HOLDERS Chequers A made short work of the Bird in Hand in defence of the Ridley League Darts Cup, to set up the prospect of two absorbing semi-finals.

The Bird, who have won only six darts points all season, were beaten after only four games, but Tony Neal’s victory against Richard Ward was a bright consolation.

Chequers B gave Felsted a second semi-final place, ousting Little Waltham comfortably in a battle of the champs. Alex Davis was the lone home winner as Waltham, without several of the team that brought home the trophy in 2010, conceded with the pairs still to play.

League leaders Globe eased through at City FC after an uneasy start. City’s Peter Knights (100 in, 156, 140) had chances to punish an off-form Dave Drummond in the opener, and Gareth Viney’s cracking 2-0 win over Harry Cove left the singles standing at 2-3. However, the Globe cleaned up in the pairs.

Darts Cup 2nd Rd: CCFC 2, Globe 5; Chequers A 6, Bird in Hand 1; Lt Waltham SC 1, Chequers B 4; St Anne’s Castle v Compasses, no result.

Fixtures (Jan 27): Black Bull v Bird in Hand, CCFC v Compasses, Chequers B v Chequers A, Cricketers v Lt Waltham SC, St Anne’s Castle v Globe.