A splendid 20 darts from Dawn Green was the highlight of Magnet's 6-3 York White Rose Ladies League win at Burton Stone, which maintained their division three lead.
Second-placed Coach took the last four games to beat Huntington 6-3 and remain three points behind Magnet.
Shanter stuttered at home to King William, but their skipper, Angela Forth, won a tense last-game decider to keep Shanter in the hunt.
With the runaway division one leaders, Sun, scheduled a free week, it was up to the rest to close the huge gap.
Crystal Palace were on the verge of victory, but Burton WMC bounced back with concerted wins from Joy Frank, Joyce Tate (23), and Olive Thompson to take the match 5-4.
Institute were 4-2 down against New York, but a brace of wins, from Denise Fahey and Rose Blower, set up a thrilling finale.
New York's Anne Smith clinched a nail-biter, but Institute remain third, in spite of only winning twice this season.
Karen Reasbeck's terrific 123,100 for 21 darts helped Fulfordgate defeat Vaults 6-3, while Crescent's trio of Chris Horsman, Sharon Powell (22) and Milly Mountain condemned Deramore to the same fate.
An extremely tight situation at the top of division two saw leaders Collingwood cruise to a 7-2 victory at Earswick.
Clarence went one better, Jayne Cain rounding off an emphatic 8-1 result at Winning Post.
Queen still hold all the aces in York John Smith's Ladies League division four. Their captain Barbara Russell shot out on 103, while Ann Regan and Shelagh Kenny won the decider against Leeman 'C'.
Junction, with an 84 finish from Jo Barker, kept the pressure on as they ran out 6-3 victors against Shepherds.
Chris Hayward hit the big scores for Beeswing, who stung Puss 'n Boots 7-2, while Frog had Sue Tate and Toni Smallwood securing the decider against Cueball.
In division one, Clifton's Sharon Neads hit two tons for 24, then partnered Sarah Jackson to a 23-darter, but Layerthorpe won 5-4, Sue Turpin and Ann Barker taking the decider.
Diane Moreland won the opener for Cranes only for Vaults to hit back with the next five.
Brigadier and Cygnet were level after the singles. Roz Kerr and Joan Woods put Brigadier ahead, but Davina Shannon and Lynda Kennelly levelled before Carole Layne and Sue Lowery sealed the 5-4 win for Brigadier.
Wenlock gave the leaders City Arms a shock as they stormed to a 3-0 lead, Carole Pipes (100,100), then Sue Smith (121,100 for 24) set up City's revival and they went on to win 6-3.
Division two leaders Slipper were pushed all the way by Dringhouses, Doreen Johnstone (100,100 for 24) was outstanding for the leaders, then Anita Weatherstone and Gill Harley paired up to win the decider.
However, Shepherds are close on their heels after beating Britannia 'A' 6-3, Maggie Beddingham a double-ton scorer.
Rose Hattee and Chris Waddington won the decider for Cygnet against Britannia 'B'.
Burton found the finishing touch against Woolpack in division three.
Gerry Morgan hit three tons while partnering Julie Brownlee in the decider to give Mount victory over Clifton.
Poacher stole a march on Tang Hall WMC when winning 6-3. Heather Bulmer and Mandy Blundel secured the match for Jubilee against Leeman, while Mitre, thanks to good scoring from Audrey Seymour and Wendy Smith, beat Slip 6-3.
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