SUFFOLK ensured they were still in contention for promotion to Division Two, following a superb 16-20 overall victory in January's British Inter-Counties Darts Championship away fixture to Devon.

SUFFOLK ensured they were still in contention for promotion to Division Two, following a superb 16-20 overall victory in January's British Inter-Counties Championship away fixture to Devon.

Once again, the ladies 'B' team got the proceedings off to an excellent start, with a 1-5 victory, courtesy of Sarah Self 2-3, 14.10 av, lady of the match Barbara Chenery 0-3, 16.34 av, Jan Turner 0-3, 14.88 av, Sue Thompson 2-3, 15.36 av and Jean Prewitt 0-3, 14.18 av.

The men's 'B' team struggled a little against tough opposition and lost their match 7-5. The winners were Andy Barker 1-3, 21.75 av, Daren Wood 2-3, 23.39 av, Steve Warren 0-3, 23.12 av, James Druitt 2-3, 18.80 av and man of the match Carl Brennan 2-3, 23.54 av.

Hanging on to a slender 8-10 overnight lead, Sunday's matches were all-important. The ladies 'A' team tried their hardest to increase the lead but were held to a 3-3 draw against a strong Devon side. The winning players were lady of the match and team captain, Sue Talbot 0-3, 20.31 av, Louise Groves 0-3, 17.88 av and Nicky Bradley 1-3, 15.49 av.

In the final match of the weekend, the men's 'A' team battled hard and it was nip and tuck all the way.

Suffolk were rewarded with the magic 19th point in the second from last game, thanks to a gutsy performance by Nicky Wright, before last man on, team captain Carl Wilkins picked up another point for luck!

The winners were Daniel Wilimott 1-3, 24.55 av, Nicky Bloom 2-3, 23.76 av, Dave Ballard-Flatt 2-3, 20.13 av, the well deserved man of the match Jason Evans 1-3, 32.40 av, Wayne Hammond 1-3, 25.27 av, Nicky Wright 2-3, 22.65 av and Carl Wilkins 2-3, 27.47 av.

This victory sees Suffolk move into second position and a step nearer to promotion next season - the top two teams go up to Division Two.

THERE are just four matches left to play this season and Suffolk's next match is a home fixture against bottom of the table Cleveland.

It should prove to be a great match between two sides desperate to earn points for completely different reasons.

That match takes place on February 2 and 3 at the Riverside Snooker and Social Club, Stowmarket. Matches start at noon on Saturday, 11am on Sunday and all supportes will be made most welcome.