Defending Cosmo Darts Premiership Champions Lancashire’s hopes of a third title suffered a setback as they were beaten in the War of the Roses battle with Yorkshire.
A strong performance on the opening day, with standout performances from Josh Clough and Adam Warner put the visitors into a commanding 13-5 position overnight.
A draw in the Women’s A set Lancashire a tough task to secure a point, against a strong Yorkshire Men’s A side. Despite Lee Shewan securing the opening point for the home side, Tony Darlow and Carl Wilkinson lead their side to a convincing 24-12 victory to narrow the gap on the hosts at the top of the table
Second placed Hampshire travelled to Dorset, with teenager Neve Turner making her debut for the visitors as they lost narrowly 19-17 with Dan Perry securing victory for the Poole based side, despite the efforts of Laura Turner and Chas Barstow for the South Coast outfit.
Glamorgan also suffered defeat on the road at Lincolnshire, who picked up their second win of the season 21-15, with Lloyd Pennell and Trina Gulliver MBE putting in strong displays for the home side.
Nikki Furse, Pauline Mead and the evergreen John Mann set Cornwall on the way to a 22-14 victory in the South West over Humberside. A whitewash by the home sides Women’s A team over their visitors played a significant impact on the final result.
Essex’s Stacey Ellis again showed her talents with a player of the match performance, that inspired her team to a 25-11 at Staffordshire. James Hughes shone for the home side in defeat, against a tough visiting side with Keegan Brown, Brad Halls and Richie Howson in their ranks.
Hertfordshire produced the result of the weekend in the Andy Wheeler Consultancy Championship, as they defeated their West Midlands host 25-11, with Daniel Varney, Rex Cole, Joe Croft and Kerry O’Connor all playing huge parts in the win.
The result closes the gap on leaders London at the top of the division, who scraped a draw against visiting Oxfordshire, despite conceding a lead to an Oxon side inspired by Karen Williams, Shane Turner. Steve Dennett.
The wheels came off for second placed Northamptonshire, who slipped to a 23-13 defeat at home to neighbours Cambridgeshire, with veteran Dennis Harbour and Phil Johnson-Hale on fire for the visitors.
Derbyshire won the last five points of the weekend to pick up a win over Sussex. Victories for Rose Mort, Rebecca Hoyland and Jo Oldershaw for the home side drew the sides level before the men secured the points with stand out wins for Pete Hadfield and Nigel Daniels.
The final game in the Championship saw Cheshire came back to secure a draw against Cleveland, thanks to victory in the final two games for Perry Davenport and Joe Rowlands.
Undefeated The Black Country, looking to secure their third promotion in as many years of existence were turned over at home by Leicestershire.
A 5-1 win for the Leicestershire Women’s B on Saturday, set the tone for the weekend, as the home side failed to recover from a 13-5 overnight deficit to go down to a 24-12 loss as Jason Lole (pictured) delivered the performance of the weekend for the visitors to remain unbeaten in his last 22 appearances for his county.
Gwent have now moved to the summit of L-style Division One thanks to a narrow 19-17 victory in Exeter against Devon as Mike Fleet secured the win in the final game of this encounter.
Marcus Hawkins showed his potential with victory for Gwent on the Saturday, with the new divisional leaders next in action against Tyne & Wear in Round 6.
Suffolk and Berkshire also remain in the hunt for promotion following wins away at Buckinghamshire and Somerset respectively.
A thumping 11-1 win for the Merseyside Men A in Llangefni saw their side to a 26-10 win against their Welsh hosts, with highlight displays from Patrik Williams, Steve Gow and Robbie Gorst.
The next round of matches in the Darts Corner National League will be played over the weekend of the 3rd & 4th February 2024.