Shepherd SC remain top of York Phoenix League following a 5-2 win over Tap.

Tap took the opening triples encounter, but Shepherd rallied to take the next four games which included a 20 darter from Paul Botterill.

Darren Bailey got Tap's only singles point, while Chas Ramsden weighed in with 17 and 21 darts then Mick Willsden closed in 17.

Slipper maintained pressure on the leaders at Crown, whose best came from Dave Pektus. Steve Reynolds (180) with a fine 19 darter and Paul Partridge shooting an excellent 18 inspired Slipper to a 5-2 result.

A splendid 19 darts from Tony Raymond and a maximum-included game from Arthur Conyers put Bishopthorpe in the driving seat against Phoenix, whose top performer was Paul Robinson.

John Spence was Lord Nelson's 4-3 match winner against Red Lion, whose Henry Haystead showed good form.

Lin Gould shot out on 95 in the pairs and a first-time 57 in her singles to help York John Smith's Ladies League division three leaders Holgate beat close rivals Leeman 'A' 6-3.

Holgate had the match in the bag before the pairs as Margaret Yeomans was Leeman's only singles success.

Puss 'B' skipper Joan Knowles partnered Sarah Thompson to victory in the decider against their 'A' side after their captain, Cath Garnett, and Carol Stone had levelled at 4-4.

Barbara Russell also played a captain's role as she paired up with Sharon Rishworth to seal the win for Leeman 'C' against Old Ebor, whose Audrey Allan starred.

Tang Hall raced into a 3-0 lead against Mitre, who hit back for Dorothy Barker to put the scores level. Emma Rientol combined with Cheryl Clancy to give Mitre the edge but the two Sues, Wentworth and Skinner, made it all square. Nevertheless, Cherelle Jarvis-Carol Pearson won Mitre the decider.

Division two front runners Clifton 'A' were dealt a cruel blow by their 'B' team, whose Julie Maycock closed on 76 for 24 darts and was then supported by their captain, Linda Embleton, who included 100, 100 and 120.

Leeman 'B' hit the consistent scores to overcome stiff resistance from Severus.

Britannia 'A' came away from Shepherd 'B' 6-3 winners after the score was level going into the pairs. Doreen Johnstone-Ann Parkyn sealed Slipper's 5-4 win at Britannia 'B'.

Tap's Tina Platt closed on bull after including 120, 105, and the number nine pair of Sue Turpin and Olive Blades secured the match against Dringhouses.

Michelle Britton hit 140, 140 for 23 darts as Brigadier cantered to a 6-3 victory at Slip, whose Claire Robinson and Jackie Clemit gained good singles points then paired to get the other.

Phoenix 'B' won the first seven before Maggie Druett partnered Vicki Drew to put Cygnet 'A' on the scoresheet.

Superb scoring by Tracey Watkinson (116, 127) and Sandra Bruce (100, 100, 140) gave Ox the upper hand as they eclipsed Half Moon 7-2.

Sue Claydon also hit the big scores as she steered Cygnet 'B' to a 6-3 victory against Clifton, who had good games from Dawn Gore and Jane Dobson.

Result sheets must be received by the secretary on Thursday or points will not be credited to the winning side.

Updated: 12:05 Tuesday, June 25, 2002