THERE was a fantastic start to the season for Worcestershire County Darts squad, sponsored this season by Banks Bitter, with a resounding victory 27-9 against visitors Humberside.

The women's B won their match 6-0.

Beaty Powell 3-2 (16.18), Claire Hill 3-2 (14.12), Rachel Leeming 3-2 (14.94) with a 117gs in the third leg.

Carol Jones (14.74) and Jo Clements (15.53) both won 3-1.

Janet Hill, making a welcome return, lifted the match award for a 3-0 win and an average of 17.28.

Winners for the men's B were Chris Jennings 3-1 (23.13), Rob Heming 3-2 (20.25) and making his debut Steve Webb 3-1 (23.39).

Also Mick Hill 3-0 (22.43), Paul Lewis 3-0 (23.86), Nigel Vernall 3-0 (23.12).

Mark Bayliss made a welcome return to win 3-2 (21.15) and Tim Green 3-1 (20.49)

Simon Webb started as he finished last season by winning the match award again, four in a row by hitting 3x140, 132, 125, 3x100+, 3-1 in 14,18 and 14 dart legs for an average of 27.34.

The overnight score of 15-3 left Worcestershire firmly in the driving seat, needing only four games to secure the win.

The A players determined to go for the bonus points.

The women's A opened with Jackie Jenkins not only chalking up a 3-0 win with good scoring 140, 125, 3x100 but taking the match award with a 23.12 average.

Captain Rachael Dixon won 3-1 (18.12), Jackie Crew 3-2 (17.71) and last on Beaty Powell won 3-0 to ensure the county's first win of the season.

The men's A won 8-4 starting with Tony Randell 3-1 (25.03), Nick Fullwell 3-0 (25.91), Paul Brookes 3-0 (20.88), Mark Jones 3-0 (25.05), Tom White 3-2 (25.76) and Graham Perry 3-2 (25.47).

There were two outstanding games, one from match award winner Terry Jenkins hitting 180, 3x140, 3x100 in 16, 18 and 15 dart legs with a 120 game shot to win 3-0.

The other was from Kevin Harris who faced the redoubtable Barry Noble.

Kevin dug deep, scored well 180, 2x140, 9x100+ to emerge the winner with a great 109 game shot to thunderous cheers.

Terry Jenkins, Nick Fullwell, Kevin Harris, Mark Jones, Kevin James and Graham Perry all hit 180s. Team mate Tom White not only hit a max but also shot the set up of the day, scoring 171 to leave 36 which he clocked for a 13 dart winning leg.

Worcestershire looked and played with strength and confidence and look to be on target for a successful season.