HEWORTH consolidated their position at the top of the York Conservative Clubs’ Slater Cup Snooker Pairs League with a 5-2 win over Fulford which gave them a 13-point cushion, writes Colin Robinson.

John McCready and Keith Batty gave them an opening start only for Brian Dobbin and Derek Martin to level.

Heworth took the next two frames and created a 98-point aggregate advantage. Although Neil Brennan and Dean Stockton reduced the arrears Peter Hodgson and Joe Bedford ensured victory.

Bootham returned to winning ways with a 6-1 hammering of bottom-placed Acomb. They went 2-0 up before Andy Wade and Simon Bowker replied for Acomb but Bootham won the remaining three games. The match ended with a tremendous black by Pete Henderson.

Acomb received another blow to their championship hopes as they lost 4-2 to Bootham ‘B’ in the York Conservative Clubs’ Faber Shield Billiards League in a close-fought encounter.

Trevor Ventress gave them a head start and Paul Holmes continued his unbeaten run with a four-point success to make it 2-0.

Bootham responded with a close success by Matt Smith and further wins by Tim Fillingham and Paul Mahoney to claim the aggregate by just eight points for a 4-2 win.

Bootham ‘A’ paid the penalty when a player failed to arrive, losing 4-2 to Heworth.

Colin Robinson came from behind with the help of a 40 break and stole the game from Jason Milner (25 break) by one point. Then Gary Rogers (40,47,56 breaks) won by four points when Jeff Brown missed a late opportunity.

Steve Burdett (41 break) moved Heworth ahead only for Stuart Martel to level. However, a walk-over by Brian Birch and the aggregate point meant Heworth won 4-2.

Paul Holmes (Acomb) heads the Cameo Engraving Player of the Year competition unbeaten with nine wins, while Gary Rogers (Heworth) continues to lead in the Cameo Engraving Highest Break contest with 85.