York reached the Yorkshire Double Rinks Bowls Cham-pionship finals after a hard-fought game against Ryedale.

David Stroughair's rink had an impressive victory at Norton against Iain Boyle's team, winning six of the last eight ends to go from 11-7 down to win 21-13.

At home, Paul Mooring's four also had a tough time against Stuart Bryan's rink. However, a six on the 12th put them in front for the first time at 11-10. The hosts led 21-16 with one to play but Bryan got a deserved result with a five to level the final score.

York are on the brink of winning the Hebden Trophy in the revamped format with three games to go.

They beat title contenders South Leeds 82-68 to take 15 points and maintain their 100 per cent winning record.

Away, Geoff Walker's team started well, scoring a five on the first end, but a dropped five on the 13th put them behind for the first time at 16-14. They picked up six shots from four winning ends, then dropped a single, before putting the game to bed with a six and two ends to play. The final score was 27-18.

Brian Thomas's side dropped a single on the last end but got a creditable 15-15 draw.

At home, Alwyn Johnson's rink scored a six on the eighth end to lead 11-7, and, with the scores tied at 13-13 with eight ends to play, pulled away to win 25-15.

Eric Hodgson's team lost 20-16 after dropping twos on the last two ends.

New Earswick remain on course to finish in the top four to gain a place in the Hebden Challenge Cup after they beat Hornsea 106-46 to pick up 17 points.

At home, Dave Sykes' team had an easy time, only losing five ends and winning 34-5. Jim Bone's side won 26-10.

Away, Barry Harrison's four made the most of a good start, leading 14-2 after nine ends and going on to win 25-10.

Bob Howland's side picked up a single on their last end to earn a deserved 21-21 draw after being 9-2 down.