YORK RI Amateurs have all but wrapped up the York Amateur Bowling Association division one title with their rivals having only three games left to overcome their 12-point lead.

The real interest comes at the bottom of the table where Nestlé Rowntree, Dunnington, Holgate WMC and Bootham are all scrapping for safety.

Nestlé Rowntree’s hopes were dealt a blow after they took an 8-0 battering from relegation rivals Dunnington who look like lifting themselves out of trouble.

The other two clubs threatened with the drop – Holgate WMC and Bootham – meet next, the result of which will go a long way to determining who will survive.

In division two, Stewart BC have retained a comfortable lead at the top despite defeat in their last two games – Poppleton Road WMC and Stamford Bridge handing out 6-2 and 6½-1½ beatings respectively.

Four wins in their last five matches have pushed Dringhouses up into second.

Clifton joined Stamford Bridge in beating a top side with a 6-2 win over Burnholme, while five defeats on the spin have seen fellow strugglers Harrogate slip to bottom.

Copmanthorpe have slipped from their position as division three leaders for the first time this season after a 6-2 home reverse to Scarcroft.

Heworth Conservatives take their place at the top after beating the Retreat 7-1.

Brian Gray’s Clifton squad are hoping to do a double in the triples and fours competitions.

They take on John Cooper in the fours while W Brookes meets S Gill in the other match at Clarence Gardens on August 5.

In the triples, they face V Thompson at the Retreat on August 12. B Douglas faces S Lea in the other game.