From bottom placed to runner up in the Newark and district darts competition in just three seasons, it has been a great journey for The Taverners

The Taverners, who finished bottom of the table just three seasons ago, have clinched the runners-up spot in the men’s division of the Newark and District Double Board Darts League.

This happened after their 5-0 victory over Castle and Falcon Projectile Dysfunction which also saw them record a fifth successive league win for the first time since they formed in 2008. The Railway Club-based side went into their penultimate match of the season knowing a 5-0 win would clinch them second place with a game to spare but anything less may mean needing points in their final match against league champions Rose and Crown Marauders.

The opening two legs were close affairs but finishes from Brian Coughill and Stuart Glover set them on their way.

The next two legs saw the Taverners outscore their opponents and checkouts from Matthew Glover and skipper Simon Cobb extended their lead to 4-0 and just one leg away.

The deciding leg was evenly contested but with the Projectiles hoping to spoil the party as they lay in wait for a shot at double-top up stepped Dave Chaney to check out on 45 (single-13, double-16) to complete the whitewash and clinch the runners-up spot.

With the top two positions sorted, the attention now turns to third place where Wheatsheaf Bellies and Bullseyes strengthened their hopes.

In the process, they virtually ended their opponent's chances, as they recorded a terrific 5-0 win over summer league champions Castle and Falcon BBC2s helped by finishes from Paul Thompson, David Thompson, Neil Ward and a brace from John Esam.

RHP Darts of Hazzard, another team that has turned the corner since finishing bottom two seasons ago, have the chance of finishing third in their own hands after they secured a 4-1 win over Wheatsheaf Phoenix.

RHP now know 12 points from their two remaining fixtures will clinch them their first-ever top three finish.

The remaining match in the division saw the champions record their 12th win in 13 league outings this season as they overcame Castle and Falcon Arrows 4-1 with finishes from Steven Barnett, Shane Gallacher, Phil Tranter and Mark Neal.

In the ladies’ division, it was cup action and this season’s knock-out cup final will be a repeat of last season after Railway Youngers and Castle and Falcon Bangers came through their semi-finals.

The Youngers had led 3-1 against Wheatsheaf Wandering Misfits before Linda

Brockson’s victory in the opening singles encounter brought the Wheatsheaf level.

The two sides remained level as the next match was drawn but singles victories by Louise Fletcher and Debbie Braithwaite secured an 8-4 victory for the cup holders.

The Bangers will join them in the final after they were handed the match by Collingham Mother Chuckers who were unable to field a side.

There was one match in the subsidiary cup competition and this saw RHP Ladies overcome Railway Club Artists 9-6, helped by singles wins from Sue Smith and Julie Feeney.

In the Premiership singles league the penultimate week of the league stage saw some significant results occur in several of the matches that took place.

Stuart Glover, who has led all season, is now in danger of missing out on securing the top spot.

He is likely to lose the coveted number one seeding for the end of season play-offs.

Glover, who suffered two losses against Matthew Glover (1-2) and David Thompson (0-3), picked up just four points while Kieran Cumberland picked up a maximum nine points.

This means six points for Cumberland from his three remaining matches will snatch the top spot from the long-time leader.