THERE was a titanic struggle between Timperley Cons and British Rail Club in the Altrincham and Sale Round the Board Darts League in the final outing before Christmas.

The match was played to an exceptional standard and third-placed British Rail Club took the victory, closing the gap between them and Timp Cons in second.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Central Club took all the points against a struggling Stone Masons side, while The Railway Altrincham beat Bricklayers.

The Orange Tree fought gamely against an improving Station Altrincham side, the match level at 3-3 before the deciding leg was won by Station.

The Brooklands Tap took on new side Railway Sale and won in another hard-fought match, pushing the Tap into mid-table and within range of a top-four spot.

Budenburgs are clear at the top, but all the top four teams are in contention for the title.