Staffordshire edged out in London clash
Staffordshire were pipped to the post as London returned to the top of the BDO British Inter-Counties Championship Division Two in their re-arranged fixture.
The match, which had been originally due to take place the weekend previously, knocked the West Midlands out of first place,
Staffordshire put up a fight before going down 22-17, falling to fifth. They next go to Berkshire on the weekend commencing February 6, for play at the Britwell Ex-Servicemen's Club.
The county darters took to the oche at the White Eagle Club in Riverway, Stafford, with the hosts trailing after the women's B affairs.
That side went down 5-1, Michelle Colclough mustering Staffordshire's only reply. She averaged 16.39 in a 3-1 victory over Steph Stutley (17.05).
London's Lynne Biondini got 17.99, seeing off a spirited challenge from Ann Price (16.40) that went to a 3-2 last leg decider.
Staffordshire redressed the balance and were level after the men's B clashes, in which the home side ran out 8-4 winners.
Daniel Allsop notched 25.63 in a 3-1 success over Jason Gallagher (25.63), while London's Steven Ferguson had 26.35 prevailing from a 3-2 battle with David Moors (24.31)
Staffordshire were on course for victory after the women's A meetings, where they reversed the female B result 5-1.
Diane Tolley racked up 21.80 for a 3-1 result over Stutley (19.42), playing twice for the visitors, while Casey Gallagher (19.62) hit back for London in the last game against Row Sidley (19.49).
But a dramatic collapse for Staffordshire's men's A line-up cost them dearly, a 9-3 drubbing handing London the match. Play was upgraded to the best-of-seven format.
Steven Ferguson shone for the guests with the highest average of the weekend, an impressive 31.31 which whitewashed Jamie Dunsdon 4-0 despite his best efforts (28.95).
John Burgess and Martin Wheawall both had 28.75 in victories for Staffordshire, Burgess beating Steve Douglas (28.10) 4-3 while Wheawall overcome Diogo Portela (26.68) 4-1.
Karl Merchant (25.28) had also vanquished Tommy Sanwell (23.91) for the hosts 4-3, before London won five games in row until Wheawall's response.
They finished on top 19-17, with an three extra points for the winning side.
