YORK Badminton League Men's Two leaders Selby/Drax A' took a big step towards the title by beating their nearest challengers.

They maintain their slender advantage with a 5-4 home win over second-placed Clifton B'.

Selby's unbeaten Steve Parr and Phil Brunyard returned144-114, including a tough 18-21, 21-14, 21-19 over Matt Burrows and Chris Gunby.

Clifton A' kept on track for third spot in Men's Division One with a 6-3 win at Riverside. Richard McIntosh and Dave Coulson sealed victory with a 21-16, 21-14 success over Geoff Oxley and Chris Swift. Craig Dobson and Alex Fowler replied with two Riverside wins.

RI Tuesday/Thursday B' kept up their good home form with a 7-2 win over Selby Jubilee A'. Undefeated Paul Forth and Dave Thompson enjoyed their best return of the season with 43-103, including a 17-21, 21-13, 21-15 over Andy Hatfield and Pete Murphy.

University Staff Ladies, struggling to find consistency in Ladies One, were whitewashed at York RI and then lost 6-3 to Clifton. Nicky Milstead and Joyce Petch had three straight wins for 126-67, while Karen Broster and Shelagh Barker topped the Clifton returns with 146-113. Jane Colley and Jo Wade won twice against Clifton.

After a slow start in Mixed One, Clifton A' now look favourites to take third place after a 7-2 win at Selby Jubilee A'. Daniel Wolfson and Shelagh Barker laid the foundations for victory with 126-79.

Shepherds A' nearly upset the form book in Mixed One before losing 5-4 at home to second-placed York RI B'. Phil Turner and Heather Hawkings swung the match for RI with three wins including a vital 24-22, 6-21, 21-13 victory over Paul Nichol and Claire Forth.

RI Tuesday/Thursday A' boosted their Mixed Three title hopes by winning 8-1 at Pocklington where Matt Hitchens and Louise Hansen chalked up 126-94. Chris Kuneck and Sally Howat spared the home blushes with a 22-20, 19-21, 21-15 facesaver over Ian Sinker and Susie Maddison.

Selby/Drax C' finally opened their Mixed Three account by beating Huntington B', who have gone nine matches without a win, 6-3.