Drifters claim early advantage in title race

Northern Irelnd international John Elder hit two 15-dart legs for the best individual performance of the week, followed by: 17 Peter Stewart, 18s Brian Cathcart, Alan Bamford, Chris Greer, 19s Geoff Wylie, Rodney McAleese, Sammy Balmer, 20s Geoff Matthews, Geoff McIlveen, Chris Greer, 21s Ashley Rainey, Paddy Coyles, Leonard McKeegan (Jnr) x2, Ally Agnew, George Foster, John Bamber (Jnr), Peter Stewart.

Alan Bamford (Drfiters) and Tommy Wallace (BT/PO) shared the week’s best finsih after both hit 130 checkouts, followed by: 115 Irene Lowry (Cosy Corner), 115 & 96 Chris Greer (Spinning Mill), 113 John Elder (Drifters), 100 Graham Mills (Fountain Arrows) & Norman Kerr (Michelin), 93 Ally Agnew (Greenhills)

John Elder (Drifters) and Daniel Thompson (Fountain Arrows) both hit 180s.

DIVISION ONE

Drifters 6, The Diamond 2: Well done Ashley Rainey (2-1) and Ryan Gault (2-0) with wins for The Diamond. Drifters winners were Darnell McCrory (2-0), John Elder (2-0), Brian Cathcart (2-0), Geoff Matthews (2-1), Geoff McIlveen (2-1) and Geoff Wylie (2-1). Star player - John Elder.

Fountain Arrows 4, BT/PO 4: Fountain Arrows had wins for Graham Mills (2-1), Daniel Thompson (2-0), Robert Beggs (2-0) and James Kennedy (2-0). BT/PO earned their points thanks to Glenn Gilmour (2-0), Derek Campbell (2-1), Alan Service (2-1) and Tommy Wallace (2-0). Star player - Robert Beggs.

Greenhills 7, Clough Rangers 1: Well done D McCallister (2-0), helping Clough avoid the whitewash. Greenhills winners were Paddy Coyles (2-0), Pierce McGarry (2-0), Leonard McKeegan (Snr) (2-0), Gabe Kerr (2-1), Leonard McKeegan (Jnr) (2-0), Johnny Cree (2-0) and Ally Agnew (2-0). Star player - Leonard McKeegan (Jnr).

DIVISION TWO

Slemish Tavern 6, Fountain Bar 2: Well done Sammy Greer (2-0) and Jack Russell (2-0) with wins for Fountain Bar. Slemish claimed victory thanks to Dean Calderwood (2-1), Cameron Horner (2-0), Ran Lynn (2-0), Roy Gilchrist (2-1), Paul Rock (2-0) and Geoffrey Gibson (2-0). Star player - Rab Lynn.

Towers Tavern 3, Wanderers 5: Well done Colin McCaughern (2-1), Josh Macrory (2-1) and Sammy Lowry (2-0) with Towers wins. Wanderers claim 5 points thanks to wins from Willy Bones (2-0), John Bamber (Jnr) (2-0), Willy Wright (2-1), Ben Gilmore (2-0) and John Bamber (Snr) (2-0). Star player - John Bamber (Jnr).

Michelin 6, Buffs Club 2: Michelin had the win wrapped up quickly thanks to wins from Alan Penny (2-0), Norman Kerr (2-0), Chris Penny (2-0), Bobby Carson (2-0), David Armstrong (2-0) and Herbie Dunlop (2-0). Buffs winners were Gwen Henson (2-0) and Darren Purdy (2-1). Star player - Norman Kerr.

Spinning Mill 7, Cosy Corner 1: Well done Irene Lowry (2-0 – 24 dart leg and 115 Finish) helping Cosy avoid a whitewash. Spinning Mill keep pace at the summit with wins from Samuel Balmer (2-0), Peter Stewart (2-0), John Greer (2-0), Evan Greer (2-0), Danny Balmer (2-0), Chris Greer (2-0) and Graeme Leitch (2-1). Star player - Irene Lowry.

SEVEN TOWERS EVENT

The second annual Seven Towers darts competition took place in the Coach Bar recently with 58 players attending.

It was Daryl Gurney who took the honours for the second successive year with a narrow 7-6 victory over Roy Montgomery, who had a dart at double 16 to become champion.

There was also a Ladies competition on the day; Irene Lowry claimed victory over Gwendoline Henson in the final.

The organisers would like to express thanks to the Coach Bar for the use of their premises to hold such a successful event, all the staff, everyone involved with the preparations at the venue and each and everyone who took the time to attend.

Also, a huge thank you to all of the sponsors: Ballymena, Harryville & District Darts League; The Candy Bar, Harryville; Rodney Moore, IMMA Gym; Burgers Mobile Shop; Greenhills Bar, Cargan; Willie Elder Karaoke; BallyBingo; Grafters Café, Pennybridge; Andy Martin Darts Accessories.