Downs heroic in defeat for town

DARTS: OLDHAM’S hopes of a fourth straight win in the Lancashire GMC Super Eights Elite League were dashed by hosts Rochdale.

The town team were beaten 7-3 by their neighbours, who featured the PDC-ranked player Shaun ‘The Miracle’ Griffiths, Lancashire captain Dougie Smith and Yorkshire county ace Brian Hallis.

Oldham’s John Downs gave as good as he got in the opening game against Griffiths, averaging 94.70 for every three darts thrown. However, Downs’ opponent averaged a stunning 97.06 to win 4-2.

Rochdale also claimed the next game, before Oldham got off the mark courtesy of Peter Connolly’s 4-2 success (70.92).

The home side restored their two-game advantage with victory in the next.

Stuart Holden hit three 180s in a 4-3 win (86.87) to keep Oldham in the hunt, only for Rochdale to reel off three straight victories.

They also added another, while the town team replied through Sam Salt (4-2, 78.17). Oldham have a three-week break before hosting Bury at Crompton Conservative Club, Shaw, on Sunday, December 4.