Atkinson shows his calibre

STEVE Atkinson was in superb form in the Stockport Individual Premier League, when he fired home quality shots of 20, 17, 16, 13 and 15 darts in his 5-3 win over Pal Taylor (16, 19, 15), before hitting his doubles in 16, 16, 16, 19 and 21 to take out John Hyman (19, 20).

Derek Higgins (16, 25, 15, 24 and 20) was in fine form in his opening game, winning in five straight legs against Ray Gamble. He then shared the points with Taylor.

Dave Beckett collected maximum points when he beat Frank Guest in his first game 5-1, he then finished his nights darting with shots of 21, 21, 20, 21 and 20 in a 5-2 victory over Steve Rogers, who won his final game 5-2 against Paul Holland in 23, 16, 18, 23 and 18.

Steve Gallimore was once again in fine form checking out in 19, 18, 16, 18 and 19 to beat Stinger Wray 5-2, before top darts of 17, 20, 17, 18 and 18 pushed him ahead of Dave Adshead 5-2, who moved on to register a 5-1 win against Mark Daniels.

John Traynor passed the wining post in 20, 17, 19, 24 and 18 to enjoy his only game of the night with a 5-0 win over Stephan Graham.

In the Stockport Super League Fingerpost with the help of Stuart Harding (18, 20) Dave Airey (20, 18) Tom Williams (23, 19) and Steve Pritchard (22, 25) were comfortable 5-2 victors over Bulls Head Marple.

Thatched Tavern won by the odd game 4-3 against Queens A, Joe Hayes (18, 23) Darren Edgerton (24, 23) John Murray (25, 24) and Mark Naven (18, 28) were their main winners, leaving Paul Ferguson (27, 27) and Ray Gamble (23, 31) to reply for the visitors.

Union B sent Klondyke Club home with a 5-2 defeat, Dave Adshead (21, 20) Andy Smith (21, 21) and Ray Mathews (21, 22) were the home sides target men.

South West Manchester Cricket Club edged home 4-3 at Queens B, Lennie Clews (21, 23) Lee Hanzl (20, 21) Steve Cullum (22, 25) and Paul Briton (21, 26) were their star men.

Midland Hotel won by the same score over Wheatsheaf B, their top three winners were Geoff Millward (19, 25) Derek Higgins (20, 28) and John Traynor (25, 29).

Cow and Calf demolished Railway 7-0 in the Bredbury Licensed Houses League , Mark Crowther (21, 27) John Carrol (26, 26) and Fran Tracey (25, 28) were their top winners.

Bredbury Conservative Club B were 6-1 winners at Greyhound A, Pete Townley (21, 28) and George Nuttall (25, 31) for the visitors.