ONE of York's finest players, Barry Noble, has qualified via his Humberside County team for the World Masters finals.

Reaching this stage of such a prestigious competition entitles Noble direct entry to the play-offs for the Embassy World Championship.

Both events take place this weekend at Lakeside Country Club, Surrey.

The recent Escrick Open title winner, Martin Atkins (Leeds) represents Yorkshire in the Embassy.

Dave Martindale was in superb form, checking a 153 finish for 18 darts in Tap and Spile's York Atlas Auto Services League division one match with Clifton 'B'.

All square after the singles, Tap took their pairs games to wrap up the match and the aggregate point. Jo Hodges did well for Clifton 'B'.

Neil Hart and Paul Brandon (116 finish for 21) got Clifton 'A' back into contention but Escrick took the remainder to run out 7-2 winners. Mitre returned to winning ways with a fine 7-2 victory at Volunteer. Sam Pearson combined with Brian Farrell to take the win while Volunteer's best display came from Dave Johnson (20) and there was a maximum from Steve Johnson.

Bay Horse maintained their dominance, with Dave O'Hara (20), Paul Cooper and Allan Galley each closing in 21 darts to secure a 7-2 win over Slipper whose Steve Reynolds was their only singles success.

In division two, Cygnet consolidated their position at the top with a comfortable 6-3 win against Crescent 'A' while good scores from Rob Henman and Andy Sykes ensured Acomb took victory and the extra point against Huntington, whose best performer was Karen Richardson.

Vic Reed's maximum inspired Woolpack to fine victory at Ebor, while Stan Isaac checked a 111 finish in Crescent 'B', demolishing Winning Post whose Pat Jones prevented the whitewash.

Dean Staxton (180) stood out for Yearsley then joined Steve Porter to secure a narrow win over Six Bells.

Jackdaw won all the singles in a comprehensive 8-1 win over Indoor Bowls whose Mick Snowden - Elsie Blackburn registered their only point.

Division four leaders Clifton 'C', recorded a last game win over Mount with Anthony Baxter and Barry Smith. York Arms defeated Hospital Social Club whose Dave Clemit got among the tons to save the aggregate point and good scores from Jason Powney ensured the aggregate for Bay Horse 'B' but they lost to Crown whose Dave Petkus included 180.

Winning team points will be lost if result sheets are not received by noon Monday following the match.

Updated: 12:52 Friday, November 30, 2001