THE two top teams in division one of the York Veterans' Bowls League both lost this week.

Barbican were well beaten by Dunnington 'C' 29-9, while Holgate lost 15-13 to third-placed Bert Keech 'C'.

In the final week, Barbican have to play Bert Keech 'C' and Holgate, while Holgate also have a game against West Park 'B'. Scarcroft, who lost their first four games and since have been beaten only once, are well placed in fourth spot.

The division two championship will be decided at West Park next Tuesday, when West Park 'A' meet Holgate WMC in the last league match of the season. West Park 'A' must win to secure the title, but both teams are assured of promotion. Museum join Wigginton 'C' in being relegated.

Bootham made sure of the division three title by beating Acomb 'B' 22-16. Shipton, who beat Copmanthorpe 'C' 23-10, are almost certain to join them in division two next season.

Bishopthorpe 'B' are definitely relegated, but the other relegation place will depend on the last two games of Acomb 'B' against fellow relegation strugglers Forum 'B' and Nestl 'B'.

RI Amateurs are division four champions having suffered only one defeat. Second place is between Nestl 'C' and West Park 'C' and will depend on the results of their final matches.

Osbaldwick 'A' failed to clinch the division five title when losing to Dringhouses 'A' 23-8, but are almost certain of retaining top spot. Forum 'A' have to win their last game to overtake Dringhouses 'A' in second place.

Division six leaders RI Spartans lost 22-11 against Dringhouses 'C'. Spartans and Stamford Bridge 'B' have both 15 points and meet next week and Dringhouses 'C', who trail by only one point, also play Stamford Bridge 'B' in a rearranged match and play Vickers on the last day.

Updated: 10:02 Friday, July 18, 2003