ESSEX 16

YORKSHIRE 20

Essex suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of title rivals Yorkshire in the British Inter Counties Darts Premier Division.

It was always likely to be a stern test of the home side's title credentials, however despite maintaining a one hundred percent record prior to this match, both the Men's and Ladies B teams capitulated.

The weekend at The Paddocks on Canvey began in unfamiliar fashion with the ladies B defeated 5-1 as seasoned campaigner Sheila Busby chalked up the only 3-0 victory and claimed the player of the match award.

The Men's B team went into the game top of their respective division, but Yorkshire gained an early lead and never looked back by winning the last three sets to secure an 8-4 win.

The Ladies A team's determined display resulted in a 3-3 draw as in-form Jill Walker once again claimed the player of the match award.

After losing the first two sets, both Viv Dundon and Juliet Curley earned 3-0 wins to salvage a deserved point.

The men's A team are on course for the Premier Division title after they restored pride with another convincing 8-4 victory, following the return of professionals Rod Harrington and Andy Fordham.

Dubbed the game of the day, Essex's Kevin Spiolek faced the newly crowned Winmau World Masters champion John Walton.

The game failed to disappoint going the distance with Kevin scoring a maximum before the Yorkshire-man Walton snatched a 3-2 victory.

The result puts Essex in contention for honours in the Men's A division, but the overall result leaves them just off the pace in the combined league table.

In February Essex play hosts to perennial title contenders Lancashire in a crunch showdown.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.