McGrath's take league leaders Halfway to the wire

McGraths 3

McGRATH’S were visitors to league leaders Halfway Aces and almost caused a shock when they left the host team needing the last game for full points.

At the oche for game one was home captain Neville Reid against Chris Malcomson (121). A 68 finish gave him the lead and Neville (140) continued with his quick finishing, checking out on 100 with Chris a long way off the double.

Game two saw two maximums scored. Brian Reid (180, 95) missed a 28 finish only to see Cliff Taylor (180) check out on 40 but back came Brian (100) to level the legs when he finished on double four.

The deciding leg produced top darts from Cliff with scores of 140, 100 and 177 to finish on 24 after 15 darts, leaving Brian out of sight.

Dylan Woosley (100, 100, 100), throwing steady, regained Aces’ lead with a 19 darter against the out of sorts Marty McQuaid but Dylan’s finishing was poor in leg three, depending on double one for game.

At the break the teams were level once again. Ronnie Malcomson (139), with a 68 finish on 21 darts and 18 darts (125, 121, 100) beat a very out of form Roy Livingston 2-0.

Ronnie Herdman (100) didn’t let a 180 from Ivan Waddell annoy him when he took the lead with 76 and Ronnie (100, 134) went on to make it 2-0 with Ivan (123) needing 45.

Nipper Boyce (100, 100) found himself trailing to Tom Black (100) after double trouble and Tom (100) should have made it 2-0 before Nipper (100) levelled the legs.

The Aces thrower took the lead in the deciding leg with 100, 100 and a 76 finish gave his team a 4-2 lead going into the pairs.

PAIRS - Ronnie Malcomson (100/103) and Ivan Waddell kept their team in the game with quick finishing to beat Neville Reid (96) and Ronnie Herdman but a delighted Neville saw Dylan Woosley (100, 100/180,100) and Nipper Boyce gain full points for Aces, beating Marty McQuaid (100, 121) and Cliff Taylor 2-0.

Higgins 4

Castle Bar 4

After holding a 3-1 half time lead Higgins had to be content with a draw but Castle Bar’s fighting spirit deservedly earned their team a share of the spoils.

Mark Foulkes took the lead with double 18 over Cliff Ritchie (100) but better finishing from Cliff (100, 121) had him on level terms. Mark (95, 99) made it the win with double 15.

Visiting captain Greg Harper, after finishing on 64, had a good 15 darter, scoring 2x140 to beat Billy Bell.

Game three paired Gary Gracey and Paul Ritchie with Gary (100) first to throw. Tops gave him the lead but the Higgins thrower was left on 179 when Paul (140) levelled on double 16.

Leg three saw a more consistent Gary go into the lead and a double 10 left Paul back on 140.

Midge Hylands (100, 100) and Shane Haffey (99) were at the butts for game four and it took the three legs to decide a winner with Midge finishing leg three on 72.

Castle’s Vince Conlon (100, 137) was in good scoring form and a 107 finish left his opponent, Damien Savage, needing 293. Vince (121) went on for an easy 2-0 victory with a double four finish.

Lee King had the Castle on level terms going into the pairs. He took the lead over Michael Grimes but in a close second leg after getting stuck at the finish made it 2-0.

PAIRS – Mark Foulkes and Gary Gracey regained the lead for Higgins, beating Paul Ritchie and Lee King while the next game saw the teams level; Greg Harper and Cliff Ritchie beating Midge Hylands and Damien Savage 2-1.

Red Star B 1

Halfway House 7

Halfway House are still fighting for third place and this win over lowly Red Star B keeps them on track.

Jacqui Wilson and Derek Reid (95) both got stuck on double one in the opening leg with the luck on Derek’s side but it was a different story in leg two when Derek (134, 95) was in better form and a quick finish this time left Jacqui of the double.

Game two saw Linda McDowell (140) and Tom Alderdice fight a doubles battle when on 10 but Tom (140, 100) made it 2-0 in the next leg, hitting his doubles better and finishing on 74 for a 2-0 win.

Antoinette Barry was on no call when Tony McKinstry (100) finished and went on for the win next leg. I have been asked to mention that if anyone wants to go and see Jedward to get in touch with Tony.

Gareth Crothers was left trailing when Jim Brown (100) took the lead but beter darts from Gareth (125, 95) levelled and left Jim needing 92. When it mattered Gareth hit poor form and Jim gave his team a 4-0 lead.

Colin Crothers (95, 121) broke the ice for the Star but it was a low scoring game for Willie Herdman who was left on 19 and 47.

The last singles game went to Alan Cochrane (100, 140) who was in form against Margaret Barry. Sixteen darts gave Alan the lead and a 119 finish in the next leg checked out on 18 darts.

PAIRS – Colin Crothers and Jacqui Wilson lost 2-0 to Tom Alderdice (95/99, 140) and Jim Brown (121/100) while Tony McKinstry (100, 140/100) and Willie Herdman (100) made the score 7-1 by beating Linda McDowell (97) and Gareth Crothers 2-0.

Rearranged game

Red Star B 4

Castle Bar 4

Match details – Gareth Crothers lost 2-0 to Greg Harper (100, 100 - 20 darts; 95, 100, 100 - 16 darts); Colin Crothers (140/100, 106/100, 100) lost 2-1 to Vince Conlon (100, 98/140, 100); Linda McDowell (95) beat Paul Ritchie (100) 2-0; Antoinette Barry lost 2-0 to Lee King (100, 120/100, 116f); Jacqui Wilson beat Shane Haffy (100) 2-1; Margaret Barry lost 2-0 to Cliff Ritchie.

INDIVIDUAL AND PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP - Next week the draw for both these competitions will be published. Captains please note if a game is to be postponed it must come through the secretary. The rule is a game can not be called off unless the venue is not available or a close relative of a thrower has died.

Game between Park Inn and Red Star A - Park gets the points.

Fixtures for Thursday April 1 - Young Guns v Halfway Aces, Halfway House v Red Star A, McGraths v Castle Bar, Red Star B v Kevin’s Top of the Town v Higgins. Park Inn – Bye

Footnote – Monday night’s cup score cards must be left in Red Star on Tuesday following the match.