RELEGATION THREAT: Cornwall

Darts

RELEGATION THREAT:

Cornwall suffered their second defeat on the bounce after Dorset beat them 20-16 in division one of the British Inter Counties Championship and are precariously close to being involved in another relegation dogfight, writes Steve Chapman. Dorset took the opening two sets of the ladies' B encounter but a spirited fight back from the visitors saw them edge in front 3-2, with wins from Tania Jenkin (15.10), Sarah Gill (17.33) and Sandra Yendle (17.35). The hosts had the last word though and 3-3 was a fitting result from a very competitive fixture that saw the first five sets all going the full distance. Although Cornwall lost the opener in the men's B event, four wins on the bounce, provided by Ian Knowles (24.64), Dave Copplestone (20.53), Paul Cook (21.20) and Brian Jones (24.88) who was wearing the county colours once again after a long absence, pushed the scoreline along. Cornwall only took one of the next four, but what a win it was when Simon McClary (22.14) went the full distance before winning the fifth and deciding leg with a bull finish. Perseverance paid off though and further wins from Mike Smith (26.45) and man of the match Kevin Davey (29.47) enabled Cornwall to end the first day with a 10-8 lead. The Sunday though did not provide the best of starts, Cornwall's ladies A team, who for season after season, have been the main strength of the squad, crashed 5-1. Four of the five were lost however by the odd leg in five, but the statistics will show that only Nikki Furse (21.14) emerged a winner. Trailing 13-11, Simon Stevenson (23.88) reduced the deficit to a single point with a positive 3-2 victory and although Cornwall lost the next, a 3-1 win from Mike Jones (23.57) kept the visitors within touching distance. Despite losing the fourth set, Kevin De Rosa (20.31) emerged a 3-0 winner, aided by a checkout of 134 before Danny May (25.51) and Tug Wilson (20.76) also hit the winning formula. The visitors were now holding a 16-15 lead but hopes were soon dashed when only Steve Pascoe (28.57) emerged a winner from the last five and an overall victory was snatched from their grasp as Cornwall went down 20-16.

LADIES TEAMS WANTED:

Ladies' darts teams from the east of the county are required to compete in Cornwall Super League which starts in April and goes through until August. Teams need to be four a side, playing a team game, two doubles and four singles and reserves are permitted. Entry forms and further details can be obtained from league secretary Graham Toms on 01208 831408 or Peter and Lesley Mutton on 01579 320084. ( source link...)