VOLUNTEERS and Nestl Rowntree will contest the John Smith's Bitter Cup final after coming through tight semi-finals.

A goal from James Bonarius after only ten minutes was enough to see Volunteers through against Marcia.

Second division Derwent United came close to ending Nestl's dream of winning four trophies after Collins and Hopwood had given Derwent a 2-1 lead.

Morton had netted for Nestl and time was running out when Steve Ward struck an equaliser to take the game into extra time. The extra 30 minutes failed to separate the sides and so it was left to Code in the Rowntree goal to help his team to a 3-1 win in the penalty shoot-out.

Division four leaders Opticare pulled off the result of the Mecca Trophy quarter-finals when they won 5-2 at third division Bishopthorpe with goals by Bastock (3), Brundrett and Cross with the goals. Thompson, Siddle and Gilmour were on target as York Nomads went through 3-0 against The Plough.

Bridge Colts booked their semi-final place with a comfortable 5-0 win over Old Grey Mare with strikes from I Burgess (2), C Burgess (2) and Small.

The closest tie was at Samson where visitors Wigginton GH took a first half lead through Chris Johnson. Samson battled for an equaliser and only a fine save from Ryan Scott denied them before they were caught with a sucker punch in the last minute from John Alcock.

In the league, Severus SC punished Ainsty's defensive lapses to run out 5-2 winners in division one, Neil Ducy scoring twice.

Goals from Greenwood, Smith, Whittington and Hart earned New Earswick a 4-1 win at Pocklington.

Division two leaders Thorpe United gained revenge for their defeat by Blacksmiths Arms three weeks ago, by returning the compliment with a 2-1 win courtesy of Fowler and Crowther.

David Birch gave Derwent Arms a first-half lead at Acomb SC but Carl Welch earned the home side a point. The Mount and FC Magnet fought out a rare 0-0 draw.

Beeswing and Copmanthorpe's hopes of avoiding the drop deteriorated still further.

Two goals from David Coverdale helped Haxby Lions to a 3-1 win at Beeswing and Copmanthorpe went down 2-0 at Hemingbrough to goals from Young and Harrison.

Nestl Flag returned to winning ways with a 5-0 win over Black Bull, Kev Martin scoring twice.

Fulford FC took advantage of Opticare's involvement in the cup to jump into top spot in division four with a 4-0 win at Acomb Celtic. Simpson (2), Chapman and Sutton were the scorers.

Joe Smart scored twice as St Clement's recorded their sixth consecutive league win 3-1 at Boy & Barrel. Thornton scored four as Burnholme strolled to a 6-2 win over Raskelf and Inland Revenue drew 1-1 at Wilberfoss.

In division five, Heslington moved to within two points of leaders Kings Arms by beating them 6-2 with a brace each for Green and Surgenor. A single strike from Dexter gave second placed Heworth a 1-0 win over CPP.

In the bottom of the table clash Mark Lansbury gave Burton Stone the lead but that was short-lived as Cammidge equalised for Wanderers. Goalkeeper Mark Phillips restored Stone's lead from the penalty spot before the break and Henry Smith made it 3-1 midway through the second half. Cammidge reduced the arrears with his second but Burton Stone hung on to take all three points.

Ryan Chadwick gave division six leaders Selby Olympia Reserves the lead against F1 Racing, whose Neil Yeowart equalised only for Chadwick to net his second for a 2-1 win with 15 minutes remaining.

Gipsy Moth remain second after two goals from Danny Oxtoby helped them to a 3-2 win over Skelton. Goals from Mason, Nicholls and Parsons gave Bay Horse (Tadcaster) a 3-0 win over Hazelwoods.

Mark Rhodes hit another 35-yarder for Edinburgh Arms but it wasn't enough as they went down 3-1 to Cross Keys. Two goals each for Barker, Peach and Bradley helped Black Swan to an 8-0 win at Pickering LB and Barras went one better with a hat-trick as Kingsway Riders won 6-1 at Pocklington Rangers.

The next league meeting is on Thursday, March 20 at New Earswick Bowls Club at 8pm.

Updated: 09:18 Friday, March 14, 2003