YORK opened their Yorkshire Ladies Bowls League season with a 135-49 victory over Leeds, picking up the maximum ten points at stake.

At home, Margaret Sempers, Tina Robinson, Betty Richardson and Carol Instone were 5-1 down after three ends, but bounced back to score nine shots without reply over the next four ends.

They did not let their opponents back into the game as they went on to win 38-12.

Janet McManus, June Clayton, Sue Tomlinson and Linda Harrison were also in top form and got off to a great start, leading 23-0 before their opponents got on to the board in the eighth end with a single.

The home side romped home 37-12.

In Leeds, Carol Banks, Pauline Armitage, Sue Kirkpatrick and Helen Walker were dominant and only lost five ends, scoring a seven on the 18th end to lead 38-6 and finishing up 42-8 winners.

Maureen Walker, Pat Potter, Sheila Turpin and Helen Wood were involved in a far tougher game than the other three rinks and looked to have lost their game as they trailed 15-9 with five ends to play.

However, a three on the last gave them an 18-17 victory.

York 'B' were unable to capitalise on the seven shot aggregate lead they took into their away match against Leeds in Yorkshire Over-55s League division two when they lost both rinks.

Alan Yoward, Dave Snarr, Noel Mallen and Allan May had a healthy lead after 15 ends when the score stood at 18-12, but they lost all the remaining ends and the game 22-18.

John Butler, Ray Wynn, Dennis Haw and Ken Robinson had a tough afternoon and only won four ends as they went down 31-5.

* Two of York’s rising stars Zoe Eagles and Hayley Macdonald have been selected to play for England Under-25s on February 8 and 9 in the international series at Erewash IBC.

Macdonald will be making her international debut at this level after playing for England U18s in the past, while Eagles has been rewarded for her eight seasons of experience seasons by taking on the captaincy.

York's Adam Liddell has been selected for the England U25s team, with the men's games on February 14 and 15 in Glasgow.

On Sunday at 10am, York play their last 32 Egham Trophy tie against Harrogate, with a game against either The Parks (Newcastle) or Hartlepool awaiting the winners.