CLARENCE 'B' battled to their first victory of the season in division one of the SLT FM Solutions Ltd York & District Table Tennis League.

Their 6-4 defeat of Bootham 'A' was only secured in the final end of the doubles set.

Martin Lowe was pushed to the limit by Paul Robertson, but his unbeaten effort was decisive as Conyesthorpe 'A' defeated title rivals York RI 'A' 7-3.

John Farmery and Aidan Ranftler were on top form as Clarence 'A' thrashed University 'A' 8-2 and they followed this up with a 7-3 victory over Coneysthorpe 'B', Ranftler again untroubled.

Nathan Horsley put in a fine performance to help York RI 'B' to a 7-3 defeat of University 'A'.

In division two, Mark Blackburn and John Hughes were too strong for Tramways as York RI registered an 8-2 triumph.

Adam Ridley was the star as York RI 'E' surprised high-flying Bootham 'B' with a 7-3 victory.

John Flintoft was unbeaten for Ryedale@RI but a brace from John Temple helped Bootham 'D' snatch a 5-5 draw.

Ian Hilton and Ian Wright led Wetherby Sports to a comprehensive 9-1 triumph over University 'B', while Ian Williams and Will Beedham were undefeated as Shepherds 'A' registered the same margin of victory against Shepherds 'B'.

Bootham 'C' defeated University 'B' 7-3 thanks to Gareth Bryning.

In division three, York RI 'G' showed no mercy to a fading Shepherds 'C' with a 10-0 whitewash.

York RI 'F' remain in pole position after Adam Ridley and Dom Ainger steered them to an 8-2 victory over Bootham 'F'.

Michal Slezak has had a good start to the second half of the campaign and his treble proved decisive as bottom placed Burnholme 'B' defeated relegation rivals Crescent 'E' 6-4.

York RI 'H' remain top of division four after a treble from Paul Greenwood secured a 5-5 draw against rivals Bootham 'G'.

York RI 'I' came out on top 6-4 after a hard-fought battle against University 'C' and a maximum haul from Roy Barker helped Wigginton and Haxby to an 8-2 triumph over York RI 'J'.

A depleted Trustmarque held on for a 5-5 draw against Crescent 'F' and Bootham 'G' whitewashed University 'C' 10-0.

* All players are reminded that the York Closed Championships are being held at York Railway Institute on February 14 and 15. The closing date for entries is Monday, February 2.