Holgate beat Barbican 20-11 in the top-of-the table clash in York Veterans' Bowls League division one, but Barbican still head the table with a superior shots difference.

Holgate WMC stay top of division two after a comfortable 22-10 win at Dunnington 'B'. Nearest challengers West Park 'A' suffered their first defeat, losing 22-7 at home to Nestl 'A'.

In division three, Bootham beat Shipton 23-15 to remain at the top. Second-placed Poppleton 'A' beat Copmanthorpe 'C' 20-11.

In division four, Nestl 'C' lost their 100 per cent record, going down 18-12 to West Park 'C', who join them in second place. RI Amateurs take over at the top after a 24-12 win over Fulford Conservatives 'B'.

Division five leaders Osbaldwick 'A' beat Wigginton 'A' 17-12, and Dringhouses 'A' beat Bishopthorpe 'A' 22-10, to take over second place.

Stamford Bridge 'B' beat Dringhouses 'C' 18-6 to lead division six, but RI Spartans, who beat Osbaldwick 'C' 20-13, are only two points adrift with a game in hand.

In the qualifying round of the Maddison Cup played last week, cup holders Nestl 'C' beat Huntington WMC 19-8, while last year's runners-up Bert Keech 'C', beat Bishopthorpe 'A' 24-7.

Coronation Cup holders Nestl 'A' lost to RI Amateurs 18-16. Despite atrocious weather all but two of the matches were completed.

Updated: 10:59 Saturday, May 31, 2003