Darters go clear at top

Oldham’s town-team darters assemble at the Flowerpot Inn before their trip to Eccleston.

OLDHAM darts team surged nine points clear at the top of the Lancashire GMC Super Eights with a superb 10-0 win at Eccleston.

It was the fine response from the town side after they were beaten 6-4 by Rochdale, featuring BDO World Championship runner-up Dave Chisnall, in their previous fixture.

Title-chasing Oldham, who had to make three changes from that encounter, dominated Eccleston from start to finish.

Debutant Gary Mooney, who plays for the Shepherd’s Boy pub, was called up on the morning of the match and didn’t let his new team-mates down.

He clinched a 4-2 victory with a three-dart average of 66.24.

Stuart Holden was quick out of the traps for Oldham, recording a 4-0 success (85.24) in the opening game.

Peter Connolly was the star man after averaging 91.82 in a 4-2 win, while Mick Kenway made it 3-0 with a 4-1 triumph (76.55).

There were also wins for Mick Rawes (4-1, 66.66), Gary Jackson (4-0, 69.35), Pete Day snr (4-2, 70.85), John Moreton (4-3, 70.40), Lee Holden (4-0, 67.73) and Lee Williams (4-3, 82.71).

Oldham’s next match is at the Flowerpot on Sunday, January 24 (start 12.30pm), when they entertain Little Hulton.