This week in the local darts scene, the competition was fierce with stunning comebacks, dominant leads, and thrilling cup finals. Jason Lowe continued his impressive run in the Amblecote Premier League, extending his lead at the top. Elsewhere, Raven Flights secured a fantastic “double” in the Sheldon League Cup, while the Harborne and Stourbridge leagues saw incredibly tight title races, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. A major upset in the Netherton Thursday Night 501 League saw the long-undefeated Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘A’ finally taste defeat, though they still hold onto their top spot. Numerous maximums (180s) were hit across various leagues, showcasing the high level of talent on display.
Amblecote RBL Premier League: Lowe Extends Dominance
Jason Lowe continues his stellar performance in the Amblecote RBL Premier League, now boasting 353 points from 51 games. His latest victories include a commanding 7-0 whitewash over Jayden Harper and a solid 5-2 win against Sam Page, further solidifying his position at the top.
Lowe, a former PDC Tour Card holder, holds a substantial 58-point lead over second-placed Ian Townsend, who secured his spot with 5-2 and 6-1 wins against Tom Hanson and Dave Edwards, respectively. Third-placed Nick Fullwell did not play this week and remains on 281 points.
Current Top Standings:
- 1st: Jason Lowe – 353 points (51 games)
- 2nd: Ian Townsend – 295 points (games not specified, but 58 points behind Lowe)
- 3rd: Nick Fullwell – 281 points (47 games)
- 5th: Jake Shipley – 255 points (46 games)
- 6th: Paul Wells – 254 points (41 games)
Sheldon and District Summer League: Raven Flights Secure a Double
The League Cup final delivered an exciting conclusion, with Raven Flights, the Group One champions, facing rivals Langley Flights. Raven Flights emerged victorious with an emphatic 6-1 win, completing a fantastic league and league cup double. Their success was highlighted by maximums from Zac Prince and Jason Prince.
In rearranged league fixtures:
- Group Two: Family Tree ended their season strongly with a 5-2 win against Smithswood Social Club, doubling their season wins and moving off the bottom of the table. Kevin Lapper hit a maximum for Smithswood.
- Group Four: Langley Pints defeated Shirley Misfits 5-3 to claim the group championship. Despite the loss, Mark Hodgson of Shirley Misfits achieved a maximum.
Harborne and District League: A Thrilling Title Race and Multiple Maximums
The Harborne and District League is witnessing a nail-biting title race, with only two points separating the top four teams. However, realistically, only two teams are in contention for the championship.
- Copper Fox ‘R’ leads with 48 points (25 games) after a crucial 5-4 win over Northfield Conservative Club.
- Northfield Darts Club moved into second place with 46 points (25 games) following an impressive 8-1 home win against Kings Norton Ex Serviceman’s Club.
- Northfield Conservative Club dropped to third with 46 points (27 games).
- Smethwick Cricket Club is fourth, also on 46 points (28 games).
This week saw an impressive six maximums recorded across the league:
- M.Lloyd (Northfield Darts Club) – Two maximums
- W.Kennedy (Stag and Three Horseshoes)
- H.Hopton (Smethwick Cricket Club)
- P.Garvey (Bourneville)
- C.Whitehouse (Copper Fox ‘R’)
Four Oaks – Sutton League: Erdington Arrows Crowned Coronation Shield Champions
The Coronation Shield final concluded with Erdington Arrows clinching the title, defeating Pint Pot Flights with a 9-6 scoreline in a hard-fought contest.
Heartlands Sugardarts M&E Co Double Top League: Cain Maintains Lead
Matthew Cain continues to hold the top spot, accumulating 147 points from 57 games after wins against Sue John (3-0) and Matt Ryan (2-1). He holds a 16-point lead over second-placed Martin Cooper, who won both his games (2-1 against Tony Pedley and Ryan Cain) and has two games in hand.
Fourth-placed John Burdett lost ground this week with two defeats, leaving him 36 points behind Cain, despite having four games in hand.
South West Birmingham Clubs League: Cup Finalists Decided
The Bob Price Trophy semi-finals provided tense matches:
- In an all-Division One clash, current leaders Stirchley United were narrowly defeated 4-3 by second-placed Northfield Darts Club.
- Kings Norton Ex Serviceman’s Club also secured a close 4-3 win against Quarry Lane Club, earning their spot in the final.
In rearranged Division Two games, Kings Norton Arrows won both their fixtures 5-2 against Longbridge Arrows and Cue Club, propelling them to second place, just two points behind leaders E57 with a game in hand. J.Downer of Cue Club hit a maximum.
Rowley Monday Night League: 3 A-Side Knockout Champions Crowned
The 3 A-Side Knockout finals saw new champions emerge:
- Division One Winners: C.Dabbs, A.Whitehouse, and R.Kinsella (Bell)
- Division One Runners-Up: A.Wallace, L.Homer, and J.Benningfield (Gate Hangs Well)
- Division Two Winners: J.Moore, R.Boswell, and C.Armstrong (Double Tops Micro Bar)
- Division Two Runners-Up: J.Bland, S.Layton, and J.Harris (Shelter)
In a rearranged Division Two fixture, Bostin Darts ‘C’ secured a 7-2 victory at Coombes Wood.
Netherton Thursday Night 501 League: Undefeated Run Ends in Shock Defeat
The biggest news this week came from the Netherton Thursday Night 501 League, where Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘A’ suffered their first defeat in 23 fixtures! They lost 6-3 at home to third-placed Old Liberal Club. Despite this setback, they still hold onto pole position with 66 points, maintaining a six-point lead over second-placed Ashwood.
Ashwood won 6-3 at Hawthorns and, with two games in hand, could draw level on points with the leaders.
A remarkable eight maximums were recorded this week:
- Bobby Ratcliffe (Bulls Head) – Two maximums
- Liam Homer (Haden Cross)
- Joe Poole (Ashwood)
- Mark Rollinson (Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘A’)
- Gavin Smith (Old Liberal Club)
- Steve Hall (Old Liberal Club)
- Chas Skelding (Netherton Sports and Social Club)
Stourbridge and District Monday Night League: Old Liberal Club’s Perfect Season Continues
Old Liberal Club continues its phenomenal run in the Stourbridge and District Monday Night League, maintaining a perfect record of 22 wins from 22 games! Their latest triumph was a 5-2 away win against Swan, keeping them two points clear of second-placed Gornal British Legion, who delivered a 7-0 whitewash to Mount Pleasant ‘A’.
A six-point gap separates the top two from the chasing pack, with Cross, Five Ways, and Bird in Hand all on 36 points. Cross won 7-0, Five Ways 6-1, and Bird in Hand 5-2.
Silver End Sunday Morning League: Leaders Hold Strong Amidst Upset
The top five teams in the Silver End Sunday Morning League remained unchanged despite some significant results. High Acres ‘A’ stays at the top with 34 points after a 6-2 derby win against their ‘B’ side.
Second-placed Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘B’ experienced their first defeat in eleven games, losing 5-3 away to Kingswinford British Legion. They are now four points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Old Star ‘A’ is third, two points further back.
Stourbridge and District Wednesday Night League: The Tightest Race Yet
This league boasts an incredibly close title race, with only two points separating the leaders, Raven, from seventh-placed Stourbridge FC Youth!
- Raven secured a vital 6-1 win over Old Liberal Club ‘A’, giving them 16 points from 10 games.
- Ashwood is also on 16 points from nine games after a 4-3 home win against Tenth Lock.
- Chop House is third with 14 points (10 games).
- Swan, Old Liberal Club ‘A’, Stourbridge FC ‘A’, and Stourbridge FC Youth are all on 14 points from nine games.
Black Country Ladies Team Super League: Allen’s Bar ‘B’ Holds On
After week seven, Allen’s Bar ‘B’ remains at the top with 27 points, despite a 3-2 loss to second-placed Allen’s Bar ‘A’. Allen’s Bar ‘A’ is now seven points behind the leaders, having played one more game.
Black Country Men’s Super League: Hot Shots Maintain Perfect Record
Leaders Hot Shots achieved their sixth consecutive win, defeating second-placed Cue and Brew 4-1 at home, opening a four-point gap. Third-placed Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club also maintains a perfect record with five wins from five games, putting them on 20 points with a game in hand on the top two.
West Midlands Ladies Super League: Taylor Leads the Way
Evonne Taylor leads the West Midlands Ladies Super League with a perfect 16 points from four games, including a 3-0 win over Jade Wellings this week. Second-placed Jacqueline Maiden is also on 16 points but has played five games. Jackie Trott and Gemma Barrett are both on 12 points from three games, with Barrett defeating reigning champion Kat McLean 3-2.
West Midlands Men’s Super League: Top Three Dominate
The top three teams in the West Midlands Men’s Super League all secured big wins this week:
- Leaders Staffordshire Knot won 4-1 against Junction ‘A’.
- Second-placed Kings Head achieved a dominant 5-0 home success over Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club.
- Third-placed Dog and Partridge also claimed a 5-0 victory against Carrington Club.
Staffordshire Knot leads with 157 points, followed by Kings Head on 144 and Dog and Partridge on 128. Kings Head and Dog and Partridge have played one game fewer.
Blackheath Sunday Morning League: A Fresh Start with Tight Competition
Only two weeks into the new season, the Blackheath Sunday Morning League already sees a tight race at the top, with Wonder, Bostin Darts ‘A’, and Double Tops Micro Bar all on four points, separated only by average. Most other teams have already recorded a loss.
Gilbert’s Bar Monday Night Singles League: Leaders Challenged
In Division One, leader Scott Baker did not play, allowing second-placed Simon Pritchard to catch up on points. Pritchard secured a 7-1 win against Mark Daniel, bringing him level with Baker on 179 points, though Pritchard has played five more games.
Division Two sees Wayne Barratt leading with 210 points after an impressive 8-0 win over Keogh Bate. Dean Showell is Barratt’s closest rival, twenty points behind with a game in hand.
Wolverhampton Tuesday Night League: New Season Kicks Off
The new season of the Wolverhampton Tuesday Night League has begun with strong performances.
- In the Singles League, Golden Lion and Junction ‘B’ lead the way, both securing commanding 7-0 victories.
- In the Doubles League, five teams share the top spot, all achieving 3-0 wins: Angel, County ‘B’, Dog and Partridge, Gilbert’s Bar ‘A’, and Junction ‘B’.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
