Formerly known as the Stretford & District 501 Darts League, the South Manchester 501 Darts League consists of two league structures: the SMD League (one division, with fixtures involving seven games of best-of-five legs of 501) and the Kenny Tong League (two divisions, each with fixtures involving seven games of best-of-three legs of 501). Both Leagues play fixtures on a Wednesday night at venues in and around South Manchester.
Cup Knockouts
The KO Cup
In addition to their respective league fixtures, all teams in the SMD League and both divisions of the Kenny Tong League are included in the draw for an ‘FA Cup’ style knockout competition. A blind draw takes place (often live on FaceBook!) which determines which teams will play against each other, and all matches consist of seven players from each team playing the best of three legs of 501, with team selections and order of play determined in the same way as a regular league match. The winners of each cup match go through to the next round, where fixtures are once again determined by a blind draw.
The Dave Yates Shield / Anne Millington Shield
First-round losers of the primary Knockout Cup drop into an additional competition, for the shield which alternates name on a season-by-season basis between the Dave Yates Shield and Anne Millington Shield. All games in this competition are played in the same format as the main cup, with a blind draw after each round of fixtures is complete.
Dave Yates was one of the finest players ever seen in the league and sadly lost his battle with cancer several years ago. Dave represented darts in the best way possible, a true gent whether winning (which was usually the case) or losing. With a resumé that includes numerous county games for both Lancashire and Cheshire, Dave also represented the South Manchester Superleague team for many years and was much loved wherever he played.