HARBOROUGH Men's Summer Darts League got under way with nine matches across three divisions.
In division A a contest between Red Cow C and Nag’s Head A saw big names Pete Johnson and Rob Arnold go head to head.
Cow’s Johnson impressed with two 140s and 100 away, while Arnold replied with six 100-plus scores and narrowly won the set for Na
g’s. Cow then surged back to gain a 4-2 advantage following superb efforts from Dave Claffey and Mark Booker (120 away, 4 x 100).
In the pairs, Nag’s struggled, despite a strong performance by Andy Barker (140, 2 x100), and Cow finally secured a 7-2 victory.
In division B, the league’s first 180 of the season was chalked up by Shoulder of Mutton’s John Burnham. The talented player recorded the maximum during a clash with Woolpack, helping his team to go 4-2 ahead.
Woolpacks’ singles star was pub landlord Sherman Lightfoot, who hit two 140s and won his set 2-0.
Shoulder continued to shine in the pairs - with fine arrows from Tom Cooper - and won all three sets for a 7-2 success.
In division C, Benels B went 2-0 ahead against Harborough Conservative C following wins for Mark Patrick and Ian Baxter (140, 3 x 100).
Conservative then fought back to 4-2 in front after superb darts by Adam Coe and Barry Hiron (118, 85 out).
The pairs saw Benels produce fine arrows through Antony May (2 x 140) but Conservative won two sets for a 6-3 triumph.
Division C also witnessed a superb achievement by Mark Stevens of Top Club.
In a match against Nag’s Head C, he hit a 160 start - putting him in early pole position for the Highest Start competition.
Top also recorded excellent darts by Phil Gardside (2 x 140), while Malc Woodhouse shone for Nag’s with six 100-plus shots.
The singles ended with the scores level at 3-3 but Top then won all three pairs for a 6-3 victory.
