York Amateur Bowling Association champions Holgate rallied late on to secure a tense victory against last year's runners-up Haxby Road.

After 19 ends Haxby Road looked all set for a convincing win, but a late reply from Holgate, and in particular Alan Maine, clinched the aggregate points for a 6-2 triumph.

Holgate now look on course to secure the title for another year, while Haxby face the other members of the chasing pack, Bert Keech and RI Amateurs, in the bid to seriously challenge the leaders.

Dringhouses were prevented from a first win of the season, as the last wood of the match from Trevor Quainton gave the aggregate points to Selby in a 6-2 win.

Four consecutive 6-2 victories for Poppleton, including one against unbeaten Osbaldwick, makes a second promotion in as many years a real possibility, despite the close attentions of Stamford Bridge.

Holgate Working Men's Club, who just missed out on promotion from division three last year, have won three games in a row to improve their chances of going one better this year. However, Dunnington and Burnholme are also undefeated in three.

Secretaries are reminded that entries for the individual competitions will be taken by any executive committee member up to the draw being made in York Indoor Bowling Club on Tuesday, May 31 at 8.30pm.

Stewart success

POCKLINGTON-BASED Stewart Bowls club raised their game to beat Yorkshire County Bowls Association District No 5 Triples League champions Nafferton in the District Club Knockout.

Currently languishing at the bottom of division two, Stewart tore up the formbook to win 78-73.

Filey beat Scalby by 24 shots, Ayton beat Helmsley by 20, Dunnington defeated Middleton by 31, Seamer got the better of Pickering by 23 and Thornton-le-Dale lost by 26 to Stamford Bridge.

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, May 19, 2005