RUDHEATH A continued their great form in the Northwich Darts League by overcoming a defiant Hanging Gate.

At the start of play Gate were two points ahead of their opponents so Rudheath needed a win to keep up a serious challenge for the title, and got off to an ideal start when Ritchie Davenport won the first game against the experienced Don Newton.

Hanging Gate levelled through Rick Eyres before Peter Valentine gave Rudheath the lead again and Phil Woodier should have increased it.

However, after having Keith Penny rattled, Woodier couldn't press home his advantage and Penny recovered to level the match.

Four fine games followed with Rudheath's Lee Warburton beating Adrian Sugarman before Gate's Alan Latham pulled them level again.

However, John O'Sullivan and Simon Preston wrapped things up for Rudheath with wins over Bill Eyres and Nigel Haskayne respectively.

The 5-3 victory for Rudheath brings three teams level at the top of the league, making it the most open title race for a number of years.