RAILWAY Institute I have retained the York and District Netball championship after a narrow win over nearest rivals Haxby I.

A two-goal margin was enough to earn RI their 31st York title in 32 years.

Two 'A' umpires, Chris Wilson-Smith and Kim Burns, controlled a fast match which produced some superb netball.

Haxby made a slow start going four goals down but Gemma Gibson and Gemma Grant, shooting for the home team, found their form despite fierce defending from RI's Vicky Doyle and Briz Mennell, and the first quarter ended at 11-11.

RI edged ahead with fine and accurate shooting by regulars Sheriden Hutchinson-Jones and Sam Ellison, and at half time 21-19 ahead.

Haxby centre court players Lynn Officer, Gemma Shaw and Lizzie Pickup turned up the heat in the third quarter, matching RI's Shauna Mulligan, Jo Lynch and Claire Hudson ball for ball and Haxby had their noses in front with the score at 28-27.

In a tense and thrilling last quarter, the Haxby defence of Emma Caywood and Holly Webster played their socks off, but the RI shooters held on, scoring a penalty pass or shot as the final whistle blew, giving them a 39-37 victory.

Haxby have scored more than 1,000 goals in the season and let less in than any other team, but RI just had the edge in both head-to-head games.

Updated: 10:34 Wednesday, March 22, 2006