YORK Indoor Bowls Club ladies went into their last Yorkshire League game with a slim chance of winning the title - but they ended up being relegated despite beating Harrogate 98-78.

It was York's third win out of four games this season, but they were consigned to the drop after North Cave and Scarborough drew.

At home, Helen Wood’s side got off to a good start, winning eight out of nine ends to lead 12-1. They led 20-10 after 15 ends before finishing with a flurry, scoring 15 shots over five ends. They dropped a single on the last to finish 35-11 victors.

Carol Instone's team got off to an awful start, where they trailed 16-0 after only five ends.

They slowly clawed their way back into the game and, with four ends to play, a six brought them to within five shots at 24-19, but they lost three more ends and the game 28-20.

Away, Sue Allen’s side won eight of the first nine ends to lead 12-2, but then lost six of the following seven to reduce their lead to 14-10. They held their nerve and went on to win 25-11.

Sheila Turpin's side led 8-7 after eight ends then found themselves 16-8 down three ends later. That proved decisive as they lost 28-18.

York finished four points below champions Redcar and one point behind second-placed North Cave and third-placed Scarborough.

Doncaster were promoted as champions of section 'B', along with runners-up Hornsea. Harrogate were relegated with York.

On Saturday, York conclude their North East League fixtures when they play Leeds.