Coneysthorpe ‘A’ took a significant step to retaining their title by beating main contenders York RI ‘A’ in division one of the York & District Table Tennis League.

They won a hard-fought contest 7-3, with maximums from Martin Lowe and Ashley Hodgson, who also teamed up to win the doubles.

Lowe beat Paul Robertson in three straight games which all went to deuce (14-12, 12-10, 12-10), while Hodgson was taken to a deciding game by Jonathan Chabry. He also won an epic rally against Robertson which had 20-plus all out attacking shots.

They lie in second place, one point behind their closest rivals but with a match in hand.

They also defeated York RI ‘B’ 8-2, while York RI ‘A’ beat University ‘A’ 7-3.

Chris Londesborough was on top form for Coneysthorpe ‘B’, winning his three singles matches in a 6-4 win over Holgate WMC ‘A’.

University ‘A’ defeated York RI ‘C’ 6-4 thanks to Isaac Beevor’s three singles wins for the students.

Shepherds ‘A’ and Holgate ‘B’ head the way in division two after both posted 9-1 wins.

Shepherds ‘A’ beat Bootham ‘D’, thanks to maximums from Andy Fletcher and Nathan Taylor, while Holgate ‘B’ defeated Shepherds ‘B’, helped by maximums from Alfie Potter and Martin Hood.

York RI ‘E’ could only draw 5-5 with Bootham ‘B’ despite three singles wins from Sam Imbo.

Bootham ‘E’ and University ‘B’ are tied at the top of division three.

Bootham ‘E’ beat Shepherds ‘E’ 8-2, with Steve Long and Pete Corner winning their singles matches, while University ‘B’ defeated York RI ‘G’ and Thornton-le-Clay, both 8-2, and BT ‘A’ 6-4. Tristan Curteis and Agoston Hoffmann won all of their matches for the students.

Burnholme ‘B’ notched three 8-2 wins to go top of division four. Chris McCluskie won all of his matches against Trustmarque, University ‘C’ and Bootham ‘G’ to remain unbeaten for the season.