Hampshire lost their first county darts match of the season when they were beaten on home soil by Gwent.

The home county set themselves up with a two-game advantage after the first day’s play – but were left defeated when the men’s A side struggled.

Tara Power, Dawn Simmonds and Kelly Palmer forced a draw for the women’s B side. The men’s second side then produced a two-point cushion with victories for Ben Bran, Steve West, Paul Winter, Andy Mitchell, Paul Gibbs, Mick Street and Mark Thorne.

Another 3-3 draw from the women – successes coming from Sue Lowther, Elaine Harty and Wendy Reinstadtler – kept Hampshire ahead.

And things looked rosy when Dave Bonnett, Sam Rooney and Dean Jones kicked off with wins in the men’s A clash.

But, from there, Hampshire’s only victory came from Danny Smith as Gwent went home with a 19-17 win, plus three bonus points.

The defeat drops Hampshire down to fifth place, below Dorset who defeated Nottinghamshire.

Clive Downton's weekly darts review is in today's Daily Echo