University Students kept their grip in the race for second spot in ladies division one of York Badminton League.

Their 5-4 home win over Clifton was due to the good form of Nicky Roe and Alex Darlington, whose three wins, totalling 90-44, included a 5 and 10 victory over Gerry Screeton and Karen Anderson who scored two Clifton wins.

In an earlier match the Student Ladies won 8-1 at Rowntree. Ros Ellis and Jo Gadds took the maximum for a return of 96-48. Shelley Tatterton and Brenda Drummond scored the confectionery side's win with a 7-15 15-8 15-1 success over S Jones and Heather Turner.

Steve Harker and Dave Simpson topscored for Shepherds in an 8-1 away win over Selby Jubilee 'A' in men's division one.

Jubilee's Peter Murphy and Martin Overton beat Paul Nichol and Roger Martin 5-15 15-12 15-3.

Clifton 'A' suffered narrow defeats to the top two clubs in men's division one. A 5-4 home defeat by York RI was followed by a 6-3 defeat away to University Students 'A'.

Ian Shore and Kev Davidson scored two wins against the Students but lost 13-15 15-9 9-15 to James Croll and Ben Tilley.

In men's division two, John Major and Alastair Jewison had one of their best series this season, winning three in straight sets for a total of 90-52, as Knavesmire won 8-1 away to RI Tuesday/Thursday.

Riverside confirmed their top spot in men's division two with a 6-3 win away to a tough St John's side. Dave Dearsley and Liam Whittington scored two wins for St John's but lost 15-11 15-17 11-15 to John Fowler and Chris Swift.

Phil Grant and Mark Barker have been in good form for Rowntree, winning five out of six and totalling 181-90 in the 5-4 defeat away to Students 'B' and then the 7-2 win at Pocklington.

Their only defeat was 6-15 15-1 3-15 to Students pair P Gent and S Gardner.

Alan Roberts and Pete Wilkinson totalled 100-39 in three wins as Fulfordgate won 7-2 at home to Sheriff Hutton in men's division three. This included a 10-15 15-8 15-11 win over M and C Foster, who scored both wins for Sheriff Hutton.

Phil Brunyard and Julie Smyth totalled 92-60 in three wins as Drax 'A' won 7-2 at home to Students 'B' in mixed division one. This included a 17-14 15-7 win over C Woodruff and S Jones, who scored both wins for the Students.

In mixed division two Knavesmire 'A' beat Easingwold 6-3 at Poppleton Community Centre. Joy Wilson and Dave Brogden produced their best display this season when totalling 90-39 in their three wins.

Huntington 'B', the mixed division four leaders, were pushed all the way before winning 5-4 at home to York University Staff Club 'B'.

Staff Club's Garry Turner and Sue Scott totalled 90-47 in three wins, which included a 15-9 15-11 win over Huntington's opening pair John Deighton and Margaret Chambers.

Nestl Rowntree will be playing all their home fixtures at Joseph Rowntree School Sports Hall with immediate effect.

Individual club secretaries will be contacted about the change, and remaining fixtures will take place at the new venue at the pre-arranged date and time.

Updated: 12:03 Wednesday, April 02, 2003