Darts in the Harrogate & District league has been quiet over the last Year as far as sports reports are concerned so a quick summary will allow old and new readers to catch up on the local leagues action.
Last Winter and Summer leagues saw a new top team in the area achieving a rare double of league titles, Manhattan Dales saw off strong opposition from league favourites Bilton Batsmen, and a resurgent Slip Inn plus Harrogate Conservative Club in both winter and summer competitions.
Taking this Year’s summer Individuals trophy, Gary Hobson, and in the Pairs, the sun shone double for Gary, as he took the title with Graham Coates.
The traditional season opener, the Les Hanslow trophy was won by Manhattan Dales team captain, Rick Harper, in a quality, equal arrows game against Ian Basldon.
Son on to this season, already 3 fixtures in the league has a familiar feel to it with the big 4 at the top of the table.
|
Pyd |
Won |
Sng |
Prs |
Pts |
|
| Bilton Batsmen |
3 |
3 |
13 |
8 |
21 |
| Cons Club MaHoosive |
3 |
3 |
13 |
6 |
19 |
| Manhattan Dales |
3 |
3 |
12 |
7 |
19 |
| Railway Athletic |
2 |
2 |
8 |
5 |
13 |
Division 2 welcomes new team the Muckles, and congratulates them on their first overall match victory, 5-4 over the Wellington Inn, 2 (21) dart legs from Bri Metcalfe could not stop the Muckles as Kris Goodman’s 17 Dart leg helped the team over the finish line for a historic victory.
Games of note in the first division this week include an 88 average leg, in 17 Darts for Steve Higgins as the Bilton Batsmen beat the Trades Hall 6-3, Graham Coates saw a good individual victory against last season’s individual champion Tony Sharratt. Alex Pride continued his solid for with 2 games of 22 and 20 darts, and team mate Carl Heptinstall chipped in with a quality 20 Dart leg.
The Cons Club Mahoosive are battling with a rotational game with a squad to be wary of this season, and team Captain, Chris Nelson has already indicated that his selection issues this season may beyond his man management skills.
Chris said: The team are off to a good start and 2nd in the league at this early point, although promising.
It means nothing till we smash the Batsmen though.
We will stick with it and rotate the team, even if it means I take a back seat.
Winning all the Pairs games made the difference, and confirmed that the team is stronger than the individual.
The Cons Club Saw off a strong Londesboro Club this week with an unlikely 6-3 Victory The Londesboro were off to a fast start winning the first 2 games 2 legs to 0, all games in 24 darts or under, Ian Malkin changed the tide with a 2-0 game in 17 and 18 darts over double “180” man Colin Ingles.
Newly promoted Knaresborough team, George & Dragon have found the first 3 fixtures tough going with their last game against last Year’s League Champions, The Manhattan Dales ending in a 7-2 defeat. New signing Steve Towson hit a quick fire 180 in his return to the Harrogate league in a 23 dart leg, and Tony Garbutt saw the only other winning game of the match for the Dragon boys. Shaun Sowray won in a fast 19 dart leg to add to his 40 dart double trouble game, and newly crowned Les Hanslow Champion Rick Harper won in 20 and 21 darts, David Singh completed the singles with a solid 22 dart leg against an in form Mark Crossley.
Division 1 new boys Manhattan Skyline are still searching for their first victory at home or on the road, but pushed hard against last year’s league runners up the Slip Inn. Individual victories in the game for Alex Roadley, including a 180 in the leg he lost, others won in 21/23 darts, were not enough in a close 5-4 Slip Victory, Paul Brecken in 23, Aidy Shaw in 23 and 22 plus Phil Taylor in 23 saw the opportunity for the Skylines first victory taken in the last 2 pairs games of the evening.
A big welcome back to the Empress pub, who have re-joined the Harrogate league and played their first game of dart in anger since 2005, their first game was a close call defeat by one point, so welcome Sue, Anne, Carrie, and Dana bringing grace to an otherwise nearly all male dominated league.
The Wellington Inn this week suffered their first defeat, but look strong at the top of division 2, Bri Metcalfe, winning in 22 and 21 dart legs, plus Dave Metcalfe wrapping up the singles with a 23 dart leg.
For more news and all results on the Harrogate Darts league please find them on Facebook, and on line at www.harrogatedarts.co.uk.
Wayne Campbell: League Secretary
