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BOSTON FRIDAY NIGHT

INDIVIDUAL DARTS LEAGUE

Latest reports from the 2005-2006 season in the Boston Friday Night Individual Darts League are:

Reports for matches played Friday November 25

Target Premier Division

Graham Sharp and Steve Davis clashed in a six-point basement zone encounter, with both players desperate for the points. A battle royal took place. The opening two legs of the match were shared but Steve took the initiative in leg three with a 113 checkout to lead 2-1. Graham to his credit fought back to lead at 3-2, but Steve comfortably tied the match at 3 - 3 to force a decider it was Graham that took the decisive leg for victory to just stay ahead of Steve as both players move out of the bottom three for the first time.

Kev Lenton now finds himself in that position although in truth on his showing in his match with table-topper Shane Parker he should not be in that position. Kev should have taken all four of the opening legs in this match against Shane which would have caused an upset. But unfortunately for Kev doubles went astray and at the end of leg four Kev trailed 3-1. Leg five saw Shane at least produce one good leg of darts that has seen him hold top position in the table. He scored 60, 125, 100, 60 and a 156 checkout for a match winning 15-dart leg.

Mick Ray continued his recent return to form up against Chris Royal, Mick was too consistent and legs of 22, 22, 20, and 21 darts were enough to see off an out of sorts Chris by a 4-0 score line it gave Mick top average in the division a mediocre 23.57.

Another player on a long losing run is Trev Day and he sunk without trace to Simon Trigg, the latter winning comfortably 4-0 with a 22.51 average a result that sees Trev seven points adrift at the bottom of the table with a swift return to Division Two on the cards.

The final game in a curtailed programme saw Simon Trigg unable to complete a double on the night as he went down 4-1 to Tony Hillyard.

Lincs Racing Division Two

Mick Flynn was the star performer in this section. His first 180 of the season along with a 20.04 average (top in the division) was enough to see off Scott Lea by a 3-0 score line. And he went on to complete a double on the night in a re-arranged game with a 3-1 victory over Paul Storr. The results take Mick to the top of the table.

Richard Pearson remains hot in pursuit in second place with a game in hand after a 3-0 victory over Rick Woods. Derek Johnson is another one in the hunt at the top end of the table. He fought back from 1-0 down to beat Rick Woods 3-1.

Newcomer Peter “Pedro” Silva is starting to make progress up the table. A run of recent victories has moved him into the top five. Up against Kev Dickinson this week, Pedro showed some consistent scoring, this allowed him to take a hard fought 3-1 victory over Kev, as the latter slumps to a run of defeats that has now seen him drop out of the top three to mid table.

Rob “Quick-Fire” Scrupps was left to rue missed chances at doubles when he went down 3-0 to John Paul Carney. The result lifted John Paul off the bottom of the table for the first time this season as he recorded only his third win thus far.

The final game in the division saw Mick Parker taken to a decider by Paul Storr where Mick produced the best leg of the match to gain a 3-2 victory in a 20-dart leg.

Mick Vinters was awarded a 3-0 walkover as Andy Skipworth failed to attend, Andy has also had three championship points deducted (as per league rules).

John Smiths Division Three

Chris Ray is back on top this week after a 3-0 win over Christine Holmes. Christine was a little unlucky. Trailing 2-0, she had numerous chances to at least salvage a point. But the win took Chris back to the top of the table.

Ady Blackham drops off the top on leg difference, as he was unable to secure a 3-0 win this week.

After an opening 22 dart leg against Matty Grant he allowed Matt to take leg two by busting on 37, the decider could have gone either way as both players missed doubles with Ady having to settle for a 2-1 win with a 16.28 average.

Dark horse Denis Turner produced the top performance in the division his 18.78 average saw him gain a 3-0 win over Suzy Watson, the highlight being an 18 dart leg with a 60 checkout.

Pete Johnson remains in the top three. He gained a fortuitous 3-0 win over Richard Atwell. This game turned into a marathon at the doubles with Richard unlucky not to gain any reward in a flattering score line for Peter.

Rob Birtwhistle belied his mid table position with a 2-1 win over high-flying George Harness, although 18 darts at a double in the deciding leg proved George’s downfall allowing Rob to snatch the win. Rob then went on to complete a double with a 3-0 win over Carla Slade, the latter being unhappy at receiving a whitewash as 33 darts failed to find a double in two legs that would have given the match a different outcome.

The final game followed the trend of the previous match. This time Diane Jenkins was unable to find a much-needed double and this allowed Don Holmes to record a fortuitous 3-0 win.

Reports for matches played Friday November 18

Target Premier Division

The main action in the to division saw reigning champion Mick Ray chalk up a victory double.

He started against Graham Sharp. Both players were slow into stride and the opening two legs were shared. After that, though, they both found some top class form. Mick went in front at 2-1 with a 17-dart leg. Graham responded immediately with an 18-dart leg of his own to tie things up again at 2-2. Mick then hit another 17-dart leg to go in front for the third time in the match at 3-2. And when Graham had the chance to level for a third time he threw his chance away after starting leg six with 100, 140. Another 15 darts failed to put him on a double, allowing Mick to steal a 4-2 win.

Mick’s average for the last four legs of darts was 29.04 but he finished with a 24.70 (top in the division).

Mick’s other win came against Ady Parker in a re-arranged game. With Ady flying high this season, it looked a good game on paper and so it proved. Mick ran out a 4-2 winner in a tight match that would have gone the distance had Ady found a double with six darts allowing Mick to checkout on 90 in an 18-dart leg.

Kev Lenton only had a short stay at the oche this week as opponent Simon Trigg failed to miss a checkout. Finishes on 40, 58, 51, and 20 meant Kev failed to get in a blow as Simon took four legs without reply for the only whitewash of the night.

Two old pros of the dart circuit were at the oche next as Bob Mountain and Martyn Palmer renewed a long-standing rivalry. Martyn’s form over the years has been fairly consistent while Bob has suffered due to back problems, this allowing Martyn to gain a 4-1 win the highlight a 180 and a 17-dart leg with a 115 checkout to stay second.

Jamie Robson is this season’s most improved player thus far although he needed seven legs to see off Debra Royal 4-3. His best leg of the match produced scores of 80, 100, 121, 180, and 20 out for a classy 14-darter.

Steve Davis put some space between himself and bottom placed Trev Day (not in action) after a morale boosting 4-2 win over Chris Royal. Victory here opened up a five-point gap as Chris slips into a mid-table position. After a great unbeaten start his early-season showing is now just a fading memory!

Tony Hillyard found himself 2-0 up against Dave Hasnip but a 120 checkout in leg three in 18 darts signalled a comeback from Dave. He followed up with 17 darts and 20 darts to take the lead at 3-2 with Tony bouncing back to level scoring with 140, 100, 100, 100, 53 and 8 in a 16-dart leg for a 3-3. The decider saw Dave hit a 17-dart leg for victory 4-3 and this time Tony was way back!

Lincs Racing Division Two

In this division there’s a new leader as Harry “Lottery” Lee hit the jackpot a 3-0 win over Rick Woods, complete with a 19.53 average.

Mick Flynn is in hot pursuit. His 19.77 average (top in the division) was too good for Jon Paul Carney and it gave Mick a 3-0 win and second spot.

Two other Micks toed the oche next as Mick Parker and Mick Vinters clashed. Parker got the best start, hitting a 68 checkout (top in the division) to lead 1-0. But it went flat after that as Vinters fought back to win 3-1 with a 17.25 average.

Paul Storr upset high-flying Kev Dickinson. As the game swung on missed doubles, Paul secured a 3-1 win to leave Kev off the pace at the top having been up there at the start of the season.

Dick “Top-Pocket” Taylor went to his shirt 89 times to get a dart and when he had finished he had beaten Rick Woods 3-0 but his pocket resembled a colander!

The final game saw Rob “Quick-Fire” Scrupps scupper Mick Vinters’ double hopes as Rob took a 3-2 win with him to dance the night away.

All players are advised that Damien Hatfield has withdrawn from this division. All points have been deducted.

John Smiths Division Three

Emma Grant most definitely rules the roost in her household— a 2-1 win over Carla Slade means she climbs above hubby Matt in the table (a first)! The result also concluded a hat-trick of wins for her in the past weeks (a first!) and took her into her highest ever position for two years, yes that’s another first!

George Harness suffered a rare loss this week as Dennis Turner caused an upset. A 155 checkout (top in the division) and a 16.83 average gave him a deserved 2-1 win. Another player at the top of the table was beaten when Keith Dack fought back from 1-0 down to get the better of Chris Ray 2-1.

And the upsets continued when top of the table clash saw Ady Blackham beat Pete Johnson 3-0 to leapfrog him to the top with a 17.47 average (top in the division). Matty Grant gained one point in a 2-1 defeat to Richard Atwell. At least it drew him level with the wife.

In a battle of the ladies, Di Jenkins came out on top against Christine Holmes 2-1 and Suzy Watson embarrassed Rob Birtwhistle with a 2-1 win. Things got worse for Rob when Richard Atwell compounded his night with a 2-1 win to complete a double.

The Friday Night Individual Darts League committee’s monthly meeting takes place this Friday (November 25) at 7pm. All members are asked to attend.

Reports for matches played Friday November 11

Target Premier Division

Martyn Palmer and Shane Parker faced each other this week. with both sitting at the top of the table it looked like being a good contest with Shane out to protect his 100 percent record after nine games. The opening leg saw Martyn strike the first blow, taking the leg against the darts to lead. But Shane swiftly replied when scoring a 180 in a 17-dart leg to draw level. Martyn then fired in 18 and 21 dart legs to secure a 3-1 advantage with a 100 checkout. Shane had to look defeat in the face for the first time this season unless he could battle back in leg five. He produced 60, 140, 140, to only narrowly miss bull for a 161 checkout for what would have been a 12-dart leg. The resulting 25, though, was put away and a 15 dart leg made it 3-2. Martyn knew he needed to get to the winning line quickly after that and he started leg six with 121, 100, 100, 100 to leave just 80 after 12 darts. But he cracked and nine darts failed to find their target and Shane was back in the match at 3-3 with a 106 checkout. It set up the decider and when Martyn checked out on 101 in 18 darts it spelled the end for Shane — 4-3 the scoreline and his first defeat both players ended with high averages of 24.21 and 24.08 in a tight game.

The next game featured Jamie Robson (top three) and Steve Davis (bottom). Jamie was quickly into his game he found himself 3-0 up. But he had to sit and watch the next two legs go to Steve as 85, 125, 135, 100, and 56 (out) pulled one back in 15 darts. A 20-dart leg made it 3-2. Steve almost drew level in leg six but after nine darts each at a double, Jamie struck the killer blow to win 4-2.

The points lifted Steve off the bottom for the first time this season.

A “love match” followed next as Graham Sharp and Debra Royal played. Deb got off to a flyer with scores of 140, 125, 140. And despite missing her double several times, she was far enough in front to take a 1-0 lead. Missed doubles in leg two, however, proved costly as Graham drew level. The best leg of the match followed as Graham hit out in 16 darts to go in front for the first time at 2-1. It became 3-1 before Deb took leg five to make it 3-2. But leg six was a disaster as both had thrown 36 darts until Graham took the match 4-2.

Shane Parker bounced back next to extend his lead at the top to five points, he inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Tony Hillyard with a 25.36 average with an out-of-sorts Tony unable to get in a single blow.

The final game had the night’s best stats as Jamie Robson and Chris Royal needed all seven legs to find a winner. Chris played his part in hitting a 180 and a 25.07 average but Jamie’s two 180s and 26.25 average was the best performance of the night to secure a 4-3 win.

Lincs Racing Division Two

Due to circumstances beyond control, there is no report available this week from Friday’s action.

John Smiths Division Three

This is possibly the tightest of all the sections with little to separate a handful of players. In fact the results from the division this week confirm that with no one able to secure a much needed 3-0 win. Results in all six games ended in a 2-1 outcomes!

Ady Blackham produced the division’s best average at 17.10 as he fought back against Dennis Turner from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and secure a top four spot.

Ahead of Dennis, a top-of-the-table clash followed with Pete Johnson taking on George Harness.

Neither player set the board alight as their positions suggested. But when the 100th dart of the match had been thrown George was victorious with a 2-1 win.

Emma Grant turned the heat up on Hubby Grant when she gained a 2-1 win over Diane Jenkins, a result that lifted her above him in the table. He turned the table back again later when he had to work hard to overcome Suzy Watson just 2-1.

Terry Shepherd had a 2-0 lead over Angie Upsall only to watch Angie hit a 48 checkout in leg three to secure a deserved consolation. Terry looked on course for a good night when, in the final game of the night, he took the opening leg off table-topper Pete Johnson. But it was not to be as Pete escaped with a 2-1 win after hitting 43 and 58 checkouts when all looked lost.

Reports for matches played Friday November 4

Target Premier Division

In the latest programme of action, defending top division champion encounter a double setback in his bid to retain his crown.

His opening game of the week saw him taking on Steve Davis. And with Steve sitting at the foot of the table all season, the reigning champion must have expected to win. But Steve had other ideas! He took the opening leg to lead 1-0. Although Mick drew level by taking the next leg, Steve went on to extend his lead and he found himself 3-1 up after a 180 in leg four. Mick took leg five in 18 darts to stay in the match but Steve hit the best leg of the match scoring 81, 100, 100, 125, 95 (out) for a match-winning 15 dart leg to win 4-2.

Mick then faced Martyn Palmer in a re-arranged game. The opening leg went to Martyn in 17 darts. Mick replied with an 18-dart leg to draw level. But Martyn upped his game from that point with a 180 in leg three and an 80 checkout in 18 darts made it 2-1, swiftly followed by another 17-dart leg for 3-1. When Martyn made it 4-1 with the worst leg of the match, he obtained the highest average for the division at 26.22. But this could have been considerably higher.

Shane Parker just keeps on winning. Although not at his best, the results and wins keep piling up. Victory number nine out of nine came against Trev Day. Three legs in a row put him in command before Trev got in an almighty blow in leg four to make it 3-1. But a 111 checkout in 18 darts saw Shane home for a 4-1 success.

Ady Parker, much improved this season, is in the top three. And although he faced Graham Sharp, he knew he would have to be on his game as Graham — although struggling this year — is more then capable on the day. It went well for Ady for the first two legs as he took a 2-0 lead. But a 180 from Graham in leg three threatened a comeback. However, nine darts failed to find double 10 and Ady gleefully accepted the early Christmas present for a 3-0 advantage. With his back to the wall Graham needed better. And he found it in a 108 checkout making it 3-1 and a 90 finish pulled it back 3-2. A 180 in leg six put Graham in with a chance and on course for a great comeback. But for the second time in the match, nine darts failed to find double 10 and Ady was happy to seal a 4-2 win.

Mother and son were next at the oche as Debra and Chris Royal clashed. The opening two legs were shared — Chris with an 18-dart leg while Deb’s reply was a 17-dart leg. The next two games were also shared, this time in 22 and 26 darts. In a tight match, the score stood at 2-2. It was then Chris who found another gear, hitting 20 and 19 dart legs to grab a 4-2 win with a 24.63 average.

Dave Hasnip and Trev Day followed and the latter found himself 2-1 up only for Trev to hit a 180 in 17 darts in the best leg of the match to draw level at 2-2. But by the end it was Dave who came away the happier with a 4-2 win as Trev suffered his second loss of the night!

After taking some flak this week from Kev Lenton regarding the length of time his games, the stopwatch was on him this week. And with 20 minutes being the norm for everyone else, what time would Kev clock? He faced Bob Mountain and between them they have played 113 legs of darts, by far the most over everyone else! And yes you guessed it a seven-legger followed in 38 minutes with Kev taking a 4-3 win.

It delayed the final game of the night as Martyn Palmer returned to face Simon Trigg. The first three legs were close but Simon went 2-1 up. He made it 3-1 with a 180 and a 65 checkout in 17 darts but he failed to get in a blow in the next two as Martyn made it 3-3. The great escape was almost completed but 88 was not put away in six darts and Simon hit 64 with three for a 4-3 win.

Lincs Racing Division Two

Richard Pearson leads this division after a 3-0 win over his nearest rival Kev Dickinson. The result set Kev’s good run back and allowed several players to leapfrog him in the table, one of those being Harry “Lottery” Lee who is well on track for a swift return to the Premier Division. He shot up in to second spot after overpowering Paul Storr and Rob Scrupps both 3-0.

Another player on a charge is Derek Johnson. He moved in to third after he fought back from 2-0 down against Scott Lea to win 3-2. And in his second match he produced a 101 checkout and a 21.17 average (top in the division) to beat a luckless Paul Storr 3-0.

Pedro Silva started well enough against Dick “Top-Pocket” Taylor. A 110 finish (highest in the division) saw him go 1-0 up. But what followed after was far from top drawer as a marathon on doubles resulted in five long legs with Dick grabbing a 3-2 win.

Second played fourth as Redvers Dickinson and Mick Flynn clashed it was Mick who poached a 3-1 win to switch positions in the top four.

Mick Vinters made it a bad night for Pedro Silva as Mick belied his position some eight places apart in the table to beat Pedro 3-1. Mick Parker was disgusted with his performance in the final game against Dick Taylor, Mick bust on 65 in the first leg to go 1-0 down and he should have won the second but 51 darts failed to find a double! So at 2-0 down Dick produced the best leg of the match to win in 21 darts leaving Mick on 164 and far from a happy chappy!

John Smiths Division Three

In this section, Chris Ray is doing better then dad. He tops this division after a 180 and a 3-0 win over Matty Grant. The result leaves Matty down towards the bottom with wife Emma in danger of going above him!

Suzy Watson’s good run continues. A 3-0 win over Carla Slade put the dampener on the latter’s makeover.

George Harness, back after a break, produced the best darts on the night. His average of 18.06 gave him a 2-1 victory over Keith Dack and keeps George in the top three.

Pete Johnson was 2-0 up against Don Holmes, only to allow a disastrous third leg slip Don’s way in 51 darts!

Richard Atwell led 1-0 against Diane Jenkins but the latter drew level with an 83 checkout (division’s best). But Richard held on to win 2-1. The final game saw Keith Dack make a quick return to winning ways at the expense of Angie Upsall in a 2-1 victory.