Guy sweeps Rutherford aside with dominant performance

KEVIN Guy was the star performer in week 20 of the Knack Premier League in Seaham after the reigning champion hammered Barry Rutherford 6- 0.

This was despite Rutherford putting in one of his best displays.

However, Guy proved too strong as he had best legs of 17, 21 ( twice) and two excellent 15 darters with checkouts of 116 and a tremendous match winning 152 finish.

John Allan finally moved off the bottom of the table after an unexpected draw against high- flying John Redpath with 19 and 20 darters the best by both players.

Leader Paul Williams was made to work hard as Neil Mather put in a valiant display, but Williams maintained his perfect season with a 6- 2 win.

Williams enjoyed winning legs of 19, 18, 20, 14, 21 and 22 darts, while Mather hit a maximum and a 104 finish in a best leg of 18 darts.

John Squire hit two 21 darters in a 6- 2 win over Ray Malarkey which sees Ray drop to the bottom of the league.

Tyne and Wear County legend John Nicholson made it three wins in a row as he moved in to the coveted top eight with a hard fought 6- 3 win over Dave Brown.

After falling just short in each of the three seasons, Steve Skinner finally looks like getting a shot at the big prize in the main finals night with another fine performance in a 6- 1 win over Spiller Henderson, putting him inside the top eight.

Davey Thompson stays in second place after two solid performances on the night.

First up was fifth placed Anth Skelton with Thompson running out a 6- 3 winner, with winning legs of 14, 24, 18, 19 and 21 ( twice) darts including a 120 checkout.

Next up for Thompson was Alan Smith with best legs of 17, 18 and two 21 darters, giving Thompson a 6- 2 win.

Smith had more success earlier in the night as he beat Neil Richardson 6- 2.

Smith hit a maximum and had best legs of 16 and 17 darts to leave him just two points off eighth place.

Neil Rose was a 6- 3 winner over Anthony Gale with best legs of 17,18 and 19 darts.