YORK Indoor Bowls Club's men moved into the last 16 of the Denny Cup - but once again had to rely on an extra end, as they beat Durham 83-82 to set up a tie in January against Cumbria.

A good start meant York led 27-12 on aggregate after five ends, and still had a comfortable lead with three ends to play at 79-65, but a big comeback nearly sent York out of the competition.

In Durham, Ken Griffiths, John Whiteley, Graham Brooke and Jeff Normanton had reduced a 12-7 deficit to only16-15, but then lost four of the remaining five ends to go down 24-16.

Stuart Smith, Phil Parsons, Malcolm Lewars and Craig Newton had reduced their arrears from 25-6 to 28-13 going into the last end, before dropping a four to lose 32-13.

At home, Alan Vowles, Mick Cooney, Tony Horobin and Jason Parkinson made the most of a good start, leading 22-2 after only nine ends, and finished 27-13.

Kieran Earnshaw, Neal Macdonald, Mark Clarke and Dave Stroughair also got off to a good start, leading 9-0 after only three ends, and they kept a healthy lead throughout to finish 26-13.

The surge from Durham meant it was Stroughair's team who had to play the extra end, and they held their nerve once again to pick up the crucial shot that sent them through to the next round.

York Indoor Bowls Club's ladies also progressed to a tie against Cumbria in the last 16 of the Yetton Trophy after a surprisingly one-sided contest against Lincoln.

As expected, the game began as a close affair, with York holding a 17-15 advantage after five ends. This was extended to 35-26 after 10 ends, and a dominant York went on to win 87-57.

At home, Lynda Parker, Laura Clarke, Zoe Eagles and Helen Walker only lost two ends from the 10th onwards, as they progressed from 8-6 ahead to win 27-8.

Dot Kennelly, Betty Richardson, Melanie Brooke and Linda Harrison took a 6-4 lead with a four on the fourth end, and carried on to a comfortable 23-12 win.

In Lincoln, Carol Banks, Pauline Armitage, Sue Kirkpatrick and Helen Wood were 12-11 down, but turned their game around to lead 20-14 with two to play, before finishing with an impressive 20-19 victory over England International Penny Strong's rink.

Joan Jackson, Maureen Walker, Sheila Turpin and Carol Instone also put in a good performance, taking a 15-12 lead with a four on the 16th end, but ended up losing 18-16.

York, Mason Trophy winners in April, fell at the first hurdle this time as they were beaten 35-34 by North Cave.

At home, Joan Jackson, Carol Banks, Melanie Brooke and Carol Instone had dropped a single on their last end after making an excellent come back from 14-0 down, only to lose 17-15.

Dot Kennelly, Sheila Turpin, Helen Walker and Linda Harrison went into their last end 19-17 ahead, requiring a single for the win, but it instead went to their opponents.

Tomorrow, York Vikings look to maintain top place in the Yorkshire Over-55's League division one as they complete their game against Selby, while in Division Two, second-placed York Knights face third-placed New Earswick Falcons and York Romans play Harrogate. All three games start at 12pm.

On Saturday, York IBC host the Atherley Trophy tie between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire at 12.30pm, before Durham play Lincolnshire in the Under-25s Counties competition on Sunday at 12pm. Next Tuesday, York`s first domestic final takes place as Mal Bulmer and Roger Ford take on Tony Horobin and Mick Cooney. The game starts at 10am.