Current Yorkshire League division one champions York Indoor Bowls Club started their season with an emphatic 111-52 victory over neighbours New Earswick, picking up the maximum 18 points.

Phil Emmerson’s team got off to a flier at Thanet Road leading 12-0 after four ends, then 25-2 off 12, but Brian Gray’s men had the better of the run-in as they won all but two of the remaining ends to finish with a respectable 29-17 defeat.

Ralph Tiplady’s team made Paul Humphreys’ side work for their win as they got off to a good start leading 8-3 after six ends.

But the York side levelled on the next then pulled away with a brace of twos. Despite the visitors’ resistance, they could not pull back the deficit, Humphreys’ men making certain of the win with a single on the last to finish 22-17 winners.

At Huntington Road, both York sides got off to good starts with David Stroughair’s leading 17-2 against Paul Dawson’s team after eight ends, and John Walker’s 12-3 up against Barry Johnson’s side after six ends.

Both rinks maintained their advantage and went on to win 32-9 and 28-9 respectively.

York had a good opening spell in the Hebden Trophy match against Leeds as they led 32-8 after only five ends.

They maintained the momentum to lead 87-54 with three to play but were mindful of losing the home aggregate points, which they did as Jim Robertson’s team were pegged back from 22-12 to finish 22-18.

Eric Hodgson’s team had a torrid time from trailing 26-13 to losing 32-15.

The away rinks had an enjoyable afternoon as they both won easily.

Tony Bryan’s rink only lost five ends to ensure a dominant 33-5 triumph, while Tony Thornton’s won five of the last seven ends to win 29-12.

New Earswick had the toughest of starts to their Hebden campaign, playing pre-season favourites and last year’s champions Featherstone.

However, the expected whitewash did not transpire as Mick Head and Brian Birch’s rinks ensured they got a creditable three points.

Playing away, Head’s team were 8-3 down after six ends before three winning ends put them 14-8 in front. It was a lead they never relinquished en route to a 28-15 success.

Bob Howland’s team were in with a chance at 9-7 down after ten ends but they lost 29-11.

At home, Birch’s team did well to come from 16-9 down to lead 19-17 going into the 20th.

They then dropped a four but recovered to pick up a two to draw 21-21.

Dave Hutchinson’s side found the going tough and were well beaten 33-9.