ONE astonishing result last week turned Margaretting Black Bull from Ridley League supporting act into potential South Section champions.

Divisional top dogs Little Waltham SC, obliterated 13-2 on their own patch, saw their nine-point lead dissolve into a two-point deficit as the Bull decisively avenged November’s home defeat.

With the first four singles shared, the customary dogfight loomed, but Les Atkins’ straight-legs win against John Salmon opened the taps.

Waltham didn’t win another leg of darts – and a whitewash of their formidable dominoes line-up should guarantee an electric atmosphere next week, in the clubs’ third clash of the season.

North Section leaders Felsted Chequers had a few awkward moments before beating the Black Lion 9-6.

The Lion took the first two singles and the opening dominoes, but the visitors had enough in reserve – though they lost their unbeaten dominoes league record.

The eye-catching result came at Dunmow, where Flitch Snooker took a 12-3 hiding from Chelmsford City FC. The Flitch, short of a full team, made their troubles worse by an almost total inability to hit a finish.

City’s own darts form was patchy, but sharp out-shots from Allan Sheldrake (126), Des Vickers (106) and Rose Mallord (110) punished the home team’s failings, and the visitors’ dommies revival continued with a fourth win in five matches.

CALLING all Braintree and Dunmow pubs – if you fancy trying out the league, ring fixtures secretary John Steele 01277-366566 and ask for a friendly.