Classy de la Mare keeps North boys in chase
ONCE the lockdown-stalled Triples Darts League season resumes, the battle for third position could be as good as any.
The last league round before lockdown saw Boys From The North pinch a 5-4 victory from Tornados in an upper-table thriller.
That leaves them level fifth in the standings, 66 points apiece, and with a very manageable four-point deficit on third place, even if the top two are further clear.
BFTN were again spearheaded by Leyton de la Mare, a four-180 star on a very productive night at the oche. He was also the only player to win all three matches.
Initially, de la Mare opened with 120, 140 and 180 in succession during a 17-dart first leg against Neil Hutchinson, before posting another 180 in the last leg of a 3-0 victory.
Yet five games into the night, Tornados had the balance tipped in their favour, holding an overall 3-2 lead.
After seven games it was 4-3, courtesy of Hutchinson firing a 14-dart finale to beat Tim Cotterill in five legs.
That seemingly inspired de la Mare, who immediately posted his own 14-darter against Mark Fletcher snr, featuring a 180. He then threw a 120 checkout to ensure that Fletcher’s 180 in the second counted for little.
Fletcher stole leg three with a 118 finish, but de la Mare wrapped up the contest and chalked up another 180 in the fourth.
Will Konken then brought it home for BFTN in the decisive ninth game.
The reliable Phil Dodd managed to pinch leg three with a 180 and 16-darter, but Konken played a serviceable game to triumph 3-1.
Third-placed Northerners (70) hold the tiniest advantage over Kwitchabitchin in fourth (69), though the latter succeeded in a similarly tight 5-4 result that same night.
But Guernsey Trade Windows and Chumbawombas, both now floating over the 80-point mark, will take some catching.
