THE Yorkshire League Indoor Bowls Under-18s Challenge Cup eluded division one champions York once again.

They lost to the league runners-up Thornaby 'A' in the final at New Earswick IBC.

The match started badly as Josh Cahill, Adam Tattersall and Jamie Lee lost their first three ends to England Under-25 international Lauren Copeland's rink to trail 8-0, while Phil Herridge, Adam Liddell and Zo Eagles dropped a five on the third end to trail 6-1, putting York 14-1 down and with a mountain to climb.

However, they showed character as Herridge's rink responded immediately with a seven on the fourth end followed by a four. Cahill's rink similarly fought back well, winning their next six ends to lead 10-8.

With time for four ends to play York had moved themselves into a healthy position, leading 25-19 on aggregate, but then Thornaby 'A' hit back.

Herridge dropped a three, followed by another two threes, while Cahill dropped two singles, then a seven, leaving York going into the last end needing 12 shots just to tie the match. Instead they dropped a further eight shots to go down 45-25.

Earlier in the day York had a relatively easy job as they beat Thornaby 'B' 37-17 on aggregate, with Herridge's team leading from start to finish to win 22-7 and Cahill's having a good start to lead 9-1 after only five ends in his 15-10 victory.

Thornaby 'A' saw off a spirited display from second division champions South Leeds, beating them 30-23, with Copeland's rink winning 17-9, while the rink of John Bowes lost 14-13.

In the interval before the final started George Williams presented the division one trophy he donated in 2000 along with the second division trophy to South Leeds.

Updated: 08:41 Thursday, March 24, 2005