New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club went into their final Yorkshire Over-55s League division one game knowing they needed a big victory over Doncaster to escape relegation.

But it wasn’t to be as they lost all but one rink.

At home, Terry Shepherdson’s team got off to a great start leading 12-1 after only five ends before cantering to a 21-15 triumph.

Barry Johnson’s team were 18-16 down with two ends to play. They nudged ahead with a five only to drop a four on the last to lose 22-21.

Away, Bob Howland’s team led 15-11 after 11 ends but went down 31-18, while John Seaby’s team perished 18-12.

Doncaster’s win also ended all hopes York ‘A’ had of playing in the Challenge Cup.

In the second division, Selby finished on a high. They beat second-placed Redcar to gain promotion.

At home, John Harrand’s team got off to a flier and led 21-0 after nine ends to underpin a 31-14 romp.

Leonard Crabb’s team dropped six shots on their first two ends but by the eighth end led 12-7 en route to an easy 30-13 victory.

Away, Tony Longfield’s team were involved in a tight game before losing 16-11, while Geoff Whitehead’s team led 11-9 with eight ends to play but went down 27-13.

A near full-strength Selby women’s team scaled another North-Eastern League title, winning all but one rink to beat second-placed York.

At home, Jane Simpson’s team dropped a single on their first end to Irene Paylor’s team, but then took complete command to triumph 33-9.

Sue Williamson’s team were made to fight hard as Pat Bracken’s four led 11-5 after ten ends and 17-14 with three to play. But the home side won them all to prevail 20-17.

In York, Cynthia Wright’s team trailed 9-3 to Ella Armin’s before winning the next four ends to lead 13-9.

They put the result beyond doubt by scoring eight unanswered shots over the next three ends.

York’s only success came from Pauline Cooper’s team who went into their last end against Doreen Carpenter’s trailing 21-18, but a four gave them a 22-21 victory.


Knockout finals to the fore

The Yorkshire Knockout competition finals take place this weekend.

The singles duel between Ryedale’s Nick Scott and Mark Hughes (South Leeds) is at New Earswick on Saturday at 3pm.

Pairs, triples and fours finals take place at York IBC’s Thanet Road base on Sunday. Phone 01904 704180 to check starting times.


Glittering prizes to get world coverage

Winners of competitive indoor bowls leagues in Bridlington will receive their trophies at the resort’s Leisure World tomorrow.

Some 42 people will be presented with their trophies after finishing in the top three places in a variety of competitions including pairs, triples, and mixed male and female teams.

Details of the indoor bowling programme and other facilities in the centre at Bridlington can be found by visiting the www.bridlingtonleisureworld.co.uk website or by phoning 01262 606715.