Hampshire are still looking for their first victory on the oche after losing to West Midlands in the Premier Division of the British Inter County Darts League.

There were some top performances during the rearranged two-day battle – none more so than during the men’s A contest which highlighted the quality of play.

Hampshire spokeswoman Alex Ede said: “The boys who lost in the A side all lost to players with 28 or 29 averages and only three legs went over 20 darts in the entire match.

“It just goes to show how tough the Premier Division is.”

Hampshire were level with West Midlands after the first day’s play as both the women’s and men’s B sides drew.

Clare Cheney, Dawn Simmonds and Abi Jurd recorded wins and the men drew 6-6 with victories for Paul Winter, Dave Bonnett, Mick Savvery, Jamie Kelling, Mark Thorne and Arron Monk.

The game then began to slip from Hampshire’s hands as only Tara Power-Gillet and Wendy Reinstadtler managed wins for the ladies’ A side.

Hampshire were just two games adrift but Gary Stafford was the only winner in the opening four games of the men’s A side.

Sam Rooney, Steve Musson, Paul Winter and Charlie Jackson gave them hope but West Midlands finished the stronger to take victory and the three extra bonus points.

Notable ladies’ performances came from Eastleigh’s Abi Jurd, winning 3-0 with a 21.47 average, and Tara Power-Gillet’s 3-1 with a 21.50.

For the men there was an excellent debut from Mick Savvery who won 4-0 with a 28.23 average.

Paul Winter won both his A and B games (29.35 and 26.42 respectively), Sam Rooney recorded a 4-3 win and 30.00 average and Charlie Jackson hit a 30.06.

Hampshire need to get a first win under their belt and have an opportunity this weekend when they face Devon at Fareham’s Hill Park Memorial Club.

Ede added: “It’s onwards and upwards. This result makes the Devon match a must-win game for us.”