THE draw for the second round of the Evening Mail Darts Championship has thrown up some fascinating battles.

Pick of the round sees stalwart Paul Harris, who seems to be putting the practice in to get back to his best, facing a very tricky tie against a very solid Sean Connolly who has already defeated ex-Mail champion Simon Kane.

Also hoping to book a place in the Barrow Area finals at The Cottages on Saturday February 18, is Castle House man Simon Whiteside.

However, he must first beat the in-form Tony Robinson in a match-up which has all the makings of being a cracker.

Ever-improving Castle House player Gavin Lewis also has a tricky test at home to the consistent Phil Anderson, while youngsters Scott Lawson and Ben Livesey find themselves up against each other with all to play for.

Former county player Tommy Richardson, who has been struggling to find form of late until excelling in the first-round, is up against fellow Castle House darter, and a player with a lot of potential, in Jason Caine. All Dalton and District area finalists should ensure they arrive at Dalton CC for 7.15pm on Saturday February 11. Registration will take place at 7.30pm. Players who have not arrived by 7.15pm will be eliminated.

Barrow Area round two draw: Matches to be played before January 31. Simon Whiteside 07590037349 (Castle House) v Tony Robinson 07460646006 (Britannia); Nat Hardie 07720616083 (Rams Head) v Liam Armistead 07703985345 (Castle House); Gav Lewis 07857422489 (Castle House) v Phil Anderson 01229 813812/07840753630 (Vic Tavern).

Paul Clarke 07745451118 (Britannia) v Dan Backhouse 07470492036 (Britannia); Jordan Lowe 07495786161 (Castle House) v Kev Hubbold 07495786161 (Robin Hood); James Kempster 01229 813604 (Castle House) v Jason Williams 01229 316315 (Blue Lamp); Sean Connolly 07547190063 (Vic Tavern) v Paul Harris 01229 835600/07885203684 (Britannia); Chris Irvine 07792099968 (Castle House) v Matt Burrow 07814390712 (Vic Tavern).

Steve Patterson 07788240472 (Castle House) v Nicky Lavery 07934432700 (Greengate); Tommy Richardson 07972812073 (Castle House) v Jason Caine 07949160210 (Castle House); Ben Livesey 07921035782 (Castle House) v Scott Lawson 07968285100 (Castle House); Dave Eccles 07796901310 (Harbour) v Jordan Park 07872495823 (Soccer Bar).