YORK and District Indoor Bowls Club started their Yorkshire Summer League with a difficult fixture and a defeat at Hull, writes Ian Clough.

But thanks to an excellent four on the last end from Tom Ellis, Mick Smith and Doug Mitchell they won their rink 15-12.

York picked up two out of the six points at stake.

The other rink of Ken Ogden, Doreen Arnett and Alan Scaton were chasing the game after losing nine of the first 11 ends and lost 16-7. York lost the match on aggregate 28-22.

The York Ladies fours team equalled their triples team-mates by taking the Yorkshire Knockout title at Harrogate. Madge Zimnock, Mandy Leeman, Sue Tomlinson and Carol Instone didn't take the lead until the 17th end against Hornsea's Margaret Seabrook's team and went on to win 25-17.

Team captains for the leagues at York & District IBC can collect their fixture lists for September during office hours or have them mailed if they send a self-addressed envelope.

This weekend will see one of the biggest tournaments at New Earswick IBC with the National Mixed Fours Finals starting tomorrow with the Lord Mayor Irene Waudby officially opening proceedings at 2pm.

Meanwhile, York & District IBC host the League play-off finals for the Vets Triples and Fours tomorrow at 10am. The men's pairs, men's fours, mixed pairs and mixed fours start at 6pm and on Saturday the men's fours, ladies' triples and mixed triples start at 6.30pm.

Entry forms for the 35th Annual City of York Open Bowls Tournament, to be held between July 29 and August 3, must be sent to the tournament secretary, Ian Farrar at 17 Melton Avenue, Clifton, York by Sunday, April 21.

Updated: 12:08 Thursday, April 18, 2002