REJUVENATED Elvington celebrated double league success just months after merging with neighbours Dunnington.

Elvington 'A', made up chiefly from the former Dunnington contingent, lifted the division three title despite losing the last three games, while Elvington 'B' claimed division five.

Joining Elvington 'A' in promotion to division two will be Haxby 6, who finished just one point behind to earn a third promotion in as many years.

Only Ladybirds 'B' stopped Elvington taking three promotions as they split the 'B' and 'C' teams in division five to go up to division four.

Mother and daughter duo Tina and Vanessa Paver were among the White Rose 'A' team that ran away with the division four title unbeaten.

Another new name on the trophy is that of Osbaldwick 'D'. The team got together after spending time away from netball and romped away with the division six title in their first season to get instant promotion along with Strensall, who have only been going for two years themselves.

Haxby 2 fought back from relegation last year to take a first ever league trophy - earlier promotions were always as runner-up - and win a place back in the top flight.

Captain Sarah Triffit led the way for the squad, three-quarters of whom are former Joseph Rowntree students, with some great performances to get back up.

Osbaldwick 'C', also relegated last time, will join them.

The first division returned to Railway Institute 1, formerly known as Civil Service, 12 months after they lost the title for the first time in 29 years, as reported in March. Haxby 1 finished second.

The York and District Netball League annual meeting will be on Tuesday, May 10 at Railway Institute. All clubs should attend.

Seconds step into spotlight

Pocklington's Percy Road ground will stage the finals of the East Yorkshire Rugby Union Merit Tables in a double bill this Sunday afternoon.

The merit tables have run all season for East Yorkshire's clubs second, third and fourth teams, with Beverley 2nds coming through to top the division one table ahead of Malton & Norton 2nds, and with Beverley 3rds again heading division two with Driffield 4ths close behind.

The top two pairings will now have their day in the limelight at Pocklington as first play second in championship deciders.

Beverley will face Driffield in the division two final which kicks off at 1.30pm, followed by the division one final between Beverley and Malton & Norton at 3.30pm.

Pocklington will hold their annual end-of-season dinner and awards night in their Percy Road clubhouse on Friday, May 6.

The main speaker will be Richie Gray, a former Gala RFC captain, who went on to coach Scotland Under-19s and The Borders professional regional side. He now runs the Borders Academy for the Scottish RFU.

He agreed to speak at Percy Road through his connections with former Pocklington and Scotland 'A' centre Jon Stuart, who was with The Borders for two season before moving to play in France.

The event is open to players, vice-presidents, supporters and junior coaches and parents. To reserve a place, contact dinner organiser Mark Biggin on 07887 885097 (players), Peter Kite (vice-presidents) or Phil Gilbank (juniors).

The dinner precedes the last game of the season at Percy Road, on Sunday, May 8, when Pocklington 1st XV will meet a President's XV, kick off 2.00 pm.

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, April 28, 2005