Harrogate Darts League: 32 battle it out to reach Bilton quarter-finals

First round games saw a number of shock results as some of the Harrogate and District Darts League’s hot favourites exited the competition early.

Tony Green was out of sorts, and Keith Hobson took advantage with two solid legs of darts; winning in 27 and 28 in the first game of the evening.

Elsewhere, Darren Whiting of the Greyhound, a new player in the league, looked in real form with multiple high scores with his team mates vocal in their support.

Unfortunately for Whiting, Pedro West was oblivious to the partisan crowd, and took the game in three legs.

Jason Wood faced team mate Gary Marshall, and made quick work of it; triumphing in 28 and 21.

Meanwhile, Lewis Pride continued his solid form, beating Adi Shaw who struggled to get out of second gear.

Rowdy Yates played a misfiring Barry Nelson and won in two straight legs (23/20) with Nelson on a finish in both games.

Martin Chappell was drawn against Alex Pride, one of the outstanding players of the league, but played good darts; winning in 24 and a deciding 21 dart leg.

Being a Mother to be didn’t stop Beth Metcalfe competing, although she was beaten by team-mate Mark Cunningham in two legs, while Richard Taylor beat Trevor Close in three legs, including a fine 24 darts game.

Upstairs saw Neil Fullard progress against Dave Metcalfe in 20 and 30 darts, Rick Harper make quick work of Brian Ellison in 21 and 23,

Ian Richardson overcome a misfiring Nigel Downing in three scrappy legs of darts and Dave Ramshaw could not keep pace with an inform Rich Graham who won in 20 and 22.

Giles Holt drew team-mate Wayne Stephenson and beat him in three tense legs of darts.

Ian Malkin proved to strong for Jonny Hardisty in 21/22 dart games.

Mark White took out local favourite Steve Higgins in three good legs of darts, proving he is well and truly over his ‘dartitus’.

Finally, Gary Hobson won in three legs beating Mark Herron with a best game of 26 darts.

The round of 16 saw Rick Harper take the best leg of the evening in 16 darts; removing Muckles player Giles Holt and securing his place amongst the favourites for finals night.

Gary Hobson was too strong for Rich Taylor winning in 20 and 21, however, Ian Richardson’s luck ran out as he hit a solid Rich Graham, taking the first leg before Graham stormed back in 23 and 25.

Elsewhere, Mark White showed no signs of cracking as he beat a solid Kieth Hoson in three legs, finishing the final leg in 23 darts.

Lewis Pride made sure of his place at finals night beating Pedro West in three legs in a deciding 25-dart game. Rowdy Yates will also be at finals night with a victory over Mark Cunningham,

Ian Malkin beat Martin Chappell in 22 an 17 darts, although Chappell can class himself unlucky as he was sat on a double in both games.

Neil Fullard despatched Jason Wood in 24 and 23 darts to finish the evening.

Rick Harper, Gary Hobson, Rich Graham, Mark White, Lewis Pride, Rowdy Yates, Ian Malkin and Neil Fullard will now fight it out for summer league glory.