York's ladies snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to lose their second game in the North Eastern League this season when they went down 83-81 to Hornsea.

After 15 ends York were leading on aggregate by 25 shots at 69-44 and still by 12 shots at 74-62 with three ends to go, but then dropped 21 shots overall.

York's only winning rink came from Joyce Gee, Doreen Arnett, Pat Ellis and Joan Jackson who scored a six on the tenth end to lead 26-2 and coasted home 38-10.

The other rink at home of Marilyn Andrews, Jean Williams, June Clayton and Ella Armitt lost the last four ends and then the game 22-17.

At Hornsea, Clarice Johnston, Margaret Smith, Liz Worling and Ann Sharpley were leading 12-11 with four ends to play but then lost the next three as they went in to lose 18-13.

Pat Bracken, Mavis Puckering, Sylvia Walker and Maureen Robinson dropped 16 shots between the 16th and 20th ends as they lost 33-13.

York picked up only two points to Hornsea's eight to virtually end their chances of winning the title this season.

In the same league New Earswick ladies lost to Doncaster 75-73.

At Huntington Road, Lyz Jerrum, Maureen Cooper, Margaret Matthews and Dot Kay scored a five on the fifth end en route to a trouble-free 22-12 win.

The other home rink of Maureen Wood, Moyra Headley, Clarice Robinson and Pat Walker had a comfortable lead at 21-13 with five ends to play but had to withstand a fightback before claiming a 22-19 win.

At Doncaster, Peg Walker, Diane Hardy, June Barker and Margaret Blows had a fight on their hands when they trailed 12-2 after six ends. The damage done, the visitors lost 25-16.

Margaret Moss, Kath Sykes, Alison Doherty and Pat Lancaster had a good start leading 11-3 after eight ends but could only win two more ends and lost the game 20-13.

New Earswick took four points

Updated: 10:12 Thursday, January 09, 2003