in 19 darts and Neil Hart in 18.

Clifton 'B' had Jo Hodges-Darren Blake clinching the match against Bishopthorpe SC. However, good scoring from Ian Gibson and Dave King salvaged the aggregate.

In division two, Clifton 'C' came back from 4-0 to level but Les Scaife-Roger Pirrie won Leeman the decider. Mark Robinson got among the tons to rescue the aggregate point.

Six Bells lost the chance to go top when going down 5-4 to Fulford Arms, whose Dave Stubbs played well. John Quantock (180) and good scores from Keith Elliott gave Bells the aggregate.

Bob Rochester, with a 21-darter, Phil Paylor and Col Merhtens took Reindeer within a game of victory but Ebor rallied to take the last four for the match.

Chris Downing prevented Burton 'A' team from a whitewash at Howden. Bernie-Steve Smith were Crescent 'B' match-winners against Woolpack.

Despite a maximum from Ali Cham, Bay Horse 'B' failed to record a point at division three leaders Hospital Social Club.

Updated: 12:09 Friday, August 23, 2002