TOPSPIN York took a giant step towards securing the York & District Table Tennis League first division title with a 6-4 triumph against Coneysthorpe 'A'.

Harrogate-based Joe Wright was unbeaten on the night, claiming his first-ever victory over reigning York singles champion Martin Lowe.

A treble from Aidan Ranftler was the highlight as Clarence 'A' and York RI 'B' shared the spoils in a 5-5 draw, while a maximum haul from Joel Wright could not prevent Coneysthorpe 'B' suffering a 7-3 reversal against York RI 'A'.

In division two, second-placed York RI 'D' inflicted the first defeat of term on Clarence 'B', with in-form Ben Lockyer doing the damage in a 6-4 victory.

Despite the setback, Clarence, who had been understrength on the night, should still clinch the title before Easter.

In a key relegation battle, Poppleton raced into a 5-1 lead against Strensall 'A', with Matt Ayres and a revitalised Russ Barton contributing braces. A determined Strensall, however, battled back to scramble a 5-5 draw with Mike Robinson also bagging two wins.

Mike Cooper turned in a season’s best performance in a 7-3 win for Bootham 'A' against York RI 'F', while Rob Farmery and Graham Hatfield were unstoppable as Clarence 'C' thrashed Shepherds 'A' 9-1.

Bootham 'B' cruised to an 8-2 victory over University 'B' thanks to unbeaten efforts from Gareth Bryning and Ian Hilton, while Stephen Temple's treble earned improving Ryedale@RI a 5-5 draw against York RI 'E'.

Wigginton & Haxby 'A' moved closer to the third division title as the experienced John McLaughlin steered them to a 7-3 victory over Shepherds 'B'.

In-form Clarence CIU 'A' enhanced their promotion prospects with a 9-1 thrashing of Clarence 'E'. Pete Corner and Gary Bunch were unbeaten while Terry Nicolson picked up Clarence's only point with a fine win over Jan Suchecki.

Strensall 'B' crushed Clarence 'D' 9-1 with the evergreen Pete Taylor recording his first maximum of the season.

Three excellent wins for Chris McLuskie were not enough to stop BT 'A' beating South Bank 'B' 6-4, while Clarence CIU 'B' whitewashed York RI 'H'. Braces from Adam Exley and Chris Sharples dented York RI 'G’s promotion challenge as the railwaymen had to battle for a draw against Clarence 'F'.

University 'C' stayed top of division four as they defeated Wigginton & Haxby 'C' 6-4, despite a treble from Christophe Bauer.

South Bank 'B' look favourites to join them in promotion after they thrashed rivals BT 'B' 8-2 with Graham Wrightson undefeated. Nigel Baker led the way as Shepherds 'C' beat University 'D' 7-3 and Alison Young was on top form as Clarence 'G' defeated York RI 'I' 8-2.