John Emmerson (Holgate) won York Amateur Bowling Association's annual Bert Keech Two-wood Singles competition.

Emmerson, a previous winner of the competition, beat Geoff Eagles (RI Corinthians) 21-19 in the final, no more than two sots separating them during 29 ends.

In the semi-finals Emmerson beat another previous winner Paul Mooring (Bert Keech) 15-10, while Eagles beat Marshall Robertson, this year's YABA President 15-8.

Haxby Road and Holgate have beaten their nearest rivals to ensure that it is a two-horse race for the division one title in the Persimmon Homes-Ideal Standard Bowls League.

Bert Keech, on their own green, managed to take only half a point from Haxby Road, but Holgate had to pull out all the stops against Hull Road Park at the Barbican.

Tony Horobin and Phil Emmerson's rinks were both trailing by over ten shots at halfway, and managed to pull back to tie.

Alan Maine killed the 21st end once and then drew a winner with his last wood to ensure a draw on his rink. Peter Littlewood with Mal Harrison, Phil Parsons and Barry Douglas won their game by two shots to take the aggregate giving Holgate 6 points.

Undefeated RI Corinthians are clear leaders of division two, but with Clifton and Poppleton Road WMC to play next they will do well to extend their unbeaten run as both clubs have a reputation for providing the unexpected result.

Stamford Bridge are on the way to an early return to division one with wins against Harrogate 7-1 and Copmanthorpe 8-0.

New entrants Selby, who are now clear leaders of division three, face division one leaders Haxby Road in the first round of the Williamson Cup. Whatever the result, the match will be good experience for the five teenagers in Selby's team.

University looked favourites for runners up place but suffered a setback by losing 8-0 to Retreat , so any of five clubs now have chances.

Persimmon Homes-Ideal Standard Individual Competitions will start on the following dates:

Singles, July 1; Pairs, June 29 (preliminary round); Triples, June 27; Fours preliminary round on June 20 (A Dunbar v T Shepherdson, and P Godwin v J Caulfield on West Park. Remainder have byes).

Yorkshire pairs semi-finals:

The draw for the Yorkshire Bowling Association Pairs Championship area semi-finals to be played by June 11, is:

Section 'A': D Moss v J Emmerson, M Thompson v T Quainton.

Section 'B': A Longfield v M Harrison, P Roberts v E Wilkinson.

Section 'C': E Howcroft v J Backhouse, M Emmett v D Horsley.

Result should be phoned to M Harrison, tel York (01904) 798374.

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, June 05, 2003