Debutants off to a great start

James Bradford and Mark Bellerby have kicked off their Newtown Premier Darts League debuts in stunning style at the new venue of Newtown Football Club.

Bellerby defeated 2016 champion Mitch Butler by 4 legs to 2 and then went on to force a draw with Johnnie Francis.

It was Bradford, however, who stole the limelight as he started his season with two wins beating Francis 4-2, and then he defeated another debutant, Dave Boyle, 4-0 to head the table.

Welshpool’s Will Wheatley had a losing 4-1 debut against Kacey Jones, but Newtown Super League players Steve Price and Craig Davies won their matches respectively with Price defeating Martin Rees (4-2) and Davies defeating Neil Astley (4-1).

A return to the league for three-time premier League champion Mark Layton did not start well as he was defeated 4-1 by Sean Barnett Layton, then went on to defeat Martin Rees 4-2.

There were good starts also for Chris Hurds and Paul Bordewey, with Hurds forcing a draw against reigning champion, Gareth Ashley, and then hitting the highest average of the night 29.04 in his 4-0 win over Dave Boyle.