DORSET county A arrowsmith Mark Grimes overcame a strong challenge from Danny Aplin to secure the Portland Xmas Open Darts Competition at the Conservative Club.

A fantastic final saw Grimes overcome in-form Aplin, who had negotiated a difficult route to the final, 4-2.

Victory saw Grimes repeat his Easter win at Portland.

In the ladies’ draw, Dorset ace Sam Kirton threw some excellent darts in the final, defeating Sarah Chick, a previous winner at Portland, 3-1.

Kirton also partnered local player Julie Boggust to win the Ladies’ Blind Pairs.

The Men’s Blind Pairs was won by Lee Turle and Portland player Sean McMurray.

McMurray had a successful day also reaching the men’s singles semi-final.

There was an increase in prize money this year, totalling £1,600, for what is now an established competition on the darts calendar.

Organiser Andrew Masters would like to thank all the sponsors who supported the event and Di Martin for running the ladies’ competition.

n Main Sponsors: South Portland Conservative Club, Isle of Portland Darts League and Real World Services. Other sponsors: Ian Burden Butcher’s, Hull Gregson & Hull, GP Metals, Paul Paice Blinds & Beds, Aplin’s Garden Services, Perryfield Bodyworks, Steve Jones Plan Design, Nicky’s Taxis, Fresh Bites, Darron Whyton Builder and The Carpetman.