MARTIN LOWE suffered only his second defeat of the York & District Table Tennis League season as his Coneysthorpe 'A' side lost 7-3 to University 'A'.

Lowe fell to student Calum Goodwin, who played superbly to remain unbeaten in the Uni side's excellent victory.

The result saw third-placed Coney fall further off the title pace in division one - as did second-placed York RI 'A', who slipped to a surprise 7-3 defeat to Clarence 'A'. A treble from Aidan Ranftler helped to ease Clarence's relegation concerns.

Leaders Topspin York took full advantage of their rivals' defeats, with Joe Wright and Jonny Wooldridge on top form as they cruised to an 8-2 triumph over York RI 'B'.

A maximum haul from Joel Wight was the highlight as Coneysthorpe 'B' beat York RI 'C' 7-3.

In division two, a treble from Alex Nagle was decisive as University 'B' edged a close encounter with Shepherds 'A' 6-4, while Tim Smith was on top form as York RI 'E' thrashed Clarence 'C' 8-2.

In a tense relegation battle, an unbeaten effort from Stephen Temple could not prevent Ryedale@RI slipping to a 6-4 defeat to Poppleton.

Mark Blackburn, Arthur Sorley and Ben Lockyer all contributed braces as York RI 'D' defeated Bootham 'B' 6-4.

Third division champions-elect Wigginton & Haxby 'A' whitewashed Clarence 'E' 10-0, while Clarence CIU 'A' continued their superb form, with Pete Corner taking the plaudits as they beat promotion rivals York RI 'G' 7-3 to boost their hopes of joining W&H in promotion.

Dave Simpson starred as BT 'A' defeated Clarence CIU 'B' 6-4, while Mick Surtees and Gary Neads proved too good as Shepherds 'B' crushed Clarence 'D' 9-1. Three good wins from Arthur Sorley was not enough to prevent York RI 'H' suffering a 6-4 reversal against Strensall 'B'.

In a key relegation battle, Chris Sharples and Adam Exley were on top form as Clarence 'F' overcame South Bank 'A' 7-3.

In division four, Christophe Bauer was unbeaten as Wigginton & Haxby 'C' secured a fine 5-5 draw against their high-flying 'B' team.

Shepherds 'C' defeated a depleted York RI 'I' 7-3, while veterans Bill Carter and Jim Stevenson were on top form at BT 'B' thumped Clarence 'G' 8-2, and a treble from Thomas Cuthbert was the highlight as University 'C' defeated Clarence CIU 'C' 8-2.