THE South Section challenge was halved as the division s top two went out of the Ridley League Darts Cup at the first hurdle last week; now the biggest task for the big guns of the North Section seems to be to avoid each other in the second-round draw. Th

THE South Section challenge was halved as the division's top two went out of the Ridley League Darts Cup at the first hurdle last week; now the biggest task for the big guns of the North Section seems to be to avoid each other in the second-round draw.

The Retreat didn't need to be at their best to see off South leaders CCFC B, who were again short of key personnel. Simon Twin (180) looked the part as the Bocking side built a 2-0 lead, and though Alan Morton and Barry Devenish brought City level, wins for Andy Camp, James Chapman and Steve O'Neil settled the issue.

Margaretting Black Bull made a fight of it against the Cock, last year's runners-up, before being squeezed out 4-3, while Flitch Snooker B showed their class by hammering the Chequers 6-1, Barry Linin scoring the Felsted team's point. Kevin Rolph was a 180 man for the Flitch.

Flitch A had instant revenge - just - for last week's league defeat by Bardfield Vine, going through on a 4-3 scoreline to join their clubmates in the last eight.

Good news from Fryerning as the Cricketers dealt a blow for the South, eliminating the Black Lion by the odd game; and CCFC A won another close-fought clash against the Swan, despite a maximum from the visitors' Chris Ward.