THEY may be title outsiders themselves, but Margaretting Black Bull could have had a huge say in the destination of the Ridley League overall championship.

Outgunned by CCFC A in the singles, mixed and women’s games, they struck a major blow by dominating the pairs – and routed the league champions 6-0 in the dominoes to pinch the verdict 9-6.

City’s B team were unable to help their stablemates, crashing 11-4 at Great Leighs as Dog & Partridge extended their lead at the top to six points.

Paul Cain was the home hero, digging in for an unexpected win against Des Vickers.

Into second place come Little Waltham SC, courtesy of a steamroller win at Bird in Hand that would have been even more emphatic, but for a fighting dominoes victory by the home side.

Chequers A turned the tables on Cricketers, cleaning up in the mixed, women’s and dommies after the visitors had edged the main darts.

And their B team survived a tough examination to steal the verdict at the Red Beret, Steve O’Neil potting a 161 shot out.

It was tough on the Beret, who whitewashed the opposition at the dommies table, but had to concede one singles and the women’s match.

Results: Bird in Hand 4, Lt Waltham SC 11 (singles/pairs 0-7, mixed 0-1, women 0-1, dominoes 4-2); Black Bull 9, CCFC A 6 (3-4, 0-1, 0-1, 6-0); Chequers A 9, Cricketers 6 (3-4, 1-0, 1-0, 4-2); Dog & Partridge 11, CCFC B 4 (5-2, 1-0, 1-0, 4-2); Red Beret 7, Chequers B 8 (1-6, 0-1, 0-1, 6-0).

Fixtures (Jan 26): CCFC A v CCFC B, Chequers A v Compasses, Cricketers v Bird in Hand, Dog & Partridge v Chequers B, Lt Waltham SC v Black Bull.