The West Midlands Darts Scene: A Season of High Stakes
As the colder months fade, darts enthusiasts in the West Midlands are preparing for a shift from the intense ‘Winter League’ format to the more relaxed summer competitions. But before that, there’s plenty of silverware to be won and champions to be crowned!
The West Midlands darts scene is buzzing as numerous winter leagues approach their dramatic conclusions. Many titles are still up for grabs, promising thrilling showdowns and nail-biting finishes. From fierce battles for the top spot to individual brilliance with maximum 180s, this season has delivered excitement across multiple divisions. Read on for a comprehensive look at the key results, standout performances, and what’s at stake in the final weeks of play.
Sheldon and District Winter League: A Title Decider for the Ages
The Premier League title race in the Sheldon and District Winter League is heading for an incredible climax. The top two teams, Langley Arrows and Sheldon Marlborough Arrows, are neck and neck with 26 points each from 15 games. Their final fixture is against each other on June 4th, making it a direct winner-takes-all clash!
- Both teams secured dominant 8-1 victories in their latest matches.
- Third-placed Highwood, also on 26 points, has completed their season and had a bye, meaning they can only watch.
- Sam Hicks (RAFA) was the sole player to hit a maximum 180 in the division.
- Smithswood Social will unfortunately finish in the bottom spot regardless of their final game.
In the ‘shadow league’ (often for teams outside the main title contention), Kingshurst Labour Club is poised to take the title due to a superior average, despite being level on points with Brian’s Flights.
Division One & Two Updates: Champions and Wooden Spoons
- RAFA Arrows have already secured the Division One title with 30 points, four clear of second-placed Banbury Club.
- Station Inn will finish at the bottom of Division One.
- In Division Two, long-time leaders Langley Pints face a direct challenge from Maggies. Pints have two games left, both against Maggies. A single defeat for Maggies would hand the title to Pints.
- Trident Flights are set to finish last in Division Two, currently the only team without a point.
Heartlands Sugardarts M&E Co Double Top League: Shocks at the Top
Week fifteen brought significant upsets in this league, shaking up the top of the table:
- Former leader Matthew Cain suffered a 2-1 loss to John Yates.
- Second-placed Ryan Cain faced a tough week with straight defeats.
- Martin Cooper, previously fourth, had an outstanding night with three wins, propelling him into pole position with 67 points from 27 games.
- The new top three are: Martin Cooper (1st), Matthew Cain (2nd), and Steve Cain (3rd), with Ryan Cain dropping to fourth.
Kings Norton League: Greenlands Stumble, Dingle Shines
Only three fixtures were played this week:
- Second-placed Greenlands lost 4-3 to Bournebrook, their fourth defeat in 18 games. They remain second but with Bournebrook closing the gap.
- Kings Norton Flights secured a tight 4-3 win against Pavillions.
- Dingle won 5-2 at E57, with N.Edwards hitting a 180 for the winners.
Sutton and District League: Cup Semi-Finals Deliver Drama
The Brian Goodman and Ken Rust Cup semi-finals saw intense competition:
Brian Goodman Cup:
- Division One’s Erdington Arrows were in sensational form, with three players (F. Naylor, W. Naylor, L. Moore) scoring 180s in their 6-3 victory over Pint Pot Flights.
- Current Division One leaders Highcroft Hotdogs joined them in the final by beating Nomads @ Hollyfields 6-3, with J. Alexander also hitting a 180.
Ken Rust Cup:
- In an all-Division Two clash, Oscott Social Club upset Hollyfields with a 6-3 win.
- Division One side Bishop Vesey comfortably beat Sutton Sharks 7-2 to reach the final.
South West Birmingham Clubs League: Titles Decided and Close Races
With one week and a few catch-up games left:
- Northfield Darts Club has already claimed the Division One title.
- The Division One Pre-Match Doubles title is likely going to Kings Norton Ex Serviceman’s Club.
- The Division Two title is a two-horse race between West Heath CEM (20 points) and E57 (18 points), both with two games remaining.
- Northfield Conservative Club ‘A’ and West Heath CEM are battling for the Division Two Pre-Match Doubles title.
Netherton Thursday Night 501 League: A Flood of 180s!
This week saw an incredible thirteen maximum 180s hit by players across the league:
- Mark Allen (Haden Cross)
- Jeff Batham & Neil Murphy (Old Liberal Club)
- Ben Lewis (Plough and Harrow)
- Grant Jackson, Bobby Ratcliffe & Steve Tipper (Bulls Head)
- Simon Booton & Tommy Johnson (Hawthorns)
- George Peters (Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘B’)
- Mark Rollinson (Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘A’)
- Dave Edwards & Daryl Hand (Rose and Crown (Wordsley))
On the league front, Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘A’ extended their perfect record to twelve straight wins, beating nearest rivals Rose and Crown (Wordsley) 6-3 to establish a nine-point lead. Old Liberal Club lost ground after a 6-3 defeat.
Stourbridge and District Monday Night League: Top Teams Dominate
- Leaders Old Liberal Club and second-placed Cross both secured dominant 6-1 victories, with Cross achieving nine wins from nine games.
- Third-placed Five Ways delivered a convincing 7-0 whitewash.
- Bird in Hand, Gornal British Legion, and Swan are all tied on 16 points, creating a tight race for third place.
Brierley Hill Monday Night League: Bridge Takes the Lead
A crucial top-of-the-table clash saw a significant shift:
- Leaders Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘A’ surprisingly lost 5-4 at home to Bridge.
- This defeat cost them the top spot, with Bridge now four points clear with 52 points from 28 games.
- Lamp Tavern and Raven are tied for third and fourth, both on 26 points after home victories.
Sedgley and Gornal Tuesday Night League: Quarry Bank Holds Strong
- Quarry Bank Liberal Club maintained their four-point lead at the top with an 8-1 home win.
- Second-placed Red Cow ‘1’ had a closer 5-4 victory.
- Gornal British Legion remains third, ten points off the lead.
Black Country Men’s Super League: Ex Serviceman’s Club Rises
Only one game was played this week, but it had major implications:
- Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club beat Quarry Bank Liberal Club 4-1 on their home board.
- This victory allowed them to leapfrog their opponents into second place with 111 points.
- They are now seven points behind leaders Allen’s Bar ‘A’ but crucially have a game in hand on both top teams.
West Midlands Ladies Super League: Maiden Closes the Gap
- Jacqueline Maiden secured a 3-0 win against Kath Jenkins, reducing the gap to leader Evonne Taylor to just five points.
- Gemma Barrett is a further six points behind Maiden in third place.
Amblecote RBL Premier League: Jason Lowe Dominates
Reigning champion Jason Lowe is in formidable form and looks set to retain his title:
- He added two 7-0 wins to his tally, taking his total to 184 points from 25 games.
- This gives him a commanding 29-point lead over second-placed Ian Townsend.
- Third-placed Nick Fullwell had a mixed evening, including a loss to newcomer Caden Marsh.
- Caden Marsh had an incredible debut night, winning five of his six games and making an immediate impact on the league.
Wolverhampton Tuesday Night League: Junction ‘B’ Holds Firm
Singles League:
- Junction ‘B’ maintained their top spot with a 6-1 win.
- Second-placed Dog and Partridge ‘B’ fell eight points behind after a 5-2 home defeat.
Doubles League:
- Junction ‘B’ also leads the doubles league, holding the top spot on average.
- Golden Lion ‘A’ moved into second place.
Gilbert’s Bar Monday Night Singles League: Leaders Consolidate
- In Division One, Simon Pritchard cemented his number one position with a 7-1 victory.
- Wayne Barratt mirrored this success in Division Two, also winning 7-1 to remain at the top.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
