HAMPSHIRE'S future at the summit of top class darts looks to be in safe hands after a stunning victory by the under-18s.

The county is used to success at the top with internationals Les Wallace, Andy Jenkins and Colin Monk and the trend looks set to carry on for some while.

Aldershot's James Wade became Hampshire's hero after his win clinched the British Inter-County Youth League Southern Section title.

It was the fourth time Hampshire were a step away from the title after final appearances in 1987, 1993 and 1995.

Wade's London opponent Stephen Parratt sits in the top ten of the season's averages but he was beaten 2-0.

London had led 1-0 with defeat for Paul Cox. Tony Speight pulled it level after coming from one leg down to win in legs of 18 and 23 darts.

Danny Ballard threw two excellent legs to put Hampshire in front. Ben Fenton's treble 17, double three finish clinched his first leg but he had to hit double six to win the third and put Hampshire in the driving seat.

Chris Parratt struck back for the Londoners but Antony Hayman stopped that run in its tracks. Needing 111 he threw a bull, 25 and just missed double 18 - finishing off with his next throw.

Jason Crawley then faced London's leading player and had to give way as the boy from the capital pipped him in both legs.

The vital fifth win of the afternoon followed when Wade threw his winning darts. With the title won this allowed Shaun Little a free rein and he held nothing back. A 44 finish in the first leg was followed by 94 in the second to earn the Player of the Match award as Hampshire wrapped up a magnificent 6-3 win.

Organiser Andy Scott was predictably pleased: "They could all go on to do very well in the sport. The draw could have been a little more favourable but I always felt that if we could get ahead the title was there for the taking."

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