SEVERUS WMC continue to stake their claim for the John Smiths Sunday League title after a 9-1 mauling of Marcia.

Powell and Jones hit hat-tricks with Robertson, Kitson and Woodward notching one apiece and Darren Miles the consolation.

Aide White then Paul King gave Acomb WMC the lead at Nestl Rowntree but a Matty Wain hat-trick and a brace apiece for Martin Cowl and Osborne saw 'Trees win 7-2.

Volunteers kept their title hopes on track with two late goals from Pat Gaughan and Lee Bond to beat New Earswick 3-2.

Volunteers had gone one down after three minutes to a Kev Deighton strike and, after Ward equalised early in the second half, had trailed 2-1 to a well-worked Deighton goal.

Jackson hit a hat-trick for Hounds as they dented Wigginton's hopes of retaining the title with a 6-3 win, while veteran John Crake netted twice as Pack of Cards won 5-1 at FC Magnet.

Pocklington continued their drive towards the division two title with a 4-0 win over Blacksmiths Arms, Whitehead (2), Bond and O'Conner the scorers.

Jubilee kept up the pressure with a 4-1 win over Derwent Arms. Selby Olympia showed little mercy when hitting double figures against bottom club Riccall, Harkin scoring four and Hewitt three in a 10-1 win.

Chris Dower scored twice as Carlton beat Shipton 4-2, while Derwent United won 2-1 at Fulford Bay.

In division three, Otis Bar let a two-goal lead slip and had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw with BH Colts, Allison scoring both for Otis and Rank and Willmoth replying.

Beech hit three as Acomb Sports Club closed the gap at the top with a 6-1 win over St Clements WMC.

Thorpe United thrashed Wilberfoss 9-1 with Wood scoring three and Whiteley and Hay two apiece. Simon Gatenby hit a hat-trick as Nestl Flag overcame Beeswing 5-1.

Black Bull continued their run of form with a 3-1 win over division four leaders Wiggin-ton GH. James Barrick and Dan Lindsey both scored penalties for Bull with one in between for Wayne Pink, Luke Roberts replying.

Hemingbrough missed the chance to close the gap as they needed a late leveller to draw 2-2 with Keystones.

Fearn gave Keystones the lead after half an hour and midway through the second half Hemingbrough equalised with a 25-yard chip from Ward. Medley looked to have won it for Keystones five minutes from time, but Ward scored his second two minutes later.

Grainger, Lawrence, Sullivan and Drummond scored as Haxby Lions won 4-2 at Fulford WMC, while Raskelf beat York Nomads 3-1.

Opticare continue to lead division five after a 8-2 win over Wanderers, Mason hitting a hat-trick.

Kev Jackson also hit three as Volunteer Res kept up the pressure with a 6-3 win at Inland Revenue. Thornton hit five as Burnholme beat Northern Spirit 10-1.

Greyhounds' promotion hopes look ever more forlorn after a 4-0 defeat by Boy & Barrel for whom Kelly scored twice.

Sporting CS won the relegation six-pointer against Knavesmire, Nicholson, Bell and Foster the scorers in a 3-0 win.

In division six, Hambleton's failure to convert chances cost them as they drew 1-1 with Kings Arms, Reay their scorer, with Sorby netting for the visitors.

Burton Stone had the same problem when they lost to bottom club Poppleton Road Red Stars 2-1. Northern Wall continued their good run with a 2-1 win over CP through Howells and an own goal. James Clarke scored for Beefeater but they lost 2-1 to second-placed London York. Barlby maintained their promotion chances by beating Heslington 4-3.

Updated: 12:02 Friday, February 15, 2002