Kieran Cumberland retains Newark and District Double Board Darts League Premiership crown

Kieran Cumberland has retained his Newark and District Double Board Darts League Premiership crown after victory in the final over top seed Brian Coughill.

Coughill, who had earned the top seeding after finishing top of the league, overcame fourth seed Matthew Glover 6-1 in a semi-final encounter that was much closer than the score-line suggested — Coughill’s better finishing proving decisive against Glover who struggled to find the doubles.

Cumberland was involved in a tight semi-final clash with second seed Stuart Glover who agonisingly exited at the last-four stage for the fourth season running.

Glover had taken the opener before Cumberland responded by taking the next three legs.

The remaining six legs all went with the throw as the reigning champion completed a 6-4 win.

The final saw Coughill take the opening two legs — the second secured with a terrific 100 checkout — before Cumberland responded with some impressive darts to take the next four legs.

The next two legs were shared to put Cumberland 5-3 ahead and just one leg away from a fourth Premier singles title.

Coughill took the ninth to keep his hopes of a second title alive.

The tenth leg proved decisive as both players produced high-quality darts which left them both requiring double-top, but it was Cumberland who had the first opportunity to land it and he duly obliged to secure the title with a 6-4 win.

In the ladies’ division, it was an impressive week for Castle and Falcon Ladies who moved into the second spot after recording 14-1 and 13-2 wins over Spring House Misfits.

Mandy Walker, Fran Paterson, Karen Whittaker and Debbie Walker all recorded singles wins in the 14-1 clash, re-arranged from earlier in the season before Mandy Walker, Debbie Walker and Whittaker repeated the feat in their 13-2 victory — Helen Wheeler’s victory over Kathy Buttong ensured the Misfits avoided a whitewash.

Elsewhere, league leaders Newcastle Arms Youngers overcame Caffs Ladies 10-5 with Anice Wells, Jackie Dennis and Debbie Braithwaite recording wins while RHP Ladies defeated Falcoholics 11-4 helped by Sandra Baker and Julie Feeney’s singles victories.

In the men’s division, Railway Club are closing in on the retention of their title after finishes from Brian Coughill and a brace apiece from Paul Gallacher and Kieran Cumberland secured the unbeaten league leaders a 5-0 win over Castle and Falcon Phoenix.

Rose and Crown Marauders kept their slim hopes of the title alive after they came from behind to edge out Wheatsheaf 501s 3-2.

Alan Kelly’s two finishes, either side of Jason Hill’s checkout, had given the Wheatsheaf a 2-1 lead but finishes from skipper Phil Tranter and another checkout from Hill secured the Marauders’ win.

Fourth-placed Taverners remain on course for their highest-ever finish after Simon Cobb’s fifth leg checkout claimed a 3-2 victory over Castle and Falcon Arrows.

The remaining match saw Castle and Falcon BBC2s come from behind to edge out bottom-of-the-table Balderton Cricket Club 3-2.