Holgate are unbeaten in division one of the Persimmon Homes/Ideal Standard Bowls League.

As the squad includes six regular Yorkshire County first team bowlers and Alan Maine, one of Lancashire's top bowlers who is prepared to cross the Pennines for every game, they look too strong to be challenged.

Haxby Road, who usually provide the most serious opposition, were beaten 8-0.

Though complaining strongly about conditions against Hull Road Park they adapted and during the final five ends turned a 6-2 deficit into a 7-1 victory.

John Emmerson's rink contributed most coming back from 16-1 down to win 25-23.

Victories against Harrogate and Burnholme have lifted Ainsty out of the relegation zone.

After losing their unbeaten record by one shot to Heworth Cons, Stamford Bridge bounced back with an 8-0 victory over Osbaldwick and still look favourites for the second division title.

Dringhouses and RI Corinthians play each other in the next match and this result will put one of them in clear second place.

Seven consecutive wins have consolidated Wetherby at the top of the third division, but it is not clear whether Minster, Stewart, Retreat, or City Amateurs will emerge as the most serious challenger.

Problems continue with Rowntree Park greens and University are arranging to play on Scarcroft until further information is forthcoming.

The draw has been made for the Persimmon Homes/Ideal Standard YABA competitions and vacancies still exist in the triples and fours. First round dates are: singles Tuesday, July 10; pairs Sunday July 15; triples Friday, June 29; fours Friday, June 22.

York Club & Institute competition knockout semi-finals (Tuesday, June 12): Poppleton Road v Tang Hall, St Clemence v Acomb.

First round individual competitions (by June 24): singles:

G Mackie v R Tiplady, S Allison v T Wheatley, S Lea v J Emmerson, R Howland v B Douglas, P Littlewood v A Dunbar, J Dalby v J Smith, N Cammidge v J Leach, E Leatt v J Bone.

Pairs: D Richards v L Redhead, J Corfield v P Littlewood, E Leatt v B Douglas, A Morrell v A Thornton, D Fentiman v A Dunbar, J Dalby v R Howland, N Mallen v J Emmerson, D Haw v P Reeve.

Updated: 12:13 Thursday, June 07, 2001