THERE'S nothing to spare for the top teams in York John Smith's Men's League division one.

Shepherd 'A' vitally won the crunch meeting with the leaders Sun 6-3 and the two are now locked at the top on equal points with just two matches remaining.

Shepherd took a grip on the match early on with splendid games from Dave Gibbons (17), Owen Legg (21) and Mick Willsden (21), while Sun singles replies were by Chris Thompson (18) and Tony Cooper (180 for 21).

A 7-2 by Cygnet 'A' against Victoria Vaults included a brilliant 180 for 15 darts from John Mooring and 18 by Mark Hartley. Dringhouses had Barry Noble making an exit on 147 to record 15 darts in a 7-2 over Shepherd 'B' whose Phil Carter gamed in 20.

Yearsley took the first five to beat Saddle, Lee Mason closing 114 on bullseye for 21 darts to consolidate 21 from his skipper Andy Turpin while Tree 'B' were given a 20-dart opener by Gary Wensley. Nevertheless, Trafalgar eased to a 6-3 scoreline, Rich Plummer out in 18 darts.

Eighteen darts by Ray McInally was influential to Poacher's 6-3 over Flag and Gary Kynman took out 96 with two.

In division two, Osbaldwick sewed up the title by beating Phoenix 7-2. John Holden (19), Mick Addinall (20) and Steve Machen (21) came up with the goods. Holgate, however, lost second place when losing 6-3 to Cygnet who had 180 for 21 from Keith Graham.

Horseman took over the runners-up spot by winning the decider with Pete Edwards-Paul Bartnett at Slip.

Sun 'B' coined the three pairs to pip Institute 'B', Pat Butler partnering Richard Walton to win the decider.

Groves similarly pulled off the last three to edge Institute 'A'. Dave Atkin-Chris Flanagan at number nine.

Ged McMahon (19), Graham Quinn (105 finish) and Paul Hayes (180) starred in Swan's 7-2 over Green Tree 'A'.

Entries for the summer season must be forwarded by next weekend.

York Auto Services League have held their individual competition by division block draws.

Those through to pre-finals night at Crescent WMC on Friday, February 22 are - Div 1: John Pickering (Mitre), Rich Corner (Bay Horse), Mick Nixon and John Smith (Tap).

Div 2: Bob Greenwood (Cygnet), Arthur Scott (Crescent 'B'), Geoff Kitson (Howden) and Mike Harris (Acomb).

Div 3-4: Nick Katsarelis (Hospital Social Club), Joe Bedford (Huntington), Dean Saxton and Alan Stevens (Yearsley).

The Blind-draw Pairs competition is on Thursday, February 28 at Hospital Social Club (8.30pm). To enter turn up on the night.

Entries are still being taken for the new Monday Night League to commence after Easter. Teams should contact John Smith (01904) 341651.

Updated: 11:40 Friday, February 08, 2002