The West Midlands lose the title in last game

The county darters are also promoted, though, and will make the step into Division One as runners-up, writes Craig Birch.

Third-placed Berkshire lost at Suffolk, while the West Midlands and London played out a 19-19 draw at Gilberts Bar in Willenhall.

Two days of play began with the women's B affairs, which proved a sign of things to come as it ended 3-3.

Shellbie Simmons top scored with an average of 18.98 for the hosts in a 3-1 win over Kelly Livett (18.02), while London's Lynne Biondini had 19.56 in a 3-2 battle with Heather Wright (18.91).

And the first day would end all square after another stalemate between the two sides, this time 6-6 after the men's B proceedings.

Ash Khayat excelled for the home line-up with 27.83 in a 3-0 whitewash of Joe Imber (25.04), while London's Steve Day (27.83) also shut out Robert Smith (22.93).

Players returned to the venue for day two, with the West Midlands finally getting their noses in front through a 5-1 win in the women's A clashes.

Sarah Roberts led the way with 22.97 in a 3-2 last leg defeat of Deborah Watling (20.48), while Steph Stutley (15.08) reversed the result against Gemma Barrett (14.90) for London's reply.

That levelled the two counties up on points going into the men's A finale, which the West Midlands needed to win by a point to be sure of the title. Play was over a best-of-seven format.

But a happy ending didn't come as London came out on top 8-4, with the home side having to win the last two games just to salvage a match draw.

London's Conan Whitehead notched the highest average of the weekend, with 32.40 in a 4-1 vanquishing of Ian Jones (27.18).

England international Shaun Carroll mustered the best response in the penultimate tie, with 27.77 in a 4-3 success over Tony Hamit (23.95).

Michael Baker (24.10) made sure they didn't lose the match in the final game, seeing off Nicky Turner (23.66) by a 4-2 verdict.

The new fixtures have already been released, with the West Midlands first at Hampshire on the weekend of September 3. Ironically, they also host London in their last game of next season.