THE opening match of the Lancashire GMC Darts Organisation's season was always going to be difficult after a four months break, but St Annes managed to come away with a 6-4 victory over Clitheroe.

The first game saw debutant Steve Doran start his Superleague career with a 3-0 victory (59.32) followed by Jon Fish 3-1 (52.52) to give the home team a 2-0 lead. Tony Dyer was unlucky, meeting an on-form Peter Taylor and losing 3-0 with Taylor hitting an (83.49) average and man of the match, with Tony registering (65.94).

Next on for St Annes was Mitch Hall, now living in Cardiff, making the journey worthwhile with a 3-0 win (62.62) and restoring the two points lead. Bob Warham could have opened the gap even wider but lost out in a five leg match 3-2 (62.22). Alan (Alfie) Dyer was next to the oche and, with his opponent a debutant, took advantage to ease through 3-0 (54.98) giving St Annes a 4-2 lead with four games to go. Next up for St Annes was Frazer Bagnall and, with a 3-1 win (61.85) and Malcolm Poole winning 3-0 (69.36), the home team had secured victory.

The last two games saw Jamie Clare losing 3-0 (41.80) and Jim Scott just missing out in a five-leg thriller 3-2 (63.47).

The next match is away to Littleborough on Sunday, September 30, with all players to report to the club by 10.15am. Anyone wishing to travel to any of the Superleague matches should see Bob Warham to book a place.

Division Three results (September 2): St Annes 6, Clitheroe 4; Kirkham 6, Castleton 4; Burnley 6, Lancaster 4; Milnrow v Littleborough, match postponed to September 16.