CRICKETERS still head the Ridley League, but now by only two points after a week of results that underlined the dogfight for the title.

Dog & Partridge went second with a 10-5 beating of the leaders, highlighted by 180s from Mick Cain, Robbie Turner and Dave Kelly, and a 120 out by Ian Quartermaine. With City FC defeating Little Waltham, and victories for City B and Black Bull, the top six are separated by five points.

Tourist Costas Ballas, signed as emergency darts cover, found himself in demand sooner than expected when City B arrived at the Compasses four short. The Corfu bar owner took the fourth singles and helped Jason Vickers to the second pairs point.

Black Bull, beaten in four of the five singles, dug deep to edge the verdict at the Red Beret. Chequers B won the Battle of Felsted against their A team, taking three of the match sections but ultimately squeezing home by only a point.

Results: CCFC A 9, Lt Waltham SC 6 (singles/pairs 5-2, mixed 0-1, women 0-1, dominoes 4-2); Chequers B 8, Chequers A 7 (4-3, 1-0, 1-0, 2-4); Compasses 4, CCFC B 11 (1-6, 1-0, 0-1, 2-4); Dog & Partridge 10, Cricketers 5 (5-2, 0-1, 1-0, 4-2); Red Beret 7, Black Bull 8 (4-3, 0-1, 1-0, 2-4). Fixtures (Dec 1): Men’s Pairs, Women’s Pairs & league meeting (Chelmsford City FC, 8pm).