YORK Atlas Auto Services League division one title-chasers Clifton 'A' were given an ideal 30-dart start at Tap by Martyn Turner.

Tap responded by taking the next four games, including a 21-darter from John Smith, but then floundered as Clifton took the remaining games to run out 5-4 winners.

Volunteer's Paul Botterill closed in 20 darts but Bishopthorpe's Arthur Conyers contributed a magnificent 19-darter. Then Volunteer moved up a gear with landlady Nicky Sanderson spearheading the charge and Paul Dixon included a brace of maximums to round off a 6-3 scoreline.

Cygnet strengthened their grip on third place with a fine 7-2 victory at Clifton 'B'. Sam McCraken starred with 180 for 16 darts and was well supported by Alan Simpson. Ali Blake took Clifton's only singles point.

In division two, the leaders, Crescent 'A' had Mick Powell (180 for 21) and Chris Parlabean (180) to the fore and Jamie Radford topped a fine performance by closing on bull to beat Leeman 6-3.

An excellent 18-darter from Geoff Kitson inspired Howden Arms to a fine 6-3 victory against Woolpack while Six Bells consolidated their challenge by securing the last five of a 6-3 scoreline at Burton 'A'.

Clifton 'C' lost a point on the leaders but beat Fulford Arms 5-4 in which Tony Baxter (180) stood out.

A 21-darter from Stan Isaac squared Crescent 'B' team's match at Reindeer but the latter took the pairs for a 6-3 result, fine darts coming from Bob Rochester.

Division three contenders Puss n' Boots had Mark Thornton in 21-dart form which was well backed by Trevor Smith in their 6-3 win over Acomb Hotel.

Alice Hawthorn beat Burton 'B' within the singles.

James Hawksworth and James Medley combined to give Bay Horse 'B' victory against Mount, while Yearsley's climb up the table continued with an emphatic 8-1 at Indoor Bowls.

Fulfordgate extended their York White Rose Ladies League division one lead with a 6-1 score at Six Bells.

Second-placed Sun struggled again at New York but Ann Franks sealed a 4-3 decider.

Dot Haines put Denise Fahey up to take a last-game win for Railway Institute over Tap while Winning Post had Kate Wilson, Lynn Walsh then Ann Robinson cleaning up to collect a 4-3 at Crescent.

Jayne Caine collected Clarence's only point with 23 darts as Golden Slipper, with 21 darts from their skipper Rose O'Bee, consolidated at the top of division two.

Lord Collingwood had to rely upon Eileen Carter getting the decider to beat Fulford Conservatives. Similarly, Coach's Maggie Adamson tipped the scales against Deramore.

Alice Hawthorn had good scoring from Emma Webster (105, 125) and a 5-2 at Brown Cow puts them topping division three.

Carole McLeod-Angela forth took the only Nags Head point at Tramways and Sam Jamieson secured Crystal Palace a 4-3 at Tankard.

Both the leading teams in York Phoenix League suffered shock defeats.

Acomb's Rob Henman hit the tons to secure a 4-3 win over Shepherd, the leaders, and was well backed by Mick Ward. Mick Wilsden, with a brace of 21-darters, and Chas Ramsden were best in reply.

Second-placed Slipper had few answers to Tap's finishing power as Dean Saxton made an exit on 113.

Darren Bailey and John Smith provided good support while Steve Reynolds and Russ Turpin took Slipper's points.

Keith Graham-Lee Hurst took Collingwood's only point at Bishopthorpe. Arthur Conyers was in magnificent 15-dart form and Tony Raymond weighed in with excellent 18 and 19-darters.

Raymond and Jim Kelly each notched maximums and Chris Platt's ton-plus scoring capped an outstanding performance.

An emphatic 6-1 win for Phoenix saw Sean Robinson in good form. Lord Nelson's point came from John Spence.

Competition finals will take place at Bishopthorpe SC on Friday, September 20 (8.45pm), and Unique Pub Company are now sponsoring the League.

A Triples Competition is to be held on Monday, September 16. Entries must be with the Secretary by Saturday, August 24.

Updated: 13:21 Friday, July 26, 2002