BEDS county darts ace and defending champion Trevor Ellacott has his sights set on retaining the Graham Parcell Memorial Cup next month. Ellacott, who recently became the first person to make 200 appearances for Bedfordshire, is well aware of the stiff op

BEDS county darts ace and defending champion Trevor Ellacott has his sights set on retaining the Graham Parcell Memorial Cup next month.

Ellacott, who recently became the first person to make 200 appearances for Bedfordshire, is well aware of the stiff opposition he will face in the competition, now in its 10th season.

Now established as one of the top open darts singles competitions in the Three Counties, this year's event promises to be of the most exciting ever.

A vast array of talent is expected to take part at the popular event which also doubles as a charity fundraiser.

Last year's amount of £420 raised for the British Heart Foundation should be exceeded this time.

The competition also caters for club players and novices and is at Arlesey Town Football Club on Sunday, November 12 - registration is from 6.30pm to 7pm.

Entry fee is £3 per player.

Further details are available from John Boyle on 01462 835823 or Chris Slattery on 01462 685596.

* Denis Ovens from Stevenage failed to make it into round two of the SkyBet World Grand Prix at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

Ovens suffered a straight sets defeat to Wayne Mardle who produced a classy display to record a three-dart average of 92.

Mardle raced into a 2-0 lead before missing double top for a 140 finish which would have won him the set.

Ovens stepped in to take the leg, and then won the fourth before a 15-darter from Mardle put him 1-0 up.

Mardle then stepped up a gear in the second set, winning three straight legs to seal his place in round two.

"That was a good win," said Mardle.

* Stevenage were beaten 14-6 by Hatfield in the Shamrock Herts men's county league on Monday night.

They have now lost five of their six matches so far.