York started their Denny Cup campaign in fine form, last year's quarter-finalists beating Metrodome 86-61 on aggregate.

At home David Stroughair, Mick Parker, Barry Walker and Philip Scott were in outstanding form. After losing two shots on the first end they then won 14 successive ends, including a six on the 11th, win 28-11. Michael Bruce, John Emmerson, Eddie Howcroft and John Walker had a real fight on their hands, trailing 12-6 after 14 ends. Though they countered to lead 15-12 with four ends to go, they let it slip to lose 19-15.

At Barnsley, Iain Boyle, Frank Turner, Ted Boyle and Phil Parsons capitalised on a good start. From 10-0 up they eventually won 27-14, but Paul Mooring, Graham Brooke, Mal Harrison and Graham blew a 14-9 advantage to be pipped 17-16. York now play Great Ayscliffe in the next round on November 9 (10am start).

New Earswick, meanwhile, lost 94-79 to Selby.

At home, Gary Bunce, Ray Clark, Mick Stannard and Ken Lippett had a good start leading 14-1 after only six ends en route to a 27-18 win. Paul Dawson, Mal Beavers, Ralph Tiplady and Dave Kermode underwent a topsy-turvy tussle, leading 9-0, 14-9 and 18-17, only to lose all the last three ends to crash 24-18.

At Selby, Ken Harrison, Bill Waldie, Bill Chittock and Dennis Ellis rallied superbly from a 14-4 deficit. Despite losing three of the final five ends, they scored fours on the two they won to claim an important 23-19 victory. But there was no joy for Bob Edwards, Barry Johnson, Bob Howland and Steve Long, who perished 33-11.

Updated: 09:13 Thursday, October 30, 2003