YORK'S Carol Instone, Joan Jackson and Helen Walker played superbly to finish in the country's top four in the two-wood triples competition.

A last-16 victory over Torquay United started the ball rolling, as the line-up roared back from 10-8 down after ten ends, winning the remainder to go through 20-10 for a quarter-final clash against Tilbury.

The York trio got off to a great start in that encounter, leading 15-1 after only five ends, then 19-4 after ten, before the game was conceded in the 14th end when the score stood at 26-5.

Their semi-final opponents were North Wilts, who had won 23-9 in their previous game.

Once again, York seized the initiative as they led 6-3 after five ends and 11-9 after ten. However, the game changed as North Wilts took the lead and, with Instone and co needing a four on the last end to draw level, they dropped a two to lose 20-14.

Sue Allen missed out in the Yorkshire Knockout Singles Final as she let a 6-2 lead slip and found herself 14-6 behind to Redcar`s Kath Delacoe, who went on to take the title 21-9.

The remainder of the Yorkshire Knockout Finals take place at Thanet Road on Sunday, April 10.

The York leg of the National Open Singles tournament is at Thanet Road this weekend, starting at 9am on Saturday and culminating in the final on Sunday at 12.30pm.

Ex-world champion Alex Marshall will be in attendance and giving a talk on the evening, starting at 7.30pm, and all are welcome to attend.

York & District Indoor Bowls Club's finals start next week, with the Singles on Tuesday at 2pm featuring Neal Macdonald against Zoe Eagles in the Under 25s.

At the same time, Pam Richardson and Pauline Cooper compete for the Ladies Over 55s title, and the Vets and Vets Plate also takes place with the finalists still to be decided.

At 6.30pm that evening, the Ladies Singles between Sue Allen and Zoe Eagles takes place, as well as the Gents Singles – between Stuart Smith and either Andrew Brooks or Paul Humphreys – and the Gents Singles Plate Final.

On Wednesday at 6.30pm, the Ladies and Gents Simpson Pairs and the Mixed Knockout Pairs Finals are contested.

* HUTTON-LE-HOLE Bowls Club will hold an open day on Sunday, April 17, starting at 2pm.

New members of all ages and abilities are welcome to go along for a chat and have a go.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, April 24, from 10am to 2pm, Hutton-le-Hole will stage a coaching day with Bowls England and Yorkshire Bowls Association coaches. Again, new members of all ages are welcome.

For further details on either, phone Mr B Wilton-Middlemass on 01845 597122 or 07909 690543.