THE first league matches in the Carlsberg UK Winter Open League indicate another competitive season lies ahead, with just nine teams managing double opening wins.

Unfortunately it was not possible to fill the late vacancy that occurred when West End RAOB A resigned from Division 1, while the Division 5 fixture between Ashbank and Lion & Swan requires Management Committee involvement.

Premier Division Darts sees familiar faces to the fore with top scorers Delamere leading the way after a 7-1 rout of Hawk.

Commercial, Pioneers Club and Rockwood A hit six each against Lady A, Raven A and Kings A.

Top marksman was Craig Sharples (Commercial) with a 133 finish to a 15 dart leg, the checkout replicated by team mate Steve Butler.

Graham Arrowsmith (Delamere) completed a 17 darter with a 98 finish. Tony Richardson (Pioneers) and Amalgamated B duo Trevor Thorley and Steve Hassall all hit 18 darters, Tony completing his with a 107 kill and Trevor's including a 180.

Don Moss (Vine A) and Adrian Russell (Kings A) hit respective 114 and 111 checkouts and further maximum 180's were recorded by Chris Clayton (Delamere), Rob Galloway (Hawk), Neil Wright (Kings A) and Graham Warburton (Rockwood A).

Division One Darts top scorers were promoted Leisure Club A and South St Snooker, who hit opponents ASLEF Leisure and Belle Vue for six apiece.

Promoted George got off on the right foot with a good 5-3 win at Bridge A, while Woodside made a dream 4-0 start at Nag A, only for the hosts to stage an excellent comeback and force a draw.

Gary Hawkins (Bridge A) hit an 18 dart leg and Tony Chesters (South St Snooker) exhibited his finishing skills with 140 and 108 checkouts.

Leisure A pair Gary Wilson and Dave Probin hit respective 133 and 120 finishes and Dave Beech (Bridge A) hit a 180.

In Division Two Darts Lion B, Cross Keys A, Crown and Nag B coasted to 6-2 wins over Lion A, Nantwich Road, LMR Sports and Sydney B, closely followed by Lady A who beat relegated Bridge C 5-3.

Cliff Williams (Cross Keys A) won in 14 darts.

The usually close Division Three Darts is living up to its reputation by turning in three drawn clashes, although Coppenhall Leighton and Brunel lead the way after victories over Rockwood B and Kings B. Paul Woodvine (Brunel) won with a 110 checkout.

Division Four Darts early pacemakers are promoted Horse Shoe and Crosville Club.

The Shoe hammered their hosts Leisure B 7-1 while Crosville, who have lost key players, gained an excellent 6-2 win at Rockwood B.

Vine B top Division Five Darts after hitting RAOB B for seven along with Cheshire Cheese who beat fellow newcomers Queens Park GC 6-2.

Carl Simcox (Cheshire Cheese) won with a 105 checkout and Dave Coyne (The Bank) hit a maximum 180.

Premier Division Dominoes has two points covering all the section.

In the three drawn matches Amalgamated B, Hawk and Pioneers all took good early leads, but could not stave off the excellent responses of opponents Vine A, Delamere and Raven A.

Division One Dominoes is also covered by a two points spread, with promoted duo Leisure A and Woodside to the fore after 5-3 victories over ASLEF Leisure and Nag A.

Early pacemakers in Division Two Dominoes are Lady B and Nag B who hit six each against Bridge C and Sydney B.

Division Three Dominoes top scorers were North Ward A with a seven points haul against Vine C, closely pursued by promoted Coppenhall Leighton who completed a 6-2 double at Rockwood B.

Early pacemakers in Division Four Dominoes are relegated Crosville Club and promoted Cross Keys B. Crosville gained a seven points haul at Old Oddfellows, while Keys B hit hosts Victoria for six.

Division Five Dominoes is another two points cover all situation, with West End RAOB B leading the way after a 5-3 win at Vine B.

Any players who failed to enter the Darts and Dominoes individual and pairs knockout competitions still have time to do so, by contacting league secretary Bill Brereton on 07909 811670.

These competitions are held on one Sunday each from 1200 to finish, dependent on the number of entries and progress made in each competition.