BOOTHAM ‘B’ inflicted a second 4-2 defeat of the season on defending champions Heworth to go top of the York Conservative Clubs’ Faber Shield Billiards League, writes Colin Robinson.

Ian Robinson was once again too good for Heworth’s Gary Rogers, who made breaks of 85, 53 and 41. Robinson (21 break) won by four points with a 17 break.

Matt Smith made it 2-0 before Jason Milner (32, 21 breaks) pulled one back. Alf Appleby restored Bootham’s lead and increased the aggregate advantage to 72.

Steve Burdett continued his unbeaten run but Bootham’s three successes plus the aggregate made it 4-2.

Bootham ‘A’ gained only their second victory in eight matches with a 4-2 defeat of bottom club Fulford.

Wayne Puleston (25 break) fought back to win the first game, but Bootham’s Nick Parker levelled with a tactical 90-point win over Terry Ward (30 break).

Ken Taylor moved Bootham ahead only for Alan Reed to level, but Stuart Martel, playing his first game, had a close win to make it 4-2 for Bootham.

Bootham dealt out a first defeat of the season for defending champions Heworth in the Slater Cup Snooker Pairs League, winning 4-3.

Fulford opened their account at the fifth attempt, winning 5-2 at Acomb. A 36-point win by Phil Cooke and Dave Brown was key to securing the aggregate point.