THE York and District Table Tennis League division one title race was thrown wide open as Coneysthorpe 'A' inflicted the first defeat of the season on leaders York RI 'A'.

The villagers prevailed 7-3 thanks to an unbeaten performance from Martin Lowe while Mikey Arnold played well for Railway recording two wins.

Topspin York took full advantage, reducing the gap at the top to two points, as Joe Wright and new signing Yoni Caspi steered them to an 8-2 triumph against University 'A'.

Clarence 'A' moved off the bottom with Aidan Ranftler in imperious form as they defeated York RI 'C' 8-2. Andy Fletcher starred as York RI 'B' eased to an 8-2 victory over Coneysthorpe 'B'.

Division two leaders Clarence B lost their 100 per cent record, with student Alex Nagle showing his class as they were held to a 5-5 draw by University 'B'.

York RI 'D' beat an injury-hit Bootham 'A' 6-4 and Tom Thorp was on top form as York RI 'F' defeated Strensall 'A' 6-4 to move off the foot of the table.

Poppleton defeated a weak-looking York RI 'E' team 7-3, while Jo Suchecki and Gareth Bryning contributed trebles as Bootham 'B' thrashed Clarence 'C' 9-1.

In a week of shocks, third division leaders Wigginton & Haxby 'A' were thumped 8-2 by Clarence CIU 'A', with Gary Bunce on top form.

Strensall 'B' moved to the top of the table after they crushed Shepherds 'B' 10-0 with Terry Nicholson, John Temple and Simon Prins unstoppable.

Peter Smalley and Paul Greenwood starred as York RI 'G' beat BT 'A' 7-3, and a fine treble from Tom Lines was the highlight as Clarence 'D' surprised Clarence CIU 'B' to earn a 7-3 victory.

Arthur Sorley continued his rapid progress as York RI 'H' overcame South Bank 'B' 6-4.

In division four, Wigginton & Haxby 'B' cruised to an 8-2 victory over Shepherds 'C' thanks to maximums from Ian Oxborough and Roy Barker.

On his league debut, Dom Horsey bagged a win against the experienced Andrew Slezak, but this was the only joy for York RI 'I' as they slumped to a 9-1 defeat to South Bank 'B' for whom Dom McHugh and Adrian Church were unbeaten. University 'D' edged a close encounter against Clarence 'G' 6-4 with the final doubles set determining the outcome.