West Midlands Darts Scene Heats Up: Matthew Cain has clinched the Heartlands Sugardarts M&E Co Double Top League title despite a challenging final night. Elsewhere, Northfield Darts Club remains undefeated in the Kings Norton League, Langley Arrows dominate the Sheldon and District Winter League, and Wakefield Warriors lead the Camp Hill League. Cup semi-finals saw intense battles, while Jason Lowe continues his impressive run in the Amblecote RBL Premier League. Leagues across the region are buzzing with action, showcasing top talent and thrilling finishes.
The darts season across the West Midlands is in full swing, with some leagues reaching their dramatic conclusions and others just getting started. This week brought a mix of championship triumphs, dominant league performances, and nail-biting cup encounters.
Heartlands Sugardarts M&E Co Double Top League: Cain Secures Title Despite Late Stumble
In a thrilling finish to the Heartlands Sugardarts M&E Co Double Top League, Matthew Cain was crowned champion, even after a surprising wobble in his final two fixtures. Having won an astounding 57 out of 60 games leading up to the final night, Cain faced back-to-back 2-1 defeats against Ramone Stevens (despite hitting a maximum) and then second-placed Martin Cooper. However, his commanding lead meant his final tally of 157 points was enough to secure the championship, leaving Cooper 11 points adrift with only one game remaining. John Frost currently holds third place with 128 points, but Steve Cain, just one point behind with three games left, is poised to potentially overtake him.
Kings Norton League: Northfield Darts Club Leads the Charge
Seven weeks into their 28-game season, the Kings Norton League sees Northfield Darts Club at the top with a perfect 12 points from six matches, the only team with a 100% win record. Hot on their heels are Bournville, Bournbrook, Stirchley, and Perfection, all tied on 10 points. Notable performances include:
- Northfield Darts Club’s L. Fowler hitting a remarkable 108 checkout, along with scores of 100, 125, 140, and the week’s only 180 maximum in their 5-2 victory over Kings Norton Ex Serviceman’s Club.
- Bournbrook securing a dominant 6-1 away win at Cock Inn.
- Stirchley also achieving a 6-1 victory against Pavillions.
Sheldon and District Winter League: Langley Arrows Dominate Premier League
Week two of the Sheldon and District Winter League saw Langley Arrows maintain pole position in the Premier League with an emphatic 9-0 home win over Family Tree. They hold a four-leg average lead over Sheldon Marlborough Arrows and Mackadown Sports and Social Club, both also on four points. In other divisions:
- Division One: Lyndon Old Boys lead after a 6-3 home win against Hollywood Social Club.
- Division Two: Hunters Moon takes the top spot with a 7-2 victory at Langley Bullets.
The league also celebrated six maximums this week, hit by Hayden Norris (Family Tree), Neil Parsonage (Sheldon Marlborough Arrows), Craig Stansfield (Lyndon Old Boys), Connor Cupkovic (CBMC-A), Cameron Roden (Weir Raven), and Michael Tilley (Yardley District Amateur Darts).
Camp Hill League: Wakefield Warriors Maintain Unbeaten Run
The Camp Hill League witnessed a top-of-the-table clash in week six, where leaders Wakefield Warriors secured a commanding 6-1 home victory over second-placed GGSB. This result extends their unbeaten run to six games and opens up a four-point lead. Big Bulls Wanderers and GGSB now share second place, both on eight points, as do Wakefield Terriers and Moseley Arms.
Stourbridge and District Monday Night League: Old Liberal Club Holds On
Despite a narrow 4-3 away win against tenth-placed Netherton Conservative Club ‘B’, Old Liberal Club continues to lead the Stourbridge and District Monday Night League with 48 points from 26 games. They hold a two-point advantage over Gornal British Legion, who have a game in hand. Cross, Five Ways, and Bird in Hand are all tied on 42 points, keeping the pressure on.
Sedgley and Gornal Tuesday Night League: Undefeated Teams Stand Out
In Division One, Old Liberal Club and Chapel House ‘A’ remain undefeated after four games, both with eight points, with Liberal Club leading on leg average. Division Two sees Swan, White Lion, and Rising Sun all tied at the top with six points, with Swan currently leading on average.
Cup Competitions: Semi-Final Drama Unfolds
Several leagues held their cup semi-finals, delivering exciting results:
- Silver End Sunday Morning League Cup: Spring Meadow and High Acres ‘A’ progressed to the final with 5-3 victories.
- Silver End Sunday Morning Shadow Cup: Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club ‘B’ and High Acres ‘B’ dominated their semi-finals with 7-1 and 6-2 wins respectively.
- Stourbridge and District Wednesday Night League Cup: Raven won 4-3 against High Acres to reach the final.
- Stourbridge and District Wednesday Night Shadow Cup: Netherton Conservative Club secured a 4-3 win over Plough.
Rowley Monday Night League: Bell Rings in Twenty Straight Wins
Bell continues their incredible run in Division One of the Rowley Monday Night League, achieving their twentieth consecutive win with a 5-3 victory at Bostin Darts ‘A’. They now have 40 points, a game in hand, and a four-point lead over second-placed Gate Hangs Well. In Division Two, Bostin Darts ‘B’ leads the table, while N. Raxter (Spring Meadow) hit a maximum despite his team’s loss.
Black Country Men’s Super League: Hot Shots and Cue and Brew Share Top Spot
Hot Shots and Cue and Brew are now tied for first place in the Black Country Men’s Super League, both on 33 points. Hot Shots secured a 4-1 win, while Cue and Brew achieved a dominant 5-0 victory. Allen’s Bar and Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club are in third and fifth respectively, both eight points off the top.
West Midlands Men’s Super League: Staffordshire Knot Extends Lead
A crucial top-of-the-table clash in the West Midlands Men’s Super League saw Staffordshire Knot defeat second-placed Kings Head 3-2 on their home board. This victory extends Staffordshire Knot’s lead to a significant 14 points. Dudley Ex Serviceman’s Club moved into third place with a 5-0 win.
Netherton Thursday Night 501 League: Bulls Head Win Rearranged Fixture
In a rearranged fixture, Bulls Head defeated Haden Cross 6-3, with Steve Tipper and Grant Jackson both hitting maximums. This result did not alter their league positions.
Blackheath Sunday Morning League: Wonder and Bostin Darts ‘A’ Level at Top
The Blackheath Sunday Morning League now has two teams sharing the number one spot: Wonder and Bostin Darts ‘A’. Both teams won their respective games, putting them level on points and average, four points ahead of the chasing pack.
Amblecote RBL Premier League: Jason Lowe’s Unstoppable Form
Jason Lowe continues his dominant performance in the Amblecote RBL Premier League, adding two more impressive wins: 6-1 against Dave Edwards and a commanding 7-0 against Craig Lowin. He now stands at 368 points from 53 games. Second-placed Ian Townsend matched Lowe’s results, ensuring he lost no ground, while Nick Fullwell holds third place with games in hand.
Wolverhampton Tuesday Night League: Multiple Undefeated Teams
The Wolverhampton Tuesday Night League boasts a strong start to the season with six teams remaining undefeated in the singles league after four games: Junction ‘B’, New Gate Inn, Gilbert’s Bar ‘B’, Ashmore, Dog and Partridge, and Red Lion ‘B’. The doubles league also sees six teams with perfect records, topped by Junction ‘B’, Angel, Dog and Partridge, and Red Lion ‘B’.
Gilbert’s Bar Monday Night Singles League: Consistent Action
Week 33 of the Gilbert’s Bar Monday Night Singles League saw a series of competitive matches, with players like O. Garratt and J. Handley securing strong wins, highlighting the consistent individual talent on display.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
