Brilliant Bradford books finals spot

James Bradford has booked his place in the Newtown Premier League finals night in his very first season.

Bradford, needing five points from his last three matches to qualify, averaged over 85 throughout the night as he defeated Neil Astley (4-1) and Steve Price (4-2), but what was to come was exhilarating.

Bradford needed just a draw against Ladies Welsh international Katie Bellerby in the last game of the night. She raced into a 3-1 lead and was throwing probably the best darts of her season.

But Bradford had to pull out all the stops to win the last two legs to force a draw and claim the finals night spot with the narrowest of margins.

Earlier in the night, Chris Hurds claimed his spot and a new Premier League record by beating Gary Jones and hitting his 22nd maximum 180 score of the season.

Steve Price will make his finals night debut and will be joined by Bradford, Hurds and previous winners Mark Layton, Gareth Ashley and Mitch Butler.

Matches start at 7pm this Friday at Newtown Football Club with free entry to all.