Martin Saunders dug in to secure an unlikely victory in the Ridley League Darts Championship.

The Black Bull man came back from the brink at Chelmsford City FC to write his name in the league archives.

Compasses’ Chris Cook was on the verge of victory in their semi-final as his rival struggled for a starting double leaving Saunders to steal an improbable victory.

Favourite Martin Compton (Compasses) chalked up a 14-dart leg after dropping the opener to Des Vickers (City FC).

But he was no match for Saunders, who opened with a 180 and 140 and completed the job in style.

Amanda Dodd beat Jenny Kochan (Little Waltham SC) to win the women’s title.

She also won the Licensees’ Cup and partnered Chequers team-mate Graham Millbank to Mixed League play-off victory.

Waltham hogged the pairs with wins in the men’s (Braintree’s Steve O’Neil and Tony Bamsey), mixed (Bamsey and Kerry Ketley) and women’s (Jenny and Louise Kochan). Jenny also hit two maximums in a Guinness Fours defeat by Mick Cain’s Dog & Partridge side – a reversal of last season’s final result.

The Captains’ and Secretaries’ champions were deposed by Des Vickers and Matt Doe.

Fixtures secretary John Steele (Black Bull) completed the dominoes double.

She won the singles trophy and sealed a first pairs success with Bruce Huggett.