A 7-1 WIN FOR Holgate at RI Amateurs clinched the return of the York Amateur Bowling Association Division One title, which they lost to Haxby Road in the last match of 2003.

One point separates the top two teams in division two and both have one game to play. Stamford Bridge play against Osbaldwick and Selby will know what is required when they visit Clarence Gardens to play Clifton on Monday, August 23.

At the other end of the table six consecutive defeats for Burnholme has dropped them into the relegation zone.

Although winning 7-1 at Acomb, it was not enough for Holgate WMC, who required maximum points to catch Poppleton, who are champions of division three.

In the pairs semi-finals, 13 proved an unlucky number for Dave Dale and Geoff Oglesby (West Park), who led 13-4 after seven ends against Keith and Nigel Ryder (Retreat).

It was the 16th end before they got off 13 by which time they trailed by four shots. The Ryders maintained this advantage to win 22-21.

After a close game Keith Nelson and John Myles (Poppleton Road WMC) won five of the last six ends to run out comfortable 22-17 winners against Ian Farrar and Phil Reeves (Clifton).

Joe Smith, Alan Smith and Steve Lea (Holgate WMC) have won through to the final of the Triples beating Adie Cook, Jim Stevenson and Bob Hayes (Burnholme) 17-12.

YABA singles semi-finals, Tuesday, August 24 at Clarence Gardens 6.30pm: Martin Foster (Nestl Rowntree) v Tex Stephens (Holgate); Arthur Dunbar (RI Amateurs) v Trevor Quainton (Selby).

Consolation: Adie Cook/Tony Nicol (Heworth Cons) v Gordon Storey (Retreat); Peter Witherwick (Heworth Cons) v John Stroughair (Haxby Road).

Adam the first in teens showdown

QUALITY rather than quantity was the order of the day in the J Rymer Under-25 singles bowls tournament.

Although entries were low, top-notch bowls was on display at the Bert Keech Club.

Twelve-year-old Adam Tattersall (Clifton BC) was one of the stars of the show, winning the trophy for the U15 category.

Jonathon Strickland, from Richmond, who was entering the competition for the first time, played well to reach the final.

The competition took the form of a round-robin with the best in the league sections going forward to the quarter-finals.

Tattersall also reached the last eight in the main event where he went down to the eventual winner, Peter Jackson (Bert Keech).

Jackson beat Strickland 15-9 in the final. Jackson had played some excellent bowls throughout and went 9-0 ahead, but Strickland rallied and came back to 10-6 down, yet Jackson went on to win.

Jackson had defeated club-mate Michelle Mooring 15-14 in a thrilling semi-final.

In the other semi-final another Bert Keech player Chris Lea lost 15-7 to Strickland.

Chris Rymer presented trophies and cheques to the winners.

Updated: 11:18 Thursday, August 19, 2004