Patriots close to defeat by stable-mates Pretenders

LEAGUE positions usually count for nothing in a “derby” match and that theory was proved correct in the Porters Function Room 501 Top 20 League when runaway leaders Patriots came within one point of losing their unbeaten record.

Porters Pretenders began the match 96 points behind their illustrious opponents but pushed them the full distance despite trailing 3-1 after the early exchanges.

Scott Wapshott and Matt Chegwin won their 601 doubles when clinching the deciding leg in 21 darts before Chegwin again proved a thorn in the league leader’s side when making it 5-5, claiming the winning leg in 15.

But outstanding finishing by Alex Turner (pictured) with checkouts of 122 and 114 enabled him to win the 11th and deciding point 3-0 for Patriots to keep their unbeaten tag by the narrowest of margins.

A 15-darter from Ian Heggie in a 3-0 singles victory was the highlight of Indian Inn’s 7-4 success against Maritime Nutters while Fawn B defeated Victory B 9-2 with heavy scoring from Quinton Taylor (100x12), Robbie Newland (100x12) and Jaden Whitting (100x11).

Maritime Musketeers defeated Torpoint Cons 8-3 while The Falstaff claimed maximum points when hosting The Clifton.

Dave Pethick (100x12) was Octagon’s leading exponent in their 10-1 defeat of Fawn A while Kings Arms took maximum points when hosting Maritime Misfits.

The Oreston side had Tony Teal (100x13) emerging a 3-2 winner in 14, 21 and 15 while Warren Gordon (30.67) won in 16, 19 and 14.

Marc Webber hit two maximums but ended up on the wrong end of a 9-2 scoreline when Cherry Tree were defeated by Maritime Governors.

Lee Hellings (100x13) top scored for the winners but taking the plaudits was Cornwall county player Neil Meneer who, in winning 3-0 in 14, 14 and 17, gained an excellent average of 33.40.

Cherry Tree’s George Beckett had some consolation when his outshot of 158 proved to be the week’s best.

Other notable finishes were achieved by: Mike Nancholas (156), Kenny McCollum (123), Dave Pethick (116), James Stoodley (114), Louis Yates (112), Antony Hayman (100).