Poison Ivy defeat rivals in premier promotion chase

POISON Ivy won the top-of-the-table clash in division one of the Devon County Super League when they came from behind to edge out their title rivals Cullompton RFC 5-4.

The Lee Mill side won the opening set when Mike Pearce (25.58) had to come from behind on two occasions before winning by the odd leg in seven before Quinton Taylor (21.51), with a 4-1 victory, edged Ivy back in front at 2-1.

The hosts levelled for the second time, only for Fred Goldsmith (22.12) to emerge a 4-1 winner, aided by an 18-dart leg which he finished with a kill of 114.

Two on the bounce from Cullompton put them in front for the first time but a man-of-the-match performance from Dave Matthews (30.36) brought the teams level at 4-4.

Matthews (pictured) went 2-0 up in 14 and 17 and then clinched a 15-darter when checking out from 144 before wrapping up an excellent 4-0 victory.

In the deciding ninth set, Dan Puleston (21.54) held his nerve to win 4-1, aided by an 18-darter which he killed with a checkout of 113.

That victory has now put six points between themselves at the top of the table and Cullompton, who drop down to third, but have a game in hand on second placed Rowing Club.

Maritime Social Club stay top of the premier division after defeating Plymouth rivals Ker St Social Club 6-3.

Danny Bull (21.56) opened their account with a 3-0 success followed by a 4-1 win from John Mann (25.47).

Winning in four straight legs were Lee Hellings (20.45) and Shaun Dring (19.46) while victories from Kieran Burns (23.02) and Mark Turner (25.03) finished the job.

All Ker St’s points were won by a 4-1 margin with successes for Gary Phillips (18.52), Lee Rodmell (23.67) and Scott Lawrey (16.15).

Porters look destined for relegation from the premier division as they went down 6-3 to second placed Muff Boyz (Exmouth) who are now title favourites being just three points behind Maritime but with a game in hand.

Porters were 4-0 down before Mark Shears (28.00) won 4-1. After the first two legs were shared, Shears took the next three in 16, 19 and 16.

Jon Matlock (17.76) followed with a victory after he was taken the full distance, but the hosts clinched the match when winning the next two, before Lewis Dare (28.63) took the final point, winning 4-0 in 21, 19, 14 and 16, aided by a brace of 180s.

The Bluebird defeated Golden Lions (Exeter) 6-3, to remain top of division two but only have a single-point advantage over second placed Whipton Wasps who have a game in hand.

The Exeter side started well and were 3-1 up with only man-of-the-match Rich Coombs (22.21) successful from the first four encounters but Bluebird turned it around and took the next five.

Alan Masters, Stew Roberts and John Owen all won in four straight legs while Mark Henley and Shaun Kittle both triumphed 4-1.

Levy Ladies now have a seven-point advantage at the top of the Ladies’ division after winning 6-1 against Flying Arrows (Dawlish).

Despite losing the opening set, Anna Johnson and Hayley Brant both won 3-1 before Trish Penberthy came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

Chrissie Kinnaird (22.77) won 3-0, aided by a leg in 15, to claim the lady-of-the-match award before wins from Sarah Brown (3-1) and Cat Callard (3-2) rounded off a comprehensive victory.