SWAN'S 5-4 victory over Railway Institute 'A' in York John Smith's Men's League division two was completed with style, writes Dave Fotheringham.

Paul Hayes set the Clementhorpe team off with a fine 20 darts but there to save the day in the end was their landlord, Pete McNichol, who launched a mighty 144 out-shot to win the match.

Steve Smith and Sean Robinson took Phoenix the 5-4 decider against Sun 'B', whose John Wheldon-Ian Walsh starred to win the aggregate point.

In division one, Shepherd 'A' had to rely upon Dave Gibbons and Rod Thompson to rescue a ninth game win at Saddle.

Cygnet were hard pressed to retain their unbeaten record at Yearsley. Lee Mason closed on bullseye for Yearsley only for Keith Turner and Dave Smith to see Cygnet home.

Flag flew into a 4-0 lead but Green Tree 'B' team's Dave Fotheringham stemmed the tide and partnered Stan Jackson to a 5-4 decider.

There was an outstanding 15 darters from Sun 'A' team's Chris Thompson. Partnering Bill Hopcutt, 701 was completed in just 20 darts.

But Sun had to be satisfied with only the aggregate as Poacher applied middle-order pressure.

Ron Simpson included 19 darts for Trafalgar in a 6-3 at Shepherd 'B' who had a 180 scorer in Tony Chapman.

Osbaldwick won 6-3 at Green Tree 'A'.

Bay Horse got their York Atlas Auto Services League division one campaign off to a fine start by beating a resilient Clifton 'A' 5-4.

Martyn Turner (21) gave Clifton the lead but Bay hit back through Rich Corner (180 for 19) and Paul Cooper (19) then Clifton's Paul Brandon levelled with a splendid 18 darts. Alan Galley and Andy Lawson combined to take the last game.

Big finishes were the order of the day as Tap beat Slipper 6-3. Gary Armitage closed on 118, then John Smith checked 130-bull finish for 21 darts. Mick Nixon weighed in with a superb 18 darter while Russ Turpin was Slipper's best contributor.

Escrick's win was marked by Steve Limbert (180 for 18) as they beat Volunteer within the singles. A Volunteer rally saw Paul Botterill notch a maximum and they took all the pairs. However, good scores from Andy Thompson secured the aggregate.

In division two Crescent 'A', Mal Muncaster out in 19, showed better finished power over their 'B' team.

Teams are reminded registration sheets and competition entry forms must be into the league secretary before next weekend.

York John Smith's Mixed League, which operates on Sunday evenings, is seeking new teams for the winter season. Contact Michelle Britton (01904 448075) before next Friday.

Updated: 12:03 Saturday, September 29, 2001