Top trio battle it out after festive break

Three determined to maintain points

The three-way battle at the top of the Airdrie and District Darts League continued as the league resumed after the festive break.

League leaders The Post had a tough task against an in-form side from The Barnyard.

The game went all the way to the last double to decide the points.

Paul Cushen led the way for The Calderbank team with an 18-dart win while in-form Kenny Campbell and Dougie Pairman had 20 darters each.

Ricky Grant notched a 19-darter for The Barnyard to keep themselves in the game up to the last double, but they missed their chances and couldn’t take a point.

The Clansman were brought back to reality after their Harlequin Trophy win as they were well-beaten by titlechallenging Carsons.

Ernie Brown was on the mark for the reining champions with a 17-dart win, and Derek Cunningham also hit a 180.

The Clansman had their moments but not enough of them on a tough night.

At the Workmen’s Club the visitors were the Boar’s Head, who were up for the match against the B boys.

A 15- dart and 16- dart win for district champion Stevie Carson showed he was in good form and a 20dart and 21-dart outing from Stuart Ferguson kept the visitors at bay.

The Workmen’s B side looked to were five ahead - and looked sure to be six when Scott Gibb fired in a 17-dart win, but a brace of 21-dart wins for Ross Walker showed he still retains some of his great youth form and is a match for anybody.

There was little else for the visitors to take from this match though and the game was decided after the first double.

The Swan took both points away from The West End in a decent match up.

John Davidson got the home side off to a brilliant start with a 135 checkout a 180 and a 21-dart win, but it was not enough as the visitors rattled in the highlights with Brian Earle getting a 180 and a 21- dart score.

Gordon Jackson also hit a 21-darter and Alex Gordon belted in an 18-darter with a 118 checkout to get the Chapelhall men off to the perfect start.

Bottom of the league Wilson Arms were beaten at the Bank Social Club.

Frank Toal hit an 18 darter for the home team while Scott Hamilton took two darts more.

The Eagle were also far too strong for the resurgent Workmens A. Ped Cummings led the way with a 20-dart win while team mate Craig McKinnon hit an 18.

RESULTS for January 22:

West End 3 The Swan 9, Bank Social Club 9 Wilson Arms 3, Workmen’s B Boar’s Head 3 Carsons 9 The Clansman 3, The Barnyard 5 The Post 7, The Eagle 11 Workmen’s A 1.