IN the closest contest so far, Syncrownized have pipped Ham in heat five of Round One of the Fibbers/Evening Press Battle of the Bands 2002 at Fibbers, York.

Ironically, neither of them was awarded the Secret Panel vote, which accounts for 20 per cent of the poll. The panel pick was third-placed The Glasshouse, but audience votes held sway. Next Wednesday at 8pm, Sevenball clash with Red:Shift, Reborn and The Frosty Jacks in heat six. Doors open at 7.30pm; admission is £3 from 7.30pm.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, March 16, 2002