DARTS: THERE was a fantastic climax to the season in two leagues involving teams from the North East Manchester area.

In the North, New Crown lifted the Failsworth and District Log-End league title, pipping rivals Newton Heath Cricket Club by a point.

And the Lord Nelson A took the Ardwick Mixed League championshop by beating the only team who could deny them – the Lord Nelson B side.

The final of the Ardwick League’s knockout was a close affair too. Higher Openshaw Working Men’s Club B won a ding-dong encounter with the Gardeners Arms, Gorton, only after John Dervish had taken the decider. Dervish hit the headlines a week earlier by clinching the Captains’ Cup.

The New Crown had to play a double-header on the last night of the Failsworth and District League season – and they had to win both matches.

They only just managed to overcome the Bulls Head 4-3 after Jake Heaford took the decider and, in another nailbiter, they pipped the Homeguard B 4-2 and a set after some great throwing at the bull from Eric Mangold and Chris Wheeldon.

On the big board, Newton Heath continued their excellent start to their Greater Manchester Super League campaign with a 6-1 win at Little Hulton on Sunday.

Pete Ward hit a nifty 16-darter and Tony Poole struck a 17-darter in defeat. Mark Smith, Warren Maloney, Mark Simister, John Kurpas and John Downs were the other winners.