The darts scene across Birmingham and the West Midlands is buzzing with intense league action, dramatic shifts in standings, and incredible individual performances. From neck-and-neck races in the Sheldon and Sutton leagues to knockout glory in Wolverhampton and the crowning of a new Ladies Super League champion, players are bringing their A-game. This week saw veterans celebrate milestones, new leaders emerge, and plenty of maximum 180s lighting up the oche, proving that local darts is as thrilling as ever.
Sheldon and District Summer Darts League: Tight Races Dominate
The Sheldon and District Summer Darts League witnessed fierce competition across its five groups, with several top spots being shared.
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Group One: A Shared Summit
Langley Arrows, despite a bye, held onto pole position with a perfect six points from three games. However, they now share the lead with Raven Arrows, who secured a dominant 6-2 win at Highwood, also achieving three wins from three games and matching Langley Arrows on points and average. Will Naylor of Raven Arrows hit a crucial 180 maximum, and Preston Cupovic of Trident Spears also notched a 180 in their 6-2 victory over Dog Inn Nomads.
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Group Two: Kingshurst and Ridge Hold Strong
The top two teams, Kingshurst Labour Club and Sheldon Marlborough Ridge, maintained their positions. Kingshurst won 5-3 against RAFA, while Ridge secured a 5-3 win at RAFA Arrows, leaving them just one point behind Kingshurst. RAFA remains in third place.
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Group Three: Lyndon Old Boys Lead, Langley Flights Soar
Lyndon Old Boys are comfortably top with nine points after a 6-2 win at Moseley Rugby Club. In a significant upset, Langley Flights surged into second place with a commanding 7-1 home defeat of Raven, who slipped to third despite a 180 maximum and a 12-dart game from Jordan Grainger.
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Group Four: Maggies Join Station Inn at the Top
A 4-4 draw for Station Inn against Shirley Misfits cost them the outright lead. Maggies capitalized with a 5-3 win at CBMA-A, drawing level on points and average. Notably, Hayden Norris and Tom Attwood both hit 180 maximums for CBMC-A.
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Group Five: Spitfires Take Control
Castle Bromwich Spitfires now lead Group Five with nine points, two clear of Yardley District Amateur Darts Team, who were held to a 4-4 draw by Langley Bullets. Weir Raven climbed off the bottom with their first win in five games, a 6-2 triumph at Mackadown Sports and Social Club ‘B’.
Sutton and District League: Hotdogs and Social Share Honors
The Sutton and District League saw leaders maintain their grip, while Division Two experienced a shake-up.
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Division One: Highcroft Hotdogs Stay Ahead
Highcroft Hotdogs remain at the top with 38 points after a 7-2 win at Walmley CSC Flights. Second-placed Bishop Vesey kept pace with their own 7-2 home win against Drakes Drum. In a standout performance, R. Ray (Erdington Arrows) not only hit a 180 maximum but also achieved an incredible eight-dart leg in his team’s 8-1 victory over St Thomas Lions.
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Division Two: Joint Leaders Emerge
Both top teams suffered defeats this week. Former leader Rise Club lost 6-3 at Great Barr Social, and second-placed Pint Pot Flights lost 6-3 at Plough and Arrows, where D. Hughes hit a 180 maximum. These results mean Great Barr Social now shares the top spot with Rise Club on points and average. Special mentions include P. Smith’s 160 break and K.L. Podmore’s 160 finish for Beggars Bush in their 5-4 win.
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Shadow Leagues: Heartlands and Rosey Mac’s Lead
In the Division One Shadow League, Heartlands leads with 11 points. The Division Two Shadow League is topped by Rosey Mac’s Bar, closely followed by Sutton Sharks.
South West Birmingham Clubs League: Kings Norton Dominates
Kings Norton Ex Serviceman’s Club strengthened their lead in Division One with a solid 6-1 home win over Perfection. Northfield Darts Club and Stirchley United are hot on their heels, both with eight points. L. Arnold of Bournbrook hit a 180 maximum in their match against Stirchley United.
In Division Two, Northfield Conservative Club ‘A’ lost their outright lead after a 4-3 home defeat by Cue Club. They now share the top spot with E57, who won 4-3 against Longbridge Arrows. Bartley Green FC, despite being two points behind, has two games in hand.
Stourbridge and District Monday Night League: Top Two Unbeaten
The top two teams, Old Liberal Club and Gornal British Legion, both secured emphatic 7-0 wins, maintaining their two-point gap. Former leader Cross also had a strong 6-3 away win, putting them four points off the top with a game in hand.
Rowley Monday Night League: Doubles Knockout Finalists Set
The Divisional Doubles Knockouts in the Rowley Monday Night League have narrowed down to the final eight pairs for each division, setting the stage for exciting quarter-final clashes. Notable qualifiers include J. Allen & D. Davies and J. Benningfield & D. Homer in Division One, and K. Ryan & R. Ryan and C. Hardy & M. Baker in Division Two.
Netherton Thursday Night 501 League: Andy Bastable Trophy Semis
The first leg of the Andy Bastable Trophy semi-finals saw mixed results. Rose and Crown, Wordsley, edged out Furnace with a 5-4 home win, while Rose and Crown, Halesowen, suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat to Bulls Head. Grant Jackson of Bulls Head impressively hit a 180 maximum.
West Midlands Ladies Super League: Kat McLean Crowned Champion
Kat McLean has been officially crowned champion of the West Midlands Ladies Super League! She sealed her victory with a 3-0 win against Eloise Milburn in the final rearranged fixture, taking her total to 128 points, ten clear of runner-up Jacqueline Maiden.
West Midlands Men’s Super League: Whitewashes at the Top
The top two teams, Staffordshire Knot and Kings Head, both delivered dominant 5-0 whitewashes against Hot Shots and Gate Inn respectively. Staffordshire Knot leads with 116 points, followed by Kings Head with 104. Dog and Partridge and Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club also secured strong 4-1 wins.
Amblecote RBL Premier League: Lowe’s Rare Defeat, Fullwell Rises
The Amblecote RBL Premier League saw some unexpected results. Leader Jason Lowe suffered a rare 6-1 defeat to fifth-placed Paul Wells, only his second loss in 39 games, though he bounced back with a 5-2 win. Second-placed Ian Townsend had a tough night, losing twice. Nick Fullwell had a stellar performance with a 7-0 win over Chris Pickett and a 6-1 win over Sam Page, putting him in strong contention with games in hand.
Wolverhampton Tuesday Night Darts League: Junction ‘B’ Claims Knockout Title
The 3 A-Side Knockout final was an all-Junction ‘B’ affair! The team of Jack Aldridge, Rob Pitt, and Callum Parkes triumphed 3-1 over their teammates John Simms, Adam Teasdale, and Paul Price, showcasing the club’s depth.
Silver End Sunday Morning & Gilbert’s Bar Monday Night Singles Leagues
These leagues continue to see regular competition, with teams like Vine, Old Star ‘A’, High Acres ‘A’, New Talbot, Dudley Sports, Spring Meadow, Tenth Lock, Old Star ‘B’, and Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘B’ securing wins in the Silver End League. The Gilbert’s Bar Singles League featured numerous individual matches, highlighting consistent play and individual battles on the oche.
Birmingham Darts Legends: A Century and a Quarter of Dedication
A special mention goes to four local Birmingham darts players who collectively boast an astonishing 125+ years of dedication to the sport. John Whitehouse has played for over fifty years, while Robbie Earl, Jimmy Green, and Billy Cadby have each contributed over twenty-five years. Their enduring passion is a testament to the spirit of local darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
