Division 1
Deposed former league champions and current runners-up the Ammies set their stall out early with a 6-1 demolition of the Vic Burnage, Adam Watson on scintillating form in the season opener. The John Alker, aided by their ever-faithful dominoes team, defeated my Victoria Withington team 5-2 (only joking boys – cracking performance and well deserved!). It was mixed fortunes for the two promoted sides as Urmston SC fell to a narrow 4-3 defeat against the Volunteer, while Division 2 champions the Royal Oak A took an eye catching 4-3 victory against the Navigation ( who are the former Timperley Conservative Club team. Rumours that the move was fuelled by a desire to avoid my regular references to Margaret Thatcher are unproven). Last seasons League Champions St Johns, in a desire to keep the Saints nickname, moved to St Anthonys in the summer and they will be in action for the first time as St Anthonys B next week after this weeks game with Cringlewood A was postponed.
Ammies Darts 6 vs 1 Victoria Burnage
The Ammies may have seen their eight season long domination of Division 1 come to an end last season, but they began their 2025 league campaign much like they’ve started most previous seasons, with a win. They’ve made a habit of hitting the ground running, and Victoria Burnage were the first side to feel the full weight of that this time around, falling to a third 6–1 defeat in the last four meetings between these sides.
Ray Dore opened proceedings with ten 100+ scores and a 19-darter in a 3–2 win over Pete Evans, though credit to Pete who kept pace with seven tons and a cracking 111 finish to get himself straight into the high finish conversation. In game two, Paul Devine doubled the lead to 2-0 with a 180 during a 3–0 win over Andrew Day.
Newly crowned Individuals champion Kyle Bell never hit top gear but cruised to a 3–0 win with five tons in his game against Ant Hargreaves Jr, before Scott Livingstone finished the match as a contest when hitting four tons and a 62 checkout in a 3-0 defeat of Tony Green.
Victoria Burnage finally got on the board in game five thanks to Dylan Wimbury, who produced a brilliant 15-dart leg (the lowest of the night), two 180s, five tons, and a 67.88 average in a 3–2 win over Callum Nolan, but that was as good as it got for the visitors.
Mike Morrison turned in a strong 69.12 average, six tons, and an 18-dart leg in a 3–2 win over Tom Beatie, before Adam Watson brought things to a close with a flourish in a 3–0 win over Steve Moane, hitting an 86.71 average, two maximums, and a 16-darter.
The Ammies start as they mean to go on. Whether anyone can stop them reclaiming the title this year… well, that’s yet to be seen.
John Alker 5 vs 2 Victoria Withington
The Victoria started the night with a 2–0 gallon victory, but that was as good as it got for the visitors on a night where the John Alker matched last seasons result when claiming another 5-2 home victory over the Withington side.
Gaz Brickhill opened the account in Game 1 with a clean 3–0 win over Matthew Jepson, averaging 65.35 and checking out with a superb 107 finish. Andy Docker then made it 2–0, taking a tight 3–2 victory against Connor Wigley. Andy notched six tons and a 20-dart leg on his way to a 64.57 average, while Connor replied with five tons, a 180, and a solid 63.72 average of his own.
Game 3 was a cracker between Ian Moore and Terry Jepson. Terry, who posted the highest average of the night at 70.36, came back from 2-0 down to claim it 3–2 with seven tons, a 19-darter and a 180. Ian wasn’t far behind in the scoring with four tons but he’ll be disappointed at losing that 2-0 lead.
In Game 4, John Greaves put in a solid display in beating me 3–0, reeling off five tons, and a 21-dart leg to make it 3–1 overall and restore the home side’s two game cushion.
John Hawken then sealed the match for Alker with a 3–2 win over Toni Wieczorek in Game 5. John hit eight tons, a 180, and recorded the lowest darts of the night with a superb 16-dart leg. Toni fired back with a 180 of his own and a tidy 17-darter, but it wasn’t quite enough.
Sean Edwards pulled one back in Game 6 for the Victoria, beating Kyle Wands 3–0 with a 180 to boot. Kyle, on his Alker and Division 1 debut, hit five tons but couldn’t find the winning double in couple of legs, but there will inevitably be more to come from this young man over the course of the season.
In the final game of the night, Gary Thompson wrapped things up with a 3–0 win over Lewis Holley, adding two tons, a 76 finish, and a 21-dart leg to round off an impressive team performance and give a final score of 5–2 to the John Alker. Despite the loss, The Victoria will take encouragement from some strong scoring — they hit four 180s in total — but this one belonged to the hosts.
Royal Oak A 4 vs 3 Navigation
The Royal Oak edged a tight one at home to Navigation, sealing a 4–3 win in their opening fixture of the season and showing they’re ready to compete in what looks like an ultra-competitive Division 1 this year.
The away side were first to strike as Ian McCulloch overcame Tony Kirby 3–1 in the opener, McCulloch registering six tons and a solid 76 finish in a steady performance. Pete Perry hit back for the Oak in game two, taking a 3–2 win in a scrappy affair with Chris Stone despite being outscored — Stone hit six tons, a 20-darter and finished with the better average (58.91), but Perry found the doubles when it mattered.
Luke Loveitt gave the home side the lead for the first time with a sharp 3–1 win over Andy Kindred, landing a 90 checkout and averaging just shy of 58. Ryan Crook extended the Oak’s lead to 3–1, seeing off Fred Mitchenson in another close one, with six tons, a 100 finish, and a 25-dart leg helping him edge it 3–2.
The Nav weren’t done yet though. Andy Broadhurst was in relentless scoring form in game five, firing in nine tons and closing with an 18-darter and 74.81 average — comfortably the best of the night — as he beat Steve Lawless 3–1 to pull it back to 3–2.
Game six saw Steven Lee step up for the home side and deliver the result that sealed the match. Lee hit six tons, a 22-dart leg and a 58.84 average as he took a 3–2 win over Kev Kelly, who averaged 60.68 himself and pushed the game all the way.
In the final match of the night, Callum Loose earned Navigation a third win with a classy display against Lee Medd. Loose hit seven tons, an 18-darter, and a 109 finish — the highest of the match — to complete a 3–1 win and ensure Navigation took three points on the night.
It ended 4–3 to the Royal Oak, who start the season with a win and will be pleased with how their squad shaped up. Navigation, for their part, showed real quality in spells — particularly through Broadhurst and Loose — and won’t be short of wins this season either.
Urmston SC 3 vs 4 Volunteer
These two teams have met three times previously, all in the 2023-24 season when the Volunteer came out on top on all three occasions. In this fourth meeting of the sides, Volunteer once again edged out Urmston, this time by a scoreline of 4–3, despite Urmston’s strong start and some eye-catching stats.
It was all going to plan for the home side early on, with Gaz Lane putting in one of the best individual performances of the night. His 139 checkout, 62.60 average, and 18-dart leg gave him a tidy 3–1 win over Karl Bannister to open the home sides account. Joe Kirk then made it 2–0 for Urmston with a clinical 3–0 win, helped along by three ton-plus scores and a 57.08 average.
Dan O’Donnell kick-started the comeback with a straight legs win, before Tony Grinnell found just enough to edge past Jacaub Worrall 3–1 in g ame four, levelling the match at 2–2. Volunteer then took the lead for the first time thanks to James Roberts, who claimed a 3-0 win against Harry Fitton.
Luke Lonergan briefly stopped the rot for Urmston, holding his nerve in a 3–2 win against Christopher Grinnell to tie it up once more, but in the deciding game, it was Gary Williams who stepped up. A 180, four tons, and a match-high 69.70 average saw him edge past Stephen Lye 3–2, despite Lye’s classy stats including eight tons and the least darts of the night (16).
Division 2
Broadheath showed no ill effects after last seasons relegation to Division 2 with a solid 5-2 win against the Melville, while the promoted teams from Division 3 all took to their new surroundings like ducks to water – The Bulls Head with an impressive 5-2 win against the Roebuck, Sale Excel edging out Carters Arms 4-3, and the reigning Division 3 Champions Fusion Aces (as they are now called following a move from Broadheath Central) beating Ashton-on-Mersey 4-3. In the other game this week, Trafford Social claimed a 4-3 win over St Anthonys A.
Broadheath Central 5 vs 2 The Melville
Broadheath Central put in a composed performance to take a 5–2 win over Melville, securing seven points from the fixture, and also taking the gallon 2-0.
Brandon Lawley opened the evening with a narrow 3–2 win over Gary Brisco, both players firing in five tons and Lawley adding an 18-dart leg, the joint best of the night. Dan Cross followed up with another 3–2 victory, edging out Jon Powell in a tight contest and giving Broadheath Central a 2–0 lead.
Melville responded in Game 3, as Cam McFarlane got the better of Lee Darcey with a 3–1 win and produced the highest finish of the match with an 86 checkout. Broadheath restored their momentum through Jordan Woodbridge, who beat Owen Powell 3–2 in a high-quality battle – Woodbridge hit a 180 and seven ton-plus scores, while Powell was unluck in defeat, with a 61.66 average, four tons, and an 18-darter.
Melville kept themselves in the match when Bradley Hodgson came through 3–2 against JonJo Devon in Game 5, but Broadheath sealed the result soon after. Leyton Jackson got over the line 3–2 against Paul Sambrook, who had stacked up eight tons in a strong showing, while James Eatock wrapped things up with a final 3–2 win over Tom Powell.
Sale Excel 4 vs 3 Carters Arms
Sale Excel claimed a hard-fought 4–3 win over Carters Arms in Division 2, overcoming a gallon defeat to take control in the singles and earn six league points.
Carters Arms started strong, taking the gallon 2–1 through Gavin Halton and Andrew Nicholson, but Michael Watling got the hosts moving with a 3–0 win over Charles Windsor that included two ton-plus scores and a 180.
Andy Cheetham followed up with a clean sweep of Johnathan Thierens, registering a high finish of 80. Carters Arms struck back in Game 3 as John Thierens produced three tons and a 79 finish to take a 3–0 win and reduce the deficit.
Danny Chua responded for Sale Excel with a 3–0 win over Dave Sills, before Terry Caine pulled one back for the visitors in Game 5, taking down Jimmy Nolan 3–0 and hitting two ton-plus scores along the way.
With the match in the balance, Peter Sage delivered the result for Sale Excel with a 3–0 win over Phil Laws, capped off by a 180 and a high finish of 68. In the final game, Harry Mitchell grabbed another point for Carters Arms, beating Marvin Daniel 3–1 hitting an 18 darter and landing the highest finish of the night with a 97 checkout.
Roebuck 2 vs 5 Bulls Head
The Roebuck started the night with a strong showing in the gallon, winning it 2–0. But Bull’s Head took control once the singles began, coming out on top with a 5–2 win.
Jamie Harris got Bull’s Head off the mark hitting five ton-plus scores during a 3–2 deciding leg victory over Ash Aikenhead. Steve Hazelhurst followed up with a 3–0 win against Zoe Morris, to double the visitors’ lead.
Bo Bowman was in excellent form as he swept past Mark Garnett 3–0, recording the highest average of the night at 66.10 and piling on the pressure. Rob Barber then sealed the fixture for Bull’s Head with a 3–0 win over Chris Merriman, making it 4–0 overall and securing the bonus points.
Chris Haycock responded for The Roebuck in Game 5 with a convincing 3–0 win over Alex Rydstrom, including two ton-plus scores to get his side on the board. In the sixth, Bill Morris edged out Harry Simper 3–2 in a tight battle, narrowing the gap to 4–2 overall.
The final game saw Iain Fish and Ben Westwood go the distance, with Fish just doing enough in the decider to take a 3–2 win and round off the match.
Bull’s Head leave with 7 league points from the night, while The Old Roebuck collect 2 from their pair of singles wins and will take encouragement from a competitive finish.
Trafford Social 4 vs 3 St Anthonys A
It was a familiar tight battle between these two sides, with Trafford Social Club edging past St Anthonys A in yet another 4–3 contest, the sixth such scoreline in the last six meetings between these teams.
The visitors started strong with a 3–2 win for Mark Corrigan over Jordan Fry, who fired in six ton-plus scores in defeat. Trafford levelled it up as Andrew Wood came through 3–1 against Dom Batty, despite Batty notching five 100+ scores of his own.
Andrew Davies gave Trafford the lead with a clean 3–0 win over Ian Paton, before Jake Neersoo extended the advantage by also winning 3–0, this time against Mark Paton. Neersoo helped himself to three 100+ scores in the process.
Shaun Gill gave St Anthonys a lifeline, winning 3–0 against Alan Wands with a solid 51.24 average.
But Trafford sealed the match in Game 6, as Gaz Collins beat Alan Farrar 3–0, before Carl Paton grabbed a second win for the away side, taking out Alex Buckley 3–1. Buckley had earlier hit three 100+ scores and posted a 55.71 average, the highest of the match.
Ashton-on-Mersey CC 3 vs 4 Fusion Aces
AOM CC hosted Fusion Aces in their opening Division 2 fixture and got off to a good start, taking the gallon 2–1.
The Aces struck first in the main game, as Nigel Beeton eased past Harry Guthrie 3–0 to open the scoring. AOM CC hit back immediately through Stephen Orton, who levelled things with a tidy 3–1 win that included three ton-plus scores.
James Compton made it 2–1 for the hosts with a dominant straight-legs win, before the match swung again. Chris Chapman and Andy Brownhill went the distance in the next, with both players scoring well and Chapman with a 100 finish, but it was Brownhill’s five tons and a 180 that helped him to a 3–2 win.
Mike Buckley nudged AOM CC back in front with a 3–2 win, finding three tons along the way. But from there, the night belonged to the visitors.
Newcomer Chris Cordingley levelled it once more at 3–3 with a clean win over Mark Robinson, and Darren Wood sealed the fixture in style with a 3–0 victory to take the overall match 4–3.
A strong finish from Fusion Aces sees them walk away with the bonus points and a well-earned six-point haul. AOM CC take three from a hard-fought fixture.
Division 3
LMRCA showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in Division 3 this season as the recently relegated side claimed a statement 6-1 win against the Old Market Tavern. The Buck Inn-eers were the form team at the end of last season, and carried this over into the new campaign with a 5-2 defeat of Royal Oak B, The Vine had a statement 5-2 win at the Horseshoe, who only missed out on promotion to Division 2 on the final day of last season, while the Bent Brook edged out Dog and Partridge 4-3. The Jolly Butcher had a bye and will get their season underway next week.
Buck Inn-eers 5 vs 2 Royal Oak B
Buck Inn-eers opened their season with a 5–2 win at home to Royal Oak B, following up a 2–1 gallon victory with a strong showing in the main game.
James Abbey got things rolling with a confident 2–0 win over Pete DeCordova, averaging 53.68 and hitting two tons along the way, before Matt Kershaw doubled the lead, edging Jack Holt 2–1, with a 45.97 average and a tidy 32 checkout. Royal Oak hit back in Game 3 as Rob Whiteside saw off Niall Moffatt in straight legs, giving the visitors their first point of the night.
Rick Hindle restored the gap with a 2–0 win over Andrew Mossop, throwing three ton-plus scores and averaging 57.81 – the best of the night, but Royal Oak refused to go away, with Mark Gilmore clinching a 2–1 win in Game 5 thanks to a match-high 91 checkout.
Birthday girl Charlotte Bloomfield claimed a 2-0 win over Jayden Strong to take Game 6, before George Banner wrapped things up with a 2–0 win over Jack Bushell as the Buck Inn-eers take the win, the gallon, and seven league points.
Horseshoe 2 vs 5 Vine Inn
Vine Inn began their Division 3 campaign in strong form with a 5–2 away win at the Horseshoe, taking the gallon 2–1 before carrying that momentum into the main event.
James Garside set the tone with a 2–0 win over Ryan Murphy, hitting three ton-plus scores and averaging 47.71 before Josh Bailey followed up with a tight 2–1 win over Josh McQuillan, posting a 40.93 average and a 29-dart leg to double the lead.
Kyran Eyes made it 3–0 overall, defeating David Duffy in straight legs, backed by a 52.74 average and a 64 checkout before Charlie Sanders sealed the win, seeing off Rob Moss 2–0 with the highest finish of the night (72) and a match high 58.94 average.
The Horseshoe finally got on the board in Game 5 as George Moss edged Geoff Sanders 2–1, hitting four 100+ scores and a 48.33 average, but the Vine hit straight back through Billy Sanders, who took a 2–0 win over Oscar Coutts, with a 49.28 average and two tons.
Karl Jones added a further consolation point for the hosts with a 2–1 win in the final game against Dave Goulden.
Old Market Tavern 1 vs 6 LMRCA
Newly relegated LMRCA set their stall out early this season and delivered a dominant opening night display in Division 3, winning 6–1 away at Old Market Tavern. The hosts had started brightly, taking the gallon 2–0, but that early momentum quickly faded once the singles games began.
Les Potts got the Tavern off to the perfect start in the main game, sweeping aside Tony Spilsbury 2–0 with two 100+ scores, a 29-dart leg, and a match-high 54 checkout but that, however, would be the home side’s only success.
Ron Cooke hit back immediately for LMRCA in Game 2, beating Mandy Haycocks in straight legs and posting the highest average of the night at 61.35, with a 24-dart leg and a pair of tons and from there, LMRCA took control.
Derek Ostick edged out Howard Haycocks 2–1 in Game 3, before Joe Davis repeated the same scoreline against Angela Haycocks in the fourth game.
Ciaran Algar continued the charge and sealed the match with a 2–0 win over Emily Haycocks, hitting three ton-plus scores and a 25-dart leg. Alan Gleave and Tony Feesey closed it out in style for the visitors – both winning 2–1 and both adding a pair of tons to cap off a complete team performance.
A strong statement from LMRCA, who leave with six league points and top the early table.
Bent Brook 4 vs 3 Dog & Partridge
Bent Brook edged out Dog & Partridge 4–3 in a tight Division 3 battle, having earlier taken the gallon 2–0 to open the night.
Josh Shaw set the tone with a 2–1 win over Dave Cook in Game 1, before Chris Conduit hit back for the visitors, sweeping past Sean Digan 2–0 with a sharp 20-dart leg and a 65.35 average — the highest of the match.
Dave Harris followed up for Dog & Partridge, beating Alex Morton 2–0, and giving the away side a 2–1 lead overall.
Sam Oldham responded for Bent Brook, levelling things at 2–2 with a 2–1 win over 180 hitting Elliot Wynne.
Paul Charnock produced the standout performance of the night in game 5 when beating Tom Spillane 2–0 with four ton-plus scores and a classy 77.08 average to make it 3–2 to the hosts.
Connor O’Toole sealed the match for Bent Brook with a composed 2–0 victory over Chris Pollard, backed by two 100+ scores and a 55.67 average, and Graham Beech gained a consolation point in the final game, edging Jake Proctor 2–1 with four tons and a 67 finish.
Match Stats
Division 4
South Manchester Darts includes a fourth Division for the first time ever this season, after an influx of eight brand new teams and the return of some familiar faces as Wythenshawe CSC make a welcome return to the league. All the new teams made their debuts, with three 5-2 scorelines – Fusion Sports getting the better of the Old Plough, Metros Sports beating Burst, and Brooklands Tap overcoming the Garrick. The remaining game saw a 4-3 win for Cringlewood B over St Anthonys C. Wythenshawe had a bye, and will be in action for the first time next week.
Fusion Sports 5 vs 2 Old Plough
Fusion Sports kicked off their campaign with a convincing 5–2 win over Old Plough. They also claimed the gallon 2–0, but it was their five singles wins that earned them seven league points from the fixture.
Old Plough opened strong, with Paul Fent taking the opener 2–0 against Daniel Long, landing a 37 checkout and averaging 40.08. But Fusion quickly swung the momentum their way.
Martin Long responded with a 2–1 win over Reece Newell, before Stephen Wilcox briefly restored the lead for Old Plough in Game 3, edging out Andrew Mills 2–1. Mills still impressed with two 100+ scores and a 47.19 average.
From there, Fusion took control. Stephen Barnes swept aside Stephen Senior 2–0 with a sharp 61.35 average and a 52 checkout. Tony Pope followed with a 2–0 win over Darren Horridge, and Rhys Barnes added another point with a 2–0 win over Lewis Kent — finishing on 76 and averaging 52.74.
Matthew Barnes closed the night with a 2–0 win over Matt Melling, hitting four 100+ scores — the most of any player on the night.
Metros Sports 5 vs 2 Burst
Metros Sports opened their Division 4 campaign with a confident 5–2 win over Burst, recovering from a gallon defeat to take control of the singles and bank seven league points.
Mike Bray set the tone for the hosts in Game 1, easing past Ray Townhill 2–0 with a tidy 56.71 average and a 66 checkout — the joint highest average, and highest finish of the match. Mckenzie Evans struck back for Burst in Game 2, sweeping aside Andrew Lewis 2–0. Evans landed the only 180 of the night and matched Bray’s 56.71 average in a standout performance.
Callum Medd nudged Metros back in front in Game 3, edging past Danny Bannister 2–1 with a ton and steady scoring. Game 4 saw another response from Burst as Jack Newsham beat Harry Wilson 2–0, keeping things level at 2–2 overall.
From there, Metros found another gear. Wayne Billing picked up a 2–1 win over Mark Leather, hitting two 100+ scores and posting a solid 53.96 average. Gareth Cooke followed with another 2–1 win, this time over Jimmy Murphy, who had fired in a couple of tons but couldn’t find the finish. Craig Wych sealed the result in Game 7, beating Marc Tancock 2–1 closing with a composed 52.77 average.
Brooklands Tap 5 vs 2 Garricks Head
Brooklands Tap secured a 5–2 victory at home to Garricks Head, starting the night with a 2–0 win in the gallon and carrying that momentum into the main game. Their five singles wins, along with the bonus points, earned them seven league points to open the season.
Lee Armsden opened the singles with a 2–0 win over Connor Trueman, while Trevor Frost edged out Jim Higginson 2–1 to give Brooklands a strong start. Tristan Cullen dropped Game 3 against James Heslop 1–2, but still hit three ton-plus scores and averaged 49.08 in defeat. Heslop’s four tons and 56.58 average led the line for Garricks and helped them onto the scoreboard.
Tom Brinnan brought the visitors level with a 2–0 win over Dan Williams, but that was as close as it got. Gerard Gornall turned the momentum back Brooklands’ way in Game 5, winning 2–1 over Hayden Tiplady and posting the best leg of the night with a 19-darter and a 52.76 average.
Mike Cribbin followed with a 2–1 win over Daryl Patrick, backed by two tons and a 45.55 average, before Jamie Williams wrapped things up in style — beating Derek Gilruth 2–0 with a clinical 60.00 average and the highest finish of the match: a 104 checkout.
Cringlewood B 4 vs 3 St Anthonys C
Cringlewood B edged out St Anthonys C in a tense 4–3 win, backed up by a 2–0 gallon victory to take home six league points.
Neil Chappell got Cringlewood off to a steady start with a 2–0 win over Ryan Horrocks. In Game 2, Dale Holt levelled the score for St Anthonys with a 2–1 win against Nick Delaney — although Delaney hit the highest finish of the night with a 66 checkout in defeat.
Cringlewood’s Michael Basham edged a competitive third game, beating Eddie Williamson 2–1 with three ton-plus scores and a strong 52.08 average. His teammate Harrison Doherty followed up with a 2–0 win over Michael Horrocks, extending Cringlewood’s lead to 3–1 overall.
Jimmy Starr responded for St Anthonys in Game 5 with the best individual performance of the night — beating Dillon Delaney 2–0 with a sharp 62.63 average and a 62 checkout. But Jackson Dace sealed the match in Game 6 for Cringlewood, seeing off Dan Tierney 2–0 and finishing with a 51.83 average.
Steve Williams picked up a third point for the visitors in the final game, beating Mark Chappell 2–0 while landing three 100+ scores — the most by any player on the night.
A close battle, but Cringlewood take the match and the gallon for a perfect start. St Anthonys leave with three points and three singles wins to build on.
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