RICK LOWTHER came within a whisker of hitting a 24-dart 1001 in the South Hants Invitation - he missed bull with his 24th dart.

Instead, Lowther had to settle for joining four others - Kim Osborn, Steve Phipps, Paul Gibbs and Ian Eames - who have recorded 29-dart legs this season.

Park Gate are almost champions after recording another 8-1 win, this time against a weakened Meon Valley. They are now 14 points clear at the top.

Six maximums and seven finishes of over 100 was the feature of the latest round of fixtures in Bishops Waltham Men's League.

Maximums came from Andy Underwood, Robert Newland (Sam's), Brian Cole (BWSC), Colin Wolosian-ko (Bishopstoke), Barry Shawyer (Wheatsheaf) and G Merrett (Locks Heath).

Tony Hall (Grapes) topped the finishing list with 130 while other checkouts came from Barry Stubbington (New Inn) 108, Joe Freemantle (Dolphin) 116, Jason Richards (Woodman) 101, John Farmer (Bold Forester A) 125, Mark Parsons (Bold Forester B) 110 and Neil Biddlecombe (Locks Heath) 109.

The Bishops Waltham Winter League will be holding their annual meeting before the new season at the Kings Head, Wickham on Tuesday, August 21, starting 8pm.

Teams wishing to join should contact Lou Nash on 01329 833774.

l Joan Phillips is making a call for more teams to enter the Romsey Ladies League for next winter. The annual meeting on Monday, August 20 takes place at the William IV.

New teams should contact Joan on 023 8073 3998. It is hoped to start the new season on September 10.

Bitterne Park Invitation League Roll of Honour

Men's Section:

Team KO Winners: Swaythling WMC; Runners Up: Bitterne Park Hotel.

Gallon Winners: Drummond A, Runners Up: Gardeners Arms.

Wooden Spoon: Obelisk.

Highest Finish: D Barnes (Drummond B) 152.

Singles Winner: G Bowers (Gardeners);

Runner Up: B Griffiths (Drummond A).

Pairs Winners: Tony Rodwell & Tom Clemons (Drummond A).

Runners Up: Archie McIntyre & Peter Yeates (Drummond A).

Captain's & Secretary's KO winners: A Watts & D Barnaby (Gardeners); Runners Up: N Morgan & C Swain (Drummond A).