Hampshire chalked up their first British Inter County Darts League success of the season when they defeated Devon.

The two-day game, at Fareham’s Hill Park War Memorial SC, was described as a ‘must win match’ for the home side after defeats to Glamorgan and West Midlands.

But Hampshire rose to the occasion and moved to third in the table with a 21-15 win, which netted them three extra bonus points.

However, all the other sides in the league, apart from leaders West Midlands, still have a game in hand.

Devon took the initiative as their women’s B side won 4-2 - with Abi Jurd and Sue Thompson getting the home team’s wins.

Hampshire’s men’s B side made sure the game was level overnight as they won 7-5 - their victories came from Mick Street, Steve Jannaway, Dave Coffin, Richie Ford, Mark Thorne, Graham Chalk and Linton Hickman.

And it was still honours even between the counties after the women’s A sides drew 3-3 - Wendy Reinstadtler, Jane Monaghan and Tara Power-Gillet winning for Hampshire.

It looked as if the see-saw match would continue the same pattern after the sides exchanged wins in the men’s A team’s opening games.

But Hampshire pulled clear with a string of victories and went on to win 9-3. Gary Stafford, Charlie Jackson, Andy Mitchell, Sam Rooney, Robin Hathaway, Steve Musson, Chas Barstow, James Nicholson, Luke Getty and Steve Phipps all won.

Hampshire’s next match is a tough trip to Yorkshire – they sit in second place, just five points off the lead with a game in hand – on November 25/26.

PDC Professional Richie North got in some top quality practice when he won Week 3 of the Southampton Darts Series.

North, from Romsey, who turned pro at the beginning of the year, defeated Poole’s Colin Littlecott 4-2 in the final at Bitterne Park Social Club.

The Plate final was claimed by Dave Bonnett from Botley who beat Swaythling’s Dave Hayes 3-2 in the final.

Best finish of the night was a 158 from Mick Cookman who also checked out on 117.

North threw an 11-dart leg and chalked up four maximums, as did Steve Perren, Littlecott, Bonnett and Kev Woodward.