VOLUNTEER took advantage of teams above them without fixtures to go top of York Open League division one.

Paul Dixon hit the tons and was well backed by Darren Gray. Bishopthorpe's only point came from the irrepressible Tony Raymond, who slotted a fantastic 15 darts.

Slipper recorded maximum points against Crescent 'A', whose best performer was Steve Richardson.

Meanwhile, Cygnet beat Six Bells within the singles. Steve Lane was outstanding and his brother, Paul, also did well.

Mount 'A' beat Howden Arms 5-4 in the division two top-of-the-table clash. Mark Thornton's 180 for an excellent 18 darts was well supported by Chris Manners, who scored well when combining with Trev Simpson to take the all-important ninth game.

Pack's promotion hopes were dealt a blow by Hospital Social Club. Steady games from Lee Carter (21) and Dick Willoughby put Pack ahead, but Steve Rice squared with 21 darts at 3-3. Hospital Club then went on to take all the pairs. However, consistent scoring from Pack's Paul Mizon saved the aggregate point.

A 21-darter from Leeman's Roger Pirrie didn't deter Ebor. who went on to a 7-2 victory, while sterling performances from Dave Cormack and Vic Reed helped Woolpack to a 5-4 win at Reindeer.

In division three, good scores from Ian Brown steered Huntington 'B' to a fine 6-3 over Burton, whose top player was Peggy Downing.

Jackdaw won the first five before Ann Robinson showed up as Winning Post's best. Mark Sommerville was Jackdaw's main tons contributor.

Yearsley powered to a 7-2 win against mount 'B' with good scores coming from Tracy Merrills and Ian Curry, while Bay Horse 'B' had Dave Nicklin in fine form in their 6-3 over Indoor Bowls.

York John Smith's Mixed League teams should note Blacksmith's Arms have withdrawn.

Updated: 10:57 Friday, December 13, 2002