CHESHIRE lost narrowly to Essex in a British Inter County Championship match played at Rudheath Social Club at the weekend.

The men’s A clash went the hosts’ way (8-4), with Winsford-based Dave Bird edging his head-to-head with Rhys Haden by the odd leg in seven.

It keeps them top of the standings, one point clear of Yorkshire.

For the men’s B encounter, won 8-4 by Essex, Stuart Kellett whitewashed Andrew Kateley with a single-dart average of 29.47.

Charlie Burns, from Moulton, went down 4-3 to George Cressey.

Bev Martin and Jane Stubbs, who both play for Rudheath, were victors for Cheshire women’s A as they shared six legs with their opponents.

Meanwhile Andrea Hunt, from Winsford, returned the highest single-dart average (17.68) for the hosts in the women’s B clash, beating Jenny Powell (3-0).

However Heidi Williams succumbed to Carol Pinfold (1-3) in a 4-2 aggregate defeat.

Cheshire, fifth in the Premier Division, were defeated 22-17 overall on aggregate.

They return to action next month, when they travel to Cornwall.