By David Nagel
The Warriors have finally been conquered.
After an undefeated start to the South West Gippsland Dart League, the Warriors were brought crashing back down to earth with a stunning 13-2 loss to Just Social in round five of the season.
Just Social – that played in both seasonal grand finals last year – were back to their brilliant best with Terry King leading the way.
King threw the highest peg of the night, a brilliant 104, to help Just Social claim its third win of the season and move to outright fifth on the ladder.
In a sign of a very tight competition, the Warriors drop from first to third after losing their first game for the season.
Snipers are the new ladder-leaders after a powerhouse 12-3 victory over competition newcomers The Hoodies.
After a round-three loss to Warriors, Snipers have bounced back impressively with 13-2 and 12-3 performances to take a percentage advantage over three teams at the top of the table.
Dean Gibbs has been a powerhouse performer for Snipers, throwing an impressive 29 tons in his first-five outings.
Gibbs has a nine-ton lead over Ant from the Warriors.
The other big highlight of the night came from Peter Willems from Gembrook, who threw the third 180 of the season in the huge clash against 26ers.
Willems may have provided some smiles, but the 26ers had the last laugh with an impressive 9-6 victory.
26ers now sit fourth, while Gembrook drops to seventh.
In other games this week, Mud Rats finally opened their account – after an unlucky start to the season – with a 11-4 triumph over Fore.
Mud Rats have been competitive to start the season, but narrow losses to Gembrook (8-7) and 26ers (8-7) had certainly stunted their climb up the ladder.
Their first win moves them to eighth place on the table.
And Pakyone is cruising along very nicely in second place after a dominant 13-2 win over Bullseyes.
Noel has been leading the way for Pakyone, having fired the most tons (17) and producing the highest checkout (101) for his side this season.
Round 5 Results: Mud Rats 11 def Fore 4, Snipers 12 def Hoodies 3, 26ers 9 def Gembrook 6, Pakyone 13 def Bullseyes 2, Just Social 13 def Warriors 2, Rebels – Bye.
Ladder: Snipers 16, Pakyone 16, Warriors 16, 26ers 16, Just Social 12, Rebels 8, Gembrook 8, Mud Rats 4, Bullseyes 4, Fore 0, Hoodies 0.
