HEWORTH took a big step toward retaining the York Conservative Clubs Faber Shield Billiards League trophy by beating Fulford 6-0.

Darren Clark inflicted a first defeat of the season on Wayne Puleston 150-133, coming from 133-115 down to reach 150 thanks to an unfinished break of 35.

Gary Rogers, in terrific form, edged Alan Reed 150-142, making breaks of 51, 49, 45, 62 and 49 to pull his big handicap back.

Brian Birch beat Robert Plant 150-114, Mark Winskill (43, 35, 24) beat Bob Smith and Carl De Pasquale saw off Glen Mountain 150-86.

Acomb could have kept in touch with Heworth but crashed 5-1 to Bootham. The visitors went 3-0 up through Paul Mahoney, Ian Robinson and Matt Smith, beating Richard Lillie 150-123, John Ashwell 150-136 and Paul Holmes 150-132 respectively.

Trevor Ventress gave Acomb their only victory, scraping home 150-147 against Alf Appleby, before Tim Fillingham beat 150-107.

The chase for the Player of the Year trophy is hotting up with three players now having eight wins from nine - Puleston, Winskill and Darren Clark.

Gary Rogers with a 130 break leads the way in the highest break standings.