Darters take title

GARY JACKSON held his nerve superbly to secure yet another Lancashire GMC Super League premier division title for Oldham.

The Shaw player, in only his third-ever appearance for the side, sealed Oldham’s fifth championship in six seasons with an excellent 3-0 victory against county-standard opposition in which he averaged 78.72.

Jackson’s win gained Oldham, away at Lune Valley in Lancaster, the second point that was needed to guarantee top spot at the expense of Rochdale, who had earlier defeated St Helens 6-4.

After losing the opening two games, Oldham hit back when Dave Yates won 3-1 (86.96) before Jackson’s heroics brought the encounter all-square.

Lee Williams (3-1, 85.20) then edged Oldham in front before the team, in full knowledge that the title was already in the bag, lost three of the next four.

John Downes (3-1, 78.63) won his match, though it wasn’t enough to prevent Lune Valley from prevailing 6-4 despite Oldham boasting a superior team average on the night.

Both sides hit a pair of 180s, with the visitors picking up 75 centuries to Lune Valley’s 73.

Oldham women leapt from fourth to second place in their Super League premier division, winning their final match 5-3 at Bolton, who had been in runners-up spot.

Winners for Oldham were Janet Fox (3-0), Shereen Scholes (3-2), Nicola Murphy (3-0), Mandy McKenzie (3-1) and Tracy Hindle (3-1).